I think I'd try to reconfigure the fridge area, corner, and the wall with the antique wood cabinet. Would it be too tight to put a narrow cabinet/counter run on that entire wall? You could have an appliance garage for the blender etc, and a microwave cabinet.

Is it an island or a table in the center?

You might want to measure and post a floor plan with dimensions. There are many sharper minds than me in this forum, who will have great ideas.

Hope the post-fire renovations are going well. It doesn't look like your kitchen sustained any serious damage, thank goodness!!

Thanks, jlc712. I think your right about the antique cab. I just hate to lose it. It gives the kitchen so much character, but maybe it is time to move on. Unfortunately, the fridge wall is a bit odd in that the fridge is built out into a box into the back mudroom and there is not a lot we can do there.

Another thing I was thinking of was making a microwave shelf where the small buffet-like area is between the two doorways. It would mean losing some upper cab space and I guess we'd have to pull out the cab from the wall because micros are usually deeper than that upper cab is now.

There is a table height moveable island where we eat most of our meals.I think it is about 3x5.

I ran in yesterday to take the pics (sorry they are so bad - cellphone with mitts on). I had thought the damage wasn't too bad either, but once I started to really look, I can see many of the doors are warped and the walls/ceilings are toast. The kitchen end of the house wasn't damaged at all by the fire, but a couple of weeks after the fire a pipe right above burst and a huge amount of water went everywhere. They have to rip everything out, save what they can and reinstall. Some cabs will be saved and granite and appliances, but they have to gut everything to make sure there is no damage or mould.

It was a bit of a shock, but good overall as our kitchen remodel was about 10 years ago and starting to look a bit tired.

I'm amazed the appliances weren't damaged by the water. How do they determine that?

I understand wanting to keep the antique cab, it is very charming! Putting the micro between the two doorways may be the best spot.

Or, would the fridge fit in that spot, between the two doorways? I'm guessing it's not deep enough? If it could fit, you could reconfigure that whole bump out, corner, and wall where the antique cab is. I think you'd gain a ton of storage.

have you seen this microwave? http://www.amazon.com/Whirlpool-WMC20005YW-White-Countertop-Microwave/dp/B005GSZB9Q

it is small and takes up less space- I plan on putting it behind an appliance garage of some sort.

I have that MW - it's wonderful. It takes a bit longer to heat things (no surprise), and you want to make sure it's big enough inside for the largest plate/bowl you normally use int he MW. But it sure fits nicely in the corner!

I'm no help with your questions. I'm useless without a floorplan diagram and only moderately helpful with one. I just wanted to pipe into say that your multiple disasters would crumble most people. I've read your previous posts about it and admire the way you've handled it all. And I really like that antique cabinet. If you could save that or re-purpose it somehow, I think that would be great because it does add lovely character. Please post a diagram so we can provide better assist. Best wishes.

Yes, I would definitely challenge the insurance on the appliances. That is crazy. I can't imagine that the water wouldn't cause problems, especially with the range.

Hope you are able to fix those past little mistakes in addition to damage repairs, and gain some extra good from the disaster. Your attitude is wonderful! Definitely post the floor plan when you can, I know you'll get lots of great help.