The first thing you should do when designing your kitchen is to determine the importance of your kitchen for everyday life. For example, ask yourself the following questions:
•    Do you have a large family?
•    Is there usually more than one cook (do the kids help, does your partner help)?
•    Is the kitchen the central gathering spot for the family and/or guests?
•    Is the kitchen used for other things – studying, home office?
•    How much storage do you need?

Finding the answer to these questions will give you a starting point for designing a kitchen that is functional and practical for your needs.

Lighting
Lighting is an important part of designing your kitchen. You will want the kitchen bright and inviting, especially is your entertain a lot. Consider track lighting that enables you to point the lights to different areas of the kitchen. Another consideration is lighting options for under the cabinets – between the countertop and overhead cabinets. This is sometimes the darkest places in the kitchen, but places where light is needed for preparation of meals.

Flooring
Flooring is another important aspect of designing your kitchen. If the kitchen is the central room in your home, you will want flooring that is easy to take care of, yet sets off the overall theme of your kitchen.

Cabinets
Some people may consider cabinets the single-most important feature of the kitchen. When choosing cabinets for your kitchen, you should keep in mind the amount of storage space you will need. The color of your kitchen cabinets will help you set the tone for the room – for a brighter kitchen, use lighter wood. If you have chosen a theme for your kitchen, the cabinets can be used to enhance this theme. For example, if your cabinets are painted, you can use colors that work with your theme, or even stencil designs that will work with your theme.

Islands
If your kitchen opens into another room (dining room, den, etc.), an island is a great way to separate the two rooms, while still creating the sense of one large room. Using an island between the two rooms is a great way to keep the cook from feeling isolated in the kitchen and conversation with family members or guests is possible during the preparation of meals.

Countertops
Your countertops will also be an important decision. You will want countertops that are pretty, yet functional and practical. There are several types of countertops to choose from. Some popular materials for countertops include marble, limestone, and granite. Ceramic tile countertops are also becoming popular because of the versatility this type gives you when choosing color, shapes, and patterns. Laminate countertops have long been popular because they are inexpensive – but the main problem with laminate countertops is that they do not stand up to the constant use like marble or ceramic. Laminate countertops have to be replaced more often than other types. Wood countertops, as well, do not last as long as other types because water and chemicals can damage the wood. There are many choices available in countertops the offer a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Bringing It All Together
When designing your kitchen, you should keep in mind the importance of the kitchen to daily life and entertaining. Your kitchen should provide you with enough storage space to meet your needs, as well as enough living space to meet your needs. Choosing your floors, cabinets, and countertops so that they all work together to enhance the theme of your kitchen will help you to create an oasis that is welcoming to all – family members and guests alike.