• One of the biggest tasks in creating a kitchen renovation plan is sifting through the numerous products available for such projects. However, free advice from designers and remodelers is available online and in home improvement stores to help narrow down the options and create functional, appealing kitchens of any size.
  
  

NKBA

• The National Kitchen and Bath Association, known as the NKBA,) has an "Inspiration Gallery" on its website. The gallery includes pictures of kitchen designs that won the association's 2010 design competition. You will find renovation ideas here for small, medium and large kitchens. The NKBA also has a section on its site that focuses on environmentally friendly remodeling as well as energy-saving kitchen products you may want to include in your renovation plan.
  
  

Store Displays

• Check kitchen displays at local home improvement stores. This helps you gather ideas on appealing color combinations if you want to revamp your cabinets and countertop. This also gives you an opportunity to ask sales people about product durability and maintenance. For example, you might be thinking about installing a granite countertop. However, you should consider whether you want to deal with maintaining granite. It's prone to staining if food and beverage spills aren't quickly wiped.
  
  

Virtual Design

• Try several kitchen renovation ideas with online virtual design tools. The "Virtual Room Designer" available on the Lowe's website allows you to create a kitchen layout with various products and then view your design from different angles. For more ideas, take a look at the Lowe's demo for peel-and-stick metal tiles applied to kitchen backsplashes, countertops and cabinets.
  
  

Decorating Magazine Websites

• Decorating magazine websites such as "Traditional Home" often walk readers through an entire kitchen remodeling job. This is one way to get information on how to solve lighting, space or storage problems as you create your renovation plan. Magazine sites also provide a list of products used for remodeling jobs in case you're interested in using any of them for your project.
  
  

Home Improvement Shows

• The websites of home improvement shows can keep you abreast of kitchen trends and show you how to save money on a kitchen renovation. For example, the "This Old House" website provides step-by-step directions on refacing kitchen cabinets, which is less expensive than replacing cabinets. The directions also include estimates on cost and the amount of time it will take to complete a project.