ADVICE FROM
THE PROS

Architect Karin Payson says a functional floor plan is a kitchen's most important feature. A well-planned kitchen using inexpensive finishes and appliances will be more satisfying than a very luxurious kitchen with a bad floor plan. And if appliances are in the right place, keep them there. The money you save by not moving appliances can be used to upgrade them.

Rik Adams, architect: "Color gives you a lot of design mileage without spending a lot of money. It can make a room very warm and inviting."

Dean Rutherford, designer-builder: "Try tweaking one element to get an overall new look. For example, by replacing the countertops, you can give the existing cabinets – -and the kitchen – an updated appearance."

Vernon Applegate, interior designer, cautions that labor costs can up a remodel's price. One way to reduce them is to keep everything in your plan to standard sizes.