Island Range Hood

I have always loved kitchens where everyone gathers around the island, communing with the cook while the meal is being prepared. If you are lucky enough to have your stove built into your kitchen island, then these gatherings are commonplace. Keeping the kitchen free of odors and pollutants from cooking requires the proper range hood. The GE Monogram Stainless Steel High Performance Range Hood has a contemporary, European design and offers 1080-1200 CFM with its vertical exhaust dual blowers. The electronic touch controls are easy to use. Four halogen lights provide extra task lighting. The sleek and professional look of this range hood is attractive too, so there's no sacrificing style for functionality.

Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet

Sometimes a simple update is all you need to give your kitchen decor a boost. A single-hole faucet has a contemporary look with a slim profile and takes up less space on the counter. The Insignia Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet from Santec has a pull-out spray attached for quick and easy cleanups. One lever controls hot and cold water as well as water flow. The angle of the faucet allows more room for larger pots and pans, and adds to the faucet's modern appeal. The kitchen faucet is available in a chrome finish or a satin nickel finish for extra sparkle and shine.

Media Cubby

Designed for storing CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, books, toys and just about anything you want to throw in it, the Media Cubby from American Furnishings is about as versatile as you can get. This media storage cabinet is at home in any room of the house and offers ample space with 20 equal-sized cubbies for storing 400 CDs, 280 DVDs or 160 VHS tapes, but can also be used for displaying favorite collectibles or keeping order in a child's room. The cabinet is available in several finishes. The cubbies remind me of my kindergarten days, when I had a cubby with my name on it for keeping my smock, my nap mat and my crayons. Wish my days were still so simple...

Titanium Bar Sink

You can't escape the wow factor in this titanium undermount sink from Franke. The bar sink is made of 18/10 chromium/nickel titanium-fused stainless steel, which offers a strong, yet beautiful surface. I like the undermount design because it gives a seamless appearance and makes cleanup real easy. The gold tone finish has an opulent appeal and draws the eye in, providing a striking contrast with countertops of wood, granite and solid surface, especially those in black or darker tones. The sink also comes in bronze and anthracite finishes, but the gold finish gets my vote.

Entertainment Console

The beauty of this entertainment console is in its sleek, contemporary design, with radial sides and a minimal imprint. The 74" Entertainment Console from Furnitech doesn't take away from the impact of the large screen television. I like that it provides a simple place on which to rest the TV and offers plenty of space for additional components, like DVD players and audio equipment. The wood construction and chrome legs create a sturdy, solid setting for your favorite television. The two sliding smoked glass doors make it easy to access other components and add a nice aesthetic. The entertainment center is available in a light cherry or a wenge finish.

Modular Pull-Outs

Did you ever wonder what to do with unused filler space in your kitchen cabinets? Modular pull-outs create extra storage so you don't have to waste the space. The Modular Pull-Out Base Unit Cabinet Organizer from Rev-A-Shelf features a perforated stainless steel panel and a set of pegs and hooks that you can configure any way you choose to store pots and pans, utensils, herbs and spices or anything. Ball-bearing slides make access smooth and easy. The cabinet organizers are available in several sizes to accommodate a variety of cabinet openings, and are also available for wall cabinets.

Luster Cabinet Knobs

I have a penchant for glass things, especially cobalt. It must be the sleekness and the color that attract me. As a child, I collected glass animals and objects and filled up shelf after shelf with them. Now I am drawn to old bottles, glass vases and bowls of every size shape and hue. These Luster Knobs from Sietto caught my eye with their bold colors and contemporary square shape. I love the way they pop off the cabinet door. Handmade from glass, the cabinet knobs are like a tiny piece of artwork for the kitchen. The knobs sit on a solid brass base and are 1-1/4" square. Knobs and pulls are available in several designs and colors. What a neat and fun way to update the kitchen or a favorite piece of furniture.

3-in-1 TV Console

Sometimes a simple TV stand is all you need for your flat panel television. I love the contemporary design of the 3-in1 TV Console from the Golden Oak Vas collection. This TV console has a swivel mount for an optimal viewing experience, but also supports a wall-mounted TV application. Sturdy solid wood legs and opaque black tempered glass shelves create a sophisticated look and provide ample storage space for audio and visual components. The TV console features a universal mount that's designed for flat panel TVs measuring up to 60" and weighing up to 165 pounds. Concealed cable management keeps cords out of sight.

