So Dexter, the serial killer cum vigilante is going to have one of our kitchens. Having got over the surprise request from Metropolitan Home and Showtime TVs to design the kitchen at the Showcase in a Grammercy Park Brownstone owned by Michael Hirtenstein - I had no idea just how much we would all enjoy designing it. My family were suspicious – why do want to design a kitchen for a serial killer and where is the fun in it?  I now realise that using an external device –someone or something which is an object of humour, derision or intrigue is a perfect method for unlocking the thinking for a design project. It allows everyone to be playful which allows you to enter right into the fertile hunting grounds of creativity. From now on I would like all our design projects to have something like this especially if we are in a rut. I recommend this course of action to ordinary mortals, not just designers to bring a creative unblocking process. into a kitchen, interior, building or architecture project. It may seem idiotic but try it out even if it is a garden shed. You will be surprised by what it might unleash. The Show opens on 9^th September.

Why does design always have to be so serious? Our UK design team went to the Design Museum in London last week and saw the Richard Rogers exhibition. Wonderful models of his projects from early systems built houses, to T5 and Bordeaux Law Courts, meet serious slogans on design. In bodily terms this was followed by a short ascent up a flight of stairs to the Tim Walker photography exhibiton. Suddenly the smiles on our faces widened and the fantasy element of his eye-and-brain catching images sent us into an even more wonderful and happier world.  Our currenr enthusiasm for the realm where design meets-art meets-fantasy was brilliantly satisfied. Design Art is where you take function as near to art as possible - only with Tim Walker its where design meets fun, pleasure or sheer Mad-Hatters Tea Party. The more miserable we become with thoughts of recession the more I think designing people kitchen interiors needs to fill that mental space where homes play an escapist role. If I wanted to guess what members of the public would be inspired by most I would have to say Tim Walker.

One advantage of the reduction of house prices now happening is that it makes us think more about connecting with our homes again – they become a place with which are going to have a long term relationship. The investment factor becomes less and we will be forced to consider enjoying it once again. A return to these traditional values is welcome. Several other advantages spring to mind including more time spent in the garden fixing it up and perhaps getting a veggie plot in as well. Good for health and stomachs. Another option is building a pergola or an area for Al Fresco eating. It’s a fantastic way to bring us into an outdoor room. Less ugly uncomfortable and ill used conservatories.

Secondly more cared for house - inside and out. I often think DIY has been high- jacked by the makeover mentality. Maintenance is one, big, important element of your relationship to your surroundings. Designers and home dwellers need to choose finishes and materials that can be maintained and age gracefully. Less PVC, more wood, natural paints and home made shelves, furniture, benches, blinds and linoleum.

Thirdly, the longer we stay in our homes the more we increase our connection to our neighbourhood. This makes for more inter-household support, less crime and better quality local activities.