Whilst kitchen design and opting for up-to-date trends can be important, comfort and practicality are also vital. Designer Joanne Hudson, responsible for the kitchens of some of the most elite clients worldwide, recently offered her views on todays top trends. Im currently working on a kitchen in the Hamptons, she says. Many of these homes are second homes, so clients are having more fun playing with different textiles, marbles and materials than they otherwise would have for example, butcher block countertops instead of luxurious custom marble. With that in mind, I think creating a more comfy, approachable space with uniquely bold details will surely be a kitchen trend for 2013. However, she adds that kitchens must not just look good they need to be practical too. We do a lot of urban kitchens and try to get the most function per square inch but stay as married to the original design concept as we can in those situations no matter how big the space, Hudson says. For instance, using stained glass windows to mask an unsightly alley view, use all white cabinetry to open up a space as opposed to darker toned choices or utilize a backsplash with a stainless rod to hang your kitchen utensils as opposed to just having it be decorative. It can still look just as beautiful but also serve a purpose.