A while ago I wrote about this kitchen in Taking a Kitchen from Dark to Light and while the transformation was incredible, one of the things that really made this kitchen great was the fact that it was clutter free. Nothing makes a kitchen look smaller and more cluttered than a big microwave on the counter, not to mention the fact that it takes up precious counter space!
A simple solution to a common problem, the microwave in this kitchen is hidden away creating a clean look. Want to do it yourself? Here are some tips from Olives and Daisies:
To get power to the microwave we drilled a hole in the back right corner of the cabinet, and that gave access to the cabinet over the range hood (as you can see in the photo below they are right next to each other) where there is an outlet for the range hood, so with an appliance grade extension cord (thank you Home Depot) we were able to have our microwave out of sight but still right in the kitchen!
How do you disguise your microwave? Or have you gotten rid of the microwave entirely?
(Images: Olives and Daisies)
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I'm sure I'm in the minority, but we do not hide our microwave. We did build a shelf to get it off the counter, though.
Take the plunge!
http://slightlyirritatingandinconvenient.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-i-got-rid-of-my-microwave.html
Mine's mounted over my stove. Could not bear to have one on the counter.
We did this. Drilled hole and ran an extension. It's kind of a pain to bend down to get at it but still better than looking at it every day! If I ever renovate the kitchen I will design cupboards for the microwave and the toaster oven. Maybe even the coffee pot!
Mine is on top of my refrig. I thought it would be odd that high up but it's fine, no problem at all
We got rid of ours a year ago; don't miss it at all.
We're on a trial separation from our microwave. It's been almost two months now! I realized I was using it mostly as a timer or cold-tea-reheater. For the amount of counter real-estate it took up, that was not enough function!
I've banished it to the shelving in our closet, and my boyfriend has adapted to reheating leftovers on the stove and in the toaster oven. He's actually complaining a lot less than I anticipated.
I think if we go another month or so without missing it, I'll feel free to donate it.
I put mine in the cupboard and have it attached to an extension cord for when I need to use it. Simple and clutter free.
Hiring a professional green home organizer can help you clear some space.
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