You can lower the MW cabinet if your replace your OTR microwave with a new low profile version

Not sure that your kitchen needs updating. But your style of decorating is a bit 'fussy' with lots of little accessories that make the whole place appear cluttered. Sorry......but that's my perception of the spaces.

What makes a space interesting is texture and contrasts. Instead of a kitchen table that matches your cabinets, you might have considered pieces that complemented your valance fabric like the chairs and table below.

When I first moved into my home and funds were tight, I purchased the table and chairs at a warehouse sale and then painted the white chairs green to spark things up.

Here is your kitchen with a few minor changes. I think the maroon wall paint you selected doesn't really match the color in your valance. A dark coral appears to be a closer match, at least from my computer. I replaced your too small light fixture that blends into the background, with a fixture that casts good light and makes a better statement.

Kitchens are never a location to place family pictures, so I changed out your wall decor to framed botanicals that pick up the green of your valance and offer a contrast with the dark frames.

Don't start blowing up your kitchen with a demo if the place can be fixed with a few minor changes otherwise you will be back here looking for solutions to those misguided actions. Baby steps, Baby steps.

Thank you, Zalco. I'm in the Houzz heresy group of moving in, if OP hasn't already, setting up their furnishings, then painting the walls in a warm white that harmonizes with oak cabinets and leave it at that for now. She wisely says the same thing at the end of her first paragraph--deal with the house that "is.". For whatever, reason she bought this house, not one that had her favored style and. In this case, attempting so many smaller fixes may remuddle the space, which will then need more fixing when the big renovation happens.

What can be done very affordably, is subtracting valences, dining set/tablecloth, stuff on cabinets, fake plants, chair rail all over especially--good pandemic project--and bringing in the OPs furnishings, art work, rugs, which reflect her tastes and style. Live with the current "givens." (I personally would change the dining pendant to something that works with OP's dining set which I assume is in her personal style.)

@BeverlyFLADeziner Thank you for this idea. I did not realize that low profile microwaves even existed. I am googling now.

housegal200I think painting the walls in a. warm white sounds lovely. And, although I would be ok with the honey oak look and I do agree that white would harmonize with them much better than the current color, the orangey color really gets to my husband. His pet peeve is the cabinet color and mine is the uneven line of the cabinet above the microwave.

And your advice to not attempt to many smaller fixes that remuddle the space is well taken. It has become clear to me that every change has an implication--sometimes one that you don't expect, so it is good to not be willy-nilly about it.

The furnishings are all gone now and the valences and the chair rail will come down. I do love the idea of buying a really beautiful dining pendant!

I’m assuming these aren‘t your furnishings. But once you start changing the kitchen I think it’ll start a domino effect in your house. A new backsplash would make a big difference. New lighting. New hardware.

I like the modernizing effect of incorporating black with oak. If it goes with your overall vision of the house...

Or go all black

Beverly’s low profile microwave is genius, but seems like a lot of money for not much impact.

does any of this appeal to you? It might be a good starting point.

COVID19 isn’t forever...you could just wait until things settle down and do what you really want to do.

Liking all the windows and natural light.

You have a very pleasant looking space and your cabinets look really good as is. Different wall paint color and different lighting, especially in the kitchen area, might make some difference in their current color hue so you might try that before considering painting or replacing perfectly good wood cabinets. Do paint the walls something with NO pink or orange hue -- that could help some with the visual hue of the cabinets.

Dollar Tree (and other stores) have large magnetic clips that will enable you to hang a notepad for shopping list or a calendar over your dent.

Would NOT move the bar cabinet to put it over the range. Consider removing only the cabinet over the microwave that you don't like, carefully remove the top from it off the rest of the cabinet and add then reuse the top as shelf hung to keep that top level with the tops of the other cabinets. (Leave the space over microwave beneath the new top shelf blank until you can do more later, if needed.) Do save the cabinet since (you might be able to cut the cabinet height down to the size you want and have new doors professionally made and reuse it above the microwave later. If not, with a plywood top, it could be used elsewhere (laundry/garage/potting shed). Keep the current molding as is ... put that idea, along with painting the cabinets, on hold for much later down the list

You can probably use the wiring from the recessed light over the peninsula to hang different lighting and significantly change the look of the space in a way that removes the large curb without having to remove "all or nothing" with regard to the curb.

Consider removing most of that one curb over the peninsula but leave the part of that curb that is against the wall and is in line with the curb over the adjacent overhead cabinet . The reface the cut end of the curb to match the rest of the curb over the overhead cabinets. I suspect that if you do those things, you will mind the curb over the overhead cabinets a lot less -- that part of the curb against the wall doesn't look bad at all ... it's the curb over the island that is a bit "overbearing".

