Careful observation of how your family uses the kitchen or bathroom is a critical step in creating a successful new design. Note existing traffic patterns and determine how accessible the important features are to all family members. Question everything, don't overlook the obvious. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• Are you a one-cook or multi-cook family?
• Does everyone join in the cleanup or is it one person?
• Should your plan include an eating space?
• Are your meals elaborate affairs, or do you eat and run?
• Do you have enough storage space?
• Are your cabinets adequate and logically planned?
• What small appliances do you need ready access to?
• Do you need a message center?
• Do you want a range or a built-in oven?
• Would you like to recycle?