I designed my own kitchen layout and then posted here and got a ton of suggestions when we remodeled 2 years ago. I started with things that wouldn't be changing...the doors and entryways. I decided I wanted my sink in front of the window, although not centered. There was really only one good place for the fridge. Consider venting for your range/cooktop...that my require particular placement. Dishwasher next to the sink...just start with what is not changing and go from there. I went through several iterations of the layout before we were happy with it.

Welcome Trudy! We have a few "intro" threads that will help you!

If you're brand new to the Kitchens Forum, we have a "Read Me" thread that will help:

New to Kitchens? Read Me First!

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638784/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first

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Regarding designing a layout, there are many things to take into consideration - your goals, family composition, how you plan to use the Kitchen, and "technical" considerations such as the size of the space and budget.

To help with the layout side (not budget), we have a "Layout Help" FAQ as well as several Kitchen Design FAQ threads. The Design FAQs will also help you understand comments from reviewers if/when you post your layout ideas or to understand why someone is suggesting a particular design (if you decide to let us help you design a layout).

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Layout Help

FAQ for asking for layout help. It has a sample measured layout as well as a description of the other information we need

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

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Kitchen Design FAQ threads:

These FAQ threads explain best practices/good design guidelines for items such as work zones, aisles, island/peninsula seating, etc. These threads will help you understand questions/comments you will receive.

Kitchen work zones, what are they?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first)

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

It's also important to take your time. Really, relaxed planning makes the whole thing come out better in the end. You're not going to have a new kitchen for the 2016 holidays, so let that one go. You could rush the whole thing and let a kitchen company crank out a one-size-fits-all job, but how pleased would you be with the result? Buehl's links may seem like a lot, but it's so rewarding to tackle the subject and plan a kitchen that suits you, your family, and your budget.

Reading through threads you'll discover all sorts of things you didn't know about even if you choose not to use them - ever run across Silgranit sinks? I'm not fond of them, but many are and I was glad to know there was such a thing. How about an air switch for the garbage disposal? Now that one I love. And everyone loves lower drawers vs cabinets. The nice thing about doing research and planning here is that you're dealing with "real people" who are interested in getting great kitchens, but not in selling you something.

Also you get real people photos, not pros with wide angle lenses and pro lighting. I posted one the other day to illustrate something (spacing on a Kohler Stages sink?) where I didn't take the time to move the stuff that was sitting there (dish rack, knife in use, paper towels) before I took the photo. Those extraneous normal kitchen things were irrelevant to the issue and I'm pretty sure everyone else's kitchen has those items too.

Perhaps the most import "real people" aspect is that GW people are dealing with widely varied budgets from counting every penny to what's a penny?, funky 1905 kitchens, 1950 specials, 1960 never-been-remodeled, remodeled badly, bumpy floors and walls, tiny NYC apartments, huge kitchens in Dallas, and all the issues that make real life go better or worse.

Start with Buehl's links, ask questions and it will happen. Personally, we (husband and I) sat in the dining room off and on for weeks just looking at our kitchen and mentally working through all the possibilities - add on? not? push out here? use the same footprint? what works now? what needs to be better? You'll get there.