Summer's a time to kick back and relax, but at Consumer Reports this time of year also signals the return of our special section on kitchen remodeling and our revamped Kitchen-Planning Guide, which highlights the latest trends and top-performing products from our tests.      

As you plan your kitchen project, think enjoyment, not resale value. Kitchen remodeling today is all about what you need, rather than some over-the-top designer's checklist that makes slabs of fine Italian marble, a butler's pantry, and gargantuan appliances seem as necessary as a refrigerator and range.

"People aren't settling for less, they're just realizing that they don't need so much excess," says Laura DuCharme Conboy, an architect in La Jolla, California. We call it the return of the classic kitchen—one that's welcoming, efficient, and timeless, not glitzy or supersized. In short, a room you want to spend time in for years to come. Read "The Classic Kitchen" for more on this trend.

Budgets vary, so we created kitchen-design schemes at three different price points, including the $5,000 DIY kitchen, the $15,000 project with some assembly required, and the $50,000 let-the-pros-do-it remodel.

We've also included details on kitchen cabinets, reviews of countertops and flooring, and information on the best places to buy appliances.