Tips

“Pick appliances that you’re going to use, not just the trendy ones,” he says. “They will take up valuable real estate in your kitchen.”

When choosing cabinets, look for ways to maximize storage that also make your life easier. “Make sure that your cabinets behind the doors function the way you live,” he says. “Most cabinets are soft close and pullouts, but there are all kinds of creative ways to take care of blind corners or heavy appliances.”

Choose a countertop to match your lifestyle. “Decide how much you want to take care of it,” he says. “Limestone or marble are more of a risk, while quartz is more bulletproof for a family.”