The kitchen has become the heart of the modern home, meaning casual family living is being brought in to the room during renovations, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) reports.It quotes figures from Electrolux Group which found that the typical family of five spends 175 hours in the kitchen each month, but only 31 hours in the living room.Victoria Birov, an interior designer with Heritage Luxury Builders in Chicago, told the news provider Family living is centred on the kitchen, with fireplaces and TVs, comfortable islands and desks wired for internet access all located in the kitchen.The kitchen is the centre of todays homes.According to the article, a well-designed kitchen great room provides a space for children to do their homework, a fireplace and television and allows the preparation of meals to become a family affair.HGTV suggests a kitchen great room needs causal but defined zones for cooking and food preparation, storage and dishwashing, informal dining, studying, crafts and family activities and relaxing and enjoying media entertainment.Earlier this month one interiors expert said the decorating scheme of a kitchen should reflect the personality of the user.Sarah Pacey wrote in an article for the Bugle-Observer that because people spend so much time in the kitchen, it is important that it is a place they enjoy.