--- title: "Zobel & Co. Kitchens — Kitchen & Bath Remodelers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/zobel-and-co-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1292038781 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1292038781.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Zobel & Co. Kitchens" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Remodelers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3d939044008b35be_8287-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "11 Broad Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801, United States" latitude: 43.3115 longitude: -73.6448 phone: "(518) 588-1034" website: http://www.zobelandco.com rating: 5 review_count: 62 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 89 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Zobel & Co. Kitchens Original Houzz profile: [Zobel & Co. Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/zobel-and-co-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1292038781) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Remodelers - **Location:** Glens Falls, NY - **Serves:** Clifton Park, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Malta, Glens Falls, Glens Falls North, Corinth, Ballston Spa, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Greenwich, Ticonderoga, Warrensburg, Argyle, Lake George, Lake Luzerne, Lake Placid, Schuylerville, Indian Lake, Schroon Lake, Old Forge, Chestertown, Long Lake, Bolton Landing, Pottersville, Adirondack NY, Brandt Lake, Clifden Park, Essex County, Gansevoort, Greenfield, Jay NY, Keene NY, Keene ValleyNY, Raquette Lake NY, Salem NY, Saratoga, Wilmington NY - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (62 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Offers Custom Work Zobel & Co. kitchens understands the kitchen has become so much more than the place where you make your meals. It’s where you share your story. Build your family. Make your memories. We’re an award-winning design partner who can guide you to the intersection of form and function: a sweet spot that is uniquely yours. No matter your taste, we’ll craft a perfect blend of textures and tones to help your personality shine through. Kitchens are the heart of a home yet there are other spaces equally as vibrant and important. Maybe it's an outdoor kitchen, a TV room, bar or walk-in closet, let us help you transform your visions for your home into your every day life. ### Services Provided - Kitchen Remodeling - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Pantries - Custom Walk-in Closets - Kitchen Design - Bars - Built-in bookcases and cabinetry - Butler's Pantry - Cabinet Sales - Custom Cabinet Doors - Dressing Rooms - Entertainment Centers - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Pantires - Pantry Design - Walk-in Closets ### Areas Served - Clifton Park - Queensbury - Saratoga Springs - Wilton - Malta - Glens Falls - Glens Falls North - Corinth - Ballston Spa - Tupper Lake - Saranac Lake - Greenwich - Ticonderoga - Warrensburg - Argyle - Lake George - Lake Luzerne - Lake Placid - Schuylerville - Indian Lake - Schroon Lake - Old Forge - Chestertown - Long Lake - Bolton Landing - Pottersville - Adirondack NY - Brandt Lake - Clifden Park - Essex County - Gansevoort - Greenfield - Jay NY - Keene NY - Keene ValleyNY - Raquette Lake NY - Salem NY - Saratoga - Wilmington NY ### Typical Job Cost $30,000 - 150,000 The cost of a new or remodeled kitchen varies significantly depending on the cabinetry, appliances, flooring, counter tops/tile, and amenities chosen. We have a variety of cabinet lines and custom-made cabinets to chose from. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Zobel & Co. Kitchens | | Address | 11 Broad Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801, United States | | Phone | (518) 588-1034 | | Website | http://www.zobelandco.com | | Followers on Houzz | 89 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/zobelandco?ref=hl - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/zobel-&-co. - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/zobelandco/ ## Offers Visit Our Showroom Today! _11 Broad Street Glens Falls, NY 12801_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Zobel & Co. Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/zobel-and-co-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1292038781) - **Website:** http://www.zobelandco.com - **Phone:** (518) 588-1034 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023,2024 - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 62 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 49.0 - Communication: 49.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Roger Levac, June 2025** > Art helped us create a beautiful kitchen. We had a 100 year old galley kitchen to which we tripled the size. It started with a site visit and him taking measurements. From there he produced a perfect floor plan. Having so many choices in cabinet colors, designs, and optional features we truly appreciated his guidance througout the project. He was there when the cabinets arrived and helped the contractor put all the pieces together. It is amazing how many distint parts are needed to build all of the cabinets in a custom kitchen; Art got it done. