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	<title>Green Home! &#187; Kitchen</title>
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	<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com</link>
	<description>Gardening and Home Improvement for Green Environment</description>
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		<title>Kitchen Remodeling &#8211; Your Kitchen Lighting</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/kitchen-remodeling-your-kitchen-lighting/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/kitchen-remodeling-your-kitchen-lighting/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[addition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ceiling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ceiling lights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[different]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fixtures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hanging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen light]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen light fixtures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen lights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[light]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[light fixtures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lighting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[looking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mentioned]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mini]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pendant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=100</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kitchen remodeling; each year millions of homeowners do it. Are you looking to become one of those homeowners? Whether you are looking to remodel every square inch of your kitchen or just part of it, there is a decent chance that you may be in the market for new kitchen lights. The lighting found in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kitchen remodeling; each year millions of homeowners do it.  Are you looking to become one of those homeowners?  Whether you are looking to remodel every square inch of your kitchen or just part of it, there is a decent chance that you may be in the market for new kitchen lights.  The lighting found in a kitchen has a significant impact on the room&#8217;s overall atmosphere.  That is why many homeowners, when remodeling their kitchens, make the decision to change their kitchen light fixtures.</p>
<p>If you are interested in replacing your kitchen lights, you will find that you, literally, have an unlimited number of different options.  Kitchen lights, as well as their fixtures, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles.  Honestly, there are some many different kitchen light fixtures to choose from, you may have a difficult time making up your mind. Despite having a difficult time making a decision, it is important that you do. As previously mentioned, the lighting in a room has a significant impact on the overall quality of that room, as well as how you may feel while inside of it. That is why it is important that you take time to research all of your choices, so that you can make the perfect selection.</p>
<p>One of the most popular types of lights for the kitchen are ceiling lights.  Ceiling lights are light fixtures that are attached right to the ceiling.  Although they are often known as the most traditional type of lighting for the kitchen, they can be anything but traditional. Whether you are shopping online or at one of your local retail stores, you should have access to hundreds of different light fixtures, many of which are ceiling lights.  The cost of a ceiling light will all depend on which style you choose, but, in most cases, you will find that ceiling lights are the most affordable of all kitchen lights.  If you are remodeling your kitchen on a budget, these types of lights may be best.</p>
<p>In addition to ceiling fans, hanging kitchen lights are quite popular.  Hanging kitchen lights comes in two main styles, chandeliers or pendants.  Pendant lighting fixtures are lights that hang down from the ceiling, often about a foot or more.  Chandelier lights are a usually a collection of hanging lights that are all grouped together.  When it comes to chandelier lights and pendant lights for the kitchen, you will often find that they are referred to as mini lights. This is because the larger size light fixtures are often too large to use in most standard kitchens.</p>
<p>In addition to the above mentioned kitchen light fixtures, you may also want to purchase lights that are known as under cabinet lights.  Under cabinet lights are ideal for those who are looking for a quick snack in the middle of the night.  If you are purchasing new kitchen cabinets, as part of your kitchen remodeling project, an under the cabinet light may be the perfect addition to your new cupboards.</p>
<p>Whether you have decided that you would like to purchase a mini pendant light, a ceiling light, or a mini chandelier kitchen light, you will still need to choose the light that looks best in your kitchen. As previously mentioned, it may be a good idea to start shopping at one of your local home improvement stores, but if you are looking for a light fixture with a particular design, it may be best to shop online.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Quick Guide to Kitchen Accessories</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/a-quick-guide-to-kitchen-accessories/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/a-quick-guide-to-kitchen-accessories/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=85</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you love to cook or if you just love gadgets, there are plenty of kitchen gadgets that you should look at. No matter what the kitchen task, there is a very cool kitchen gadget available. Here are some samples. If you love mixed drinks, lattes or hot chocolate, then you need to purchase a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you love to cook or if you just love gadgets, there are plenty of kitchen gadgets that you should look at.  No matter what the kitchen task, there is a very cool kitchen gadget available.  Here are some samples.</p>
