Plan your kitchen cabinets

First, measure the walls on which you will be installing the cabinets. If you are planning on including an island, ensure that it is small or far enough away from your cabinets to give you at least two feet of walking room in between. Mark your water supply and any existing power and gas supplies for appliances.

Measure any appliances and other fixtures that will be in your kitchen. If you have still to buy these appliances, allow 30 inches for a standard gas range, 36 inches for a large refrigerator, 24 inches for a dishwasher. A double bowl sink will need a 36-inch base cabinet.

Try and plan the kitchen in the work triangle form - with the refrigerator, the range and the sink. These three objects are the most accessed areas in your kitchen. Having these three areas in harmony will make your kitchen easy to work in.

Consider your storage needs and any other gadgets in the kitchen. If you have a built-in dishwasher, plumbing is easier if it sits right next to the sink base. Many people prefer to have a drawer cabinet next to the range to hold cooking utensils and pots and pans. Keep at least 12 inches of work space on one side of your range and 15 on the other.

Work out from the corners to fill in the rest of your cabinets. Consider any special storage issues , for recipes books, or large pans, fancy pots and lesser used gadgets.