As a designer who loves the creative outlet of cooking as well as designing kitchens for clients, I found this top ten list to share. What does it take to create a dream kitchen? One that’s beautifully designed, high functioning and best of all, accessible for every home cook and every budget?

The Art Institutes recently posed this scenario to several of its top interior design faculty and chef instructors, challenging each group of experts to come up with a top-ten list of “must haves,” either for a new or renovated kitchen. It turns out that chefs and interior designers share priorities about kitchen design essentials. To end up with a great kitchen on any budget, the experts encourage consulting a professional.

According to Chef Chris Lauderdale of The Art Institute of California-Orange County, “It’s not the money a homeowner spends on a renovation, or a brand new kitchen. It’s the thought and planning that goes on before.”

From The Art Institutes Interior Design faculty:

10. Walls and ceiling finish
9. Quality and craft of floor finish
8. Quality plumbing
7. Proper circuit isolation for electrical
6. Configuration of room
5. Natural light
4. Indirect light
3. Task light
2. Quality countertop material
1. Triangulation of work area (cook surface, refrigerator, sink)

From The Art Institutes Culinary Arts Program faculty:

10. Adequate storage for cooking equipment
9. Adequate number of electrical outlets
8. Height of counters
7. Amount of counter space
6. Countertop material
5. Quality cabinetry
4. Ventilation
3. Waste container placement
2. Work surface lighting
1. Triangulation of stove, refrigerator and sink.