As kitchens become entertaining hubs, they also become showcases. Along with the newfangled eating areas, designers are reporting requests for less traditional cupboard space.

Instead of rows of closed cabinets, we're going for more open shelves, spaces for art displays, and glass-fronted cupboards.

And there is another option — no upper cupboards at all. "I have an architect friend who has no upper cupboard space and three dishwashers," says Chris Coffee. "He keeps a dishwasher for cleaning dishes, and the other two are clean. It's healthier because you're not handling the dishes," he says, pointing out that it makes more sense to transfer dishes between dishwashers than transfer them in and out of cupboards, too.

"You're cutting out the middle man. I'm recommending multiple dishwashers to a lot of clients. When people empty their cupboards out, they realize they've got all this stuff that they don't use. People are realizing that cupboards are where you collect junk."

If you're lacking in room — no dining nook in the kitchen, and no formal dining room, either — try this tip from Pottery Barn: Put a table behind the sofa (and if you're used to larger gatherings, buy bigger or group two tables together). Or, if you'd like an eating area at your kitchen island that doesn't eat up space, try this suggestion from Bob Elkins: His company installs round seats that swing out of an under-counter cabinet and, when not in use, go back into the door-less cabinet.

• Dorado Designs, 618-2300 or www.doradodesigns.com.

• Coffee Kitchens, 331-9868.

• Southwest Kitchen and Bath, 531-9187, www.southwestkitchen.com.