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > What a fun project! Thank you for allowing me to work with you on your kitchen renovation. The Dekton "Awake" material for your island countertop is stunning, and pairs so nicely with the Fenwick green cabinetry from Elmwood. Great choices. Enjoy! AZ **★★★★★ — Sue and Matt Kane, June 2025** > We used Zobel & Co to design and build a custom closet system in the master bedroom of our townhome. Arthur was great to work with. He asked for our ideas, and he sent us pictures of some of his previous projects so that we could work together to develop a design that was attractive and maximally functional. Arthur used a sample of the trim in our room to choose the wood and stain that would work best for the space. Most importantly, Arthur provided us with options at different price points, allowing us to choose what worked best for our budget. The final product looks great, and it is obviously of very high quality, in terms of wood, hardware, etc. All measurements were spot on, and the installation went very smoothly. If our kitchen cabinets in the unit were not brand new we would have had Zobel & Co do the kitchen as well. Thanks Arthur! **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > Thank you so much, Sue! We truly enjoyed working with you, and we're so glad you enjoy your new closets! **★★★★★ — pjhasbrouck, June 2024** > Zobel & Co. did a fabulous job! Project was successful in terms of timeliness, cost, functionality and beautiful outcome, under challenging circumstances. Working in a seasonal 100 year-old home with immovable walls and windows provided plenty of constraints for a modern kitchen! Nonetheless, Arthur was able to create a plan to meet our needs beautifully, while integrating into the home seamlessly. I have never renovated a kitchen before, so needed guidance every step of the way. His patience and level of expertise were invaluable. He collaborated well with the other contractors, and the kitchen + laundry room were the ONLY parts of the larger project done on-time and on-budget. THANK YOU!!! **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > What a fun project for us! We love older homes, and their unique character lets us stretch our design muscle. Your choices were perfect for blending craftsman style details into a modern kitchen that provides ease of cooking along with entertaining. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work on this new kitchen and laundry room. Enjoy!! **★★★★★ — Larry Reinstein, Jan. 2024** > Our neighbors recommended Zobel & Co. Kitchens to us and we are very grateful that they did. We needed help in designing and planning a bar and surrounding cabinets for our open design town-home interior. Arthur made the entire process pleasant and easy. He was easy and fun to work with. He gave us ideas that we did not think of … but he also listened to what we wanted …. And was able to achieve an excellent outcome. We enjoy our new bar so much. It really fits in to the space, satisfies our needs, and has become almost a highlight of the room Our friends are so impressed with the automatic lift-up cabinet doors. We never could have done this without Arthur’s help and expertise. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > It was my pleasure to work with you! I'm happy to know you and your friends are enjoying your bar. The Avento lift system that allows cabinet doors to lift up with just a light touch surely is a convenience as well as a conversation piece! Best, Arthur **★★★★★ — Jeannette Liebers, Jan. 2024** > My husband and I hired Arthur Zobel when we were ready to re-design our kitchen after 20 years in our home. My list of must-haves was important as a professional chef who is interested in using the kitchen for personal and professional use and most importantly to entertain our large family and friends. It was important that it would be modern, yet not trendy = a classic design that would feel timeless, comfortable and beautiful. > Arthur was professional, precise and a pleasure to work with. Each detail was considered and I found his painstakingly attention to detail on par with my goals. Our project was complex with the removal of walls, and creating a completely new footprint in our kitchen/living/dining and family space. He worked well with my contractor and designer - the team who had never worked together prior, was so easy to work with. > The results are exactly what we had hoped for. Each detail was considered and the couple of smaller things that needed further tweaking, was quickly resolved once the project was complete. > I would highly recommend Arthur when transforming your home space. Our kitchen is the heart of our home, and now, it is the envy of our family and friends. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > Thank you so much for the kind words! You had great vision of what you wanted, which made the design process much easier. You had a very talented contractor and someone I enjoyed working with. It was truly a pleasure to redesign your kitchen, and I know you, your family, and friends will many years of enjoyment from it. AZ **★★★★★ — tkware3, Nov. 2023** > Arthur Zobel was an absolute delight to work with on our kitchen renovation project. His thorough understanding of the functioning of kitchen spaces together with his awareness of the latest innovations made him a great resource for ideas. Combine those strengths with his upbeat personality, patience and ability to help us make the right decision time and time again, and we wound up with a seamless process and great results. > Despite our distance from his shop, he went above and beyond, visiting us before, during, and after the work was complete to make sure everything was done perfectly. We could not be happier with the complete transformation; every day we are in it, we love our kitchen and are grateful for having discovered Arthur. