* Try to keep the straight-line distance between the sink, fridge, and cooktop between 12 and 23 feet.

* Position the sink between the other two appliances, since it's used most often. (The sink's location may depend on pre-existing plumbing lines.)

* Allow for 36 inches of counterspace to the right and 30 inches to the left of the range and sink if at all possible; if not, allow a minimum of 24 inches and 18 inches.

* It's tempting to place a tall fridge and built-in wall oven next to each other, but try not to; each needs its own landing space on both sides of the appliance for safety.

* Try to include a minimum of 10 linear feet of both base cabinets and upper cabinets.

* Utilize lazy Susans to make potentially wasted corners fully functional.

* Use pull-out drawers rather than reach-in, conventional cabinets for greatest convenience. If you're retro-fitting existing cabinets, have pull-out trays installed.

* Consider barrier-free design and products. They make life easier for children, pregnant women, and seniors as well as individuals with disabilities. They'll also add to the longevity of your kitchen.