The kitchen can be the central gathering spot of the home. It is becoming an increasingly important room. The newest kitchens look warm and natural, not out-there modern, even though they're packed with state-of-the-art gadgets.

It is now a multipurpose room, with space for cooking, eating, socializing, paying bills, doing homework, washing clothes, surfing the Web or watching movies. This means more open areas -- with peninsulas and work islands -- that flow into surrounding areas.

Lighter wood, particularly oak, is still timeless. It is inexpensive and will take more abuse. Maple is a somewhat costlier, abundant hardwood but is the new blonde bombshell. Cherry is darker and more pricey, though less durable. If you can't afford cherry but want the look, buy red birch.

To get the cooking done efficiently, double wall ovens offer flexibility when it comes to large family gatherings or entertaining. Combination conventional-convection ovens cook faster and more evenly. Over-the range microwaves with an exhaust fan and light at the bottom save increasingly scarce counter space. And electric or gas cooktops outfitted with out-of-sight downdrafts or elegant range hoods serve as a focal point for the entire room.

More at-home entertaining means additional features such as warming drawers that keep food, plates and serving trays hot. Countertops are getting cluttered, giving rise to hideaway shelves, walk-in pantries, and rollout trash cans and dish drawers.

Decorative, colorful and stylish lighting, such as pendants, chandeliers and ambient under-the-counter cabinet lighting, are popular. Open shelving, or shelves with glass fronts, are in. More kitchen remodels now include lit china cabinets mounted into the wall, or a "chef's shelf" near the stove or sink showcasing attractively displayed, frequently used items.

One final thought

"There are nine requisites for contented living:
health enough to make work a pleasure;
wealth enough to support your needs;
strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them;
grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them;
patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished;
charity enough to see some good in your neighbor;
love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others;
faith enough to make real the things of God;
hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe