Kitchens and Living Room Combos

The Room That Has It All

Multitasking is the American way. One need only look at the evolution of the kitchen for proof.

No longer isolated from the home's more social areas, increasingly open kitchens are now combined with casual dining and lounging areas that actively draw people together. Watch the family room TV while you wash dishes, or fix the evening meal while talking to your children who are doing their homework at the table. Prepare hors d'oeuvres while chatting with guests as they mingle.

When executed well, this blend of multi-functional spaces -- the kitchen with its delicious aromas and the sitting area with its inviting softness -- functions as the heart of the house. What makes these combinations work? We examined some of our favorite kitchen/family rooms to find the recipe for success.