Indoor/Outdoor Wicker Bistro Set

Despite what the weatherman may say, Spring is definitely around the corner, and I can't wait to get outside again. Our yard overlooks a pond so the view is always interesting. This Indoor/Outdoor Wicker Bistro Set from 4D Concepts offers a nice spot to sit and enjoy a meal while watching geese land in the pond or to see various people walking, fishing or playing. The neat thing about this pub set is that it can be used inside and outside. When the winter months come, I can bring it inside and use it as extra seating for dinner parties and family get-togethers. The set includes the table and two stools and is made of PVC wicker and a powder-coated steel frame. The wicker and black finish is versatile enough to match any setting.

3-Tier Laundry Sorter

Sorting the laundry puts a strain on my back -- all that bending and lifting. The Neu Home 3-Tier Canval Laundry Sorter has a vertical construction that makes separating the clothes a lot easier. No more creating piles on the laundry room floor. The laundry sorter has canvas bins to keep darks, whites and colors separate. The metal frame also has casters, so you can roll it from room to room or keep it in the laundry room. I'm always looking for ways to make my household tasks easier and this laundry organizer definitely fits the bill.

Wii Tower

Wii is becoming increasingly popular in households today. I have wanted to get one for our house, but they sell out so quickly. Since we don't have a Wii at home, I've made Miis at two of our friends houses so we are always ready to play. Playing Wii is so addictive. There are so many games available that appeal to every age and skill level. Wii is even turning up at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The Wii Tower from Slam Brands keeps all your games, remotes and nunchucks in order and has a lower shelf for the game console. With its sleek design and slim profile, this media storage cabinet doesn't take up much space, so it fits any size room. I have been practicing...Wii tennis anyone?

John Boos Gathering Block

Just the right size for many kitchens, this Gathering Block by John Boos lends a stylish hand in food preparation and entertaining. The 4" thick solid maple top has an endgrain construction with a transparent finish, creating the perfect place to slice and dice, or to serve up beverages for guests. The butcher block is available in so many vibrant finishes too, so you can add a little splash of color to the kitchen. This kitchen island is available with or without a wicker basket in case you need a little storage space for frequently used utensils. The slatted lower shelf holds baking dishes, cookbooks, small kitchen appliances or baking ingredients.

Breakfast Nook

I've always loved a cozy breakfast area. Certain kitchen layouts accommodate breakfast nook furniture, which offers a built-in look with a curved corner seat and bench. The Santa Fe Breakfast Nook from Seabrook Designs has a rustic design and is made with distressed hardwoods and veneers. The dark chocolate finish and natural slate inlays add a hint of color and texture. The table has a drop-leaf construction to save space and the reversible seats reveal hidden storage underneath. The Southwest style of this dining set creates a unique and beautiful setting for family gatherings at mealtime or any other time.

Bathroom Accessories

Every once in awhile I grow tired of my bathroom accessories. I am always on the lookout for something new and exciting to jazz up my bathroom. The opulence of this DuBarry Accessory Set from Echelon Home sets an elegant tone. The 4-piece set includes a lotion dispenser, soap dish, toothbrush holder and a tumbler. A wastebasket and tissue box holder are also available to complete the look. The antique gold finish lends a warm touch and is versatile enough to match any bathroom color scheme.

Shower Seat

I never thought we would need a shower seat, at least not until we were older, but when my husband broke his ankle, there was no other way for him to shower. Since we were not ready for a permanent wall-mounted fixture, I went looking for a freestanding shower seat. I liked the idea of an ecological shower seat, and the AKW Medicare Wooden Slatted Shower Stool fit the bill perfectly. The seat part is made of ecologically friendly rubberwood and the legs are constructed of high-quality stainless steel. The seat has a varnished finish, which protects against moisture. The shower stool is 19-1/2 inches high. When we're not using it in the shower, I can use it to hold towels.