How Much Kitchen Do You Need?

Think About Your Needs
You adored your kitchen when you first bought your home, but the once-coveted floral wallpaper has lost its charm, and you can't wait to replace those old fluorescent light fixtures. But before yanking down the cabinets and knocking out a wall or two, take a good look at both your home and your project expectations.

Will the upgrade boost your resale value, or will it be like tossing cash into a paper shredder when you put your house on the market? And how much kitchen is too much — or too little — for your home anyway? Savvy homeowners want to know.

"At a minimum, a kitchen should allow for ample, but not unnecessary, storage, ergonomics and overall functionality," says Philip Guarino, president of high-end kitchen design firm Arclinea Boston.

While a refrigerator, cooktop, oven, sink and dishwasher make up the basic kitchen staples, deciding the size, contents and quality that best fit your lifestyle and home isn't as simple as choosing between graphite and stainless-steel appliances. You might be getting ahead of yourself. So put down that hammer and back away from the wall. Here's what the experts say you should think about before you start pricing amenities for your new kitchen.