I don't use the microwave except to reheat things-I decided it was better to have a vent over the stove that vented outside. Yes, the microwave sits on the counter, but there really wasn't room for it to be integrated into the cabinets. My pantry is on the right side of the fridge; on the left I keep equipment that I don't use often, like my big stockpot, crockpot, blender, etc. Both cabinet units have pull-out, high-sided drawers so stuff doesn't tump over. I had a walk-in pantry in my old house that I sorely miss, but this setup works, too.

I absolutely love your kitchen remodel! You did a great job picking your cabinet color, granite, flooring, and back splash! The only one suggestion I have is to get rid of the curtain around your window. You have a beautiful updated kitchen and an outdated curtain. I wouldn't do any curtain. I love it the kitchen!

You did a super job!

It looks great! I like that you named what you used for every one of your new kitchen materials in case others like them and want to get identical for their kitchen remodels.

Great choices, beautiful job.

You did an beautiful job! I looks wonderful-what an improvement! I do agree with the others about the curtain.

Lol! Thank you all for your comments! The curtain was on sale at JCPenney...no curtain, huh? Any suggestions? I really need something there to have open during the day, but is able to be shut at night. Maybe a Roman shade? Plantation shutters?

It looks so beautiful!

Wonderful job, love the pendant lights.

Looks awesome !

Nicely done! Enjoy your new kitchen remodel.

Beautiful cabinetry! Awesome job!

Wow! Looks so rich and sophisticated now!

Looks great!

Lovely! You did a great job - I think a roman shade would be better.

Absolutely love it! Although I agree with justlilme, the curtain does not blend well with the rest of the kitchen.

@Shake It Up...indeed! I think I'm going to get a Roman shade; I'll post it when I decide on the color. Thank you!

Outstanding! I agree the curtains do not go with the overall design of the kitchen. I am a big fan of window treatments. I would just do a valance out of a fabric that would give a little color to the over all brown surfaces. Pick a color that you like and wrap it around the kitchen including fabrics. If you need help coordinating fabrics and accent pieces in your kitchen give me a call. www.smartselectionsdc.com

No valance either, bamboo roman shade or fabric roman shade,valances are 1980

Looks great!

Well done !

Looks good

[long whistle] Looks great

Amazing! I love your new kitchen. The island addition was a really great choice. It definitely opens it up. Love the countertops and the cabinets. Enjoy your new kitchen!

Great job.

What a transformation!

WOW! Now here is a transformation! I didn't know how to sum it up, but after reading previous comment, "Sophisticated" is definitely the proper description! In love with the deep, rich tones of the cabinetry and the accent over the stove is really an eye catcher!

Great job!

Gorgeous!!

Was told by a contractor that the soffits hold important wiring,etc & are complicated to remove. Any feedback will be helpful since we want to remove them from our kitchen.

Hi niverma,

Our soffits were decorative for the most part, except above the sink. There we found old can lights that were abandoned but not removed, and the sink vent.

From what I understand, wiring can be pretty easily rerouted-it wasn't a big deal because we had to add more outlets anyway to bring the kitchen up to code.

We left the sink vent alone. To address the small part of the vent that encroached into the upper cabinet where the top shelf is, the contractor cut out the existing cabinet back and built out a false back from a spare cabinet shelf. I lost 3 inches from that one top shelf, so I just keep some smaller items up there.

It's HVAC ductwork that can really throw a wrench in the works; luckily we didn't encounter any in the soffits.

The good and bad news is almost anything can be addressed...with enough money.

Good luck with your project!

I love your remodel and would like to do something similar. Would you please tell me the size of the island and how much space you have between island and cabinets? Thanks

Amazing job! I would invest in a 4" plantation white shutter, this would really pop that window and add max light.

@jcrnoctober: Hi! Thank you!

Here are the plans (in .jpeg format) of the measurements for everything; I think it is full sized. If you can't download it or if it's too small, let me know. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much!

Gorgeous transformation!

Looks fabulous! Agree with trishkern2003 - I would update the look of the window to complete the transformation.

Great job.

beautiful kitchen.... agree with others on the curtain; maybe try a natural roman shade to add texture

Great job!

Nice job

Looks amazing. Great kitchen remodel.

Great job!