As trend researchers and interior design experts never tire of saying, this merging of the different living areas is an expression of social change. Because more and more people are living alone and have little contact with their fellow human beings, unless its via digital means, there is a growing number of people who feel lonely and so are looking for alternative, more sociable living situations. As an opposing trend to this increasing individualism, we also wish for a homely place that we can retreat to, in which we can be together with family and friends, and where we feel safe and secure. Often, this lifestyle trend is also referred to using the Danish term hygge, which in English means something like a feeling of cosy contentment. The result: the kitchen is being transformed into a focal point. It is becoming the ultimate living space where people spend time together.