-- Style is a matter of choice. Making the right choices before starting a kitchen remodeling plan requires answering questions about your preferences.--

TEMPLE, Texas, November 28, 2006 –Like any endeavor, the key to quality results is closely tied to your initial planning. If you are thinking about undertaking a kitchen remodeling project there are some basic questions that you will need to consider that will help make your project run more smoothly. Early answers to these questions will save you time and money and make working with retailers, designers, architects and contractors a whole lot easier.

The following questions may guide homeowners in determining the style that best fits their home and kitchen.

Style. Like fashion, kitchen style and homeowner preferences change quickly but, unfortunately, kitchen remodeling is an involved and expensive process.

Before rushing out to your local home center or talking to a designer, ask yourself these basic questions (below) and write down your thoughts about the different styles you like so that you have an easy reference to go back to when you are finalizing your plan.

• Why do I want a new kitchen?
• What do I like and dislike about my current kitchen?
• What architectural style is my home?
• Do I want my kitchen to reflect the style of my home or more closely match a new style that I prefer?
• Do I have enough space in my current kitchen for meal preparation and storage? Think about the space that your current countertops, cabinets, shelving, appliances, sink and common areas provide.
• Do I want a second sink for food preparation?
• Do I need a workspace in the kitchen for paying bills, homework or working on the computer?
• Do I have enough electrical outlets?
• What colors do I like? Consider your walls, cabinets, floor, appliances, sink and countertops.

While these questions seem straight forward, they aren’t always simply answered. To get started, you should review design magazines, catalogs and remodeling books to gather ideas for what you would like your kitchen elements resemble. To gather more ideas, go to local kitchen design showrooms, home appliance centers, or you can look at products and design elements shown on manufacturer Web sites. Use these resources to help answer your questions and add notes and copy or clip photographs and diagrams from what you find that you would like to have in your dream kitchen. By doing your homework first, creating the final plan, design and product selection will be easier for everyone involved.

If you are interested in learning more about easy kitchen remodels, Countetop.com offers a wealth of before and after photography, kitchen design ideas and tools that will assist you through your kitchen remodeling experience.

Wilsonart International, based in Temple, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products, including Wilsonart®Laminate. This year, the company celebrates its 50th year in business. For more information about Wilsonart Laminate or any Wilsonart product, please call the Customer Service Hotline at 800-433-3222. Consumers can also visit www.countertop.com and professionals can visit www.wilsonartlaminate.com.

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