Where do I start??

This is my first time writing a blog and I'm really not sure where to start.  I have plenty to say, make no mistake about that.  But where do I begin?  What should I talk about first?  As this thought echoed in my head, I realized that this is a question I actually hear quite often --- from people who are interested in remodeling their kitchen, but have no idea how to begin.  "I have some ideas but I don't know where to start," is the most frequent comment from them.  Here's what I tell them:  Many people start by talking to their friends, relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances who have already gone through a remodeling project.  If you start there, politely listen to their comments, but also remember that their experience with one kitchen remodel (or even two, three, or four) does not make them an expert in kitchen design.  It does not take the place of formal training or years of daily experiences in the kitchen remodeling trade.  Listen to them.......and then call a professional.  Look for a company that has designers who are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. This is your assurance that you will receive a good design with great functionality.  AND you will be working with someone who has passed the required training and exams.  AND you will know that this designer had to work successfully in the kitchen and bath industry for years before being recommended by his/her peers and endorsed by other professionals.  You can feel confident that, with their guidance, you will be well on your way to seeing your dream kitchen become a reality.  A kitchen remodel is usually a large investment in your home and because of this, it should be handled by experienced professionals (not "Chuck-in-a-Truck" who scribbles a design on a napkin. Sorry, Chuck.). There is much truth in the saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none." Sorry again, Chuck.  And Jack.

A kitchen designer trained by the NKBA will be a goldmine of information relating to every detail of your remodeling project.  They know about all the popular choices for sinks, faucets, cabinets, flooring, lighting, hardware, and backsplash tiles ----- but they will also tell you about the products you've never heard of and the latest style trends that the average consumer does not yet know about.  He/she may ask if you have started a folder of kitchen pictures cut from magazines. This can be a great tool for the designer as they try to determine the styles, colors, and materials that appeal to you.  Let your designer be the one to help you make decisions on wood specie, stain or paint colors, tile design, etc.  The choices and decisions are yours but the designer's input can be invaluable.

So basically, that's where you start:  by clipping photos from magazines and then calling a professional kitchen designer.  They will know where to guide you from that point on.  Just jump in with both feet ---- the same way that I just finished writing on my first blog topic!