Homeowners have been advised that the kitchen has now evolved into being the focal point of the modern home.Ronnie Whelan, editor of Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom magazine, has claimed that the room should no longer be viewed as simply a place to prepare and cook food.The news may interest individuals looking to upgrade their kitchen sink and other appliances, as the room is likely to be in constant use.Indeed, the expert explained that kitchens had come a long way in terms of design and can not be considered small functional rooms anymore.With a trend for more open-plan living, it is the hub of the home where all the family can congregate, so it can cater for many different other activities and makes it worth spending the money on, as well as adding value to your property, Ms Whelan said.According to a new report from LV=, the average kitchen is now worth almost 4,000 and ranks as the most expensive room in the home.The researchers added that the average spend on a kitchen has increased by 45 per cent since 2005.