Over the last twenty years the modern kitchen has undergone a remarkable change. In older houses the kitchens were usually divided by walls and doors, the arrangement being intended to promote efficiency and privacy, with the cooking taking place out of sight. Generally speaking, kitchen design was not given the same consideration as were the living or dining areas. Now the attitude in this area has changed completely. Contemporary kitchen design stresses openness, connection, and visual continuity. Kitchens today are not merely rooms any more—they have become kinds of furniture that determine the way people live, gather, and interact. The Urban Homes project in East Hampton perfectly illustrates that evolution, combining architecture, furniture, and function in a warm, modern environment which has both an elevated and deeply livable aspect.