Form follows function - how you plan to use the proposed space has a major impact on the decisions you need to make. Conduct your own lifestyle interview, carefully considering the needs and comfort of everyone in your family. Is this a place you'll be spending a lot of time? Is it a place of peaceful refuge, or a high traffic zone complete with kids, dogs and the occasional rollerblade? Do you entertain frequently? If you're redesigning a kitchen, will it provide the setting for elaborate two-chef creations or microwaving pizza pockets before soccer? Do you prefer a formal or informal setting? Are there other special considerations, such as a home office or wheelchair accessibility? Or will moisture resistance, noise reduction or spillage be factors? The choices you make can provide solutions to many different challenges -but you first need to identify what those challenges are.