Designing a kitchen is all about blending form and function. You want the space to look nice, but it’s a functional space first and foremost. This can present design challenges as you seek to disguise some of the less aesthetically pleasing elements in your kitchen.
But there’s one thing that designers say is almost always an eyesore in the kitchen, and it’s rarely given the love and attention it deserves: the microwave. Specifically, over-the-oven microwave and rangehood combos.
“Visible microwaves tend to disrupt the overall design of a kitchen since they typically come with limited finishes; they stand out against surrounding cabinetry and materials, breaking the visual harmony,” says Mugdha Girish Uma, founder and principal designer of Los Angeles-based MGU-Design.
If you’re not ready to part ways with your microwave in the name of aesthetics, don’t worry. With a little design ingenuity, the microwave can be expertly concealed in the kitchen, so it’s no longer a focal point.
Here are five designer-approved ways to hide your microwave in plain sight and keep your kitchen looking pretty.
Meet the Experts
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Mugdha Girish Uma is the founder and principal designer of MGU-Design, an interior design studio based in Los Angeles.
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Thecla Glueck is the founder and principal designer of Thecla Glueck Design, serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Consider a Drawer Microwave
A drawer microwave is a type of microwave that is designed to be built into lower cabinetry. It features a door that opens like a drawer, rather than one 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 on the pricier end, especially compared to a standard microwave. This means that a significant upfront investment is required for both the appliance itself and the installation.
According to Thecla Glueck, founder and principal designer of Thecla Glueck Design, if the budget permits, this is one of her go-to options for concealing a microwave in a kitchen design.
The kitchen island is a great spot for these microwaves, as they won’t be immediately apparent when looking at the kitchen from the outside. However, they’re still in an easily accessible and high-traffic spot in the room.
Integrate It Into the Cabinetry
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Standard hinged microwaves can also be integrated into cabinetry, and both Glueck and Uma agree that this is a standard choice among their clients. According to Uma, she tends to approach cabinet integration in two different ways.
“It is ideal to tuck the microwave away either on the backside of the kitchen island or integrated within a side wall perpendicular to the cooktop, keeping the main view of the kitchen clean and pretty,” she says.
It’s important to note that not all microwaves are suitable for cabinet integration. Standard countertop microwaves can pose a fire hazard if they are integrated, as they may not be adequately vented to prevent overheating.
Ppting for an integrated microwave solution means you’ll likely need to purchase a new microwave altogether. Ensure you buy one that is designed for integration with an appropriate trim kit.
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Use an Appliance Garage
Appliance garages are a big trend in contemporary kitchen design. They can effectively hide a variety of appliances to keep your countertops clear and clutter-free. Additionally, they can be designed to suit any kitchen, regardless of the available space.
While they are often located on the countertop (so you can scoot the appliances back in without too much heavy lifting), they can technically be located anywhere in the kitchen, making them a versatile and adaptable design feature. Microwaves can be kept inside appliance garages so they are readily concealed when not in use.
Hide It in the Pantry
Microwaves can also be tucked inside the pantry. This option is ideal for those who want to hide their microwaves but don’t have a big budget to do it. Pantry shelves offer the perfect solution, whether you have a walk-in pantry or a small cupboard-style pantry.
Some simple rewiring may be required to ensure you have an outlet available; however, an extension cord can also suffice while you wait for an electrician.
Splurge on a Microwave/Oven Combo
Morsa Images / Getty Images
Lastly, Glueck says that microwave/oven combos are also a great option for disguising a microwave in plain sight. These appliances feature a wall oven with an attached microwave on top. The resulting look is sleek and seamless.
It’s hard to tell a microwave is even there, which is kind of the point. Plus, it keeps your microwave far away from the dreaded above-the-stovetop configuration. As you might imagine, this option requires an upfront investment, but it’s one you’re sure to appreciate.
Read the original article on The Spruce