Looking for appliances? Here are a few things to consider:

• How much time do you spend in the kitchen?
• Are you cooking meals for a large family or entertaining small groups of friends?
• How important is the design and color of the appliances?
• How long do you plan to live in the house?
• Are you more interested in design or function?
• What's your budget?

Also, think about what you like or dislike about your current appliances. If you've never used the special "china" cycle on your dishwasher, why have it on the next one? If you realize that black appliances are tough to keep clean, switch to white or almond.

The main appliances to consider for a kitchen are:

Refrigerator - Do you want a side-by-side model or the "over and under" style? If it's the latter style, do you want the freezer on the top or bottom. They are sold with both designs.

Stove - Are you looking for a traditional stove with four burners or the high-end design that looks like a commercial model? Do you want gas or electric?

Dishwasher - Noise is a common complaint among those who have older model dishwashers. Look for a dishwasher that won't disturb the baby or your after dinner guests. Also, some newer models have openings designed for large pots and pans.

Microwave oven - A mainstay in any kitchen today. Many renovators add them over the stove instead of having them take valuable counter space. Think about how you will use the microwave oven. Will you just reheat food or cook full meals?

Among the trends in appliances are:

• stainless steel - either all stainless appliances or ones with a stainless panel on the front
• refrigerators that are built into the cabinetry and, thus, blend with the overall design
• refrigerators with computerized temperature and humidity controls for better food storage and less waste
• warming drawers, particularly on an island
• a second dishwasher on an island