A kitchen renovation is a major undertaking. Nonetheless, it offers huge dividends: the satisfaction of tailoring your kitchen to your household’s specific needs, making it look just the way you want it, and, of course, boosting the resale value of your home.

According to the latest Census Bureau statistics, home improvement projects account for almost 75 percent of the $198.6 billion American homeowners spent in 2004 on their homes. And kitchen renovations were among the most popular.

While mid-century urban and suburban kitchens tended to be isolated workspaces, today’s kitchens are social areas where families spend time together and guests sit and socialize while their hosts make dinner. Open-plan kitchens that meld into the dining area are practically essential these days.

Whether your budget allows you to start from scratch in a newly built home, tackle a major floor-to-ceiling renovation in an older home, or just work on a small-budget facelift, you’ll find there are a number of key elements in kitchen design. Here are the main categories to consider.

From a design perspective, start with your preferences. Simple Asian or Italian-inspired cabinetry without extraneous paneling or molding creates a clean, modern look. Opt for mostly closed storage (meaning no glass doors or open shelving) for a clean, uncluttered look, paired with streamlined chrome or brushed-nickel fixtures.

If your taste runs towards cottage-chic Americana, opt for coastal-style white Shaker cabinets with a few open cabinets and shelves, and simple round pulls, in chrome or brushed nickel.

If you’re after the look of a grand European kitchen, paneled cabinetry with ornate crown and dentil molding is the way to go -- but opt for a rich dark stain, not the crackled and distressed paint finishes popular in the 90s. Include open storage and glass-front doors to show off collections. Oil-rubbed bronze is the perfect timeworn finish for cabinetry hardware for this style.

The pro-kitchen look is a growing trend, with stainless-steel counters and back splashes and open shelving.

Ambient lighting casts a general illumination around the room; think halogen puck or pin lights that are installed flush with the ceiling. The number you’ll need will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, so ask your designer.

Task lighting illuminates chores such as cooking; for that, install under-cabinet lights to brighten the counter area.

Accent lighting creates an attractive focal point; install pendant lights over an island or kitchen table. Pendant lights come in modern or old-fashioned designs, to match your kitchen style. Rope lights that contain tiny pinpoint lights within a vinyl tube can be tucked behind crown molding on upper cabinetry to highlight it, as well as any collections stored on top of upper cabinetry.

Marble is another popular natural stone, although slightly less hardy than granite. Carrara marble with its cool gray-swirled white color (popularized in French bistro tables) is a classic that’s delightful in a traditional kitchen, or a modern chef-style kitchen (it’s ideal for rolling out pastry).

Engineered stone such as Silestone and Corian combines the feel of real stone with uniform color options. Just don’t expect a bargain: engineered stone often costs more than the real thing.

Slate, soapstone, butcher block and stainless-steel counters are increasingly trendy and fit the moderate-to-high price category. Finally, laminate’s a perennial favorite owing to its low-cost and versatile patterns.

Don’t feel beholden to using the same countertop material or shade throughout the same room. You can use a different one on your island or baking nook. Avoid jarring color changes for a more seamless transition.

Today’s trend is towards professional-style, high-end, stainless-steel appliances, inspired by the popularity of television cooking shows. If you’ve got the budget and the inclination, catch the trend by opting for built-in wall ovens, a countertop gas grill, side-by-side fridge and whisper-quiet dishwasher. If you don’t, a combination range (oven and stove top in one), standard fridge (possibly with a bottom-mount freezer, for convenience) and typical dishwasher (though a stainless-steel interior will net you energy savings since it keeps the water hotter) will fit the bill just fine. Today’s energy-efficient appliances make it a better time than ever to upgrade from older models; your investment will likely be recouped by your energy savings and added home value.

While stainless steel finishes are hot and can be suited to both modern and traditional interiors, white remains the most popular finish. It costs less and can be just as versatile as stainless. Both finishes reflect light and contribute an expansive feel to a room. Black appliances are also popular.

For high-traffic areas, floor tiles in oversize ceramic, slate and limestone are popular. Vinyl flooring is a lower-priced alternative that comes in a wide range of styles and colors. Sheet vinyl is preferable to peel-and-stick tiles as the latter can become raised over time. Finally, what’s old is new again: traditional linoleum is making a comeback due to its retro charm and environmental friendliness (it’s made from linseed oil and natural fibers).