For years, the kitchen was neglected in New York City, and regarded as that room that nobody goes into. More and more people, however, have finally realized that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house – not just to cook, but to feel at home in. Families converge in kitchens, and there’s nothing that smells like home more than something great cooking in the oven or on a state-of-the-art stovetop.

Here are some of the hottest kitchen trends in interior design and renovation that suit city life, and bring home and hearth for those who eat, as well as for those who cook.

Go with the Flow:

And make your kitchen an integral part of your living area with open spaces. An open kitchen allows everyone to hang out while the pasta sauce is simmering on your stove, while you pay your bills, or while the kids have their after school snack in the kitchen table. When you look out from your kitchen, isn’t it nice to see your living area, a glimpse of the dining room, and maybe even a view from your living room window?

Continue your flooring from the kitchen to the living room to create a feeling of space.

source: http://www.articlebase.com

For my son’s school bake sale I wanted to make something special. But I have a confession to make: I don’t bake! It is really frustrating sometimes dealing with these “Suzy homemaker” type of Moms when I don’t have those baking, sewing and crafty skills. It makes me feel like I should have paid more attention in Home EC so many years ago.

One of the things my son loves that I make is a homemade cocoa mix. I add mini marshmallows and a special mix of cocoa I created myself. My entire family thinks this is a great winter treat. I realized that this could be the ideal thing to make for the school bake sale! Especially as it would likely not be something other Moms would make. They would all be making cupcakes, brownies and cookies – all perfectly of course.

To make my cocoa mix just a bit more special, I got personalized labels for the jars that said “Greene Hollows Elementary School Bake Sale Winter 2010.” The label had the image of a snowflake and a big snowman on it, perfect for winter. I added these labels to the Mason jars I bought to put the cocoa in. They fit perfectly and made my little family cocoa mix look so professional and attractive. (more…)