Ask yourself, would you rather spend the money on beautiful-but overly priced- appliances and cabinetry, that work in the same way as less expensive, cabinets and appliances? For some, the answer is "yes." For others, it's better to have functionality and simple beauty, rather than have a designer kitchen with all the newest, most expensive "brand name" appliances, cabinetry, and accessories.

When deciding whether or not to go with a designer kitchen, take a look at what you need. Write down what you NEED. Then make another list for WANTS. Then, finally, write out your budget. If a designer kitchen isn't really in your budget, then the obvious answer is to choose items for functionality- and try to incorporate more inexpensive items that go with the "designer look" you really like.

This can be as simple as choosing a two-color kitchen. Where your walls, counters and cabinets are of a two-color color scheme. Then you can choose black, white, or even stainless steel, gold or silver-tone accessories to complement your color scheme. Find things that fit with the look you are going for, and then be thrilled at your new kitchen.

A designer kitchen is wonderful, but truly, whether it's just the basics of what you need, or whether you get everything you want/dream of- you can make your own "designer kitchen." It becomes a designer kitchen when it's something you've designed and thought up yourself.

If you're lucky enough to have a budget that can afford to spend an unlimited amount of your designer kitchen, then the sky's the limit! If it makes you happy, go for it!