If your new kitchen is going to be an expression of who you are and how you live it's helpful to have a little inspiration. One of the things I frequently mention is the benefit of something I call "kitchen scrapbooking". When you get your first inkling that a new kitchen may be in your future, begin collecting pictures and ideas. Use magazines, the internet or your camera. Then pay attention to that inner voice. That's your intuition and your cue to tear, print or click that shutter. Look for everything from specific details to general feeling. Let's begin today. I will share with you all kinds of interesting tidbits. Keep a file (real or virtual) of your inspirational loot. Before you know it you'll have all kinds of useful information and you will begin to see the patterns in your selections. For example you may find that in 5 out of 7 pictures, you selected kitchens with white cabinets, or glass doors, or shiny finishes. Oh, and remember it doesn't even have to be a kitchen! Your heart-of-the-home can also be inspired by non-kitchen images such as art, architecture, nature and more. Here are three images to start you off.

I love the juxtaposition of modern and African tribal elements in this photo of a Nolte kitchen.

This one, from luxury-ideas.com, is all about feeling natural, open and a little luxurious. Notice the interesting open shelves, the open island design and the lovely use of texture.

Lastly, I just love the feeling of this black and white kitchen. It represents a comfortable easy British Colonial aesthetic to me. How about you?

So I'm writing another book. Never thought I would go there but I have an idea whose time has come.

Make no mistake. A new kitchen can be a daunting task, but the good news is it can also be an adventure in learning a little more about who you are and discovering a bit more efficiency and beauty in your home everyday. You know they say it’s all about attitude and that is how this book is different. I will show you how to consider, plan and implement the creation of your new kitchen from a new perspective. That’s right, your intuition. As you may know, I have been a professional kitchen designer for 16 years but my whole life I have been drawn to what lies deep inside, that potential and ability we all have. Some call it Spirit, some God and for some it is simply innate intuition. It’s about carefully listening to your gut to make the right choices for you. When you are done you will know it’s right because it contains your heart and soul. Whether you work with a professional, are a do-it-yourselfer or, like most of us, are somewhere in between you can apply these principles. Over the next however-long-it-takes to produce this book I will be sharing tidbits and previews with you here. There will be a tremendous amount of research going and I'm going to share that with you. You'll get a behind the scenes look at how this book comes together. So stay tuned, come back often and for heaven's sake if you have anything to contribute, let's hear it!

This fab photo is by photographer/artist Martha Rosler.

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