<p>If you love mixed drinks, lattes or hot chocolate, then you need to purchase a power mixer.  These small but powerful mixers will mix the best frozen drinks, froth up milk so your latte is perfect and whip hot chocolate into a tasty treat.  Most power mixers are super small and run on batteries so you can mix either in the kitchen or on the patio.</p>
<p>If fried chicken or French fries are your specialty, then a deep fat fryer is the perfect gadget.  Now you can prepare great tasting fried chicken, battered shrimp or fries in just minutes.  These cool deep fat fryers are all automated, making frying super simple and without the normal mess of a frying pan.</p>
<p>If you love fresh bread, then you will love a bread maker.  There is nothing better to start your dinner off then fresh baked bread.  Breadmakers make your fresh bread from scratch, just add the ingredients and push a few buttons.  An hour later or so, you have delicious piping hot fresh bread.  So no matter your cooking style, check out these super cool kitchen gadgets.</p>
<p>More information can be found in http://www.home-00.info</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Snazz Up Your Home With Some Hot Candle Holders</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/snazz-up-your-home-with-some-hot-candle-holders/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/snazz-up-your-home-with-some-hot-candle-holders/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[candles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the easiest ways to perk up your house is to add some amazing candle holders to your room décor. These candle holders are inexpensive and they look great in any room of the house. And lets face it, if you love candles you need to have some good candle holders or you could [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the easiest ways to perk up your house is to add some amazing candle holders to your room décor. These candle holders are inexpensive and they look great in any room of the house. And lets face it, if you love candles you need to have some good candle holders or you could be facing quite a problem.</p>
<p>You see, candle holders are not just for looks but for safety as well. Good candle holders can mean the difference between a candle simply going out or burning down your home. If you forget about a candle, which we all do sometimes, it will be much less likely to start a fire if you have it in one of the many fantastic candle holders on the market today. When the candles are in candle holders they will simply sputter out when they get down low and burn themselves out harmlessly. Of course you still need to make ever effort to make sure you put out the candles before you leave the room or the house but if you do happen to forget one day, you will at least still have a home to come home to!</p>
<p>Anyone, no matter what their taste in home décor can find some fabulous candle holders. Candle holders come in all different colors and shapes and sizes. You can get cut glass or cut crystal candle holders, Venetian glass candle holders or even ceramic candle holders. You can get candle holders that are in the shape of animals or people, flowers or just simple random geometric shapes. There are literally millions of different candle holders for you to choose from. You will never have more fun than shopping for candle holders, the selection can keep you busy for years!</p>
<p>The best place to look for candle holders is online. When you start shopping for some new candle holders on the internet you are gong to have so many more choices at your disposal. And finding just what you are looking for has never been easier than it is today. The search engines o the internet are so powerful that all you have to do is type in just what you are looking for and you will get tons of results. Each of the websites that get show on your results page will take you to just what you have been looking for. You will never have to struggle to find the perfect candle holders again, ever.</p>
<p>And the price of the candle holders online is another fantastic part of shopping for them this way. You will be able to purchase the perfect candle holders online for a fraction of what you would pay in stores. Take a look around the stores and malls in your local area and then look at the prices of the candle holders online. The savings that you will find online will blow you away. So the next time that you are in the market for new candle holders check the internet first.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How To Organize Your Home Clutter</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/how-to-organize-your-home-clutter/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/how-to-organize-your-home-clutter/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closet organizers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen organizers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax organizers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=46</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A home is a place where family members get to be themselves in a relaxing atmosphere. An ideal home should have a comfortable and soothing ambiance that will encourage its occupants to stay there and enjoy each other&#8217;s company. However, a home that is lived in can sometimes have a busy atmosphere because of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A home is a place where family members get to be themselves in a relaxing atmosphere. An ideal home should have a comfortable and soothing ambiance that will encourage its occupants to stay there and enjoy each other&#8217;s company.</p>
