Holiday plans in place, check. Guests arriving, check. But, oh no, what about the house?! Prepping for the holidays tacks on unwanted stress—there's no doubt about that. With proper planning, you can enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family without any worries. From now until New Year’s, get a jumpstart on your resolutions with these holiday-home tips.

The kitchen is the hub of the home and serves as a design cornerstone that helps to set the theme for the rest of your household. While you may already have an idea for the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances, you’ll want to consider a few other factors to ensure that you have the true kitchen of your dreams. Kitchens are only as good as their layout, and they also should compliment the overall tone of your home.