Kitchen islands have been extremely popular over the last few decades, as people look for kitchen design solutions that are open-plan and family friendly. While they are not perfect for every home, deciding on putting in a kitchen island is a crucial decision to make in any renovation project. If you want that modern kitchen look but can’t support an island, it may be possible to install a kitchen peninsula or moveable island that rolls out of the way when required.

Kitchen countertops play a major role in the look and functionality of your kitchen. Countertop design options and material selection are important considerations in any kitchen renovation, with typical materials including wood, Formica, granite, tiles, quartz, laminate, and a range of solid surfaces.

Along with the choice of materials, homeowners can also select individual countertop edges, colors, and sizes. While seamless materials such as granite will add more value and tend to be more durable, Formica and other options can be less expensive.