We’ve all been there—scrolling through Pinterest or saving dreamy kitchen photos to our phones. Maybe it’s an all-marble island that feels a little too luxurious or a bold cabinet color we love but aren’t sure we can commit to. These snapshots represent more than just pretty spaces—they reflect how we want to live. And in a room as central as the kitchen, it’s only natural to want it to be perfect.
Designing a new kitchen isn’t just a renovation—it’s a transformation. That’s why partnering with the right kitchen design center can make all the difference. It’s where family dinners happen, where kids do homework at the counter, and where coffee is sipped in the quiet early mornings. It’s the most-used room in the home and the one that sets the tone for the rest of your space. That’s why it deserves thoughtful design, expert planning, and a process that turns inspiration into a kitchen that truly works for you.
At Delmarva Design Center, we are with you every step of the way—from your first mood board to the final drawer pull. Here’s how to make your dream kitchen a reality, one intentional step at a time.
Step 1: Find Your Style
Clarifying your style is important before exploring layouts and material choices. What makes you stop mid-scroll? Is it a warm, earthy kitchen with wood beams and terracotta tile? Or maybe a sleek, modern space with matte black accents and hidden appliances?
Start gathering inspiration—screenshots, magazine clippings, Instagram saves. Once you spot a pattern in what you’re drawn to, you’re ready to translate inspiration into a real-life design. We encourage clients to bring those ideas to our kitchen design center showroom, where they can see actual products in person. That glossy green cabinet you weren’t sure about online? It might be your favorite thing once you see it under real lighting.
Our specialists are here to help you connect the dots—blending your inspiration with practical, livable solutions that make sense for your space and lifestyle.
Step 2: Choose the Foundation—Cabinets
Cabinets do more than hold dishes—they shape your entire kitchen. From the color and style to the functionality inside, your cabinetry is one of your most important design choices. By this point, you should have pinpointed your design style. Whether traditional, modern, or anything in between, you’ll want to choose cabinets that reflect that style.
Next, think about how you use your space. If you’re a baker, deep drawers for mixing bowls and heavy equipment might be essential. If you’re a minimalist, flat-panel doors and hidden storage can keep things looking clean. Glass fronts, open shelving, pull-out spice racks, vertical tray dividers—cabinet features today are more flexible than ever.
We proudly offer brands like Showplace Cabinetry, which is known for its quality craftsmanship and wide range of customizable options. Whether you dream of creamy white shaker cabinets for a timeless look or something bold and moody, our team helps you find that perfect balance between aesthetic and everyday function.
Step 3: Plan Your Appliances
Appliances are no longer just about function—they’re a key part of the kitchen’s design. From built-in ovens to panel-ready refrigerators, today’s options allow you to blend performance with style.
But choosing appliances isn’t just about finishes—it’s about how you live. Love to host? You might need a larger cooktop or double ovens. Hate countertop clutter? A microwave drawer and hidden charging station could be game-changers.
We help you plan the layout around your appliances so everything works in harmony. That includes considering ventilation, spacing, and even noise level. We’ll also show you ways to integrate appliances seamlessly so your design feels polished and intentional from every angle.
Step 4: Select Surfaces—Tile & Countertops
This is where your personality can really shine through. Your backsplash, flooring, and countertops are the finishing touches that tie your kitchen together, and they should be beautiful and built to last.
The backsplash tile is a great place to play. Try a classic subway tile in an unexpected color, or go bold with a patterned mosaic. Durability is key for flooring, especially if you have kids, pets, or a busy household. Porcelain tile is a favorite for its low maintenance and wide range of looks, from wood to marble.
You want countertops that work as hard as you do. Quartz is a favorite for its durability and non-porous surface, while natural stone like granite or quartzite offers one-of-a-kind patterns and elegance. Want something unexpected? Butcher block or even soapstone can bring warmth and character.
Step 5: Partner with the Right Team
Even the most beautiful vision needs a solid plan and skilled execution. That’s where we come in—not just as a place to pick finishes but as a trusted partner throughout the process. Our kitchen design center offers a full-service experience—from layout consultations and 3D renderings to product sourcing and installation coordination. We work closely with contractors and installers, so there’s no guesswork or miscommunication between what you choose and what gets built.
When you work with us, you’re not piecing things together from different places—you’re creating a cohesive, curated kitchen that feels like you from top to bottom. Clients love the convenience, clarity, and confidence of working with a team that truly understands both the creative and technical sides of kitchen design.
Ready to design the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of?
Please stop by our kitchen design center and explore our curated showroom. Let’s take those saved photos and turn them into a beautiful space built for your life.