In these days of trying to cut back and conserve, it might be tempting to think you can you can remodel your kitchen by yourself. Before you give it a try, let me extend some advice that comes from years of experience.

Be aware that if you walk into a kitchen-and-bath showroom that primarily sells cabinets, there will most likely be nominal fee for the staff designer to generate even a preliminary layout on your behalf. Generally, that fee is applied to the purchase of cabinetry. But if the relationship does not turn into a sale for the company, you will probably be charged for the design work.

Sunset Books released a very good resource on this subject in October, “Kitchens: A Sunset Design Guide,” by freelance author and editor Karen Templer. What makes this guide cool is that it comes with a computer program you can use to design your own kitchen.

Depending on your level of computer literacy, the design software could take time to master. For homeowners who are comfortable with computers, however, this feature is perfect.

Another worthwhile feature found early in the book is a basic Kitchen Worksheet questionnaire that will launch your design process in the same way that any professional kitchen designer would. In it Templer introduces sample kitchen layouts that will inspire you to imagine your own kitchen in a new way.

Lest you think that this design business is easy enough for anyone to tackle, take time to consider that when you hire a professional architect or interior designer, kitchen designer or creative contractor, you are paying for years of experience. You are getting knowledge of building and life and safety codes.

Pros know the newest materials and how to use them in designs that will work to your best advantage. Having said that, I still recommend this book as a way to expose yourself to cutting-edge thinking.

For example, one featured architect, Kevin Price, announces, “If we can talk you out of upper cabinets, we will. We're of the school of thought that a kitchen is a workshop in a lot of ways, so have your stuff out — put it on open shelves or bring things down to the counters. I think mixing it up that way adds depth and can create unexpected space, plus it gives the room a real handmade — less manufactured — quality.”

The example in the photograph comes from the small-space kitchen of architect Neal Schwartz, who says his layout works because “there is a strict division of labor. One person likes to cook and one person likes to clean up.”

Schwartz used two sinks to establish work zones. The main, custom, stainless-steel sink is wider than typical and sits under the window near the dishwasher drawers. Clean-dish storage is nearby.

Shown in the photo is a tiny prep sink with a wall-mounted pot filler. The beauty of this petite food-preparation zone is that water flow is controlled by pedals near the floor like the gas and brake pedals in a car.

“I don't think I would ever use hand-operated sinks for myself again,” exclaims Schwartz. “The foot pedal means you always have your hands free and can control the water directly as you need it. It took about two seconds to get used to. In fact, I find myself tapping my foot at the big sink, looking for the controls.”

Templer observes that we live in our kitchens, whether we mean to or not. It is where the action is. Accordingly the kitchen is the No. 1 space in every home where people are most willing to invest their remodeling dollars.

Even if a complete kitchen rework is not your budget this year or next, it is never too soon to start planning. Templer's Sunset Design Guide is a good tool to help you note your kitchen habits, identify desired appliances and focus on style preferences.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Big Ideas for Small Spaces." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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