With the exception of those who are designers themselves, most people will need to hire a Kitchen designer. Kitchens are complicated, and talented help is worth the money.

Take time to educate yourself and refine your tastes. Information and ideas can be found in magazines and books, and on television shows and the Internet. Some local schools offer classes on kitchen building and remodeling, which can be helpful.

Ask each potential designer how much experience he or she has, as well as asking for references. Also ask to see photos. Ask some basic questions: What is the process that leads to a final set of plans? What does she expect from you? What doesn't she do? Why not?

Be sure you feel comfortable with the person you hire. You will spend quite a bit of time with this person and your relationship should be mutually respectful.

Tips for working with a designer:

1) Be sure to tell your designer what your budget is; costs can range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand dollars. Your designer can't give good advise if she doesn't know you budget.

2) Show her what you like - pictures are the greatest shortcut there is.

3) Be prepared to change your mind. You're bound to learn things you don't know - and things you don't want to know, like how much some things really cost and how long the jog may really take.

4) Take your time. Nothing about this process is fast, from design to completion. The more legwork and study you do, the better (and less expensive) it will be in the end.

5) Put function over form. If the kitchen doesn't work well for you, you won't care how pretty it is when you have to avoid obstacles simply to boil water.

6) Expect to get plans that contain both a "Floor Plan" (looking from the ceiling down), and "elevations" (looking straight on). Plans should include locations of doors and windows.

7) Once you have a plan, stick with it. Every change, even a minor one, is an expense and a delay.