Begin with a blank sheet of paper with two columns. Mark the left column, "What I Like," and the right column, "What I Dislike." The page has no preconceived notions about what a kitchen should have, only space for a list of items in your current room that you either like or dislike. This is your starting point.

With that blank page in hand, take a close look at the room you wish to remodel. What features do you like about the room that you don't want to lose during the remodeling process. These could be as simple as the tile on the backsplash or as complex as all of the appliances or cabinetry. Keep in mind that some of the smaller items, such as cabinet hardware, can be salvaged and used on new cabinetry or elsewhere in the home.

Once you have listed all the good points of your kitchen, start your list of what you dislike about the room. This list tends to be longer and may seem easier to complete, but don't be too quick to make that assumption. If you are going to design a functional room that meets your needs, you must know what needs are not being met presently in the current space. For example, monitor your food preparation steps. If you find that you have to walk too far between the refrigerator, stove and sink then you know that this triangle needs to be cut down bringing the appliances and the sink closer in order to work faster and smarter.

OK, so now you have been practical and logical. You have made your objective and not-so-objective analysis of your kitchen. Now put it all away for a while. Throw your practicality out and bring in your imagination. This is the fun and creative end of the planning - a wonderful opportunity to dream. Don't worry about budgets or design constraints at this time. Don't even look at the kitchen in question; go ahead and toss the existing floor plan.

All you need for this step are three little words and the freedom to fantasize. Begin with another clean sheet of paper; only this time, divide it into three columns.

You first column will be everything you wish you could have in your kitchen: breakfast nook, walk-in freezer, dishwasher, appliances with cabinet fronts, etc. Include any item you have ever drooled over in a magazine or coveted from afar. List items that would be yours if money were no object. Don't edit anything from this list.

In the second column, you will list all the features you want in your new kitchen. Perhaps it is that commercial grade range or those marble countertops. This list is for those items you really want, but don't absolutely need. Don't include any item on this list that would cause you to be upset if it were not included in the project. Such items belong in the third column.

The third column is the need column. It is the only practical portion of this exercise. In the need column, list those things that you could not live without, such as a new refrigerator, stove or a sink with two and a half-sized bowls. This list will be the first source your designer will turn to during the designing of your new kitchen. Make it comprehensive. Don't leave out anything, regardless how small or unimportant it may seem.

In addition to the wishes, wants and needs list, create a "dream book" that contains pictures from magazines that show a design, feature, appliance or other item you would like in your new room. Put notes in the margins detailing exactly what you like in the photo; add paint chips and swatches of floor coverings, wallpaper, fabrics, etc., plus your critique from Step One. This book is where you should keep all your ideas and samples for the project, from tiny notes to yourself to pictorial furniture ideas for the finished room. This is the visual side of the wishes, wants and needs lists.

You are now well on your way to creating your dream room. Make certain you correct all the current problems in the room, which are now outlined in your critique, and include those features you need and want, and maybe even some of those you wish you could have. This third step is to make certain that the designs, materials, and features coordinate with your particular lifestyle. The trick of course, is to design a room that matches your needs with the way you and your family really live.

Below are some questions that will help you determine your lifestyle requirements. They are not comprehensive by any means, but they should get you thinking about meeting the needs presented by the way you live in your home.

• How do you prepare a meal? Do you use every pot and pan in the kitchen or do you simply tear open a package and toss the contents into the microwave?
• On an average, how many cooks use the kitchen at one time? You may want to create separate work zones for more efficient use of the space, if you have multiple cooks.
• Would you benefit from a lower counter or island for baking? Do you require a fair amount of counter space for kneading and rolling out piecrusts and pastries?
• Is there a certain style cuisine you prepare that requires storage of cooking equipment, special ingredients such as varying sizes of pasta, or extra room for exotic spices and oils?
• Do you enjoy cooking? Or is your kitchen more a gathering place than a gourmet retreat?
• If it is a gathering spot, is the space convenient and comfortable for family and friends who are not involved in the meal preparation?
• Would a family desk and computer be helpful in this space?
• Would some aspects of universal design such as multiple counter heights and extra wide passageways for wheelchairs be helpful? Think about other safety concerns, always keeping your family's composition and capabilities in mind.
• Do you need additional task lighting or more light in general?
• Do you want an eat-in kitchen? How many would you need to seat? Would you have enough room for all of them?
• Do you entertain? How often? Do you prepare the meals yourself or do you have them catered?
• Have you made an inventory of the types of kitchen items you need to store to determine efficient placement and adequate storage space?