Need design advice: microwave in 28x40 upper corner space
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (12)
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Discussions
Approaching final design - Need advice on a couple of things, ple
Comments (12)Thank you ALL so much for the input. I had sort of hit a brick wall having stared at this layout it for a few months (and that's just this plan, it's been over two years with the previous plans!), and with your help I feel like I'm moving along! I thank you! As much as I would love to ditch all of the upper cabinets for more windows, I just can't - I need the space, and I'm really hesitant to give up that space by the range even if I can achieve balance with a hood alone. While the kitchen will be a good size, the layout does not maximize storage, it max's functionality/work flow, and I need those uppers. However, I totally see the point about the hood.. so, what about this... I have ditched the stainless hood for a wood encased hood. Again, my software limits me on creative options here, so instead of the hood being something really captivating in this picture, it is just cabinets, but I think it gets the feel across. My first reaction is good - I think it helps balance those upper cabinets to the left and fits into the rhythm of windows nicely. Or am I nuts? What do you think? And the view from off to the side: As someone mentioned, the range wall is going to be a focal point. I was originally imagining the backsplash would be the main component, but perhaps I make that the cabinets and hood design instead. And I totally agree about the architectural interest aspect Live Wire mentioned. It has been gnawing at me, and the hood could really help there. I'm considering Neil Kelly cabinets - they have many styles that really have some architectural punch and that would work well with a wood hood. And the comment about clerestory windows got me thinking... my ceilings are only 8' (in fact they are a couple inches less than 8'), and don't give me room for the transoms that I would like to have, but given I'm reframing anyway, maybe that wouldn't be such a big deal to do? Having windows to the ceiling is very appealing, assuming it won't double the cost. Did some playing and here's what it looks like... Windows to the ceiling: Ok, I really like that. These windows face SE. I don't plan on putting any window coverings on. Winter mornings will have the sun at the most intrusive angle, and here in Seattle, the sun, uh, doesn't show itself regularly enough in the winter to be a problem. =) And it is shining through some evergreen and deciduous trees, so it is filtered. Here's our view in the winter from the upstairs (yes, it has been crazy snowy here!): Here's my thinking on swapping cleanup and prep - - I really want the baking on the penninsula so I have that 3' deep space to work on. That's the one activity I really crave a deeper counter for. - I don't want my cleanup on the penninsula - that's the first thing you see when you walk into the room and I want it to be pretty tidy as a matter of course. Our cleanup area generally is not. - I really want to keep my cleanup, DW and dishes right next to the dining room and the outdoor cooking/eating space we'll have off it. - It would be nice if I could move the ovens down to that end, but the space isn't deep enough along the pantry wall and I don't want them undercounter. I don't mind much if they aren't right next to the baking area. - And finally, I want my stovetop cook flow to go right to left, so: food/veg out of frig to penninsula, to prep sink, to chopping board left of prep sink, to cooktop. I prefer that over the left to right direction. The last time I remodeled a kitchen it was pretty small, and I remember thinking, if only I had more space I wouldn't have to make all the trade-offs. WRONG! =) Dining room cabinets - Yep, there is a "floating" cabinet there. I have a couple options for that, but neither one is reflected in that layout drawing. We'll be rebuilding part of the wall and can put in some extra studs for mounting if we need to. That drawer box you refer to, lascatx, I think I am going to do exactly what you suggest, make it a shallow cabinet that opens into passageway instead of a drawer opening into the dining room. The side of the cabinet in the kitchen will be finished with a panel to match. Ok, I've gone on for ages and it really time to get some sleep! Thanks again!...See MorePlanning kitchen remodel – need design advice please!
Comments (14)damiarain and mama goose - thank you for those bold and beautiful layouts! You've found a graceful solution to a lot of my wishes. I'm on the fence about windows to the fridge/stove side of the house, because it faces our driveway and the neighbor's (not so attractive) yard and house. But the natural light would be wonderful! Great food for thought, thank you again. I'll have to check the space to see if there's room for dining table in kitchen. What's that great layout software you're using? rantontoo - We don't absolutely need two spaces to eat, and I had thought about shifting that door as you describe -- it would be between kitchen and DR. That way the traffic lane wouldn't go through the kitchen. I just couldn't figure out a good way to do that. Unfinished crawl space is underneath the whole main level where kitchen, etc. are....See MoreDesign advice for eat-in kitchen? Corner pantry?
Comments (8)Thanks @Patricia Colwell. I also like galley kitchens, but had to change the layout to get rid of a homemade lift and a few other complications! (And am on the fence about eat-in too, but again – small space and tricky existing features). Because of the higher ceiling, we were going to run the extractor fan out to the side of the house, above the top cupboards. And thanks heaps @mama goose_gw zn6OH. I love your first suggestion and have tried to draw it up below. The second one is also very clean and would probably feel very spacious, but possibly not enough prep space. Love the idea of an appliance garage or hidden spot! Any suggestions for the upper cabinets on both sides – running them around to meet the oven tower on one side, and then to the window on the other? Would it be worth making some of them open for variation or storing cookbooks? (e.g. above fridge). Or mix up colours of some elements?...See MoreDesign help needed: Cabinet upper and lower alignment/ arrangement
Comments (2)Thanks for your input. It makes a lot of sense. Sometimes it looks nice having everything lined up nice; other times it doesn't seem to matter. My biggest challenge is getting the cabinets, usually wall cabinets it seems, to simply fit the space in an attractive way. It is probably much less of an issue with full-overlay doors, but with partial-overlay it seems I often get these arbitrary gaps between adjoining cabinets that bother me....See MoreRelated Professionals
Albany Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Ojus Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Ridgewood Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Saint Peters Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cherry Hill Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Andover Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Los Alamitos Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Omaha Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Port Orange Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Vienna Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Aspen Hill Cabinets & Cabinetry · Riverbank Cabinets & Cabinetry · White Oak Cabinets & Cabinetry · Gladstone Tile and Stone Contractors · Oak Hills Design-Build Firms- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design
Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNSmart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice
Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home
Full Story
LIFEEdit Your Photo Collection and Display It Best — a Designer's Advice
Learn why formal shots may make better album fodder, unexpected display spaces are sometimes spot-on and much more
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDES10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever
If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNDiscover the Pull of Microwave Drawers
More accessible, less noticeable and highly space efficient, microwave drawers are a welcome newcomer in kitchen appliances
Full Story
KITCHEN STORAGEKnife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro
Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently
Full Story
FARM YOUR YARDAdvice on Canyon Farming From L.A.'s Vegetable Whisperer
See how a screened garden house and raised beds help an edible garden in a Los Angeles canyon thrive
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNDreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First
Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNHow to Lose Some of Your Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Lovely views, display-worthy objects and dramatic backsplashes are just some of the reasons to consider getting out the sledgehammer
Full Story
KITCHEN APPLIANCES9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen
See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter
Full Story
annkh_nd