The kitchen has come along way from the merely functional wood burning stove. Contemporary kitchens place a heavy emphasis on design in addition to functionality. As kitchen appliances and applications go high-tech, kitchen designs are evolving to reflect contemporary sensibilities. More and more providers of kitchen cabinetry and appliances are offering a full range of products to meet the needs of every homeowner. Customization is now bringing the homeowner into the creative design process more. The one-size-fits-all rule for cabinets and counters is a thing of the past. Kitchen designs can call for a friendlier, softer looking kitchen, or a metallic, contemporary functional kitchen with all the trimmings, bells and whistles. Whether it is functionality or look, or a little of both, kitchen designs are evolving along with the tastes and sensibilities of today’s homeowner.