So, you’ve made up your mind and are going for that much-needed kitchen remodel? Great! Deciding to take the leap is undoubtedly exciting… but the feeling of joy is all too often followed by an inevitable sense of anxiety. Where do you begin? What do you prioritize? How do you balance the functionality of affordable kitchen cabinets with aesthetics?

If your head is spinning with more questions than answers, you’ve come to the right place. As you’re getting your ducks in a row, consider these vital do’s and don’ts of a rewarding kitchen makeover. Let’s dive in!

1. DO think about how you use your kitchen. It’s easy to stick to what you know, instead of considering whether you’re using your space as effectively as possible. After looking at others’ kitchens, many people start to believe that a big island, a cozy window seat, and ample countertop space are the be all end all. But this traditional set-up isn’t the only way to go – and may not even be desirable, depending on how you plan to use the room. Do you go all out when you cook, or do your meals tend to be simple? Do you have children who like to do homework or play in the kitchen? Do you enjoy entertaining guests? Taking the time to answer these questions will allow you to design your space in a way that’s best able to meet your particular needs, so give them plenty of thought before setting anything in stone.

2. DON’T underestimate the importance of storage. From pots and pans to pasta, kitchens are often filled to the brim. One of homeowners’ most common complaints is that the room is not equipped with sufficient storage – or that the available cabinetry does not enable them to make use of the space as efficiently as it should. The good news, however, is that trendy, practical, and affordable kitchen cabinets are no longer an unattainable dream, but rather an increasingly popular and available option. Installing pull-out drawers as opposed to traditional cabinets with doors is all the rage today, as the former are easier to access and have an increased storage capacity. Oh, and why not include drawers in your island, too? You can never have enough storage space, after all!

3. DO consider your layout carefully. Just as you’ll want to think about how your design can best meet your needs, casting a critical eye over the layout is an absolute must. Even if you get the techy appliances and affordable kitchen cabinets that you’ve always wanted, they’re useless if a wall or countertop obstructs them. To spare yourself from frustration (and maybe even a second remodel!), ensure that your layout allows you to make full and proper use of your appliances and cabinetry. Taking close measurements of your space and furnishings is the key to success – and if you’d like a second opinion on your chosen layout, it’s never a bad idea to hire a contractor to help you crunch the numbers.

4. DON’T forget about the budget. It’s tempting to treat yourself to nothing but the crème de la crème of countertops, cabinetry, and appliances, but do a reality check before you swipe your credit card. While you may want a chic island that’s everything but affordable, kitchen cabinets that exude opulence, and the latest, built-in coffee machine, do you really need them to create an amazing space? After setting a realistic budget, make a list of items that you absolutely need, and another of items that aren’t essential, but that would be nice to have. After adding up the total cost of the first list, you’ll have a clearer picture of how your budget stacks up – and whether you can treat yourself to a few things on the second list, too!

These do’s and don’ts are only the tip of the iceberg, but they serve as an ideal starting point for a successful remodel. Trust us: once you’ve laid out your initial ideas, creating a space that’s both functional and beautiful will be a much more manageable challenge. A little bit of planning goes a long way!