Today's kitchen is the heart of the home - not merely a place to prepare and cook food, but increasingly somewhere to eat,entertain, relax or work - the backdrop of everyday living. In this comprehensive new guide,Terence Conran discusses the impact of these functions, and explains how to integrate all the diverse practical, decorative, structural and technological elements to create a space that truly fits your needs.

 Today"s kitchen is the heart of the home - not merely a place to prepare and cook food, but increasingly somewhere to eat,entertain, relax or work - the backdrop of everyday living. In this comprehensive new guide,Terence Conran discusses the impact of these functions, and explains how to integrate all the diverse practical, decorative, structural and technological elements to create a space that truly fits your needs. In terms of planning, the kitchen is the single most complex area in the home. Planning and Design details the basics of good design, whether you"re buying a kitchen "off-the-peg", investing in unfitted modules or customising an existing layout.There are also solutions for problem areas,advice on making the most of your budget and a guide to using new resources, such as CAD visualisations. Kitchen Living includes kitchens to suit every lifestyle and home, from sleek professional kitchens, to inclusive open-plan spaces or cosy family-friendly areas. Basic Elements provides detailed, practical information on storage,lighting and fittings, and a comprehensive guide to the full range of materials suitable for worktops, flooring, walls and splashbacks. Finally, Fittings and Appliances offers an essential buyer"s guide to kitchen technology, from internet-linked fridges to the classic batterie de cuisine. Throughout the book, individual case studies provide an invaluable insight into style and design. Whether you are starting from scratch or simply updating an existing layout, Terence Conran"s Kitchens provides the inspiration and information you need to make the kitchen the hub of your home.

Introduction

Planning and Design

Kitchen Living

Basic Elements

Fittings and Appliances

Resources

Suppliers

Index

Acknowledgements