<p>However, a home that is lived in can sometimes have a busy atmosphere because of the clutter and the unorganized gadgets and home furnishing. While it is natural for a lived-in home to have that homey look, it is nevertheless more convenient to have an uncluttered home for the sake of the sanity of household members who want to live in a place that is not physically and psychologically chaotic.</p>
<p>How to keep your homes organized</p>
<p>To give your home that organized look, you have to take advantage of various home organizers. There are organizers for just about every area of your home like the bathroom, living room and the garage. Even your study room or home office should be free from that chaotic look to make your mind more organized.</p>
<p>The secret of an organized and uncluttered home is storage. Having the proper place and equipment to store things can make a difference no matter how small your home is.</p>
<p>Proper storage means being able to identify things that are frequently used in your household as well as things that are no longer required for the time being. Things that are no longer being used everyday should be kept in the storage room and preserved for future use. Things that have outgrown their usefulness like damaged remote controls, tables and chairs should be thrown away or given to other people who may have a need for them.</p>
<p>There are bins or organizers for small home accessories and you can label each organizer so that even if they are packed and stored, you are still able to identify them when you will need them.</p>
<p>There are stores selling storage organizers like containers and boxes which you can either label or color code for easy identification later on. You can use box organizers for your book collection, your CDs and DVDs and even for your unused office accessories.</p>
<p>You can buy a bathroom organizer to properly store your shampoo, soap and other toiletries to avoid bathroom clutter. A shower caddy is also a bathroom organizer which uses minimal space.</p>
<p>There are bins that you can use to organize your clothes, whether these are for repair or when they need sewing, for laundry or for a garage sale. Used pencils and pens that are no longer used can be thrown away or if you want to hold into them then you can place them in a pen organizer.</p>
<p>There are plenty of ways and means to organize your home clutter. One thing for sure though, all kinds of organizers should be taken advantage of as these can help you limit the clutter to a minimum.</p>
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		</item>
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		<title>Which Tools Will You Need for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project?</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/which-tools-will-you-need-for-your-kitchen-remodeling-project/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/which-tools-will-you-need-for-your-kitchen-remodeling-project/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chance own]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[common]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[different]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hammer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hammers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hammers used]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen remodeling project]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[need]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[putty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screwdriver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tools need]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[used]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a homeowner who has recently decided that a remodeled kitchen is just what you need? If so, there is a good chance that you may want to do that remodeling yourself. If that is the case, there are a number of tools, likely a large number of tools, which you will need. While [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you a homeowner who has recently decided that a remodeled kitchen is just what you need?  If so, there is a good chance that you may want to do that remodeling yourself.  If that is the case, there are a number of tools, likely a large number of tools, which you will need.  While there is a good chance that you may already have the majority of the tools needed for your next kitchen remodeling project, there is also a chance that you might not.  Rest assure though because the majority of the tools needed can be found right at one of your local home improvement stores.</p>
<p>When it comes to determining the tools that you will need, when starting your remodeling, it is important to determine which type of remodeling you will be doing. For instance, if you are installing a new set of kitchen cabinets, you will find that the tools needed may vary a little bit from the tools that would be used to replace your kitchen floor.  That is why it is advised that you determine exactly what in your kitchen you would like remodeled, as well as what types of tools will be needed.  Despite the fact that you may need different tools for different projects, there are a number of common tools; common tools that you may need no matter what kitchen remodeling project you are working one.</p>
<p>Perhaps, the most important tools to have is a hammer.  Hammers are used on a wide variety of different kitchen remodeling projects, particularly ones that require nails.  Hammers can also be used to help position a tile or countertop piece into a tight space.  Since hammers are used all around the house, sometimes on a daily basis, there is a good chance that you already own a hammer.  In fact, there is a good chance that you own more than one!</p>
