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Have you ever had an over-the-stove micro? We have our first and just hate it! It's hard to stir anything with a big spoon, as it just hits the bottom of the MW.

If you think the fit might be too snug, I'd *pretend* cook and see how much room you need.

Oh darn! I'll try it again.

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww286/Astrovel/kitchen-before.jpg

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww286/Astrovel/kitchen-before2.jpg

No, I haven't tried the microwave cooking over the range before. Its just that I have so little counter space and the huge microwave sitting next to the stove/refrig takes up so much room, I thought if I could put a microwave range hood up, it would help free up some badly needed counterspace.
It might require taking some of the cabinet above. Then I would have a problem obtaining and matching some smaller cabinet doors to cover the upper portion of the cabinet.

Do they make regular range hoods in black to match the other appliances? I've never seen any in the stores.
Thanks for your input. I will keep your comments in mind about the microwave though.

Is this your kitchen link that you wanted?

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to kitchen

My first thought is to do white appliances with a white sink. With a small kitchen, adding dark colors will make it seem even smaller.

If you get granite, go with a light color.

I have my first over the stove microwave and I thought I'd hate it, but actually I quite like it! I don't do any big cooking in it if that makes a difference. I love having the free space!

Yes, take out the wallpaper. I also noticed you don't hav hardware on your cabinets, you can buy some and install just for looks, which will help in updating your kitchen. They have some beautiful ones online, inexpensive too.

Removing the wallpaper, painting, and replacing the countertops will make a huge difference in your kitchen.

While you are at it, think about changing the pendant over your sink and adding hardware to your cabinets. (And post a picture if you do. I have those exact same cabinets and have been wanting to add hardware for 4 years! Oh, and I have TWO of those same pendants in my bathroom. Yep ... two huge balls ... I've heard all the jokes.)

If you don't have enough space under your upper cabinets for a microwave, could you raise the two cabinets over the stove? You have plenty of ceiling height and staggered cabinet heights are very "in" right now, and I'd hate to see you lose that storage. You'd want to mock it up to be sure the height difference looked intentional. You might even be able to dress up the cabinets with some molding on the top.

It looks like you have a nice, bright window over your sink. Could you move the lotion, soap, and cleaning items to a basket under the sink (or a basket that hangs off the inside of the cabinet door) and use that window sill for herbs? Maybe something like this over-the-cabinet-door-organizer. With a small kitchen, you have to be on constant clutter control. I've been known to "hide" extra items in baskets on top of my cabinets. I'm not sure if baskets suit your style, but you might be able to steal a little pantry space by placing some decorative baskets or bins on top of your cabinets. Just don't put anything heat-sensitive up there.

One final thought, you might look at the paintable cord covers for your living room television. DH used one in our study. (I heard a few choice words as he struggled to squeeze all the cords into the tube, but it looks really nice now!)

Here you go!

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Check out jeanninepc99's redo of her small kitchen. She actually kept the countertop, in a similar color to yours. What's your flooring like? Hard to tell from here. If it's worn or drearily dated, I'd consider redoing that, as well. Flooring is an important statement and can really affect an update, imo. I was just looking at black and white checked kitchens. I wonder if a checked floor, maybe on the diagonal, would appeal to you. Or maybe just an accent insert at the tile corners, for some interest on the floor.

Also check out the inspiration pic at the very end. I'd consider doing things light, with the lowers darker than the uppers, so they recede a bit into the floor of your narrow kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Redo

OMIGOSH. I didn't mean to expose my old pics of my ratty LR before I redecorated. That was just so I could refer back to them if needed.
The pics I snapped of the kitchen was at its worst. I've been spending days painting the LR, DR & hall and as you can see with the kitchen, it suffered with neglect.
Yes, I planned on replacing the globe over the sink. I hate it. And I've been wanting hardware on the cabinets for years but just haven't done it.
My refrig is faux stainless and I can't replace that right now. But I don't want to repeat the stainless look on the stove and dishwasher.
The flooring...we dragged a piece of carpet in front of the sink because one of our old dogs kept slipping spread eagled on the floor and couldn't get to the food and water. That will be gone soon. The tile is a kind of sage and greyish green that matches the trim.
Color above the stove is beige. But I don't want the whole house beige. (LR, DR & hall is now beige.)What color would you suggest? Use the same color green as the trim or maybe a little lighter? Paint the whole room the same color?
Are borders in now? I used the border to lessen the look of a narrow skinny tall kitchen.

As soon as I get the LR/DR floor in, I will post pics so you can get a feel for the rooms leading into the kitchen. but the kitchen will be my next project and I am trying to look ahead and plan what to do. I appreciate your feedback.

I know you said you like the green painted trim, but I really think once you change the countertops and appliances you'll see that it makes the room look dated. It would look much better painted white or a coordinating color to whatever you paint the room, or even stained the color of the cabinets. I do have to tell you that the picture of the quill pen and candle you have in your photobook is gorgeous!