Can you put a flat basket on top of the microwave to hold some of those loose things, if they need to stay? I'm guessing that those brown packets are tea or something. A tray with high sides, or a flat open basket, would function a lot like a drawer, and the sides would camouflage some of that stuff. Then some of that stuff can get off the counter and into a "cabinet" (except, not a cabinet, but the tray on top of the microwave). (I actually have a basket in my home that I need to get rid of that would probably work great for this!) Like this! (mine's not quite the same weave; mine's a little more refined that this) DII Durable Trapezoid Woven Nylon Storage Bin or Basket for Organizing Your Home, Office, or Closets (Tray - 13x15x5") Black - Set of 2 by Amazon.com Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4CDZ72/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_pa8tCb8SDRJX3 The other option is to move all kettle & drink "supplies" into that cabinet (even if you have to displace stuff that's already there). Are you absolutely certain you can't move the phone and answering machine elsewhere? I think having the kettle there along with the microwave is very reasonable. But I'd try to move the electronics somewhere else--anywhere else. Can the modem move, or is it tied to that phone jack? If it can't move, then yes, mount it under the cabinet, even if you have to jury-rig something using cable ties. Or, set it under an upside-down box of some sort. Or lean it on the wall behind the microwave. What's the green thing? A "lawn drying rack" for baby bottles? (those look like baby-bottle nipples on it) That, I would say you should find some other place for. The other option, once you've moved the "supplies" into the cabinet or into that tray, is simply to embrace the functionality of that space. Can you DO the things you need to do there? Get to the kettle, get to the tea, reheat something in the microwave, pick up your phone messages? All without a lot of fiddling and futzing, and moving stuff out of the way or knocking it over? If so, then it is what it is--a very hard-working corner in the room that is essentially the core WORKROOM of your home. And it doesn't matter that it's not lovely.

The flooring in the living room will be changed soon to a light hardwood.

metal wall sculpture: https://www.ebay.com/c/27004199784 https://www.touchofclass.com/rhythm-metal-wall-sculpture/p/Y647-001/ https://www.etsy.com/listing/688618838/sunflower-decor-sunflower-sign-sunflower?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wood+sunflower+art&ref=sc_gallery-1-7&plkey=718429a7a5f00235d685311dcc306bc2b0e428d1%3A688618838&pro=1&frs=1&col=1 modern wood wall art: https://www.etsy.com/listing/721471638/wood-sunflower-wall-art?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wood+sunflower+art&ref=sr_gallery-1-1 https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/crescent-moon-wall-shelf?inventoryCountry=US&color=020&size=ONE%20SIZE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzfTnprvx6gIVmIjICh1S4gBUEAQYAiABEgLrsfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=REGULAR&quantity=1 https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c2771951/stratton-home-decor-wall-decor-collection.jsp?color=Multi&prdPV=2

Thanks everyone on your feedback so far! We agree that this kitchen is less than ideal - both in layout and aesthetically. We absolutely despise the center cooktop island, and the colors and tile are just...yuck! Below is the floorplan that we have access to. I have thought about removing the corner pantry altogether, but we'd have to look into how structurally possible that is. I drew up two options last night. This is our top option in the scenario that we keep the corner pantry: - Leaving sink + dishwasher as is, adding peninsula extension facing breakfast nook - Adding cooktop + range hood to the left of sink (towards the dining room entry door) - Moving wall oven to existing fridge area - Moving fridge to current wall oven area - Adding in more lower cabinets and leveling out countertop towards the living room Though after reading your comments, I am open to other ideas. Instead of refacing, we would likely tear out and redo everything. Our main concern is having to add any electric or water lines to support moving the sink & dw or any appliances from their original spots. Thank you for your help and suggestions!