Planning a Kitchen Office
Designing a kitchen office can mean anything from providing a flat space for a message pad to building in a complete computer desk with keyboard/laptop shelf, monitor, CPU and the requisite line or wireless router for on-line connections. Either way, this dedicated area can provide the cook with a place to read cookbooks, plan their shopping, pay bills and take care of other household management tasks. It should be a step or more away from the actual food prep areas to avoid dust and water around sensitive electronics and to help keep paperwork relatively grease and flour free. A standard height desk chair and desk surface are also important both for ergonomics and to distinguish the desk area from preparation space. Standard desk height is 29-30” as opposed to counter surfaces at 36”.
Fortunately a small office area/phone center is a perfect way to utilize those odd spaces that you often end up with after resolving as many of your design problems as possible. Corners, nooks, space between two doorways and other under-utilized spaces can work well for a sit-down or stand up desk area. They work better away from the main traffic pattern with its noise and distractions.
