Whether you're an experienced chef or rarely go beyond microwaving ramen noodles, your kitchen is an integral part of your space. Though everyone's needs may differ, the kitchen often functions as the heart of the home, where friends and family can gather to share meals, stories, or even just a glass of wine. That's why getting a kitchen right can be so challenging.

"Start by fantasizing the dreamiest, most sumptuous kitchen without holding yourself back at all—in other words, don't think about budget and space constraints," Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design tells MyDomaine. "It's easier to scale back in the beginning than it is to tack things on later. By starting with your most perfect kitchen, you'll be able to better clarify and define exactly what it is that you want and need. Kitchens are notoriously tricky, and this is an exercise that provides focus, creates intention, and sets a strong foundation for all the work that follows."

01 Learn From the Past

Trends are cyclical and while you might wish some fads stayed in the past, chances are, they'll become popular again. This time, however, you can update them to your own taste. Cathie Hong Interiors proved that dark wood kitchen cabinets are not stuck in the past when paired with modern hardware and a touch of open shelving.

02 Don't Discount Cabinets

It's an open shelving world and we're all living in it, but that doesn't mean cabinets are over. Gray Space Interior Design led by Rasheeda Gray makes a case for bringing back full cabinetry in this gorgeous kitchen. The best part? If you're not ready for picture-perfect shelves, you can just shut the cabinet doors.

03 Add Smart Storage

In small kitchens, storage is key but getting it right can be a bit of a challenge. Karen Emile of Milk and Honey Life uses a rod and S-hook system to hang her most-used utensils from measuring cups to a potholder.

04 Keep Things Light and Bright

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All-white kitchens are having a major moment. Desiree Burns of Desiree Burns Interiors embraces the trend and adds a touch of beadboard paneling for texture and sophisticated black accents like pendants and backsplash to make the trend her own.

05 Don't Forget to Decorate

Just because a kitchen is functional doesn't mean you can't add touches of your personal style. Take a cue from Stephanie Watkins of Casa Watkins Living, and show off your collectibles on open shelves.

06 Bring in Plenty of Greenery

In a rental kitchen, there's only so much one can do. Though we love stick-on tile and removable wallpaper, Sara Toufali of Black and Blooms created a mini garden in her rental kitchen to bring some life into the space.

07 Consider Scale

Though you may love a French door refrigerator or an oversized stovetop, it's important to consider how they will look in the context of your space. Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Pure Collected Living went with a larger range hood to help offset the size of her kitchen instead of keeping the pre-existing smaller hood.

08 Consider Hanging Light Fixtures

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Kitchens rely on good lighting—after all, you need to see clearly when you're slicing or dicing. Blakely Interior Design went with gorgeous rattan pendant lighting for this beachy escape, and the results are stunning. When adding light fixtures to your own kitchen, experts recommend incorporating a variety of lighting (pendants, task lighting, dimmers) to get the most out of your space.

09 Add Some Drama

Hannah Tyler Designs knows that a high-contrast space never goes out of style. In this black and white kitchen, the matte black hood takes center stage while the white tile and cabinetry bring a little brightness to the room.

10 Embrace Maximalism

If you love pattern, maximalism might be for you. K Shan Design proves more is more with this fun-loving kitchen, which mixes palm prints, hexagon tiles, black-and-white flooring, and a vintage rug.