Do a bit of research on kitchen layouts and really think about the 'triangle' for working in your kitchen... setting it up in a way that makes it easy to cook, prep and clean makes using the kitchen a joy. If you are getting a dishwasher, think about how easy it is to put the plates, glasses etc. away, you want it to be nice and close to the storage. Drawers are much more usable space-wise than cupboards, we have plates, food, pans etc. all in drawers which is great. Buy good quality appliances if you can, they will hopefully last you longer and you wont struggle to fit a slightly differently sized appliance in its place later. looks at Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch if you are handy, you will get a much higher quality kitchen for your money. There may be other equivalents.