The Ultimate Guide to Your Own Dream Kitchen Remodel

Fratantoni Design • March 10, 2021

Everyone has a dream of their ideal kitchen and utilizing a remodeling approach, is the best way to achieve that vision. It’s normal to be apprehensive towards a kitchen remodel because of the time and money that goes into a big project. However, this direction will give you the most flexibility to completely customize the space to your heart’s desire. Here is the ultimate guide to your own dream kitchen remodel.

What Needs to Change in Your Kitchen Remodel?

The most important place to start in your kitchen remodel is by asking yourself, what needs to change? What can you absolutely not live without in your dream kitchen? What is making you unhappy with your current kitchen?

Take time to reflect on these questions. You will have a better idea of which direction your kitchen remodel is headed. Some kitchen remodels may only need a quick swap of materials. Others may require a complete remodel. Of course, there is always the in-between. Let’s discuss the different fundamental remodel stages:

  • Touch-up transformation: Restore or replace all of the cosmetic materials that outdate your kitchen, for example, backsplash tile, flooring options, lighting, and paint color. All of these elements are fairly simple to replace and won’t demand too much time or money, as opposed to the other remodeling stages.
  • Remove and replace: To certainly make a difference you are going to want to remove and replace the higher ticket items like appliances, countertops, light fixtures, flooring, and perhaps the cabinets.
  • Blueprint modifications: There are lots of variations here, you quite possibly will need new cabinets if you change the kitchen layout, appliances, and or the location of your sink.
  • Demo and a fresh start: For the sake of convenience, many homeowners choose to completely demo their kitchen and remodel the entire space starting fresh with the subfloor and wall studs.
  • Kitchen Extension: Certain projects may require an addition to the kitchen space to increase the square footage and overall layout for functionality.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind for Your Dream Kitchen Remodel

A dream kitchen remodel must take into account appearance and functionality. What’s the point in having a beautiful kitchen if you don’t have everything you need in order to assemble your most favored meal? Prior to your kitchen remodel, study out these factors and consider how they will affect your project.

First, there are many people that remodel their kitchen because it lacks adequate storage space. Speak with your contractor to ensure they are able to include the storage systems you need.

Second, think about how much room you need to prepare a meal. Don’t forget what kind of cooking space would be required. This aspect is crucial during the holiday season when you are hosting large gatherings and creating family feasts.

The third would be personal style, it’s important that you love the space you cook in order to inspire creativity. Try to nail down your specific style in a couple of words in order to communicate that to your contractor.

Fourth consider the ease of hosting in your newly remodeled kitchen. You’ll want to have enough room to have your guest sit down and you may want to think about the convenience of a double oven and or wine fridge.

Fifth it’s always nice to have a casual eat-in space for your dream kitchen. This could include a couple of barstools and or a cozy breakfast nook.

Sixth when you change anything in your own home you want to keep in mind the resale value. Your contractor will be able to suggest materials and design elements that will do well should you chose to sell your home later on.

Word of Advice About Dream Kitchen Remodels

There is no doubt that a lot of time and work will go into your dream kitchen remodel. You’ll want to utilize these tips to ensure a smooth remodeling process. Of course, you’ll want to hire a professional to oversee the remodel of your dream kitchen. Make sure you install it correctly to eliminate the possibility of overspending.

In order to create the list of all your dream kitchen must-haves, you’ll want to spend time gathering inspiration. Pinterest will be a great place to start because the site has an endless supply of inspiration.

Additionally, you may want to explore some kitchen trends like two-tone cabinets or different countertops. A skilled contractor can help gather options that will complement each other. Not to mention there is always room to think outside the box. You would be surprised at the work contractors can do by completely removing walls and or moving the wall.

Finally, don’t be too quick to fully commit to any big pieces. You may find that your mind will change from time to time. Cabinets you think you wanted don’t go with the countertop that you are mesmerized with.

Design Elements to Consider for the Dream Kitchen Remodel

When drafting your dream kitchen to remodel, you’ll want to consider the following design elements. First up on the list is kitchen flooring options, the most common flooring materials are tile and vinyl. In order to replace the flooring, you will be required to check that the floor structure is sound. Next up we have kitchen cabinet options, they will set the foundation for your dream kitchen to remodel as you consider look, layout, and workflow. Additionally, you’ll need to select kitchen countertop options, and just to name a few there is quartz, marble, granite, butcher block, and many more. Of course, every dream kitchen needs to have a backsplash, and as you can imagine the options here are endless as well.

