I shared with you awhile ago that we were planning to give our kitchen a “mini remodel” that will eventually include:
- new wood counters
- new sink & faucet
- beadboard backsplash
- fixing some holes (literal ones…) in the cabinetry
- repaint the cabinets with a lighter color
- replace counter microwave with an over-the-range model
For budget and DIY reasons (as in, where do we find the time?), we are going to tackle these in steps rather than all at once.
Our first step was to buy and install the microwave, which involved retrofitting a cabinet, and I’m happy to report that we can strike that off our list:
Besides looking nice and more modern (thanks to the removal of the hideous Jenn-Air “backsplash” thing…which I can’t believe I lived with for 6+ years!), do you notice all the room on the left where the counter micro used to be?
Brian and I were completely blown away by how much space it seemed we had all of a sudden. Our counter model was not that big, but I guess having to angle it like that really ate up the space. It felt like a new kitchen with just this one step of the planned remodel done!
One thing this project showed us was that there isn’t enough information in the instructions or on the web (that we could find) about a couple of issues when installing one of these microwaves:
- What is the optimum space between the stove top and bottom of microwave? If we used the minimum given in the installation booklet, I wouldn’t be able to lift the lid of a large stockpot completely!
- How to install when the upper cabinet is too low for cooking under- specific step-by-step instructions.
- How to deal with a hard-wired situation (vs. a plug and outlet).
Two things, especially, illustrated for me the need of information regarding #1 -
- I’ve seen a number of pictures on the web of microwaves installed so close to the range that it looks like a teapot handle almost touches the bottom and
- one reader said that when she wants to use her canner, she actually has to pull her range out from under the microwave!
Needless to say, that got me energized and I actually hauled out everything I would want to cook with and measured all of them- with my hand lifting the lids!
And wouldn’t you know, we took pictures of our all-day ordeal project so I could share with all you Oregon Cottage readers the nitty gritty details so you won’t have to wonder about these issues!
Yes, I know…you all can thank me later. *smile*
I will be detailing the steps we took and the the solutions we came up with (disclaimer- in true DIY fashion, these are just the way we chose to tackle these things- which may or may not be the best way!) in the next post.
I hope this will save you some time in the future- maybe just a half day instead of an entire day?
-Jami
This is linked to Transformation Thursday and Strut Your Stuff Thursday.
I believe a cottage can be anywhere or anything (condo, ranch, farmhouse) as long as you have a "cottage mentality" which puts people above things, celebrates imperfections, embraces simplicity, and finds joy in everyday life. Thanks for joining me!
I have just the same problem. I want to install a microwave above the range and was told I’d have to get an electricain to put an outlet into the cabinet in order to give it power. All I could think of was $$$$ signs. I think I may get an estimate and find out how much it would be and take my measurements. I would love to get more counter space in my kitchen! Your looks great!
It looks great! We’re hoping to do this same project at our house, and I am definitely bookmarking this page so I can remember all your great tips! (Measure the canner! GAH! I would have never thought of that!)
Looks great!
~Angela~
I hear you! We should never completely trust “estimate heights” and the sort from people who don’t know our cooking (or living) habits. I always encourage people to double measure and double check everything, being with newspaper templates in case of furniture or with the actual objects to be placed and then add a 20 or 25% spare room.
Looks great! Well done. I can’t wait to see the progress as you check off the rest of your list.
I am doing a similar remodel in my kitchen. I am excited to watch your progress!
Our plan is to do things slowly as we can afford to. I will be painting the cabinets, getting a new cooktop (and converting to gas), getting new double ovens (eventually), getting a new sink and changing lighting. I will also do some molding and backsplash. We will do most of it ourselves and try to save as much as possible.