So true. The British sensibility is so different from the American idea of sterility and clean. People don't get my kitchen at all – all dark wood furniture and nary a cabinet in sight. Do you believe this is a factor of America being a much newer nation?

I would guess so. There isn't alot of history left in North american homes like there is in the UK. So back in the 30's, 40's, 50's etc. when kitchens were built they had cabinets and most kitchens were white, that is what 99% of homes have here and what people see when they go to Ikea etc. Almost no cabinet makers here make free standing furniture-style kitchens. My last kitchen had freestanding units and I adored it. It's sad people don't want their kitchens to look less kitchen-y.