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16 Kitchen Special KITCHEN TRENDS The transition of the kitchen! I t is said that “our fondest memories are made gathered around the kitchen table,’’ but unlike memories which cannot be changed, altered or replaced with others; in terms of a kitchen, it is something than can be changed on more than one occasion if the home owner wishes to do so. From the days of solid wood and dark oak kitchens in the 1970’s to the modern styles and trends of today which encompass a variety of bright colours, fashionable trends, modern twists as well as it being the room that has become the ‘social hub’ in the majority of households unlike in earlier years when this room was described as one of the ‘undesirable rooms’ or ‘places’ to frequent. The kitchen we know today is an indispensable component to contemporary life. Today’s kitchen is often open to the family and dining rooms and it’s the natural gathering place when entertaining. Instead of welcoming guests into the living room, the kitchen is the place we gather friends or conduct business. Homeowners today are demanding large kitchen plans with plenty of space for baking, cooking and hosting and considering how important the “trophy” kitchen is for today’s homeowners, it’s amazing to think that not long ago, kitchens were one of the least desirable rooms in the home. Home & Build Winter 201