The view from the kitchen often knows more of a household’s life than the formal sitting room.

Houses have rooms for showing and rooms for living, and the two rarely coincide. The kitchen sees the arguments, the late returns, the homework and the standing about with a cup, while the good room stays ready for visitors who come three times a year. Where people actually gather is where the history collects.

Look at which room in your home does the real work and give it what the display room gets. Better light, a comfortable chair, somewhere to sit while talking. Improving where life happens is worth more than keeping somewhere impressive for guests.