I just bought my first house. One of my many projects is going to be updating the kitchen. I’m currently in need of a new microwave and am trying to decide between a counter top or over the range style. There’s a hole into my garage as well as electrical for an above the range but if I remove the cabinet there will be a 10-12 inch gap between the top of the microwave and the ceiling. It looks like the cabinet can come down but the top board extends across both cabinets. Thoughts on going this route or just going with a counter top model?

As far as updates, the cabinets are all custom, so I am thinking about painting them either white or blueish, upgrading the hardware, farmhouse sink, tile backsplash and fresh paint. Im trying to keep this all in mind as I buy the stuff I need in the near future and am open to suggestions.