As costs of energy have continued to spiral up, more new homes and commercial buildings are being designed to let the sunshine in, by incorporating passive solar techniques.

For years we’ve watched as men retreat to the comfort of their Man Caves. There’s been a steady evolution over time from dirt and rock caves to the garage to a custom designed all-male sanctuary filled with flat screen televisions and big boy toys….no females welcome. 

Kitchens are the heart of the home and everyone uses them differently.  A classic example is an experience I had when working as a young writer in New York City. My boss invited me and some co-workers to a Kentucky Derby Party at her apartment. We congregated in the kitchen to help muddle mint for the Juleps and I was struck by how immaculate the kitchen was. Come to find out, my boss never used it. She never cooked, she ate out all the time or ordered in and the only thing she kept in her refrigerator was her fur coat. The point is, that worked for her.