Without a doubt, the kitchen of every American home is the center of constant activity throughout the day. Beginning early in the morning, the first order of business for the family is breakfast and the gathering place is the kitchen.

     In ancient Italy it was said that "all roads lead to Rome." In the American home, the kitchen bears this distinction because of its uniquely central importance in the home. No other element of the house requires as much planning or serves as complex a function as the kitchen. The kitchen must facilitate a multiplicity of activities of which food preparation is no longer the only consideration. The lifestyle of each family member is influenced by the shape and design of the kitchen.

     When it comes to home entertaining not every party starts in the kitchen, but few can remember having cocktails or attending a dinner party without a gathering in the kitchen.  The response to