An epicurean’s kitchen is equipped with professional appliances, sturdy and easy-to-clean surfaces, and storage for specialty items—a spice collection, a range of pots, pans and utensils. The layout should focus on zones for preparing food, cooking meals, cleaning up and serving. When choosing appliances, the focus is on performance.

Before you begin your kitchen renovation, seriously review how you use your current kitchen and set goals for your remodel. This way, you can stay on track as you make important decisions about floor plan, appliances, cabinetry and more.

Questions to Ask

• What kind of dishes do you prepare?
• What special cookware do you own and use often?
• What appliances need to be accessible every day? What items do you use infrequently?
• What groceries do you always keep on hand?
• Do you need space to store wine?
• Do you prefer to prep food and clean dishes in the same or different spaces?
• How many people cook at one time?
• Do you also entertain in the kitchen or do guests sit/mingle somewhere else in the home?
• Do you focus on baking, and if so, what special appliances do you require? (Keep in mind, chefs and bakers need different features in a kitchen.)