<p>Much to our delight, D will be attending the college that offered the biggest merit aid. This means that my kitchen fund can stay a kitchen fund - we don’t need it for tuition. :D</p>
<p>So now the work (and penny pinching) begins. I’m aiming for “nice.” Not luxury, or glamorous, or state of the art, or top of the line. Just nice. Until today I was adamant that we wouldn’t replace appliances. But then…</p>
<p>The architect has suggested moving the microwave. Rather than keep it above the range, put it in the island. She said a simple hood above the range is “nicer” than a MW/hood combo. So I googled photos, and I think she’s right. :o </p>
<p>Ka-ching. Probably buying a new MW for the island. Oh, and a range hood. $$</p>
<p>Who here has the MW in the island? Is it built-in? Or is it a counter model in a cubby? How do you like it? </p>
<p>We are literally at the drawing board phase. Please share all opinions and ideas. Thanks.</p>
<p>If you use your microwave more than a few times a week…do you really want to bend over to use it? Seems a little awkward. For the perfect kitchen, think long and hard about the ergonomics.</p>
<p>Unless you cook in the microwave, you can probably get away with a smallish one. I don’t have an island but have been working on designs in my head because I have a fairly large kitchen. I like shelves on the end of islands- perhaps the microwave could go in one.</p>
That’s the thing, musicamusica. I asked architect the same question. </p>
<p>She says studies show the island is MORE ergo. Apparently bending to lift is better than reaching above eye level…especially for hot things. Plus, she added, when placed lower, it’s easier to spot and prevent boil-overs in the MW. </p>
<p>Do not do a “built in” micorwave, but a shelf for the microwave can be placed almost anywhere. I do not have an island, but a very long galley kitchen, with a microwave shelf at eye level. Our cabinet maker suggested the shelf, since microwaves are inexpensive and can be easily replaced.</p>
<p>cross posted----mine is not above eye level, but it is eye level.
I really don’t think bending over is the best option.</p>
<p>I can see what your architecht means, dougbetsy. I grew up with a microwave on the island and my apartment has it above the range. I come close to tipping bowls of super hot liquid over my face all the time, or things slip and splash… I am sure I will get used to it, but the microwave on the island was a LOT easier.</p>
<p>Microwave drawers are very “in” right now. When we did our reno last year, I did a lot of research and the complaint that kept surfacing was that when the drawer rolls out, there can be spillage inside. I chose not to have it in an island. I didn’t like the idea of bending over to set the microwave and I didn’t want it at ‘toddler’ height either, having to worry about my granddaughter playing with it. Those concerns, in addition to the spillage issue, helped me with my decision. Mine is in a wall that includes my ovens, fridge, and cabinets.</p>
<p>Dougbetsy, you’re in for lots of fun! My advice is to make sure you have a good designer working with you. The first thing that mine did was sit down and ask me questions about how I liked to cook, it took about an hour of her gathering information. She then did three different designs that she thought would work. Once we chose one, we chose the cabinetry company we liked best. I then spent hours and hours, in several meetings, with the cabinetry designer, again discussing how I wanted the kitchen set up. Every drawer and cabinet were discussed, in addition to the many decisions surrounding door design, pulls, knobs, and handles, what is inside the drawers and cabinets is also important. Dividers, pull outs, roll outs, etc. etc. Lots of decisions but it was worth all the time and effort now that I have the kitchen exactly the way it works best for me. </p>
<p>Have a look at houzz dot com for lots of excellent ideas.</p>
<p>THE single most important thing about kitchen design is designing it around the way YOU cook. Trends, your designer’s tastes, and what someone like me says are not as important as coming up with a plan that fits your lifestyle and physical needs. We designed our kitchen over 20 years ago, I still love it and happily use it every day. It’s mine. Now if you were designing a kitchen for resale…that’s a whole 'nother story. Then it is all about trends and finishes.</p>
<p>We have a good sized island, so looked into the microwave drawers. However, since we had the flexibility to stack it over a wall oven and still have a separate hood/oven, we went that route. The major drawback, aside from the spilling issue that alwaysamom pointed out, is that tall items, i.e. a casserole with a lid or a tall bowl or coffee cup, won’t always fit. </p>
