Here is the link:

Thanks for posting this.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen MoMA

Just read about this in my paper! It should be fascinating.

Almost missed it when I was at MOMA this week. If I hadn't known about it in advance I may never have found it. We went floor to floor looking at all the special exhibits and didn't come across it so I asked at the information desk. It is on the 2nd floor through the east doors towards the snack bar. Unfortunately by the time we found it, it was getting late but it looks like a really nice exhibit showing the history of kitchens in the US and comparing it with design from Europe. The Frankfurt kitchen is very small but interesting and there are exhibits of many houseware design items as well. Wish I could have spent more time.

Have been musing on this line from the article:
"'There's always been that political dimension to kitchens,' Kinchin explains." Then the article goes on to discuss women's roles. But, if it is correct that all kitchens make some kind of political statement, am wondering what is the political dimension of my own new kitchen. I think it's somehow connected with anti-commercialism, energy use, family roles, and materials.

Perhaps we need a new question in the Sweeby Test, asking about the political implications of the contemplated new kitchen and what kind of statement the kitchen will make.

It's a complex question. I think my DH is surprised at how much I care about the new kitchen considering that I barely cook. I tend to the utilitarian meal; lately salmon patties and steamed broccoli, when it's not chicken nuggets. We barely entertain - just my parents or the kids friends. Yet somehow my kitchen is more of a status symbol than, for example, my old car. Even if my Aga Pro+ will be an expensive piece of sculpture rather than a chef's tool 360 days a year, I want that thing. For me, it's a mid-life crisis - If I don't surround myself with luxury now, it will never happen. I want color, I want dramatic elegance, and I want to be proud of my house. I'm beyond the political statement of the cook deserves an efficient workplace whether male/female/teen. Between the microwave and the precooked foods, kitchen drudgery isn't what it used to be. I'm into the (mostly gender-neutral) idea that I have earned a beautiful luxurious house.

And a teensy bit tempting the talented DH to cook more ...

Florantha, I found your suggestion for adding to the sweeby test very interesting. I would love to hear your suggestions.
As for the political dimension of kitchens, I was certainly affected by the political climate in my choices. In Florida with plummeting home prices it didn't make financial sense to go too nuts on my remodel vs. home worth. I bought what I could pay for without stacking up any dept. I stuck with some unpopular picks like micro over range because my priority was getting some counter space, creating more upper storage to open up my hall pantry for better use and adding quality where I could. By doing a diy (excluding countertops) I was able to fit in a few extra bells and whistles along with some hardy counter stools. A few years ago when there was seemingly no end to the soaring home values down here I did have brief thoughts of knocking out nook and reconfiguring to get a bigger kitchen. However, in the back of my mind I knew that the soar was not going to last. And now of course I'm glad I prioritized and did not spend the extra $25,000 or much more as I would have needed architects and a whole slew of people and supplies. Would I like a bigger kitchen? Yes. Do I have to have one? No. Am I overall happy with my own creation and arty kitchen? Yes!!!

In my house with two college kids and a husband who works many hours, I need burners and big pots for simmering soups and stews. My big otr Velos micro is perfect for reheating great big casseroles. I now have countertops to plate up food. My kids can not afford to live else where while going to college but excluding part of Navy boy's, we are paying for school. One is still trying to find work. This is how it is now for many Americans, kids are staying longer at home or grandma's and sacrifices must be made.

I intend to visit MOMA at the end of october, I'll post back.
thanks for the heads up.

jterrilyn, gotta think about your post. Am writing now just to bump this thread for more input...Good comments, girl!

This weekend I got a chance to slip into one local Parade of Homes kitchen with DH right before closing time. Was amazed to find in a $400,000 Minnesota new suburban house in a 45-minute commute zone to Twin Cities that this kitchen would seem so ordinary. Yes, it had granite countertops and GE Profile stainless steel appliances. And nice cupboardry and the obligatory island. But there was no spark, no distinction. It was simply a triangular corner of a greatroom-dining room-kitchen main floor megaroom. DH got into the car afterwards and said, "This was not what I expected. Ours is much better!" DH is my sweaty equity, the DIY masterbuilder of our modest and slightly quirky new kitchen in a 1950s tract house just outside city limits with little houses surrounding it that have been on the house market for months and months. I felt so good for him. Our well-designed, two-cook, common sense kitchen in a working class neighborhood is a competitor!