Are you doing a total renovation? If so, the decision about whether to go with a 48" range (or any stand-alone range) or separate cooktop + wall ovens is a fundamental one which will impact the entire cabinet design, and must be decided very early in the process. If you have the desire, space, and budget for a 48 incher, I'd insist upon it, as one cannot be easily retrofitted into any kitchen when/if the existing cooktop dies. It's perfectly OK to economize by re-using a fridge and dishwasher, as the holes they occupy are standard and new ones can be easily popped in when the old ones die. But cooktops are different. There are no standards for shape/size between brands so matching a new one to an existing cut-out in your counter tops can really limit your choices down the road. Can you get Hubs to buy into these arguments?

Do you have a PC or a Mac? Some people use IKEA software and some use SketchUP, both of which, I think are free. I really like the Chief Architect softwares, which I think are user friendly. Different versions vary in price, depending on the features you want/need. Some do construction calculations, and also landscaping design work, but some are more about interiors, and cost less. Also, older versions cost less, and those are usually available on Amazon, etc. However, Chief Architect is a Windows based software, so won't work on a Mac without Windows installed. I found it VERY helpful in designing our house to be able to do layouts and see my ideas in 3D. Somethings that seemed good in my head didn't look at all good in 3D, so I could've had a very bad surprise had I not seen it first. It also enabled me to tweak colors and other design and function details until they were the best I could manage. I got to really know my kitchen space before it even existed. One of my first ideas, seen from different angles: Plan Renderings, trying different materials and colors: Current Result for comparison: There are also elevation types of renderings for more clarity on details: And the floorplans look like this:

People curse it, but I choose to plug stuff into the IKEA planner. The NKBA has a similar free planner that I think has a kitchen version. I've only used it for bathrooms a few times. when I was planning my own house I loved using graph paper, automatic pencil, a good eraser and a straight edge. My husband thinks sketch up is fun (I DON'T) so I'd draw things up on graph paper and he'd plug it all in to sketchup for me.

I agree with BenjesBride. If you're posting for comments, the most useful pictures you can give us are: Most important - Kitchen Space: To-scale drawing of your space on graph paper with all measurements clearly labeled. -- You can download free graph paper from the internet and draw boxes, etc., using Paint, PowerPoint, or other application/program. Save images as a jpg file and post it. -- Even hand-drawn on graph paper will work. Then just take a digital picture and post it. Sketch of the entire floor the Kitchen is on. See the Layout Help FAQ for more information regarding what information is the most useful: How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include .