The most popular backsplash options are tile, colored glass, stainless steel, and wood siding. Likewise, it’s a good idea to consider adding an island into your dream kitchen remodel plans. An island can help your kitchen function better as it provides more space to prepare meals and host gatherings. Meanwhile, your dream kitchen will need a sink and faucet. When choosing a sink and faucet think about the conveniences you need, for example, a built-in drainboard and or a hands-free faucet.

As you move forward in the remodeling process, you’ll realize how important the lighting options remain. The most practical lighting would be recessed lighting comparatively. However, pendant lighting can bring a unique feature to your dream kitchen. Finally, we have appliance options for your dream kitchen remodel. As you move forward in selecting your appliances be mindful about what features you’ll benefit the most from and dismiss the others to be economical.

Final Thoughts on Dream Kitchens

Now that you’ve gathered all the information you need to get started on your dream kitchen remodel, our experts are only a phone call away. At Fratantoni Design we have skilled custom home architects who will ensure a sound structure for your remodel. Not to mention we have in-house contractors that we work with closely to provide a seamless remodel for your dream kitchen. Contact us to get started!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Your Own Dream Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Fratantoni Design.

How We Design Homes That Feel Grand Not Just Big

By Sam Fratantoni • November 6, 2025
Creating a grand home goes far beyond building something large. In luxury architecture, true grandeur is the result of thoughtful rhythm, balanced proportions, and a design that feels sophisticated from the first step inside. A home may offer impressive square footage, but without the right architectural vision, it will never achieve the presence and atmosphere that define a luxury estate. Understanding how to create a sense of grandeur through design is essential, especially for homeowners investing in a custom home that should stand out for all the right reasons.

The Importance of Architectural Floorplan Flow in Luxury Home Design

By Sam Fratantoni • October 29, 2025
Architectural floorplan flow is one of the most influential elements in luxury home design. It determines how a family experiences each space, how natural light moves throughout the home, and how effortlessly daily life unfolds. When a floorplan is thoughtfully designed, the home feels intuitive, comfortable, and elevated from the moment you step inside. For homeowners investing in a custom luxury residence, understanding the power of floorplan flow is essential.
Luxury custom home designed showcasing refined architecture and timeless elegance

What Defines True Luxury Architecture: A Closer Look at Fratantoni Design

By Sam Fratantoni • October 22, 2025
True luxury home design is defined not by size or ornamentation, but by intention, lifestyle alignment, and a sense of lasting refinement. At Fratantoni Design, every custom estate begins with a vision shaped around scale, movement, balance, and the emotional experience of each space. The firm’s philosophy is rooted in designing residences that feel both deeply personal and enduring, with an emphasis on thoughtful composition rather than trend-based aesthetics. Fratantoni Design is part of a nationally recognized, family owned group of luxury home companies co-founded by Sam and Josie Fratantoni. With decades of leadership in the high-end residential space, Sam has played a foundational role in shaping the company’s commitment to design excellence and white-glove client experiences. His guidance helped establish Fratantoni Design as a respected name in custom residential design for clients building luxury estates across multiple regions.

Things to Consider When Designing Your Luxury Estate

By Sam Fratantoni • October 17, 2025
Designing a luxury estate is one of the most rewarding experiences for homeowners who want to bring their dream home to life. Every choice, from the layout of the floor plan to the materials that define the architecture, contributes to creating a residence that feels uniquely yours. At Fratantoni Design, our home plan design firm has spent decades helping clients design luxury homes that blend elegance, function, and innovation. Whether you are building your primary residence or a vacation retreat, understanding what to consider during the design process ensures your estate will stand the test of time in both beauty and performance.
Luxury kitchen with sculptural and curved architectural design

Sculptural and Curved Architecture: Replacing Angles with Flow

By Sam Fratantoni • October 9, 2025
Luxury architecture has entered an age of expression. For decades, right angles and linear geometry defined modern design, emphasizing precision and control. Today, a new philosophy is emerging that embraces curves, arcs, and flowing forms. These sculptural shapes create movement and harmony, allowing spaces to feel more natural and emotionally engaging.  At Fratantoni Design , we believe that great architecture should be as graceful as it is functional. Curved forms represent a return to organic design, reconnecting homes to the natural world and the human experience. They soften the hard edges of modernism and bring rhythm to the geometry of living. This architectural shift is not only visual but emotional, reminding us that structure can be both powerful and poetic.

