Pointers for your next kitchen makeover

Ellen Cheever knows her kitchens. The Wilmington, Del., kitchen designer (ellencheever.com) has literally written the book on kitchen design. She authored the first two textbooks on kitchen and bath design for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and while serving as the NKBA's director of educational services, her research led to new industry planning standards manuals. She's an informed trend watcher who has a residential practice, and she consults with major manufacturers on product design and projects. She spoke with STYLE AT HOME about trends in kitchen design. Here are her kitchen renovation pointers.

Choosing cabinetry
If you have an active family and cook a lot, invest in the best-quality cabinets you can afford. "They're built better, have better hardware, which means doors will open and close better over 20 years, and they have elaborate finishing systems, which is critical," Ellen says. Custom cabinets that are finished on-site don't provide the best finish. "I'd rather work with a manufacturing facility with quality controls leading to an extended warranty on the finish." Ensure that the finishing process is a systemized one that includes either flash-off or heat baking.

Ellen's small-space kitchen reno pointers:

• Once you have the right amount of counter space, don't add more.

• Switch to floor-to-ceiling pantry-type storage; it's one of the best ways to maximize a small space. A 12-inch-deep cabinet gives you immense storage.

• Don't assume everything you have is a necessity. "Think about what you use weekly, monthly and yearly. You can organize and work in a small space if you have self-discipline about your possessions.

• Have areas that do double duty. If you have a table, can it have a shelf underneath for oversize pots and pans? If there's wall space above the table, can you install an open rack there?

• Buy the best cabinets you can and outfit the insides of them so that every inch is organized. Better-quality cabinets have full base shelves (ones that extend to the front of the cabinet), while cheaper ones only have half-shelves.