By Andy MackayKitchen design has been highlighted as one of the most important aspects of improving a home.Writing for City A.M., Jessie Hewitson noted that many people have been looking to upgrade their properties - rather than moving house.She suggested that adding value is important when doing so, selecting the kitchen as a critical room.Arabella Gurney of interior design practice and property developer Blaze Co was said to recommend granite for counters, as it is solid and practical as well as offering a reflective surface and a depth of colour.Planning is the key to creating a statement kitchen no other room in the house has to cater for so many functions and people, the article stated.Home improvements expert at the Ideal Home Show George Clarke recently emphasised the benefits of allowing natural light into the kitchen, suggesting large, glass doors or skylights in the roof can help achieve this.