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > Thank you very much for the kind words. What a fun project in a beautiful place! It was my pleasure to work with you. Enjoy! AZ **★★★★★ — William Harris and Holly Katz, Aug. 2023** > Arthur was recommended by an appliance dealer that we had worked with before and in fact his company was responsible for the displays in their retail stores. We found Arthur to be knowledgable and professional throughout our project. Choosing cabinets and color schemes is not an easy process and Arthur showed great patience as he led us through a myriad of choices. We did encounter a problem with our countertops (through no fault of his) and he was able to resolve this to our complete satisfaction. We would definitely recommend Zobel & Co. Kitchens for anyone considering a kitchen remodeling job. **★★★★★ — Val C, Aug. 2023** > We absolutely love our new kitchen and bathroom updates designed by Arthur! He and Ginny were very attentive to all our requests and questions and followed through with great suggestions and answers. Craig the installer/contractor was extremely thorough and meticulous about his work and would also give suggestions that showed he was caring and conscientious. We highly recommend > Zobel & Co. to everyone! **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > It's wonderful to hear you love your new kitchen and bathroom updates! We enjoyed working with you, and know you will have many, many years of entertaining family and friends in your kitchen. All the best! A&G **★★★★★ — tcherub, April 2023** > We recently renovated our kitchen in our vacation home in the Lake George region. From the first time we met with Arthur through the completion of our project, he and his team were amazing to work with. He took the time to understand our needs, wants, design preferences, and helped open us up to possible alternatives we had never considered. He facilitated our vision by helping craft a custom rustic bar that is a showcase of our kitchen area. The end product is as stunning as it is functional. Many of our visitors have commented not only how beautiful the space is, but also love the lighted cabinets and the touch to open garbage! We have simply been enjoying the space every moment since. Many thanks to Arthur and his team! > > \- Very Satisfied Client! **★★★★★ — HU-841013788, Jan. 2023** > This is a fabulous and creative company. To date I have not found a more creative and unique kitchen design place. I’ve seen Zobels kitchen work and designs and I am impressed. I used Arthur’s for a consultation of cabinet pulls and lighting and am extremely happy with the results. Arthur helped me think outside of the box and as a result I hit a home run. I am impressed. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > Thank you so much, C!! it was my pleasure to help you. Enjoy the upgrades to your kitchen. AZ **★★★★★ — James Perez, Dec. 2022** > Arthur Zobel designed a terrific kitchen for us which opened up the existing space and made it far more aesthetically pleasing and functional. Our new kitchen is brighter, sleek, and well-organized thanks to his recommendations on the style and colors of the Cabico cabinets. Arthur has many years of kitchen design experience, and he anticipated our needs for the space with spot on recommendations and superb advice. We went to the businesses that he recommended for appliances and countertops, and both were very knowledgeable and helpful in the process and made it hassle free. > We LOVE our new space! The kitchen is functional and beautiful! Arthur was great to work with! **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > What a fun project with a fun couple! We really enjoyed working with you, and your kitchen transformation was amazing! We know you'll enjoy years and years of cooking and entertaining in your new kitchen. All the best! **★★★★★ — lee shramko, Oct. 2022** > My kitchen went from drab and outdated to fabulous, thanks to Arthur and his professional guidance throughout the process. I have to say the outcome exceeded my expectations many times over. From bringing in additional natural light, the beautiful Verde stone on the island, and the addition of a roomy pantry, to the beautiful cabinets, I'm so happy with the result! I would highly recommend Zobel & Co anytime. **Comment from Zobel & Co. Kitchens:** > I'm so glad you're very happy with your new kitchen! It truly is a big transformation. You do have much more light and a contemporary style that will surely lend itself to entertaining. > It was my pleasure to work with you. - Arthur ## Selected projects - [Beautiful Blue Lake House Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beautiful-blue-lake-house-outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~7542996) - Location: Queensbury, NY - Photos: 15 - [Adirondack Lake House Gem](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-lake-house-gem-pj-vj~7405451) - Location: Queensbury, NY - Photos: 16 - Description: This new home on Lake George is stunning! The exposed beams provide and antler chandelier provide a nod to the rustic nature of the Adirondacks, while the neutral palette of the kitchen allows the beautiful lake view and surrounding forest to take center stage. The cabinetry is full of interior features that provide great storage as well as accessibility - there's even a dedicated cabinet for the family dog's feeding station and storage of food. Off the kitchen is a walk-in pantry (see Adirondac… - [Classic Butler's Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-butler-s-pantry-pj-vj~7566629) - Location: Queensbury, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: We updated this classic butler's pantry with soft white cabinets from Plain & Fancy, created a focal point for the homeowners china, and incorporated storage solutions that maximized the cabinet space so the countertops could be kept clear for when entertaining required the space. - [Large, two island custom kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/large-two-island-custom-kitchen-pj-vj~7542979) - Location: Lake George, NY - Photos: 19 - Description: This grand Adirondack kitchen exemplifies elegant luxury through its thoughtful dual-island design. The striking contrast between dark blue island cabinetry and crisp white perimeter cabinets creates a sophisticated focal point, while 2" thick mitered Phoenix Sky quartz countertops and matching full-slab backsplash add ethereal movement throughout the space. Each island, equipped with its own sink, serves distinct purposes for meal preparation and entertaining. The dramatic wall of floor-to-ceil… - [Two island kitchen in Southern