The kitchen is one of the most remodeled areas of the home both in amount of money spenet and the frequency with which homeowners perform this task. This has much to do with changing food preparation habits bu it also has to do with shifting styles and changing appliances.

If you ask the question: "Where is most of the work performed in the kitchen?" you will get a multitude of differing answers based upon both the personal and cooking tastes of the user. A health-conscious homeowner might spend more time over the sink cleaning and preparing fresh vegetables that, say, using the cooktop where a lover of pies and desserts might be using the oven more often. This targeted usage has a large part in determining many kitchen designs.

Food Preparation

Many guides on kitchen design say that there should be a minimum of 3 feet for food preparation, but this is for a small kitchen supporting an average-sized family. If you are preparing a large, family dinner this space will be stretched to the max. This is is the reason why islands were a boon to food preparation because they both allowed another workstation in the kitchen and gave the homeowner a dedicated place for the food sink and garborator or cooktop. In any case it was another level platform, complete with storage.

Food preparation also includes the small appliances like blenders, food processors and mixmasters which also have to be accessible because of their weight. These can be housed in "garages" on the countertop, stowed in the cabinet beneath or stored on the countertop. Spatulas and other utensils are often hung from racks or stored in ergonomically-accessible trays in the cabinet drawers.

Cooking

Whether you use gas or electric, the process of cooking requires specialized equipment for both cooktop and oven use. As well, there must be enough space for pots, pans and other equipment which must be accessible and, if need be, have the ability to be stored out of sight. Some kitchens are designed for a "commercial look" where the pots and utensils are hung in racks above the work area.

Depending on the size with which you have to work, separating the cook top and oven are a good idea so that both work spaces are at equal levels. Some homes have double-ovens which makes it easier for those who like baking and for large, family dinners. In addition, many people do not like bending down to retrieve a cake in a range oven and, as well, a wall oven makes it easier to see the progress of the cooking process at a glance.

Countertops

Granite is still the overwhelming favorite but several other products are becoming popular. One counter that is gaining ground is wood, especially teak and walnut. Another is granite transformation where stone bits are mixed with epoxy and rolled into a countertop. It is the look and feel of stone without the maintenance.

Ventilation

Range hoods should be vented outside even though many of them come with an option to trap odor and grease and then return the air to the home. Not only is this unhealthy and dirty it also releases moisture from the cooking food back into the home. Excess moisture is an enemy of homes and that is why there is so much attention paid to HVAC systems which get rid of it. Mold, rot and insects love moisture and kitchens and bathrooms are a silo of moisture production as it is water brought into the home.

Twenty years ago many homeowners were under the spell of stoves which contained huge fans and claimed to "pull the kitchen smells down" and into an exhaust pipe thereby negating the need for a range hood. Tests proved that getting all the moisture and vaporized grease was almost impossible as a certain amount would escape. The bottom line was that warm vapor wants to naturally rise and it would take a very strong fan or fans to make it go elsewhere.

The new ventilation fans and range hoods feature a sculpted look complete with power lighting and twin fans to exhaust the moisture and oily air quickly. They also have easily accessible filters which can be removed and placed in the dishwasher.

Storage

Cabinets no longer have to be a solid bank of the same design and color. In a rural Mediterranean design there can be up to three different styles, some eloquent while others very plain.

Pantries: Side pantries are becoming popular in the new kitchen. These are separate rooms where bulk items such as floor, pasta and cereal can be stored. This is great for families who buy soup and other canned goods by the carton-full when it's cheaper. Many pantries can hold up to half-a year's supplies.

Pot Storage: Pots are one of those forgotten items when designing a kitchen unless it is a design where they are right in your face suspended on racks. Pot drawers beside the stove are becoming popular with those who do not want to bend over and dig for the right pot in a bottom cabinet.

Dish Storage: Dishes and cutlery are being shuffled to the side as they are in a commercial kitchen. For those kitchens with breakfast nooks or islands where the family eats quick meals these areas are where the dishware and utensils are being stored.

Food Aids: Spices, sauces and cooking utensils are now being stored front and center for use in both food preparation and cooking.

Flooring

Tile is still the favorite in kitchens floors and the design can include several sizes and designs. Marble, slate and travertine – or porcelain look-a-likes – combine the irregular look of the cabinets and draw then into one theme. Hardwood is also making a comeback and various woods are found in the kitchen. Of course these have to be properly sealed.