From the first cooking fires of antiquity to the modern kitchens of today, this communal space has served as a gathering place and a setting for conversation. Its warm, inviting atmosphere often makes it the heart of our domestic space. Kitchen styles have evolved over time and adapted to the needs of each period. Today, designers from around the world look to the American kitchen for inspiration, with its open-plan scheme and its integration into the living areas of traditional apartments, lofts, and studios. This gorgeously illustrated reference showcases innovative solutions to the problems of kitchen design and includes a handy reference section with information about featured manufacturers.