How to Design Your Own Kitchen at Home Depot By Lisa East Hunter

Home Depot provides excellent tools for remodeling a kitchen. Their design studio allows you to set a budget, review finishes, see sample layouts and review a before and after photo of your kitchen. You won't need anything other than your computer and few measurements to begin designing your dream kitchen. When you are done designing, print the completed design and take it into the store where you work with a kitchen designer to finalize and place the order for your new kitchen.

Determine the budget for your project. Home Depot's design center provides an online calculator. Home Depot recommends contributing five to 10 percent of the total value of the house into the kitchen. Find a budget number that is realistic for you.

 Select a kitchen layout. Pictures of sample kitchens are provided by Home Depot online or in their stores. Review the various layout options and choose one that best suits your family's needs. In some cases, sink and cook top locations may limit your remodeling options. Measure the length and height of the walls in your kitchen. Customize the measurements in the online design tool to match the dimensions of your kitchen.

Review samples of the finish materials. Select cabinets, counters, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and flooring. You can see samples in the store or order samples online from Home Depot. Bring the samples home and put them in your kitchen. Look at them throughout the day in different lighting. Select your finish materials.

Enter your choice of finish materials into the online design tool. The tool will give you an approximate estimate of the cost of the job. Save a copy of your design. Print the design or email yourself a copy. Take the design with you to Home Depot to finalize your order. The design consultant will review the design and help you make any necessary changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Save yourself money by leaving the plumbing and most of the appliances in their original locatio.
• Read also: How to Design Your Own Home Additions Free By Mitzi Saltsman