I don't mind a spacious kitchen as long as the space is well utilized. For many families, the kitchen has all but replaced the living room. Where does everyone

I don't mind a spacious kitchen as long as the space is well utilized. For many families, the kitchen has all but replaced the living room. Where does everyone gather in the morning for quick sandwiches before they all go off to work or school? The large table in the middle of the kitchen. Where does everyone gather again in the evening to eat supper and/or discuss any common business? The same table. Where do the kids do their homework? The table. Where do the parents check their email? The table. Where do we stick all the checklists and important bills? The fridge. Where are my clothes? The washer-dryer combo right next to the kitchen. There's no reason not to use the kitchen as the default gathering space since everyone (not just the housewife) is already there; a gathering is more fun when there's food and drink; and as you mentioned, the kitchen can actually look good these days. Suburban houses waste a lot of space, sure, but the kitchen is far from the worst offender. If I were designing a new house, I might as well eliminate the living room and put a huge kitchen/dining area in the center instead, leaving only a small den to use as the home theater.