House Beautiful recently interviewed a selection of kitchen designers to gain their professional advice on the dos and donts of kitchen renovations, with some interesting results. The current trend is for kitchen cabinets fitted all the way up to the ceiling, rather than for cabinets that only go half-way. Short cabinets collect dust and un-needed accessories, says designer Joan Schindler. The designers also favoured cabinetry to conceal some appliances, particularly when it comes to concealing stainless-steel appliances. Splashes of stainless all over the place make any kitchen look and feel choppy and small, says kitchen designer Matthew Quinn. A common mistake is to go overboard with storage and cabinets. Theres rarely a need to completely fill a room with cabinets. A good layout is a balancing act between storage, function and aesthetics, says designer Robert Bakes. The designers also all agreed that strong and good-looking cabinets were a good investment. Think about ityoure opening and closing those doors and drawers all the time. Get something strong and good-looking. Hardwoods, a good finish, and strong hinges are essential, says kitchen designer Beverly Ellsley.