Counter top micro is usually an eye sore and causes clutter feeling. The
Micro above range is more functional and is better for resale, however a stylish hood is also a much better look for the kitchen. Have you thought about a built in micro in one of the cabinets, I find customers always love built in appliances. That with a stylish hood is a great feature in a kitchen.

Chris, sure the built in micro is a super idea, but don't think we can afford that. I've seen where folks have a shelf for the micro, and I don't like that at all.

If you are doing a countertop micro have a look for a corner hutch, they can match the cabinets and also hide the appliance when not in use. I hear what you're saying about the shelf thing, always looks like an after thought.

I like the built-in micro over the range look, but please pay close attention to the clearance over the burners. I replaced my old 70's style hood vent with a vented full size microwave. Unfortunately, the clearance over the stove is only 15", and the vent is not strong enough.

Since I use the microwave a lot, I wanted a full-size unit. I love the reclaimed counter space and the convenience. Eye level positioning would be the best, but for resale value, consider that eye level for one person might require a foot stool for others.

Ah yes, the appliance garage, LOL.
Chris, opinion on cab pulls and knobs.
I have lots of cabs going in. In particular, a 3 drawer bank that I'd like your opinion on what size pulls I should use. If you look at the drawing, the cab is next to the fridge. I'm thinking 2 pulls per drawer is adequate. My cabinets are traditional panel cherry.

Also, should I break up the hardware by having pulls on drawers and knobs on doors?

Depending on how wide the drawers are and the style of handles. Here is how I usually do it. For a drawer of 36" I would use either two pulls or one long bar pull. In my more modern kitchens I like to use the long bar style pulls for everything, they come in all different lengths and can be matched with cabinets and drawers to suit. For a more traditional look I would do two pulls for cabinets 36 or wider. One pull per drawer of smaller size. And finally the pull versus knob dilemma, I find its a personal preference thing more traditionally knobs for doors and pulls for drawers but I'm not a fan of knobs. I generally keep it uniform and use all pulls. But like I said its a personal thing some people prefer different thing.

You could go to a big box store an buy a selection of different choices and once you find what you like just return the ones you don't want.

Hope that helps.

I agree with your opinion. I do like the bar style pulls, but might be too contemp for my kitchen.
Kitchen now has all handles and it's a very uniform look. I know it's a preference thing - just want to make sure my thinking is in line with someone else. Thanks

over the range. counter top microwaves looks like poor kitchen planning.

I want a microwave ANYWHERE except over the range for 3 reasons.

1. Ours is currently lower than code allows. As it is now, it's just barely at a comfortable height to use. When we remodel if a microwave were set to code height, it would be uncomfortably high for me.

2. Husband and I cook together a lot. Inevitably one of us needs to be at the cook top and the other needs to be in or out of the MW. It's always a dance of who needs to get out of the way.

3. I just don't find them to be effective vents. I know this isn't an issue for you but wanted to throw it out there.

My preference is built in to cabinetry at a height where I don't have to lift or lower a dish any more than 8-12 inches.

Good points.