Kitchens increasingly need thoughtful planning on how best to utilise space, according to one expert. Head of partnership management for Sandwell Homes Simon Parry said that people today have a busy urban lifestyle and their kitchens should maximise the possible working area, 24dash.com reports. He remarked With the cost of domestic technology now at relatively affordable rates, todays kitchens require thought as to where white appliances i.e. cookers, dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves etc will be included. Mr Parrys comments come after the organisation successfully completed its 10,000th kitchen refurbishment under the governments 425 million Decent Homes Programme. According to the company, the scheme has helped bridge the gap between the living standards of regular housing tenants and those in council-owned buildings. Recipients of kitchen makeovers have received a number of updates including swapping kitchen taps and a choice of countertops and doors. Earlier this month, Cris Harding - writing for examiner.com - noted that once an individual has saved money for a kitchen renovation, it is important to hire the correct contractor for the job.