<p>Aside from a hammer, it is also a good idea to have a collection of screwdrivers on hand. Although there is a good chance that you already own a couple of screwdrivers, you may want a multi-function screwdriver.  A multi-function screwdriver is one that easily allows you to change the screwdriver heads, in no time at all.  In fact, if you are really looking to save time, you may want to purchase an electric screw gun.</p>
<p>A putty knife is another tool that you may need to use, when remodeling your kitchen.  Putty knifes are ideal when replacing a kitchen countertops or when retiling your kitchen floor.  They are great for removing unwanted or unneeded caulk or spreading around the glue that is needed to hold your kitchen tiles down.  Putty knifes are common tools, but they are not as common as hammers or screwdrivers; therefore, you may need to purchase yourself one.</p>
<p>It may also be a good idea to have box cutters or handsaws on hand.  If you are replacing the flooring in your kitchen or if you are installing a new laminate kitchen countertop, there is a good chance that you need to cut materials down to size. In some cases, a box cutter could do, but in other cases, you may need a handsaw. That is why it is best to have them both on hand.</p>
<p>In addition to the above mentioned tools, you may need to have a wrench, a measuring tape, a glue gun, a pair of pliers, and a ladder.  Of course, it is also advised that you think along the lines of safety. In addition to the above mentioned tools, it may be a good idea to have a pair of safety goggles, a face mask, work gloves, and even a hard topped construction hat, just in case.</p>
<h4>Incoming search terms:</h4><ul><li><a href="http://michigangreenexpo.com/search/needed-tools-for-remodeling" title="needed tools for remodeling">needed tools for remodeling</a></li><li><a href="http://michigangreenexpo.com/search/tools-you-need-for-remodeling-your-home" title="tools you need for remodeling your home">tools you need for remodeling your home</a></li></ul><!-- SEO SearchTerms Tagging 2 Plugin -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Strike a Balance with Bathroom and Kitchen Taps</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/bathroom/title-10/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/bathroom/title-10/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom vanity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathrooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mixer taps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roll top bath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shower enclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shower tray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steam showers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walk-i]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whirlpool bath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whirlpool baths]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=12</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The finishing touches to your bathroom or kitchen renovation project is the selection of your tap and should be given the same consideration when purchasing other bathroom furniture. Since mixer taps now come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to incorporate the latest in technology, choosing the right taps either for the bath, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The finishing touches to your bathroom or kitchen renovation project is the selection of your tap and should be given the same consideration when purchasing other bathroom furniture.  Since mixer taps now come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to incorporate the latest in technology, choosing the right taps either for the bath, shower, kitchen or basin mixer taps can add charisma to any room. Whether you are trying to achieve an ultra modern or a traditional look choosing a design that is relevant to your taste and will be significant to the rest of room creates both harmony and balance.</p>
<p>A Modern or Traditional Tap</p>
<p>What defines beauty and elegance in today&#8217;s selection of bathroom and kitchen mixer taps are the ultra modern sleek architectural designs. From curvaceous to modular geometric styles or the combination of both in brilliant chrome finishes can create a statement of authenticity and enhance the atmosphere and mood of your design. The array of choices out in the marketplace can be somewhat baffling, ranging from revolutionary and ornate Laser bathroom basin taps in tubular designs that are triggered by touch for a distinctive contemporary appeal. Traditional cross head taps have been have been brought up-to-date into the 21st century with a more angular construction and is the perfect accent to adorn any basin or bath, whatever your design needs are always go with a style that is pleasing to you and fits into the existing design of your room.</p>
<p>Looking for a tap that is both practical and functional also plays a role in the selection process, mixer taps are the ideal solution for the bathroom or kitchen available in single or dual lever controls providing a consistent water temperature and flow. Subtle and elegant traditional bath and shower mixers are a distinguished way in trying to emulate a bygone era, with ceramic accents these types of mixer taps are a favored choice for making a design statement.</p>
<p>Designer Taps</p>
<p>While the scope of kitchen remodeling is on a much grander scale, choosing the right style of tap should be of the same deliberation as in the bathroom.  If the kitchen incorporates stainless steel appliances and other modern furnishings a traditional style tap would create an unbalanced look.  Opting to go for a trendy minimalist mixer tap design would be more preferable for a complete modern ambiance. On the other hand if your kitchen has a country rustic appearance, traditional styles such as the Dual-Flow High Bridge sink mixer tap or Bib Tap style that can add a genuine touch of charm in a traditional setting.</p>
