KITCHEN/BATH CABINETS BUSINESS 4 - MINOR KITCHEN CENTRES

There are several minor centers. Some homes have only the mixing centre, some have two or more and some have them all.

MIXING CENTRE
Here is 36" or more of uninterrupted counter space for preparing breads, pies, cakes, cookies and much more. You would design storage for mixers, blenders, etc., since this is the point of first use for many items.

PLANNING CENTRE
A desk height (30") counter with knee space where a person can sit down to do meal planning, answer the phone, take messages is a nice addition if you have the space. It is usually located outside the work triangle at a quiet end of the kitchen.
Paul Cabinet Sourcing's advice is Planning centres may be expanded to include a computer for meal planning, personal finances, homework, etc.
A planning centre also may be the control point of your audio, video and security systems.

So you see, what starts out as an “extra” centre in kitchen planning can turn out to be a critical part of a lifestyle. If you are well informed in these areas, give your customers good ideas and help them make decisions they will be happy with today and tomorrow, you’ll have a good chance to get their repeat business, as Paul Cabinet Sourcing always believed.

EATING/DINING CENTRE
Many people prefer to eat most meals in the kitchen area rather than a formal dining room. This eating centre can be as a part of the regular countertop, often as part of a peninsula.

It may mean keeping the regular countertop width of 25" to 26" and just putting stools by the counter. Often though, the countertop is made an extra 8" to 18" wider so there is knee space under the extra countertop overhang. Often the overhang is lowered to chair height, as many people prefer sitting on chairs instead of stools. Some kitchens provide space for a regular table and chairs. The “L” shape works well for this preference, though just off the end of a corridor kitchen works also, as can any kitchen shape if there is enough room.

Another choice is to provide a built-in table and bench seats in what is commonly called a breakfast or dining nook. Allow 36" space in all directions for each person, when designing these areas.

LAUNDRY CENTRE

A clothes washer and dryer are the common appliances in this area. Depending on location and preferences, it may also include a laundry sink, storage cabinets, hamper, a clothes folding table. Possibly a built-in ironing board or space for a free standing one and maybe even a sewing area.