Kitchen Design & Layout Planning

Overview

About kitchen design & layout planning

The design phase is where most kitchen projects are won or lost. Decisions about the work triangle, aisle widths, storage, lighting and finishes are far cheaper to change on paper than after cabinets are installed.

Planning also protects your budget. When every cabinet, fixture and finish is specified before construction, quotes are more accurate and there are fewer surprise change orders.

What's included

Measurements and existing-conditions review
Layout options and workflow planning
Cabinet elevations and storage plan
Lighting and electrical plan
Material, finish and appliance selections
A scope and budget you can build from

Options

Choices to consider

Design-only

Get a complete plan and hand it to any contractor, useful if you want to compare quotes on identical scope.

Design-build

One team designs and builds, so the plan is priced as it develops and the builder understands the design intent.

Refresh planning

A lighter service for cosmetic updates, focused on finishes, color and lighting rather than structure.

What affects the price

Cost drivers

Size and complexity of the kitchen
How many layout options you want to compare
Whether 3D renderings are included
Level of selection support

Timeline

Design usually takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly selections are made. Rushing selections is the most common cause of later delays.

Before you start

Bring photos of kitchens you like and note what you like about each.
List your daily frustrations with the current kitchen; they point to the fixes that matter.
Decide on the appliances early, since their dimensions drive the cabinet plan.

Design gallery

Kitchen styles for inspiration

Warm modern kitchen with a stone range hood, walnut cabinets, lit open shelves and dome pendant lights over an island — Modern
Warm modern with stone hood

A sculpted stone range hood, walnut cabinetry, lit open shelving and brass fixtures.

White kitchen with a marble waterfall island, brass pendant lights and a farmhouse sink under a large window — Transitional
Marble waterfall island

A full-height marble waterfall island under brass pendants, with a farmhouse sink and glass-front uppers.

Bright white kitchen with shaker cabinets, brass lantern pendant lights, marble backsplash and a large island with upholstered stools — Traditional
Classic white kitchen

Shaker cabinetry, brass lantern pendants and a marble backsplash behind a large island.

Featured designs are shown for style reference.

Questions