The key to a great kitchen is ensuring it functions as well as it looks. Chic appliances and marble countertops are only beneficial if they make your life—and culinary skills—easier. Renovating your kitchen is a significant investment of finances and time. Ideally, you’ll be redesigning your kitchen once a decade or less, so it’s crucial to make your budget count. True home chefs will want to focus on high-quality appliances, while those looking to entertain should prioritize seating and tableware. The best kitchen design ideas are timeless, looking as fresh on day one as they do years later.