<p>But if the choice was between putting it over the oven or in the island, would probably pick the island. Having a good quality vent makes a tremendous difference in a kitchen. I agree that it’s also more attractive - lots of different decorative choices for hoods.</p>
<p>I can see the point of lifting up vs down out of an over the stove microwave. I would NOT get any kind of a countertop model though–one that sits on a countertop. Have a space made for the microwave. I can’t stand junk on countertops :D.</p>
<p>I like our over the stove microwave but I think when we remodel, I want to put in a double wall oven and I’ve seen some combo microwave/convection oven deals and we might go that route. I haven’t researched very much yet so I don’t have any specifics on that.</p>
<p>Yes, I’m already a member at houzz. And, I guess I should have clarified: I’m not considering a MW drawer. Probably just a shelf below the counter. </p>
<p>First off, Congratulations on your kiddo’s great merit award that is allowing you to go forward with a new kitchen. That’s just wonderful!</p>
<p>I’m a year in our latest home and have been noodling over how to remodel the kitchen without bankrupting us. I agree with those who warn against the microwave-over-range configuration. I had it in a prior house and it was really awful. Anything is better than that.</p>
<p>I just don’t go for the microwave drawer thing. I think microwaves keep getting smaller and more sophisticated (and cheaper) and don’t want to build such customized cabinetry around one. I think the shelf idea is very good. For some reason, I think it would be best ear the refrigerator?</p>
<p>Personally, I’m kind of drawn to the Euro kitchen look or the mid-century modern look. I don’t like the chandelier-in-the-kitchen ultra luxe granite vibe of some kitchens. I like it to look clean and sleek.</p>
<p>DougBetsy: can I piggyback on your thread for a minute? (I thought about starting my own, but good grief, how many kitchen remodeling threads can CC stand?)</p>
<p>We, too, are considering a kitchen remodel. It’s a very small kitchen, but completely functional. We’re doing cabinets, countertops, appliances, and floors. Actually, it’s the flooring that’s driving me crazy.</p>
<p>Any suggestions, complaints, or warnings on flooring? Currently we have a disgusting vinyl floor that I want to replace with tile or wood. I’m afraid tile will be too cold in the winter time, but I’m also worried about the wood floors - how easy are they to keep nice in a high-traffic area like our kitchen? And we already have hardwood floors in the rest of the downstairs area - how hard would it be to match the flooring? Is there some other flooring option of which I should be aware?</p>
<p>Sorry for the (hopefully momentary) hijack.</p>
<p>scout-our plan is to put in this newer vinyl tile (Armstrong). It installs like regular tile with grout, etc. but is soft like vinyl. We have 2 friends and my parents that have used this in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and it’s amazing. Even touching it with your fingers you can’t tell it is vinyl. I just love the stuff. My parents tile looks like tumbled marble. As an added bonus, it’s easy to clean and not slippery like ceramic tile. They have some that looks like wood as well.</p>
<p>scout, Tile floors can be cold and very hard on one’s back/knees etc. when standing long periods of time. I was also concerned about the upkeep and maintenance of wood in a high traffic area, but am thrilled with the one we put in a few years ago. Since my kitchen is open to the family room I especially like the fact that it’s all one type of flooring. We used a Bona Traffic finish and just vacuum and use the Bona care system to clean - it couldn’t be easier and still looks great.</p>
<p>Hmmm, vinyl tile that doesn’t look like vinyl tile? I might have to look into that!</p>
<p>Roshke, I agree about the tile - I love the look, but it’s just too cold for those of us who like to go barefoot all year long! I am leaning towards wood floors if I can match the look and finish to the ones I already have. Our kitchen is pretty open, too, and I think that the continuity of one flooring choice will help give the illusion of more space…</p>
<p>We chose 24x24 travertine for our kitchen floor and I love it. Easy to keep clean, doesn’t show the dirt (4 dogs!), and I have had no issue with it being hard on my knees or back. We put hardwood in the surrounding rooms and I wanted something different for the kitchen.</p>