Big Kitchens on the Chopping Block

Just when you thought it was safe to remodel the kitchen with acres of granite countertop, a convection oven and a prep sink, here come a bunch of designers suggesting it's time to think compact and functional, as in, a smaller kitchen.

I know we're all living in reduced circumstances (unless you work for Goldman Sachs or AIG) but I still dream of poaching salmon while listening to the purr of my oversized industrial strength range hood. Alas, as the economy shrinks along with the square footage of our homes and our decorating budget, let's at least savor the smart downsized design solutions as we stuff all our kitchen junk into a box.