Challenge 4: Designers' Challenge Kitchen Makeover

Get all of my design tips from the weekly judgment of the challenges.

Click here for a larger image
Invest in Quality Countertops
One area never to skimp on in a kitchen is the countertop. The countertop is often referred to as the "workhorse" of the kitchen because it gets a tremendous amount of use and abuse. No matter what your renovation budget is, invest in a great countertop material and make up the difference somewhere else. Plastic laminate, utilized in this kitchen renovation, is one of the most inexpensive countertop materials and often has cleaning issues later down the road due to extra seams which can be vulnerable to collecting moisture, mold and bacteria.

If possible, choose a solid-surface material or granite in a neutral or timeless color as opposed to one that has a lot of "movement" or pattern. Let your color and pattern happen on drapery, wall coverings or decorative pillows that can be easily changed. Absolute black granite is one of my favorite countertop choices because it's durable, easily adaptable to any style or color, and relatively cost-effective since it can now be purchased by the square foot instead of by the slab.