When striving for your dream kitchen, you can either sell your home and buy another one or work with what you have and create what you want. 

According to one source, the average cost for a new residence in the U.S. as of September 2024 was $501,000. In Southern California you can more than double (or triple) that number in certain areas. So, unless you have the financial wherewithal to buy your dream home complete with the type of kitchen you’ve always wanted, it’ll make more sense to renovate your kitchen.

While one person’s dream kitchen might not make the cut for another person, there are some things to consider if your goal is to create the ideal kitchen.

Here are five things to think about when the goal is to achieve your dream kitchen.

1. Layout and Workflow

You’ll want to consider the space you have to work with so you can sketch a layout for your dream kitchen. Of course, much of that will depend on how much space you have to work with.

Consider efficient movement between the stove, fridge, sink, and other things in your kitchen as you decide what goes where. Choose between an open or closed layout depending on what you want to accomplish. It’s your kitchen, so go with what works best for you.

2. Consider Your Budget

One source says the average cost to remodel a kitchen is in the $14,611 to $41,432 range. The median expense, meanwhile, is $26,790  —  again, markedly higher in Southern California. A homeowner should expect minimally $10,000 for a very small kitchen, while going all-out could cost $130,000 to $200,000 or more.

Whether you want to make a few small changes or do something extensive, you need a budget before starting. It’s worth noting that you’ll likely wind up spending more than you anticipate (it never fails). So, build in some flexibility for time and money when planning.

3. Countertop Space and Cabinetry

Don’t overlook counter space, since you’ll need dedicated areas for meal prepping, cooking, and entertaining. The sky’s the limit since you can go with materials like granite, quartz, ceramic tile, butcher block, concrete, and more. Consider your cabinetry options, too, so you have sufficient space. Assess your options for style, color, and materials before selecting.

4. Appliances

One of the most essential considerations when building your dream kitchen is what appliances to get. What you buy can make or break your goal to create the kitchen you’ve always wanted.

You can invest in energy-efficient appliances that will meet your needs now and well into the future. Depending on your budget and goals, you may wish to consider built-in appliance options for a more modern, sleek, and space-maximizing kitchen space. 

If you’ve never bought new, higher-end appliances before, it is worth doing some research to learn what kitchen appliances are available. 

You can read up on whether to go with a ceramic or induction cooktop, the pros and cons of dual fuel ranges, the ins and outs of selecting the right microwave, and more.

5. Island or Peninsula

It’s also worth considering whether you want an island or a peninsula. An island is great if you want more storage space, seating, or meal-prepping space. But if your kitchen won’t accommodate an island because of size constraints, a peninsula will provide the benefits of an island in a smaller configuration that might be more size-appropriate for your kitchen.

These are some things to consider to create your dream kitchen. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to accomplish this objective, and you can save a ton if you have DIY skills in the home improvement space.

But once you get the kitchen of your dreams, you’ll know the project was worthwhile.