Planning to renovate your kitchen? Here's some tips and advice to make a job of maximum efficiency.

Who will be using the kitchen most often? Be sure to plan accordingly for taller or smaller people when you plan cabinets and cupboards. Is your kitchen actually used primarily for cooking, or does it double as a dining room and social center? Is the counter space sufficient for your style of cooking/living? Do you eat in the kitchen? If so, is there enough room for eating, serving, and clearing? If the kitchen doubles as a dining room, is the view pleasant and aestheticaly pleasing? Does the family hang out in the kitchen? Is there sufficient space for their activities, as well as easy accessibility to clean-up after activities? Is the lighting sufficient? Is the kitchen overall childproof if necessary, and what can be done to improve the "child-friendliness" of the kitchen area?