-- While style is important, functionality is the key to long term happiness with kitchen remodeling projects.--

TEMPLE, Texas, December 18, 2006 –Style is generally everyone’s first concern when it comes to a kitchen remodeling project, but if the kitchen doesn’t serve the needs of the household the homeowner probably won’t be happy with their investment. Fortunately, today’s homeowner has a number of options that combine both style and function.

Today’s modern laminate products are just one example of where style meets function. Countertops are available in a number of colors and designs that mimic more expensive materials like stone at a fraction of the price and are easier to care for. Like laminate countertops, laminate flooring offers an extremely long wear life with a minimum of maintenance and expense while closely resembling expensive designs – such as hand-scraped artisan wood flooring. Additionally, money saved in the countertop and flooring can be allocated in the budget for higher quality appliances or the addition of new windows that will help brighten the kitchen through natural light.

Before making final purchasing plans based on style alone, think carefully about function. Answer these questions and keep them in your remodeling notebook for easy reference when you are making purchasing and planning decisions:

• Who and how many people will use the kitchen?
• Will the kitchen serve young children or elderly family members?
• Does anyone have special needs?
• Where will most of the meals be served once the kitchen remodel is complete?
• How often do you entertain and what role will the kitchen play in entertaining guests (i.e., do guests often end up in the kitchen)?
• What is your entertainment style – formal or informal?
• When you are entertaining, do you cook the food yourself or have it catered?
• Who is the primary cook? What is their cooking style and what atmosphere would they like in the kitchen?
• How tall is the primary cook?
• What are your storage requirements and what storage improvements would you like to see in the new kitchen?

To gather more ideas, go to local kitchen design showrooms, home appliance centers or manufacturer Web sites to look at products and design elements. Use these resources to help answer your questions concerning product functionality that will help make your dream kitchen the perfect combination of style and functionality.

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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