Kitchen owners are using different types of wood in more imaginative and grown-up ways, it has been suggested.A report in the Independent noted that while the Scandinavians use cool blond woods to make subtle design statements and Americans create glamourous, white weather-boarded houses, UK homeowners have been limited by spirit-sapping pine panelling which , it claimed, is the most common wood feature in our homes.However, the newspaper argued that in recent times there has been a growing number of contemporary-minded people who have been finding more innovative uses for wood in their homes.It referred to Jonny Allams, a property owner in south-east London, who has combined sleek effects with different wood pieces in his kitchen.In the kitchen modern materials resin worktops, rubber floor meet period/retro wooden detailing of 1950s walnut handles and cabinet trims, walnut skirting and architrave, said the paper.This week, a report in the Windsor Star suggested that stainless steel kitchen sinks and appliances can increase the value of the room while also transforming its overall style.