There was an old thread on this forum where someone complained that their Electrolux OTR MW vented air out of the top front while heating, which marred the cabinet above the MW. This venting was NOT the exhaust feature--the poster was careful and specific to point that out; it simply was air blowing out of the MW while it was heating something. So, the design of the Electrolux OTR MW seems to be flawed, and I would avoid it. The Kenmore you mentioned is made by Sharp. In any case, it is 1.7 cu. ft., 950 watts. By contrast, the Sharp model that you have cited is much smaller capacity at 1.1 cu. ft., and less powerful at 850 watts. That to me would cross that particular Sharp off the list. The LG model seems comparable to the Kenmore model. However, the Whirlpool GH7208 (I assume that's what you meant by "GH 720") is a different category because it is a Speedcook model. So it's hard to compare with the others. I believe they all have 300 cfms, but please check, and cross off your list any that have less than 300 cfms. Also, because OTR MWs are so limited in their exhaust capability, I would look at each model in the store, and see which one seems to have the most capture area. By that I mean look at the bottom of each MW to see which one has the mesh that covers the largest area under the MW. If the mesh squares are really small, you'll be even more hampered in exhaust ability. HTH.

(Already posted on the Discussions side.)

Thank you all for your input. DH is going to put up the tile over the stove and see how the whole thing looks before I decide. I think the look of the bar area without any grout now is very much what it will look like with a contrasting grout. Fun2Learn, there were a few in between colors, but they had a peach or pinkish tint, and some had a more gray tint. The tile store I was at had loads of samples, but this was it for tan. I think I'll go to another store- another brand may have the perfect color. Remodelfla, If it dries lighter than the sample- the dark one may be perfect. Practice board today!

I love the look of your wide door casing with the taller molding and the crown detail above the door. That is beautiful. However with the right side trim cut off so skinny it really draws attention to the mistake. That would drive me crazy even if the cab and counter was not notched. Do you need that small counter space? I'd maybe do a skinny pull out pantry next to the fridge. Something like this? If that's not an option, then I would do as Karenseb suggested. What do you need a door there for? I thought you said it leads to the dining room. I'd have it just an opening. My only other thought was lose the thick fridge panel on the right or maybe do a thin one?