The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Built In Cabinets And Storage Walls

The lower has a plastic-covered counter that can be used either for passing food into the dining area or as a breakfast bar. Both are made of woods that give a warm, friendly atmosphere. Knotty western pine is used for the counter back with the jigsawed reveal, finished in a colonial stain with eggshell varnish. The other is made of knotty incense cedar with a trace of white pigment wiped into the grain before finishing. Both counters have set-back bases, 4" high and 2" deep, to provide toe space or "kick room," as it is sometimes called. The brace for the breakfast bar can be made of wrought iron, as was the one shown in the photograph, or it can be bent from aluminum rod. Aluminum stock, including rods, is now readily available in most hardware stores and has the great advantage of being easily worked with ordinary woodworking tools.

Utility Cabinet And Breakfast Bar

CLOSED, THIS EASILY MADE CABINET PROVIDES A CONVENIENT PLACE TO STORE toaster, waffle iron and other breakfast accessories. An electric outlet in the cupboard will prove useful. Open, the drop front makes a fine counter for a late-rising commuter to have a quick breakfast.

All wood parts with the exception of the mouldings and knob are made of plywood. A 1/4" diameter dowel extending 1/2" from the folding half of the top engages a hole in the edge of the drop front to make a catch for closing the counter. Fasten the cupboard to the wall with screws through the back and flash the floor linoleum 4" up the sides and front. Notice also that the linoleum covering of the top flashes up the wall to make a sanitary and easy-toclean surface.