Remodeling a kitchen is an expensive project. Having a clear idea about what you want and how you want it to look is essential to ensure that you do not go over budget. Pay attention to the aesthetics as well as the functionality. There is no point in having a beautifully-designed kitchen, only to find that you have no storage area for your utensils and food items. The best way to avoid such a situation is to make a checklist. Checklist Layout Before you purchase any hardware, first take stock of the size of the kitchen. If you have a small one with a small floor area, then you need to make judicious use of the space. Plan a design that has a good layout so that you can move without bumping into cabinets and islands while cooking. The layout is of primary importance, and without a proper one your efficiency as well as the time taken to put together a meal is greatly compromised. There are different types of layouts from U-shaped and L-shaped types to galleys. Choose one that is most suitable for you and your house. An L-shaped layout works very well for a small kitchen that is long and narrow. Storage An often overlooked component while designing a kitchen is the storage. You will not only have to decide the kinds of cabinets to install, but also the pantry and utensil storage. For cabinets, you can choose from face frame constructions or frame-less constructions. Frame-less cabinets are more suitable for modern décor, whereas the face frame ones look good with traditional décor. You can choose from materials like laminate, wood, and metal. Your budget and choice of décor will determine the material and design to select. Constructing a pantry shelf is advised to store food staples like rice, pasta, and wheat. Countertop Countertops are an important component in the kitchen, and there are lots of options available. The material should be heat-resistant, scratch-proof, and easy to clean. You can choose from laminate, tiles, stone, and wood. Stone is one of the best and the most durable materials for countertops. It is heat and scratch-resistant, and has a very stylish look. However, it can be a little expensive. If you are on a budget, then you could choose laminate countertops as they are durable and inexpensive. Flooring Installing proper flooring is crucial. You can choose from hardwood floors or bamboo floors for a warm look. If your budget does not permit hardwood floors, then choose ceramic tiles or vinyl tiles. These types of tiles are available in a variety of designs, sizes, and colors that are sure to match your décor. Avoid installing marble floors since they are highly porous, and any stains from food is going to be hard to get rid of. Stone floors, though beautiful, are not a great option if you live in a cold place, as they become too cold to walk on in the winter. Lighting Good lighting is a must. For a kitchen, you will need both task lighting and general lighting. You can choose from recessed lighting which is mounted on the ceiling to pendant lighting which is mounted on the walls. These types of lights are great for general lighting purposes. For task lighting, you can choose under-cabinet lighting fixtures. You can also select fixtures that come with both uplighting and downlighting. Uplighting helps in fulfilling the general light needs while downlighting will provide task lighting. In addition to these, you can also install a dimming system that will create mood lighting in the kitchen giving it a stylish and cozy ambiance. Sink Always choose high quality sinks and faucets. Sinks are available in various shapes and sizes in materials like granite, slate, steel, and tile. Choose a style and material that suits your needs. For faucets, you can choose from the pull-out ones and pull-down ones. Both have their pros and cons, so choose a style after careful consideration. Faucets are available in materials like chrome, copper, and brass. Preparing a checklist will not only help you while budgeting, but it will also help you to determine whether you have covered all components of the remodeling project.