Adirondacks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-island-kitchen-in-southern-adirondacks-pj-vj~7542947) - Location: Lake George, NY - Photos: 34 - [Adirondack Island Lake House Revamp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-island-lake-house-revamp-pj-vj~7369564) - Location: Lake George, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: Situated on a lovely island on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains of New York is this beautiful 1920s camp. The homeowner did an extensive renovation, including a complete kitchen remodel. The wall between the kitchen and the back hall was removed to extend the kitchen, creating a coffee/drinks bar and an updating cabinetry layout to provide better storage. To keep with the Craftsman style of the house we used a Shaker door style with a slab drawer front in Red Birch. The warm red tone of t… - [Contemporary Kitchen for the Art Lover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-kitchen-for-the-art-lover-pj-vj~7328003) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 21 - Description: This homeowner is an avid art collector. She wanted her artwork to take center stage with a sleek, contemporary style to her kitchen. We removed part of the wall between the kitchen and living room to create more space and allow the artwork in both rooms to be visible. We created a display case on the living room side which also created a countertop for entertaining. The flat panels and neutral palatte convey a contemporary feel without detracting from the artwork. The counters and slab backspla… - [Local Celebrity Chef's Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/local-celebrity-chef-s-kitchen-pj-vj~7363542) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: This kitchen remodel was done for a local celebrity chef who knew exactly what she wanted. We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a large dine-in kitchen, added banquette, enlarge doorways to improve views of the kitchen, and moved windows and exterior doors to provide better natural light. The walnut bar top and island end cap are custom made by Brooks Custom in Mt. Kisco. - [Wonderful Walnut Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wonderful-walnut-contemporary-pj-vj~7086817) - Location: Ballston Spa, NY - Photos: 14 - [Contemporary kitchen for art lovers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-kitchen-for-art-lovers-pj-vj~7327985) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 1 - [Saratoga Show Stopper](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saratoga-show-stopper-pj-vj~7066059) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 26 - [Bright & Airy Lake George Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bright-and-airy-lake-george-kitchen-pj-vj~6856909) - Location: Ticonderoga, NY - Photos: 11 - [Bright and airy Adirondack lake house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bright-and-airy-adirondack-lake-house-pj-vj~6856898) - Location: Ticonderoga, NY - Photos: 1 - [Luxury Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luxury-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~6420774) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: Once an 1800s Summer Kitchen this space is now a modern kitchen for an avid cook with expansive dining and living area. The before picture illustratesthe beehive oven with wood storage below on the right and the (look closely) hot water heater with coal shuttle on the left. The coal shuttle door was repurposed into the backsplash above the stove. The beehive oven is fully functional and is used today for pizza and cast iron cooking. The new kitchen in this historic Saratoga Springs home features… - [Adirondack Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-update-pj-vj~7087028) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Contemporary Rustic Kitchen in Grey and Brown](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-rustic-kitchen-in-grey-and-brown-pj-vj~2765684) - Location: Chestertown, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: Walk through the remodeling of this Adirondack second home with us.... Using the same space, we re-arranged the kitchen layout slightly, creating more storage space, including a pull-out pantry and wall hanging spice cabinet. We replaced the laminate cabinets with Design-Craft's Mission recessed flat panel cabinet with Boulder finish. We love the choice of soapstone for the counter top. The homeowner also chose a Wolf convection/steam oven, microwave drawer and range with a Venathood, Miele dish… - [Lake House Kitchen Make-over](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-kitchen-make-over-pj-vj~6740644) - Location: Lake George, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: From dark and cavernous to bright and airy, this lake house make over takes advantage of crisp white and dark nautical blue to create a completely new and updated kitchen. - [Butler's Pantry: Everything but a stove top](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/butler-s-pantry-everything-but-a-stove-top-pj-vj~6443003) - Location: Saratoga Springs, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: This homeowner has generations of family china, cut glass, and silver that lived in boxes in the basement. The requirement for this room was to have excellent storage, easy access, plenty of workspace, and a well thought-out design so clean up during a dinner party or event was easy. The result was open shelving, pull-out drawers in cabinets, felt lined drawers, deep farm sink and dishwasher with a china setting, hanging cast iron pot rack, and wall oven and refrigerator to create a second kitch… - [Modern day Adirondack Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-day-adirondack-kitchen-pj-vj~6758154) - Location: Saranac Lake, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: This 1980s kitchen got a modern day facelift featuring transitional features. Dark, custom color cabinets create a sleek modern look accented