In the past, kitchens weren’t prominent rooms in our homes. Instead, they were often hidden away and simply considered places to prepare food. Until the late 60s, home design favored separating the kitchen from the main living area with at least a door but often a full hallway. Even more extreme were the layouts of English manors, such as those seen on Downton Abbey, where the kitchen was located on a completely different level than the main living areas. Homeowners wanted guests to see an orderly and beautiful home rather than the mess that was required to prepare the meals. Today, this concept is about as popular as wearing a bustle and as practical as employing a valet.
