Be creative
There are a limitless number of ways to create a beautiful kitchen. Often, we start a project by looking at one type of surface, only to discover that another surface better suits our needs. You may want to consider combining surfaces to create one-of-a-kind designs. Look for inspiration in any number of places to make sure that you have considered all the possibilities, for instance, take snapshots of friends' kitchens which you admire, or cut out pictures from magazines. And don't forget the galleries of great kitchens in the product areas of this website.

Get organized
With so many choices, it is easy to get a little overwhelmed. Make a list of the qualities you are looking for in a surface, and rank them in order of importance.  For instance,

• Do you think of your kitchen as a showplace or a workplace?
• Do you see yourself cooking a little or a lot?
• Doing a little countertop maintenance or a fair amount of it?

You should also make a list of the elements you know you will need such as sinks, backsplashes, and sideboards, and take careful measurements. Have your list, a sketch or floorplan of your kitchen, and the measurements handy when you visit your retailer.

Be realistic

When coming up with a design and budget, consider your plans for the future. Are you planning on staying in your home for a number of years? If so, you should take the time to customize your countertops to your particular needs and tastes. After all, you will be spending many hours in this kitchen. Are you planning to put your home on the market? You may want to talk to a realtor or kitchen designer about what colors and styles are popular. If you rent, ask yourself how long you plan to stay. If it's more than a year, then it may be worth investing in a surface you will enjoy and that others will admire.