[Robert Adams]

I've redone maybe 4 or 5 kitchens over in the last 30 years. I've made cabinets, I've bought used from guys redoing new, I've used Lowes -NOT HD and custom. I must say the 2nd to last project I did at lowes because it was a renovation out of state and I could go down to the local Lowes to buy it and then pick it up when it was in at the out of state location. I've also used Home Expo for stone counters and it was a terrific experience. Yes I'm sure I paid a little more for it, but I got deferred payment for a year which helped us out while finishing the rest of the home expansion.
I bought Kraftmaid and they were beautiful. I was able to upgrade the cabinet construction & options for a marginal expense. They helped me with the layout, having a design back ground I did most of it before I got there, but take TONS of measurements of the kitchen space. Have ALL the specs for the ALL the appliances no matter where you go. I suggest buying all the appliances first so you know the spec's will not change from the time you buy until the time they are needed. I bought them all at one store and negotiated a deeper discount. Now days, that will probably happen as a matter of course anyway, BUT ASK you would be surprised how many people don't. You'll probably feel like you're in a bazaar or something, but who cares if it will get you another $1800 off? Either arrange for the appliance company to hold them until you are ready (free) or have them delivered to your home and store them there until you are ready for them. If you go custom cabinets, you may want to split ship the appliances to the millwork shop, such as ranges, ovens, etc. so they get the cabinet cut outs right. I’ve heard people use Direct Buys, but don't really have any experience with them. I find I can get pretty good pricing down the street by negotiating, but you need to know exactly what you want and what they are selling for. All of that info is on the internet. It's a near exhausting process, but could get very expensive if you don't pay attention to the details not to mention you may not end up with what you thought you were. Details, details details! You have to because nobody else will.
You could hire project management from an architect to help you there, but that's a tricky thing to do. You really need the right person in that position and they are hard to come by. Beside, you would need to hire the architect to get the PM
That really brings up a whole other way to go here as well. Not sure what your budget is or the size of your project, but you could hire an independent kitchen designer or interior architect to do the layout, cabinet & appliance specs & drawings. They know what is the latest and greatest in kitchen design, colors & finishes and will be able to design something that will not be obsolete in a year as well as get the best bang for your buck in function.
Whatever you do, do your home work and know what you want, what you like and don't like, stay involved in the process all the way to the end and if something they (MOSTLY THE CONTRACTOR) say doesn't seem right to you, check around for another opinion. We're not shy around here!
In spite of my comments it's a fun project and when all is said and done it will have been well worth it. GOOD LUCK