Know the different types of kitchen designers. If you're ordering cabinetry and more through a national chain or other retailer, there likely will be designers on staff who can help you plan. The main advantage: Often, there's no additional cost for their services, although some charge a percentage of the total sale or work under another fee structure. Other designers work independently at an hourly or per-project rate. Because they're not affiliated with a particular store or brand, they can sometimes be more objective about materials. Note the ups and downs of your existing space. Perhaps your kitchen operates just fine, but the finishes are long past their prime. Or maybe you're planning a soup-to-nuts renovation and have no idea how to retool the space. Be prepared to share with the kitchen designer what you like and what you hope to change to give a firm place to start. Do your research ... Your initial meeting with the designer will go more smoothly if you have a general idea of the look, flow and equipment you want. Browse decorating websites and magazines for kitchen design photos that speak to you, and show them to your designer. A picture can communicate clearly what you may struggle to capture in words. ... but stay flexible. The kitchen designer may spot holes in your wish list or nix materials that won't work for you no matter how much you love them. Conversely, he or she may introduce you to options you'd never considered.