If it doesn't have a plug up there or hood; do it. Whatever is in it I hope it has a place.

What is a design niche? Do you have photos of other design niches you’ve seen that you could show us? Can you take a photo of that cabinet with the doors open so we can see what is there now?

You WANT to draw attention to the OTR microwave?

it probably isn't finished in the inside and if you have a rail you would need to cut it out. I would see if you can get matching material to cover the inside. If you paint it, it will come off fairly quickly. Im not a big fan of it being done after the fact like this and most of the time you can't do it because those cabinets have electrical or venting in them. But, that being said, I think you could make it look ok if that's what you want to use that space for.

The cabinets are very repetitious in the kitchen so I was just wondering if removing and adding interesting things to the spot would give a counter point to all the wood.

@mdln - thanks for those photos. I had no idea about a niche like that. Those photos should be helpful to the OP.

Would change over the sink light to add more interest to the area. Personally, would not "decorate" area above microwave.

I agree about the light! Working on it!

Your micro is pretty low. what about taking out the cabinet over the micro completely, buying a nice looking small open cabinet and moving that micro up? I like to have at least 24" of space there for cooking room.

Or you could buy a low profile MW to get more space above range.

How long do you intend on staying in the house? Are you planning to do anything else to the kitchen in the future? Do you have an overall budget in mind for the kitchen?

My guess is that what you want is a l way to make the kitchen feel lighter, brighter, less heavy on a limited budget.

Lighting has already been mentioned and acknowledged.

The other 2 things I would suggest are

1. Remove or replace the curtain

2. Change the island top

Hahaha! I did the Roman shade last year. I have no taste; 😂. The granite I would love to redo to white, but we are in our 70’s and I probably will not change it. My goal is a SS fridge and SS MW.
And I appreciate the cleaning comment. Thanks for all the great comments!

I have a decorated niche above my OTR. Mostly, I'm happy with it, though, I will admit, every so often I notice how dirty it gets and I'm forced to stand on a ladder to clean it...

Carrie thanks for the vote of confidence! Love your look..... I was thinking pottery and greenery or just pots!

Ceramic pots!

Carrie do you like the break it gives?

It should be something easy to clean. Colorful ceramic , glass, or even plastic trays, bowls and pots. Your local thrift store should have plenty of choices.

Honestly, it never occurred to me. The original plan was that cookbooks would be stored there, but an unexpected obstruction necessitated the vent pipe to eat up depth above the MW, so I ended up with a shallower space to work with.

I love your kitchen. Classic and classy..... show me more. Don’t you just love serendipity?

Here ya go! ;-)

Breaking up all the wood and darkness seems to be your goal, Is it possible and not too expensive to have glass inserted in some of your doors, not all. Perhaps the 2 on either side of sink? Add new pendant light over sink, taking down the flower curtain. Window, light, and over sink will be the focus . “In your 70’s” is young in the scheme of things, redo the island top with something (not tiles) that complements counters. A stone remnant would be cost effective. Clear the counter of all but essentials. Carefully look in all in the cupboards, purge what not use especially plastic wares . Take another look and rearrange for better use. Then admire your “new “ kitchen.

Ltnsnk you so much for all your ideas. There are other projects in the houses, the curtain and the light and the glass might be doable right now. Will think about all the choices!

Carrie the two rooms pictures do not look like they are really the same! The room looks pretty perfect! I can see why you love it!

The island is 5x7 feet and is done in absolute black granite. I don’t think a remnant would work.....pretty big.

@Susan Davis Please don't say you have no taste. As a friend of mine always says "That's why Baskin and Robbins has 31 flavors". Do what you love.

Hahaha! Right on there. Am going to start by shopping stuff I have in the home already? Will keep posting!