Your Kitchen, Your Shop

Let’s admit it.  We talk shop in the kitchen and shop for food to put in our kitchens, but rarely is it designed or equipped to function like the workshop that it is.  Consider how you use your kitchen for family meal planning and preparation, school work, entertainment, laundry, crafts, paying bills, etc.  Is it a fully functioning family workshop - the hub of your home – or just a room you pass through because of inefficient design, space or fixtures?

Planning Questions

Thinking about features and priorities is important.  The less you spend on structural work, the more money you’ll have to put into better cabinets, flooring and functional features.

How many people in your household cook? How will that change?  Are they right or left handed?  How tall are they? 

Do you entertain formally or informally?  Would you want a wet bar?  An island?  A second dishwasher?

If you bake, do you want a combination oven-range or a cook top with a wall oven? 

Would you utilize a work desk with utility closet and sliding shelves for crafting, photography or planning?

Can you fit your washer/dryer under a counter space that doubles for serving buffets?

How would you utilize a pantry?

Do you want appliances handy but out of sight?

Do you frequently forget about items in the back of your cupboard? 

Do you like items exposed in baskets or racks?

Ready for Kitchen Cabinetry?

If you are a do it yourselfer, we always measure before we order to ensure accuracy and fit.  Our experienced staff can design custom kitchen cabinets to satisfy your space, budget and lifestyle needs.  Our manufacturers offer affordable options ranging from plywood cabinets to fine woods in a variety of styles and finish combinations. Cabinetry by Diamond, our main cabinet line, has many different styles, price ranges, finishes and colors, often matching or beating big box prices. 

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“Giving so much of your time, work and knowledge was appreciated.  You were always there for all my phone calls and help when I needed you.  My kitchen turned out just great because of Paul and all his hard work.”  
                                              -Barbara Johnson, Coldwater , MI
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Looking for a New Countertop?

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Kitchen Design Tip

Good kitchen designs are based on a concept called the “balanced triangle” that organizes space, traffic patterns, and appliance around work centers. Three areas form the corners of the balanced triangle:   

The storage area is primarily for the refrigerator, but could include a pantry.

The food preparation area includes the range, oven and microwave, and may include a 2^nd sink for washing produce, etc.

The cleanup area includes the sink and dishwasher.

For maximum efficiency, the three sides of your balanced triangle should total from 12 to 22 feet when added together. Additional activity areas, such as a work desk or a dining table, should be adjacent to, but not within, your balanced triangle.

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