I build kitchens for a living and have to laff at some of Mama's comments. Most people I put kitchens in for just use them for show and always order out for their food., they don't even make their own coffee.
A kitchen has to be designed around ones needs, Cabinet types, space for storage. Do you bake? Pan sizes, places to store them. Do you like storing supplies? Pantry sizes. Stove types, gas, electric, commercial grades, exhaust vents styles and selections. The type of fridge that suits you and your famlies needs, Freezer space, fridge space, top mounted freezers, side by sides, Bottom freezers, drawer type freezers.... Sink types, faucet types, dish washers, garbage disposals. The list goes on and on. Then you get into layouts to also best serve your needs. Conter tops. Everyone likes the stone tops now. They are expensive and come in so many styles and colors. Working with your space and the layout will determine work space and what type of lighting you will need. Don't forget flooring. With stone counter tops, one usually goes with tile flooring, also a zillion different selections to choose from.

All the work, planning, coordinating, designing and a whole lot of aggrevation, hopefully when finished your kitchen will be exactly that, Yours.

I can't understand for the life of me why some put in the biggest kitchens and show off everything that they don't use. Who are they fooling? I've seen my share - and I have several friends that never even walk into their kitchens. The fridge is stocked with beer and a few microwaveable things. And they put in elaborate kitchens. total idiots - and they even brag that they don't use the room! I even have a friend that buys every kitchen gadget there is - hey - I have tons of them myself - but atleast mine get used - they aren't packed in boxes lined up down the hallway to the bedrooms like hers are. Now that is a sickness!

I realize everyone has ther own needs and desires. Maybe I should have phrased this as a rhetorical question. I'm so darned excited about getting a new kitchen, I just want to talk to everyone about theirs. If you could see what I've been cooking in for the last 13 years, you would know why. Thanks for everyones input.
Jerrie

Jerrie - there is nothing that is more enjoyable than designing your very own kitchen. But make it YOUR kitchen - reflecting on what you do - what you cook - how you cook. There is so much you can do. You'll have a ball doing it!

Kitchens are indeed wonderful, magical places. And for those who spend a lot of time in them, they tend to need to be places that are a.) comfy, b. well equipped and c. athstetically pleasing.

That said- I'm a minimalist. If I don't HAVE TO have an applianne or gadget, I prefer NOT to have it. I also like tools that have several multi-uses. For instance- I personally have no need ofr a garlic press- the side of my french knife smashes cloves perfectly. And my cheese knife? Also makes the perfect potato peeler. That's not to talk-down garlic presses- many have them and love them. But me? I owned 3-4 for ages and finally got rid of them when I realized I hadn't used them in years.

I always require good and plentiful lighting- and I also always enjoy a large window at the sink so I have a place other than a stark wall to look out of and daydream while I scrub pots/pans and wash dishes.

I also am an art lover. I have not only many framed prints... I also am lucky enough to have some lovely framed food watercolors painted by a very dear member here at Spice Place- as well as many framed vintage photos of those on my family tree cooking in their old-time kitchens- and I value these treasures perhaps more than any of the art throughout my modest condo.