The hustle and bustle of living that can take any house and turn it into a home begins and ends in the kitchen. Whether it's entertaining friends, cooking dinner for loved ones, or just kicking back with your favorite beverage after a long day's work, the kitchen often becomes the first course for every activity and really defines the space where comfort meets conversation.

As homeowners, we've all seen kitchen trends come and go (and even stick), and 2011 will be no different. With an eye on creativity and custom design, this year's top picks support homeowners wanting kitchens "their way" with unique options and custom features representing individual tastes. At the same time, fast-paced lifestyles dictate a need to combine fashion with function, so trends for the new year will include a nice balance of both.

Design trends

• Backsplash as art — natural stone, colored glass, tin and ceramic are a few examples of materials that transform a backsplash into a beautiful backdrop for appliances, cabinets and countertops, while enhancing wall colors and giving rooms a custom flair in the process.
• A move towards warmth — gone are the days of ultra bold, bright and shiny when we talk about contemporary; designers are now recommending options that are vibrant, earthy and rich; complementing cabinetry and appliances with an eye towards long-term appeal.
• Tech is fashionable — more and more, designers are recognizing their clients' needs to stay connected and are creating kitchens that lend themselves to technology. With built-in sound systems, computer stations, and wall-mounted televisions, today's kitchens provide constant and instant access to the outside world.
• Easy being Green — natural flooring and cabinetry materials, water-saving products and accessories, and energy-conserving appliances are all a part of the new consumer trend to be kind to Mother Earth. Bamboo, cork, teak, recycled glass, low VOC paint and even recycled rubber are materials that are finding their way into new kitchen designs.

Functional trends

• Clean is in — microwaves hidden in drawers, new under cabinet storage, revamped and larger pantry designs, and organized cabinet interiors free up countertop space and give kitchens a more streamlined and open feel.
• Multiple uses —from homework to home-based businesses to just hanging out, kitchens now serve many functions in today's world. Built-in kitchen tables, office desks and small sitting rooms inside the kitchen's interior are new design trends that allow family members the ability to eat, play, work and cook comfortably all in one space.
• Ergonomically speaking — varying counter heights for food preparation and cooking, installing wood, rubber or cork floor materials with a little extra "give," and replacing cabinet doors with drawers all offer a more efficient and comfortable kitchen for the active homeowner.