New kitchen designs will be the most popular type of home renovation this year, an expert has predicted.Sally Bendelow, head of home design at Marks and Spencer, said that 2010 will be the year of the kitchen, adding that its status as the focal point of the home will encourage people to test out new designsThe kitchen is a comforting place to spend time with family and friends and this year, as we aim to surround ourselves with things we love, the kitchen is going to be the new black, she suggested.Ms Bendelow said that it is important for homeowners to have a great table that serves as a gathering point for people.She also recommended investing in some statement glassware and china in order to make everyday dining special.This week the Baltimore Suns Dream Home feature found that the installation of a large central island had helped to make a kitchen suitable for communal gatherings and entertaining.