Art as Architecture: Integrating Sculpture, Installations and Light as Structural Elements

By Sam Fratantoni • October 2, 2025
In luxury residential design, art has long been viewed as something to display. Yet today, it has evolved into something far more integral, it has become part of the architecture itself. The walls, ceilings, staircases, and even the light that fills a home can function as sculptural elements that define its character. At Fratantoni Design , we believe the most memorable homes are not simply designed but composed, like works of art. Each line, curve, and surface contributes to an aesthetic experience that transcends function. Architecture, when conceived with artistic intent, becomes a medium through which form and emotion coexist in perfect balance. This approach has led to a new era of residential architecture, one where structure and art merge seamlessly. Homes are no longer static enclosures but dynamic spaces that engage the senses and elevate the spirit.

The Power of Statement Ceilings: Elevating Luxury Interiors from Above

By Sam Fratantoni • September 23, 2025
In the world of luxury architecture, ceilings are often called the “fifth wall” , and for good reason. While floors, walls, and furnishings tend to draw the eye first, the ceiling holds extraordinary potential to define a home’s character and atmosphere. When thoughtfully designed, it becomes a central architectural feature that ties the entire space together, influencing proportion, mood, and harmony. At Fratantoni Design , we view every ceiling as an architectural opportunity. Whether soaring and vaulted or intimate and coffered, ceilings frame the experience of a room from the moment one steps inside. They embody the artistry, geometry, and craftsmanship that distinguish a well-designed estate from an ordinary home.
Hillside estate offering panoramic mountain and valley views

Hillside Architecture: Building Luxury Homes on Challenging Terrain

By Sam Fratantoni • September 16, 2025
 Some of the most breathtaking homes in the world are not built on flat land but rather on hillsides and cliffsides where nature creates both beauty and challenge. Hillside architecture is a unique art form that requires precision, creativity, and a mastery of engineering. At Fratantoni Design , we specialize in transforming difficult terrains into extraordinary estates, turning steep slopes into opportunities for innovation and luxury. For affluent homeowners, a hillside property offers panoramic views, privacy, and prestige. However, building on a slope demands careful planning and expert design to overcome challenges such as soil stability, access, and drainage. Our team has spent decades perfecting the craft of hillside architecture, ensuring that every estate is both structurally sound and visually remarkable.

The Allure of Modern Homes: Redefining Luxury Architecture for Today

By Sam Fratantoni • September 8, 2025
Modern architecture has evolved into more than a style, it’s a lifestyle. Clean lines, open floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor living have made modern homes a symbol of sophistication and comfort. For affluent homeowners, modern design isn’t about minimalism for its own sake; it’s about creating spaces that are functional, emotionally engaging, and timeless. At Fratantoni Design, we have spent over 40 years designing custom estates that balance innovation with elegance. From sleek desert retreats in Arizona to expansive modern villas nationwide, our modern homes embo dy luxury, precision, and individuality.

The Art of Scale: Crafting Grand Spaces Without Losing Intimacy

By Sam Fratantoni • September 3, 2025
Luxury estates are defined not just by their size, but by their proportion and feeling. A home with soaring ceilings and expansive square footage can inspire awe, but without thoughtful design, grandeur can quickly turn into coldness. The true art of luxury architecture lies in mastering scale: cra fting spaces that are undeniably grand yet still warm, inviting, and livable. At Fratantoni Design, we’ve spent over 40 years designing estates that embody this balance. Whether it’s a Mediterranean villa in Scottsdale or a French château in New Jersey, our architecture ensures that every grand moment is counterbalanced with intimate comfort. In this blog, we’ll explore how the art of scale shapes luxury living in 2025 and beyond.