By Suzana Mikolova 
When it comes to our homes, for many of us the kitchen is at the heart. Whether enjoying a quick warming drink after an autumn walk or sitting down for a meal with family or friends, the kitchen provides food, warmth and comfort.
Unfortunately, because it is used so much, without our noticing our kitchens can become tired and shabby. Suddenly, meals are better taken elsewhere and the under-heated slightly grimy kitchen becomes a place to visit for as short a time as possible.
At that stage, you know you need a new kitchen. Call in a builder who knows about kitchens and there is still just time to bask in the warmth of a fresh kitchen by Christmas. When designing your new kitchen, start with the basics, light, heating and space. You might not want to move water pipes or ventilation so have little option about placement of sink or cooker, but before you commit to any design, draw a scale model of the space itself only and see what is possible.
Starting with heating, think about underfloor heating for early morning cosy toes, or one of those clever little heaters which fit under your floor cupboards. Either method will save having to have large radiators and therefore save wall space. With lighting, you need good lights to be able to see what you are cooking but also mood lighting for candlelit dinners. Think about ceiling spotlights, lights over work surfaces and near sinks.
Try to work on the golden triangle principle of cooker, sink and work surface. Think about how you use space and spread that use around the kitchen. For example, if you have a morning bottleneck at present with fridge, breakfast bowls and cereals all kept next t the toaster and kettle think about spreading them out so that the progress of the meal flows naturally on to the table.
When deciding on the decoration, remember that kitchens can become greasy and steamy and choose surfaces that will clean easily. Consider glass splash backs, tiles and wood. Choose work surfaces to help make a colour statement and keep walls fairly neutral.
Whatever you decide for your new kitchen our main tip is to make sure that you choose a builder or installer that can manage the whole installation. Juggling separate firms of plumbers, electricians, builders and fitters will slow the work down and could lead to Christmas on a building site.