Since colonial days, the American kitchen has been thought of as the heart of the home. It is the first room a family shares each day; it is not only the place where meals are prepared, but also where they are often eaten. The kitchen is where children and adults do their homework, and where they linger for conversation. Yet, although the role of the kitchen has not changed in three centuries, its appearance has. Once, cooking was done by the central fireplace, and the larder was stored against the cold, north-facing wall. Today, a kitchen must be carefully planned to meet the demands of a busy household,and to accommodate a battery of laborsaving devices. This chapter focuses on the work of today"s kitchen-especially its cabinetry-introduces popular designs, and outlines some basic principles that will help you create a kitchen that meets your needs.