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HomeLifestyleDesigners Say: This kitchen feature is always an eyesore—but there's a simple...

Designers Say: This kitchen feature is always an eyesore—but there’s a simple solution



kitchen designing It’s all about blending form and function. You want the space to look good, but first and foremost it has to be a functional space. This can present design challenges as you want to hide less aesthetically pleasing elements in your kitchen.

But there’s one thing designers say is almost always an eyesore in the kitchen, and is rarely given the love and attention it deserves: microwaveSpecifically, the over-the-oven microwave and rangehood combo.

Mugdha Girish Uma, founder and principal designer of Los Angeles-based MGU-Design, says, “Visible microwaves disrupt the overall design of the kitchen because they typically come with limited finishes; they stand out against the surrounding cabinetry and materials, breaking the visual harmony.”

If you’re not ready to part with your microwave in the name of aesthetics, don’t worry. With a little design ingenuity, the microwave can be efficiently hidden in the kitchen, so it is no longer the focal point.

Here are five designer-approved ways to hide your microwave in plain sight and keep your kitchen beautiful.

meet the expert

  • Mugdha Girish Uma Founder and lead designer of Los Angeles-based interior design studio MGU-Design.
  • Thekla Gluck Thekla is the founder and principal designer of Gluck Design, serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Consider a Microwave with a Drawer

A drawer microwave is a type of microwave designed to be built into lower cabinetry. It has a door that opens like a drawer instead of opening on hinges. This option is ideal for those facing a kitchen build or renovation and can accommodate a built-in option, given that the cabinetry is already mapped out.

However, these microwaves are expensive, especially compared to standard microwaves. This means that a significant upfront investment is required for both equipment and installation.

According to Thekla Gluck, founder and lead designer of Thekla Gluck Design, this is one of her favorite options for hiding a microwave in a kitchen design if the budget allows.

The kitchen island is a great place For these microwaves, because they will not be immediately obvious when viewing the kitchen from the outside. However, they are still in an easily accessible and high-traffic location in the room.

Integrate it into cabinetry

Credit:

Yinwei Liu/Getty Images


Standard hinged microwaves can also be integrated into cabinetry, and both Gluck and Uma agree that this is a standard option among their customers. According to Uma, she sees cabinet integration in two different ways.

“It is ideal to either hide the microwave behind the kitchen island or integrate it within a side wall perpendicular to the cooktop, keeping the main view of the kitchen clean and beautiful,” she says.

It is important to note that not all microwaves are suitable for cabinet integration. Standard countertop microwaves can pose a fire hazard when integrated, as they may not have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.

Preparing for an integrated microwave solution means you’ll likely need to purchase a new microwave. Make sure you buy one that is designed for integration with the proper trim kit.

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Use a Tool Garage

equipment garage There is a big trend in contemporary kitchen design. They can effectively hide a variety of appliances to keep your countertops clean and clutter-free. Additionally, they can be designed to suit any kitchen, regardless of the available space.

While they’re often located on the countertop (so you can move appliances back inside without lifting too much heavy stuff), they can technically be located anywhere in the kitchen, making them a versatile and adaptable design feature. Microwaves can be placed inside the appliance garage so they can be easily hidden when not in use.

hide it in the pantry

The microwave can also be placed inside the pantry. This option is ideal for people who want to hide their microwave but don’t have a big budget to do so. Pantry cabinets provide the perfect solution, whether you have a walk-in pantry or a small closet-style pantry.

Some simple rewiring may be required to ensure you have an outlet available; However, an extension cord may also suffice while waiting for an electrician.

Spend money on a microwave/oven combo

Credit:

Morsa Images/Getty Images


Finally, Gluck says that a microwave/oven combo is also a great option for hiding the microwave in plain sight. These appliances feature a wall oven with a microwave attached on top. The resulting look is sleek and seamless.

It’s hard to tell if there’s even a microwave, which is kind of a thing. Plus, it keeps your microwave far away from the dangerous stovetop configuration. As you can imagine, this option requires an upfront investment, but it’s one you’ll definitely appreciate.



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