Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen
Over 100 Inspirational Kitchens
By Joan Kohn

     The smiling face of HGTV's Joan Kohn in the midst of a spotless but oh-so-Donna Reed-esque kitchen might provoke vindictive Martha Stewart comparisons in critics who lack imagination, willingness to do more than microwave take-out, and eyes to see that Joan Kohn stands in the middle of this kitchen in…a bathrobe.

         That's right. The hostess/writer/associate producer of "Kitchen Design" and "Bed & Bath Design" evokes a Roseanne Barr/Nigella Lawson domestic goddess comfort zone, so that the reader wants to step into the cover illustration, sit down at the granite kitchen island/breakfast station with a cup of java and pick Joan Kohn's brain about how we can stop being afraid of having a kitchen that we (a) enjoy being in, (b) enjoy cooking in, (c) don't mind showing the in-laws, and (d) can create without breaking the bank.

     Sitting in your own kitchen while reading this book is a great first step to overcoming "kitchen anxiety". Whether you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, are contemplating redoing the kitchen of a new house, or just are fascinated by home decorating and home improvement, Kohn guides you through the various stages with checklists galore, questions to ask yourself (do you want a kitchen for show, or will you cook Thanksgiving dinner? Do you want the kids to feel welcome?), and over 230 stunning photos of real-life kitchens, as well as the inside scoop from designers, architects and decorators.

     It becomes increasingly clear from Kohn's cucina dissertation that you can't have form without thinking about function, function without considering the form, and the book's format complements its aims. In part one, Kohn gives the overall broad picture, the blueprint if you will, with seven chapters on design essentials: vision (first and foremost), essential kitchen design elements, working with what you have, budget, ideas, style, and the design team. In part two, she delves into your vital tools: the function, the raw space, your floor plan, your personal style, and your personality.

     Kohn's inviting photographs, easy to understand user-friendly format, and expertise take the nightmare out of creating the recipe for your dream kitchen.