<p>With stainless steel kitchen sinks still leading the way in popularity and versatility, there is a broad range of complementary taps in metallic and colored finishes to co-ordinate with your design motif and to co-inside with your kitchen accessories. Deciding whether you want a dual-flow tap which provides independent hot and cold water flow or a single lever taps which combines hot and cold water temperatures with one adjustment at the initial design stage will help ease and narrow the selection process as well as avoiding costly mistakes.</p>
<p>Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, shower enclosures, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.</p>
<p><img border="0" width="1" height="1" alt="img.001.002047 Strike a Balance with Bathroom and Kitchen Taps" src="http://linkfromblog.com/img.001.002047.gif" title="Strike a Balance with Bathroom and Kitchen Taps" /></p>
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		<title>View From My Island: The Grand Outing of the Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/title-9/index.html</link>
		<comments>http://michigangreenexpo.com/kitchen/title-9/index.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen carts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen islands]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michigangreenexpo.com/?p=11</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I was growing up as a child in the sixties, kitchens were always a hidden affair. If it was not separated by a wall from the other rooms in the house, then a divider had to be installed to hide it from the rest of the world. Inviting friends over to the kitchen to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I was growing up as a child in the sixties, kitchens were always a hidden affair.  If it was not separated by a wall from the other rooms in the house, then a divider had to be installed to hide it from the rest of the world. Inviting friends over to the kitchen to show off your new kitchen island or cooktop was not the thing to be done.</p>
<p>But not anymore.  The kitchen of my adult years has now become the focal point of the house and the people who live in it. There is still the obligatory lounge room to receive guests but it is now just a little room on the way to the grand, open space of kitchen, family and rumpus rooms combined.</p>
<p>This is where most families now gather after a long days work &#8211; the parents preparing the family meal while the children (if they are in their schoolyears) do their homework in the family dining table or (if they are already young adults), sit and chatter around the breakfast nook or family room couch. Kitchens now exude warmth and welcome helped by the oak or teak oil-finished kitchen cabinets that usually line the kitchen walls, as well as mahogany or red cedar curio cabinets housing revered family treasures such as photos and bowling trophies.</p>
<p>I have long used my kitchen as my lounge &#8211; one of the rooms in the house that I consider most comfortable, functional, tribal and welcoming . My husband and I and anyone of my kids who occasionally fancy themselves as the new Jamie Oliver can showcase our gourmet talents as we gracefully move around the red and brown speckled granite kitchen island or benchtop to the glistening stainless steel sink to the brown flattened glow of the ceramic cooktop. All these in view of the rest of the family, and often times friends and guests who we show in straight to the kitchen/family/dining room area to sit in our beloved dark aubergine brown no-nonsense, yet sumptuous and very practical &#8220;Virginia&#8221; sofa.</p>
<p>Gone are the days when you felt you needed to detain your guests in the comfort of the Italian velvet sofa in the lounge while you excuse yourself and slave away in the dark, hot and steamy recesses of the kitchen preparing their food. Now there is no shame or cringe to invite friends over to the kitchen because kitchens have become the hub of family life and social entertaining.  Architects, home builders and appliance manufacturers have all taken heed of the new trend and have made kitchens not only functional and efficient but also overwhelmingly stylish. Even whitegoods now come in different colors of stainless steel, earthy brown, luminous orange or buttercup yellow to suit everyone&#8217;s desire and taste.</p>
<p>Friends are invited to hover around stylish marble-topped kitchen islands as they continue with their socialising, talking about nothing and maybe even lending a hand in washing the vegetables and peeling the potatoes.  Even wine bars are now in the domain of the kitchen (not the basement or the lounge) as friends sit down and relax in the midst of kitchens sipping their favorite red or white.</p>
<p>Even when alone, my kitchen has always been a delight and a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. When I wake up in the morning, I find no greater joy than seeing the sun streaming through the beige voile curtains of the northeast facing kitchen window into the deep purple flowered african violets and tall and lanky chinese fortune plants that brighten up the farthest end of my granite kitchen benchtop. And when I come home from work in the evening, I open the very same northeast facing kitchen window to be greeted with the sweet scent of the orange jasmines that line the backyard fence.</p>
<p>My kitchen has certainly come a long way from its hiding place in the sixties and I intend to enjoy it and keep it that way for a long, long time more to come.</p>
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