With two painted boards, you could add a very shallow open shelf beneath your overhead cabinets for S&P, sugar bowl, napkin holder, etc.

BeverlyFLADeziner, Thank you so much for all the examples! To clarify, everything in those pictures was from the prior owner. I agree it is entirely too fussy for me! All furnishings are gone now. Window treatments will be changed. Colors will be changed as well.

The low profile micro idea is a good one. Conversely, you could also replace the crown molding on the cabinets next to the micro cabinet to make the crown wider and line up with the top of the micro cabinet. So, visually, the tops will be aligned.

If you can spend more $, I'd also have the cabinets painted and add new hardware. Will give it an instant face lift.

Katie B.You assume correct. Those are not our furnishings. See, I was thinking I needed to keep the backsplash because of cost, but you do raise a good point. I think it could have a huge impact if I changed it out. New lighting and new hardware I think are definitely doable. I have proposed using black during prior renovations and my husband vetoes it every time. Womp womp. :) I love that picture you posted with the subway tile up to the ceiling and the pretty chandelier.

You could do something like that where the coffee bar is (remove the cabinets and add open shelves, have subway up to the bottom of the shelves and the same subway for the rest of the kitchen).

This is a good solution for your staggered cab. A carpenter could repurpose what you have to do this.

@suezbell

The windows and natural light are my favorite thing about the house--along with the view out the back.

Re: Different wall paint color and different lighting, especially in the kitchen area, might make some difference in their current color hue so you might try that before considering painting or replacing perfectly good wood cabinets.

This is a good idea. Maybe if we didn't have clashing colors, the hubs wouldn't be so offended by the color of the cabinets. We could get the walls painted first and look into the lighting situation and see what effect that has before moving to do the cabinet painting.

Re: Do paint the walls something with NO pink or orange hue -- that could help some with the visual hue of the cabinets.

Agreed!

Re: Dollar Tree (and other stores) have large magnetic clips that will enable you to hang a notepad for shopping list or a calendar over your dent.

Ha. Good idea!

Re: Would NOT move the bar cabinet to put it over the range.

Someone has talked me out of that. Don't worry.

Re: Consider removing only the cabinet over the microwave that you don't like, carefully remove the top from it off the rest of the cabinet and add then reuse the top as shelf hung to keep that top level with the tops of the other cabinets. (Leave the space over microwave beneath the new top shelf blank until you can do more later, if needed.) Do save the cabinet since (you might be able to cut the cabinet height down to the size you want and have new doors professionally made and reuse it above the microwave later. If not, with a plywood top, it could be used elsewhere (laundry/garage/potting shed). Keep the current molding as is ... put that idea, along with painting the cabinets, on hold for much later down the list

Thank you for these very detailed suggestions! I wasn't sure how to actually make them happen.

Re: You can probably use the wiring from the recessed light over the peninsula to hang different lighting and significantly change the look of the space in a way that removes the large curb without having to remove "all or nothing" with regard to the curb.

Consider removing most of that one curb over the peninsula but leave the part of that curb that is against the wall and is in line with the curb over the adjacent overhead cabinet . The reface the cut end of the curb to match the rest of the curb over the overhead cabinets. I suspect that if you do those things, you will mind the curb over the overhead cabinets a lot less -- that part of the curb against the wall doesn't look bad at all ... it's the curb over the island that is a bit "overbearing".

I'm a bit challenged when it comes to visualizing a description like this, but I am intrigued. I am going to keep this idea simmering.

Re: With two painted boards, you could add a very shallow open shelf beneath your overhead cabinets for S&P, sugar bowl, napkin holder, etc.

What a practical idea! :)

Thanks again!

I think if you could sell that fridge on craig's list or something and put a counter depth refrigerator in it's place your kitchen would look way better....

Sabrina Alfin Interiors

I had not realized I could replace the molding to create one line. Going to research that! And, I do think painting the cabinets and replacing hardware is in the budget, so that is totally an option. Thank you.

Sorry......good luck. Take what you can from my comments.

@Katie B.

Re: You could do something like that where the coffee bar is (remove the cabinets and add open shelves, have subway up to the bottom of the shelves and the same subway for the rest of the kitchen).

I really like the idea of potentially incorporating some shelving instead of cabinetry where the coffee bar/wine area is currently. I think I could have some fun with that area.

Question about the subway tile idea. If I want to keep my countertops, which are ivory/cream colored, I don't think a white subway tile would go well with that, would it?

Thank you for the picture of the shelf above the microwave. That is essentially what I am envisioning.

Do an off-white subway.

amuzyczka

I had been thinking that too!

Greige or blue?

The bathroom tiles look familiar. Perhaps run down to Lowes/Home Depot and see if they have some. Then you could easily remove the cabinet in the middle of the room.