with warm cherry cabinets. Black hardware fades away to let the cabinetry be the hero. Floating shelves add to the transitional feel and allow space for decorative item. Stainless steel appliances and farm sink as well as the contemporary twist on antique style lighting add to the modern flare. In cabinet lighting spotlights a precious vase in the display… - [Adirondack Condo Make Over](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-condo-make-over-pj-vj~7031715) - Location: Lake George, NY - Photos: 13 [See all 62 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-remodelers/zobel-and-co-kitchens-pfvwus-pf~1292038781) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121781534/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115280219/list/lighting) — 4 ideas - [Walkway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115708517/list/walkway) — 1 idea - [Kitchen Seating](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115620324/list/kitchen-seating) — 1 idea - [Great Refrigerator Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94798903/list/great-refrigerator-doors) — 4 ideas - [Closets and Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84388960/list/closets-and-storage) — 9 ideas - [Bars and Entertainment Centers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74047119/list/bars-and-entertainment-centers) — 8 ideas - [Take a seat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74323157/list/take-a-seat) — 2 ideas - [White Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68858337/list/white-kitchen-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/zobelandcokitchens) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where do you find such beautiful cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* I think this design was amazing well thought out and executed. Wow. A: Thank you!! We appreciate the compliment. The cabinets are hand-made from reclaimed barn wood. **Q: Stain Color?** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the stain color of these red oak cabinets ? A: These cabinets are Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry's 3" Shaker door in Quarter sawn white oak with the Wallingford finish. Thank you for asking! **Q: Where did you get the cabinet pulls?** *(in Photo Questions)* They look perfect for the cabinet design! A: Hi! Sorry for the delay. The hardware is from Richelieu style \#7009128-BORB. Thanks for asking! https://www.richelieu.com/us/en/category/decorative-hardware/cabinet-hardware-pulls-and-knobs/pulls/traditional-metal-pull-7009/1005139/sku-BP7009128BORB **Q: To paint cabinets or not to paint?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Is there a possible near time that this cabinet color will look good again? These are wood mode cabinets from 1996 and in pretty good shape. I'm getting close to painting white but just wanted to confirm that the color won't become cool next week :) A: You're cabinets look very current so if it's just a change you want, try new hardware. Painting cabinetry is a short term fix but because the finish isn't hardened on like it would be when they were made they will chip on the edges and corners over time. If you're planning on moving in the near future this might be fine, but your cabinets look to have a lot of life left in them so if you're staying try new hardware. **Q: Open the kitchen or leave it closed?** *(in Home Repair)* Met with a contractor today and I was all over the place. I cannot decide if I should open this wall to the kitchen. We are getting a price to remove the dropped ceiling and move the load bearing beam. Any advice on what you would do? A: Open the kitchen! All good ideas to take out the drop ceiling and remove the wall. Here's an example of a recent kitchen where we removed the all and incorporated load bearing beams. You'll add work space, dining space, storage, and create an open, inclusive look. **Q: Least worst option for microwave placement--maybe low-profile OTR??** *(in Appliances)* I typically only use a microwave for basic re-heating, warming, melting etc. and don't do much real cooking in it at all. We're about to embark on a kitchen gut and remodel. It's a small, 9' w x 13' l, U-shaped, condo kitchen with not too many options for design. We won't have many upper cabinets because we plan to have large window-like openings on two walls into the adjacent rooms. We don't want to spend big bucks on appliances (mid-range is what we're thinking), so don't want to go the route of some ultra unique and expensive appliance. And, it's a middle unit (townhouse style), so there are no options for venting a range hood outside. In many ways an over-the-range microwave/vent fan seems most practical. As far as I know these are my choices for microwave placement if I don't want it on the counter (which I don't). 1\. An open shelf cupboard or built-in in the lower cabinets. Con: this means crouching down low to take things in and out. 2\. A standard over the range microwave/vent fan combo. Con: big and bulky visually. 3\. Whirlpool's relatively new low profile microwave/vent fan combo that has a nice sleek look. https://blog.bellinghamelectric.com/blog/low-profile-microwave-reviews-ratings-prices Con: since it is mounted a little higher, it can be harder to reach up and into for shorter people (like me). 4\. Jerry-rigging some sort of shelf that will hang down from an upper cabinet. I could have a microwave sitting on that. Con: will eliminate some counter space as a true workspace although I could still place items under this shelf for storage. Are there any options I haven't thought of? Do you have any additional pros or cons to add? Thanks. A: Consider a microwave drawer (http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeAppliances/Microwaves/MicrowaveDrawer.aspx ) It would be place in one of your base cabinets or island, if you're having one. No hood/vent needed. They are fabulous --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*