An in-depth look at kitchens

The kitchen is usually the biggest expense in the home, so it makes sense to weigh up all the options before buying. The Homeworks kitchens special edition, out tomorrow, offers practical and up-to-date advice on the latest trends in kitchen colours, materials and layouts.

Never before has there been such choice in kitchens. The word modularity comes up time and time again, with layout possibilities that are a far cry from the stereotypical L-shape and triangle work zones of old.

An open-plan home also means that the kitchen needs to integrate seamlessly into the living room. This cross-over of design and function has influenced the design of furniture in both rooms. Colours, too, are coming back in the kitchen. Although black, white and grey are still firm favourites, fashion colours have influenced even the top brands. Consumers can now opt to have top or bottom cupboards in different colours, or even just one or two doors in different finishes. The choice is there.

The twin-kitchen home is also on the rise. It's no longer the thing to have one kitchen. Why not have another on a separate floor, ideal for guests or simply for added convenience?

This issue, out with The Sunday Times, focuses on kitchen choice that is led very much by one's lifestyle. Whether one needs a kitchen primarily for entertaining or for everyday cooking will determine two very different looks and functions.