Orchestrating a kitchen remodel may seem like an impossible task, but breaking your project into manageable steps takes the stress out of planning. Get started designing your dream kitchen today with these five easy tips.

Step #1: Choose a Color Scheme

A kitchen remodel is a big job and you’ll want the results to last for a decade or more. Choose a look that complements the rest of the home. A completely modern kitchen might work in a charming Victorian bungalow, but it will probably require costly remodeling throughout the home to work well. Choose lighter colors for smaller kitchens. Larger rooms, kitchens with open floor plans or bright, sunny kitchens with plenty of windows are more welcoming to bold palettes.

Step #2: Analyze Your Space

Redesign time is the perfect opportunity to assess your storage needs and correct everything that’s always bothered you about your kitchen. Maybe your countertops are crowded with appliances because you don’t have room to store them below, or your pantry and spice rack are overflowing. Be realistic about your space needs and plan your cabinets accordingly. Add a lazy Susan, specialized shelving for wine bottles or a built-in recycling bin to your cabinet plan to cut clutter and maximize available space.

Step #3: Cabinets

Cabinets are the biggest design element in the kitchen. Choose carefully and go with a finish, door pattern and style you love. Get a modern look with painted MDF or high-gloss cherry. Hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple are more suited to traditional designs. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are usually more affordable. If your budget won’t allow replacing all the cabinets, consider an eclectic mixed-and-matched design. Keep your existing drawer units and replace the wall cabinets with new ones in a complementary or contrasting color or style.

Step #4: Flooring

Kitchen floors should be durable enough to stand up to heavy traffic, dropped cookware and other mishaps, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty for utility. Vinyl laminates are sturdy, affordable, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Bamboo is another longwearing material that is also environmentally friendly. Poured concrete floors are becoming more fashionable in modern kitchens. Concrete floors are truly unique and strong enough to last a lifetime.

Step #5: Appliances and Fixtures

If you decide to buy new appliances to complete your kitchen remodel, choosing energy-rated versions will save money for years through reduced electricity, gas and water costs and may even qualify you for a government or utility rebate. Small touches including cabinet hardware, light fixtures and window treatments pull the finished room together to create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, a beautiful and efficient place to cook, eat and gather with family and friends.