There is an increasing demand for kitchens that reflect the direction of peoples everyday lives, it has been observed.Chris Gleason, author of Kitchen Makeovers for Any Budget, suggested that while the trend is now commonly accepted and over-discussed, designers cannot get away from the fact that people want communal, welcoming kitchens.Speaking to the San Antonio Express-News, he said The kitchen is the new family room. Its been said so often that its a clich, but its a trend that just keeps gaining strength.The news provider noted that because of this trend, a poll by Better Homes and Gardens at the end of 2009 found that 67 per cent of consumers now want a kitchen that incorporates an eating area.This desire for family-oriented rooms was also reflected in the finding that fewer homeowners now want open floor plans that combine kitchens with living rooms, with respondents instead showing a greater interest in kitchens that are partially separated from the family room to create cosier spaces.Last week, an article by GE Appliances Lighting claimed that homeowners are continuing to invest in quality kitchen equipment such as stainless steel kitchen sinks despite the economic downturn.