The kitchen is the hub of your home. It's where you entertain, eat and, of course, cook. In today's marketplace, top kitchen remodeling projects include adding an island, stainless steel appliances, farmhouse sinks, as well as customizable countertops and kitchen cabinets.

Before you try to hone in on specific items to remodel or replace in your kitchen, it might be best to take a step back and look at the big picture. From this perspective, consider how you want your kitchen to look by envisioning its overall layout, total amount of storage space and finally the types of materials you want to use.

Layout

Space is perhaps the most important factor to consider when planning your kitchen revamp. If you're working with a small space, one of your best options is a galley-style layout. This allows you to make the most of your relatively limited horizontal space by stacking shelves and counters vertically, utilizing innovative and double-duty containers.

If you're working with a large kitchen space, you might want to give a U-shape or an L-shape design, incorporating a centralized peninsula or island.

The bottom line with your kitchen's layout is to mold and shape it into a space that best fits how you and your family use the room.

Storage

Dishes, pots, pans, utensils and small appliances need to have viable and easy-to-get-to resting places. The more you use it, the closer at-hand you will want to store it.

Space-saving items, such as spice racks, stackable cookware and islands with a lot of drawers and cabinets, can be your best friends when revamping your kitchen. Designate a spot for your most frequently used items on the countertop. Conversely, you can free up some extra space by storing your rarely used kitchen accessories in a storage closet or your basement.

Materials

One of the best ways to avoid a cookie cutter kitchen design is to use vibrant, colorful and high-quality materials.

This is where you can really let your personality shine. As opposed to your relatively standard and limited options with storage and layout, the more interesting and eclectic your materials are, the more interesting and eclectic your new kitchen will be. Consider limestone, stainless steel or concrete for your countertops, mosaic tile for your backsplash, or frosted cabinets to give your kitchen some extra sparkle and shine.

Undergoing a kitchen remodel project can be a big task, but can also have great benefits and increase the value of your home.