I would have to measure my dining room table, it can seat 8 people comfortably with the leaf in, but I usually don't have the leaf in. My ceilings are only 8 feet tall, but my concern is that where we are moving the kitchen table to in the remodel is by a new bank of windows and I don't want to obscure the view, which isn't an issue in the dining room. We wish that there were many things different about our house (higher ceilings, an attic *they used the wrong kind of trusses*, more bedrooms, etc.) but it's on the water and the location can't be beat, so we are working with what we have. I will try and dig up some photos of both areas to get an opinion on the light fixture. It's beautiful, very unusual, but it is large. It's actually the same diameter as my other light fixture but looks much larger because it is round, if that makes sense! Here is a photo of my old kitchen chandelier which we brought with us when we moved. I had always intended to use it as my breakfast nook light, until I found this other one. You see our dining room when you first enter our home so I think the other light (the round one) might make more of a statement. Plus I think the Hubbarton Forge is more open and won't obscure the view as much and it goes well with my pendant lights that I've chosen for over the island. Either fixture will work as the breakfast area will be separate from the kitchen. Here are my pendants. So what do you all think? I appreciate the input. Having a perspective with new eyes is always a good thing. Thanks, Kat

I agree with the responses to the thread you posted on the Kitchens Forum which listed the negatives to an OTR microwave. No, an OTR MW is not sufficient, and will likely be damaged by the 15,000 btu burners of your Viking. And your own subject title actually says it - a $4,000 range with a cheap OTR MW--it sounds like you know they don't belong together. If you didn't want such range power, you would have been better off saving your money for other things and buying a Maytag or lower-end GE range. Those work very well, and your MW would manage them. It sounds like you are reluctant to match the exhaust with your expensive high-power range, which isn't very logical. Can you return the range for something more in line with what you want? If you do decide to buy a good hood, you should read the many threads on this forum about the various brands, or post a new thread asking for recommendations on lower-cost hoods. Ventahood is not well-liked on this forum, although there are some fans of it. But all agree that Ventahood is pricey. Many here are happy with lower-cost hoods bought on eBay. Regardless of brand, what you need is a hood that is 30" or 36" wide, 24" deep, 450-600 cfms (preferably 600), and has baffle filters (not mesh filters). Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens Thread about Viking Range and OTR MW

Our GE over the stove microwave can be used as an outside vent or inside vent. When you buy the microwave, check with the merchant....he can give you instructions about changing it over. Our son did it....just a matter of changing a few simple things. We do not have the trouble Pam P. has.....When we use the vent on the microwave, the steam, grease and etc. goes right into the filters on the bottom of the microwave and we have had no water drip down the front. I do know ours is hung at standard height over the stove but the other older microwave did not have any problems either. Sure saves counter space.

I'm surprised by your comment about microwaves with trim kits looking gaudy. I've never seen one that looked terrible. Many companies sell them and they go hand in hand with specific models of microwaves so that it is a custom looking fit made to fit into a standard size opening (24", 28", 30"). GE, LG, Panasonic etc - they all seem to have them. Have a look and see if you can't find one that suits your fancy. They aren't expensive ($70-$120) for most that I've looked at and give a really nice finished appearance. Another option is the microwave drawer - the most common one is made by Sharp. I think they look great and many people like them at the lower level. That way, especially as you age you aren't lifting hot items down towards you, rather up onto counter level from the drawer. They are not an inexpensive item but look and function well and can be quite hidden if you put them on the backside of an island configuration.