How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel Step by Step

In this blog post we discuss how to plan a kitchen remodel. A kitchen remodel is more than just a home improvement project. It is a transformation of one of the most personal and functional spaces in your home. Whether you live in North Bergen, Jersey City, Hoboken, or anywhere across Hudson and Bergen County, your kitchen tells your story. It is where meals are shared, conversations happen, and memories are made. At Sterl Kitchens, we have been helping families plan and build their dream kitchens since 1945, right here in the heart of North Bergen. Over the decades, we have seen styles change, materials evolve, and trends come and go, but one thing remains the same—great design always starts with a great plan.

Step 1: Start with Your Vision on How To Plan A Kitchen Remodel

Before the first cabinet is removed or the first wall is painted, every successful remodel begins with a clear vision. Ask yourself what you want your new kitchen to do for you. Some homeowners want more space for entertaining. Others want better organization, upgraded appliances, or a brighter, more inviting layout.

Walk through your current kitchen and take notes on what works and what does not. Maybe the counter space is too small, or your cabinets do not make full use of the wall height. Perhaps the lighting feels dim at night, or your appliances are not positioned in a convenient way. These small observations form the foundation of your remodeling plan.

Many of our clients at Sterl Kitchens come to our showroom with photos and ideas from magazines, Pinterest boards, or simply their favorite restaurants. Seeing those inspirations side by side with real cabinetry and countertops helps turn vague ideas into something tangible.

Step 2: Establish a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is the part of remodeling that most people want to skip, but it is the backbone of a smooth project. The key is to balance your wish list with what makes financial sense. Break your budget into categories such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and labor.

At Sterl Kitchens, we often guide homeowners through this process by showing them where they can save and where they should invest. For example, stock cabinetry can be a great option if you want affordability without sacrificing quality, while custom cabinetry allows full creative control. Countertops vary widely in price, too—laminate is economical, quartz offers durability and modern appeal, and granite provides a timeless, natural look.

We encourage clients from Hudson County, Bergen County, Staten Island, and even Manhattan to visit our North Bergen showroom to see these options in person. Sometimes, seeing and touching materials helps you make smarter, more confident decisions about where your money should go.

Step 3: Evaluate the Space You Have

Every kitchen is unique, and every space presents opportunities and challenges. Measure the dimensions of your kitchen carefully. Take note of doors, windows, ceiling height, and any structural features that cannot be moved.

Functionality should guide every design choice. The “work triangle” principle, which positions the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangle for efficiency, still holds true today. But newer design concepts like kitchen zones—separate areas for cooking, prepping, and cleaning—can make your layout even more effective.

When homeowners visit Sterl Kitchens, we often begin by sketching out different layouts based on their measurements. We might suggest moving an island, opening up a wall, or extending cabinetry to improve flow. Sometimes a small layout change can make a kitchen feel twice as large.

Step 4: Choose Your Design Style

Your kitchen should reflect who you are. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, farmhouse charm, or classic elegance, the design should fit your home and your personality.

Modern designs often feature flat-panel cabinets, sleek hardware, and clean lines. Traditional kitchens tend to use raised panel doors, decorative moldings, and warmer tones.

Transitional kitchens blend the two—pairing modern simplicity with traditional warmth.

At our North Bergen showroom, we display a variety of kitchen styles so homeowners from across Hudson County, Bergen County, and nearby areas like Staten Island and Manhattan can see what feels right to them. Choosing materials in person allows you to coordinate colors, finishes, and textures with confidence.

Step 5: Select Cabinets and Countertops

Cabinetry and countertops are the two most defining features in any kitchen. They set the tone visually and functionally.

At Sterl Kitchens, we carry everything from affordable stock cabinetry to fully custom lines. Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes and ideal for quick timelines. Semi-custom cabinets allow more flexibility in sizing and finishes. Custom cabinetry is built to order and offers limitless possibilities in design, materials, and storage features.

For countertops, quartz continues to be a top choice because it is durable, non-porous, and available in many colors and styles. Granite remains popular for its natural beauty and unique veining. Solid surface materials offer seamless installation and easy maintenance, while butcher block adds warmth and texture.

When clients visit our showroom, we help them mix and match cabinetry with countertop samples, so they can see how each combination looks under real lighting. It is one of the most exciting parts of the remodeling process.

Step 6: Plan for Lighting and Details

Lighting can make or break a kitchen design. A well-lit kitchen feels bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. Layer your lighting with three types: ambient (overhead), task (focused areas like countertops), and accent (for decorative highlights).

Do not overlook details like hardware, faucets, backsplashes, and flooring. These small choices pull the whole room together. Many homeowners from Hudson and Bergen County visit Sterl Kitchens to find hardware and fixtures that complement their cabinetry. Whether you love brushed nickel, matte black, or gold accents, the right finishing touches make a world of difference.

Step 7: Build a Timeline

A kitchen remodel does not happen overnight. It requires coordination, patience, and flexibility. Material orders can take time, especially for custom products. Once installation begins, you will experience some disruption to your daily routine, but the end result is worth it.

We recommend creating a clear timeline that includes design consultation, ordering, demolition, installation, and final adjustments. At Sterl Kitchens, our experienced team helps you plan each phase, communicate with contractors, and ensure that every step is handled with care.

Step 8: Schedule a Professional Consultation

Even if you are handy or have done small projects before, a kitchen remodel is a major investment that benefits from professional guidance. A consultation can save you time, money, and stress by helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Our North Bergen showroom is open for homeowners across Hudson County, Bergen County, and beyond. When you visit, bring your room dimensions, photos, and any design ideas you have collected. During your free consultation, one of our designers will help you refine your vision, select materials, and map out a realistic plan for your project.

Step 9: Enjoy the Process

A kitchen remodel should be exciting, not stressful. It is a chance to reimagine how you live, cook, and entertain. Some of our happiest clients come back months later to tell us how their new kitchen has changed their home life. They cook more, spend more time together, and finally feel proud to show off their space.

At Sterl Kitchens, we have spent nearly eighty years earning the trust of homeowners throughout Hudson and Bergen County. Families from Staten Island, Manhattan, and surrounding areas continue to visit our showroom because they know we blend tradition, expertise, and personal care in every project.

Your dream kitchen is closer than you think.

Visit Sterl Kitchens Today

If you are ready to begin your remodel, come see us at Sterl Kitchens in North Bergen. Our showroom features a large selection of cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and flooring options to fit every taste and budget.

Call (201) 866-7999 or schedule your free consultation online to start your kitchen remodeling journey. From your first idea to the final reveal, Sterl Kitchens will guide you every step of the way—because creating beautiful, functional kitchens has been our passion since 1945.