Flexible, open-plan kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look to derive the maximum efficiency from their properties, it has been observed.USA Today referred to a series of design tricks by Jenny Sullivan, senior editor of Builder Magazine, which noted that formal living rooms and dining rooms are now often regarded as dust collectors that more and more buyers seem willing to forgo in the new era of efficiency.Instead it was suggested that single-use rooms are giving way to flexible areas that can perform multiple functions.For example, Ms Sullivan pointed to the kitchen island that facilitates food prep, casual dining, homework and entertaining thanks to its range of features including kitchen taps and sinks, large countertops and power points for appliances.The advice comes after design expert Donna Ross wrote for the Press and Journal this week that appliances are now more ergonomic than ever, with a range of manufacturers offering innovative, user-friendly features on their products.