@Katie B. Those are fun. I know you were actually talking about the tile, but I had actually been considering painting the cabinets some type of blue.

@misecretary I might as well, but those tiles are from 2003, so I am a little concerned about matching. I suppose I could put a rug down. I've been seeing some cool pictures of rugs in kitchens although I don't think they are super practical.

That works too- are you going to paint the cabs yourself?

you could just do the island like that one photo? hundreds of ways to do it on a tight budget

Little touches make a big impact if planned well

@Katie B. We were going to hire someone to paint. I'm afraid I would ruin them. :S

@Katie B. I had thought about a blue like the one shown in this picture, but with those beige floors--see bathroom pic--(assuming they are usable when we pull up the laminate tomorrow) iit almost seems like white would be the best?? Initially I thought maybe it was a bad idea to do white cabinets with an ivory countertop, but now I'm thinking the combo might work if I had the beige floors. Perhaps the countertops would look like they were meant to continue the beige theme? I'll post a pic tomorrow if the floors are in good enough shape to use.

what are your counters? Corian?

They look to be in good condition in the photos.

if you go white, I’d just make sure you don’t go stark white. I think counters might Look dingy if the cabinets are too white.

I really like beige cabinets too, especially with brass or gold.

This one shows the color combo (obviously nothing like your kitchen).

This bottom one would look great with modern brass pulls

You can always paint some wood pieces and put them up against what’s there to see how different colors work together.

@richfield95

Coming back to the ventilation point...Just curious: How is putting a regular sized cabinet above the oven different than putting a microwave in terms of ventilation (if they come down to the same point)? Aren't both just objects blocking proper air flow?

@Katie B.

Ha. I wish either of those top two photos were my kitchen. Beautiful. I like both of those color options! The counters are corian and are in good condition. I hadn't thought of painting some wood and putting it up beside the floor and the counters to test. Seems obvious now that you say it, but it wasn't to me initially! Thank you.

Above range Microwaves have a built-in ventilation system...they replace a vent hood.

Do you have ducting in the cabinet above your micro?

if not, you probably have a recirculating model.

Ok I read through your post again. One thing I missed...having a hood higher than the Oven looks fine

I’m not a pro, but I have owned a few homes, nice ones, but none of which I feel entirely reflected my style. I’m a pro at that apparently. I’m in a creative vortex about it in my head 24/7. I’ve posted ideas here before and I always come to a similar conclusion from the advice given- make what you have look better...don’t try to change something good into something totally different. Unless you truly hate something, then change it. We see Pinterest, images here and on google, magazines, etc. and think that’s what we need. We don’t. An improvement to what you have will probably make you happy, at least for awhile. If you must paint, take the opportunity to do something creative, like paint the cabinets bright green maybe (kidding), especially if you’ll be tearing it out in 5-10 years.

You can achieve something similar to those photos, especially the colors. They both have Corian counters actually. Paint your cabinets, modern hardware and you’re there. Do something fun for the coffee bar area. I’d personally change the backsplash. Can you remove the riser or is it a solid piece with your counter? If it can’t be removed, wait to do a backsplash for when you do new counters. I don’t think I’d start removing trim and molding quite yet.

It’s a great house- have fun!

If you do warm white walls for now, the cabinets may look different and acceptable enough that you could tolerate them until you do a large renovation. Also consider painting the base of the mini-island (if not removing) and peninsula base same as walls. A beautiful round table in that window alcove would look amazing if you have one or plan to get one. Many expandable ones around, too.

Manhattan 5th Avenue Apartment · More Info

@Katie B.

I do not have ducting and I have read that the recirculating models aren't really that helpful at all (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050506/), so I was kind of wondering how much ventilation they truly offer. Beyond ventilation concerns, I think I favor the option of adding a shelf over the OTR microwave, so figuring this out may not be necessary, but the topic intrigues me for sure.

you don't have ducting? then where is the grease and gunk from cooking going with that micro?

You need to get a duct if you're going to have any type of fan over the stove.

@housegal200 When you say paint the "peninsula base same as walls," do you just mean the area where the stools go? (See pic.)

Also, I didn't know they made expandable round tables. That's so cool!

Beth H. : I will verify tomorrow that I do not have ducting, but I am pretty sure I don't because that wall backs up to a bedroom. My understanding is that it just pulls up the gunk and puts it through a filter before recirculating in the room, which apparently isn't that helpful at all.

We have a window, so I was considering setting up some sort of window unit that I could put on the exhaust setting as LifeHacker suggests (https://lifehacker.com/use-a-window-fan-when-your-kitchen-doesn-t-have-a-range-1685716558).

Thanks @Katie B.! You have been amazing!

check and see if you can go up into the roof, and then outside. (not just into the attic space!)

