Start With How You Use the Kitchen (Not Just How You Want It to Look)

Before we talk countertops, ask a few lifestyle questions:

• Do you cook daily or mostly entertain?

• Are there multiple cooks in the kitchen at once?

• Do you host caterers or large gatherings?

• Do you want kids doing homework at the island—or a separate “mess-friendly” zone?

• Do you prefer a quiet, minimal look or a warm, layered, lived-in feel?

Your answers determine layout, storage, appliance choices, and even where outlets and lighting should go.