provided by: 
The kitchen has evolved over time from a place to prepare and eat meals to the focal point of a home. Today, kitchens are used as gathering places and a place for doing homework and crafts, paying bills, and surfing the Internet-and kitchen design is now reflecting that usage. Computer desks, huge islands, fireplaces, and comfortable seating areas are frequent choices in kitchen remodels.
"The kitchen has really become the Grand Central Station of the home. It's the place where people spend a lot of time, so there are a lot of renovations occurring within the kitchen area before any other room.
Homeowner preferences in kitchens these days include commercial-look stainless steel appliances, most often in a brushed finish, which used to be found only in high-end homes, but have moved into mid-priced homes as well.
Homeowners also are opting for the look of freestanding furniture in the kitchen-adding cabinetry with a different finish or at a different height than the rest so that it doesn't appear to be built in. "The furniture look is strong."Maple glazed cabinets are catching up to cherry in popularity, and the simple, sleek lines of Shaker, Mission, and Asian design can be seen throughout the kitchen. Darker finishes are a frequent choice for cabinets.
Merlot-a deep burgundy color-has become quite popular, as has black.While homeowners still prefer a sleek, clean look in the kitchen, elegant touches, such as farmhouse sinks or Victorian faucets, add class and individuality.Kitchen Magic offers all of these options in your new custom kitchen. A newly refaced kitchen will save you enough to add on all the amenities you can dream up. Refacing is less expensive but still very chic! See the Kitchen Magic gallery at: http://www.kitchenmagic.com/gallery/
article at HomeRenovationGuide.com