Cabinets and Storage

Small and large kitchens are listed separately with minimum requirements for wall cabinets, base cabinets, drawer/roll-out shelves, and additional storage (appliance garages, bins/racks, swing-out pantries, etc.). Corner storage units are encouraged when they can fit into your plan. Waste receptacle height should not exceed recommendations and it is suggested that lateral removal of an item is preferred over lifting. See Guidelines 6-12 NKBA's Kitchen Planning Guidelines, and "Kitchen Planning Dimensions" at Homestore.com.

Mobile kitchen units (islands, utility carts, microwave carts), some with butcher block tops, are good alternatives to a built-in island. They are more "airy," take up less space, are portable, cost much less than a built-in island, and you can take them with you when you move. These mobile units come in all wood, all stainless steel, Corian®/stainless steel, wood/stainless steel combinations, or laminate. Drawers add convenience and storage, as do shelves, towel bars, and utensil hangers. To see what's available, link to Commercial Home Products by Danver, or the "Cucina Americana Carts Collection" at John Boos & Company.