Maybe you could use Briwax to minimize that yellow tint your husband hates

https://www.google.com/amp/s/inbetweenchaos.com/2017/10/01/refreshing-worn-wood-with-briwax/amp/

I haven’t done this personally, so I don’t know if it leaves a waxy film that would collect dust/grime? But thought I’d share

I get your dislike of the OTR microwave. But where would you put it? It will take some Kilz to repaint a warm white over that burgundy but it will be worth it. you have beautiful natural light so a light black accents against the oak would look good.

Does this kitchen appeal to you?

kind of modern boho

https://casawatkinsliving.com/modern-white-bohemian-kitchen-reveal/

Or this one?

Keep some wood and paint some- will keep cost down.

Put a large rug under the table and chairs, and change the direction of the table to allow a wider passage.

Katie B.I saw that same article! Seems like it could be a good option. I think I really do like the idea of doing a color though.

@kathleen MK Originally, I had just planned to get a counter microwave and put it over where the wine bar formerly was. Now though, I think I am over that idea. I just want to remove the cabinets above the OTR micro and create a shelf.

Yes, whatever it takes, that burgundy has to go! :)

@Katie B. Both are lovely. These pictures help me see see how mixing up the colors could help reduce some heaviness with the uppers.

@jbtanyderi I will definitely keep this in mind when I select and place my table. Thank you! (The furnishings shown in the pic are the former owners'.)

you could remove the doors off your little island and see if you can get a micro to fit in there (you'll have to go with a counter microwave that is also built-in capable. check the rough in dimensions needed) I had to go through this w/mine. I have an OTR one and ended up putting it in below my oven.

I had my cabs painted so they were able to modify this cabinet for me by removing two of the drawers and making a large opening for the built-in.

here's the before. I ended up going w/the 1.5 cu GE built-in with a trim kit, under my oven.

so much nicer to have my vent hood over the stove top now. (I tried to get it for my island shelf, but it wouldn't fit according to specs) you have to have space around the sides and back

Or, you could just do a counter model and put it on top of that white cabinet thing you have, or even in the cabinet above it. you could remove the doors and some of the shelving. just depends what works easier for you.

for over your stove top, I'd go with a regular range hood vent, providing you can vent up and out somewhere. Those recirculating micros are absolute garbage, even worse for venting than the regular OTR microwaves. I had ours up above that for 15 years (And i have an actual ducted vent!) and you should have seen all of the grease and gunk that got trapped in that thing. it was gross.)

I just read through your entire thread. There's a chance that the electrical box for the microwave is in the cabinet above. The micro is also probably attached to the cabinet. I know mine was installed that way. If that's the case, a shelf won't work. The best option is to replace the whole thing with a new hood vent, if it's possible to vent to outside. Otherwise, move the cabinet down and replace with either a low profile microwave as Beverly suggested or a regular stainless steel vent hood.

I would re-think tearing up the laminate as well. It seems to flow through the whole space and if it was laid on top of existing tile, you will have an uneven transition between the laminate and the tile. I think a better option is to leave the laminate until you're ready to replace it all and paint the cabinets if you don't like the wood on wood look. IMO, I think your best bet is a pretty runner and to leave everything as is until you're ready for a complete overhaul.

If you do eventually decide to paint the cabinets yourself, scrub them thoroughly first. Every time food is fried, a bit of grease mist rises and lands on surfaces. None of that can be on your cabinets if you expect your paint job to look good.

As to the potential curb change over the peninsula that I mentioned ...

Measure the depth of the curb -- wall to front edge -- over the cabinets that are right of the peninsula and left of the microwave.

On the left side of the curb that is over the peninsula, measure from the wall to a point that is the same distance/depth along the side/bottom of the curb over the peninsula

You could use easily removable painter's tape or an easily erasable pencil to mark a line across the bottom of the curb over the peninsula. The line would go from the left side of the curb over the peninsula at a point equal to the depth of the adjoining curb to the right angle/point where the two curbs meet.

That would give show about how much of the curb over the peninsula you'd need to remove to enable the curb over the cabinets over the stove to continue in a straight line. Of course, you'd need to trim another inch or ... an amount that is equal to the thickness of the board you'd need to add to face what's left of the curb against the wall to make it match the rest of that curb over the stove/microwave.

Hey everyone. I just wanted to give an update. The kitchen has been redone! We kept the countertop, backsplash, and appliances. We replaced the floors, painted walls and cabinets. replaced cabinet hardware, took out the kitchen island, and added a rug. Oh, and we replaced the cabinet that was above the microwave with one that was flush with the rest of them and removed the cabinet crown molding.

Before:

After

Wow-it looks really nice. The cabinet color is very pretty and I really like that you removed the island. Great improvement!