Start by taking a moment to assess your current kitchen. What do you like most about it? What do you wish were different? Take inspiration and ideas from all over – other people’s kitchens, magazines and design brochures as well as online resources such as Instagram and Pinterest. Cut out and save ideas you like, as these will help you curate a mood board and pull together a wish list for your new kitchen. Be sure to write down your ‘non-negotiables’ too – that is anything you do not want to compromise on. You will find these lists useful to refer back to when it comes to making decisions down the line. They will also help the builders and designers you bring on board for the project.

It is important to agree on a budget early in the planning stages so you know what you are working with. It will help to establish what is achievable in your new kitchen. Research prices to get an idea of what your project budget will allow for, bearing in mind that your budget needs to encompass all costs, including installation, plumbing, electrics and decorating. Do not forget to set aside an additional 10 per cent of your budget for unforeseen expenses.

Take time to scope out different kitchen retailers and designers within your budget and find out what they can offer you. There is a huge selection of kitchen companies that can offer modular design packages, as well as a good choice of high-end brands and independent designers that can provide you with a completely bespoke kitchen tailored to your specific requirements. Ask for initial quotes and be upfront about your ideas and non-negotiables. A reputable kitchen designer will be able to help you maximise your budget and be honest about what can be done.

The space available is likely to dictate what layout you can have – such as a galley, U-shaped, L-shaped and single-wall design, or an open-plan layout with an island. The general rule of thumb is to ensure you have at least 120cm between parallel kitchen units, which is worth bearing in mind before setting your heart on a central island.

Once you have chosen a basic layout, you can start to think about what appliances you want and need in your new kitchen space. For example, avid bakers may swoon over the idea of side-by-side steam ovens whereas keen cooks might have induction hobs at the top of their wish lists. Those who like to host could have their heart set on a dedicated wine cooler or an American-style fridge freezer for a big family.

Ventilation is another aspect of kitchen planning that should not be overlooked, and redesigning your space can be an ideal time to upgrade your extraction. You could also consider futureproofing your kitchen with smart connected appliances.

You will also need to decide if you want your appliances on show or integrated (hidden behind cabinet doors so that they blend into the kitchen furniture). Built-in appliances tend to be 60cm wide as standard, but there is now a good selection of compact and extra-large models to suit all spaces.

Whatever appliances you decide on, you should aim to optimise your new kitchen by sticking to the working triangle – that is, your sink, refrigeration and cooking areas laid out to form a triangle that guarantees a short walk between each (learn more about kitchen layouts). This could determine the position of plumbing and electrics and potentially the order in which work is done. For example, if that central island really is a must-have and you want a sink or hob fitted on it, you will need to have plumbing and electrics laid before the floor is put down.

The cabinetry you decide to go for when planning a kitchen depends on your own style preferences, space and budget. Flatpack kitchens are the most affordable, and there are now designers and companies that will help fit and customise these basic pieces to help elevate the final look. Modular kitchens often have a decent amount of flexibility too, so you can pick and choose cabinet styles to suit your space. Bespoke kitchens, of course, have almost endless possibilities and can cater to your every kitchen whim.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is vital you include enough storage to keep your new kitchen uncluttered. Think through what you need to store and how often you will need it: a floor-to-ceiling larder or a breakfast cupboard could suit your needs, as could deep drawers you can reach into easily for often-used items. A portion of your budget should be put towards internal storage solutions, such as a Le Mans tray, cutlery organisers or a pull-out spice rack.

There is a wide range of worktops materials on offer, from low-budget laminates to luxurious cuts of marble that could take up a large proportion of your budget. Engineered worktops such as quartz are a particularly popular middle ground as you can achieve a look similar to marble or granite but without the level of maintenance natural stone requires, making it a practical option for a kitchen. Try to see a selection of samples before making a decision, ideally alongside your chosen cabinetry to make sure you are happy with the combination. Worktops can be tricky to install so it is usually cost-effective to hire a professional.

An upstand (an extension of the kitchen worktop that goes a short way up the wall behind the work surface) is a good way to keep food splashes from marking the walls. For a more seamless, luxurious look you can continue the worktop all the way up the walls. Alternatively, add a punch of pattern or colour with tiles.

Lighting can make or break a kitchen, so do not leave it to the last minute. Take time to identify the key working areas of your kitchen and make sure they are well lit. For example, dimmable lights are ideal on the underside of wall cabinets or shelves as they wash shadow-free light across the worktop where you prep. A pendant (or three) over the island provides task lighting as well as a decorative touch. Do not forget to fit your pendant with a dimmer switch so that you can turn it up when prepping food and turn it down when dining.

A final thought: do not put all your lights on one circuit as this will limit your flexibility. One practical option is to have three circuits: one for downlights, another for pendant lights and a final circuit for additional lighting such as inside cabinets or niches. If your kitchen is particularly large, you may need more.