Kristina Ferrigan, Author at Normandy Remodeling

While many people enjoy the convenience of microwaves, they generally don’t like how they look. “Microwaves have gained a reputation as the eyesore of the kitchen, since the traditional countertop box can feel bulky and disrupt a clean design,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “But there are new options available that offer the convenience of a microwave, but in a way that blends more seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen.”

Traditional microwave functionality is now available in a variety of styles, including drawer models or ones with doors that fold down to open like a typical oven. “If you don’t want your microwave to dominate a space, a great option is to incorporate them into the kitchen like you would any other appliance,” Bryan says. “Consider an integrated wall microwave that matches your wall oven, or a microwave drawer that works well below the counter.”

Many manufacturers now offer built-in microwave models that mimic the sleek styling of their full-size ovens. When stacked or installed side-by-side, the appliances appear as a coordinated suite rather than a collection of mismatched pieces. Bryan suggests considering the needs of your household during the design phase and when making selections.

“If you select a wall microwave, it’s important to take into account the height of people in your household and plan your placement accordingly. Lifting a hot liquid out of the microwave from above can risk spilling,” Bryan says. “There is a strong case for mounting your microwave lower, for safety reasons. Microwave drawers placed below the counter either as part of your island design or your lower perimeter cabinetry can be a safer option as well, because you’re lifting hot food items upwards, which can offer better visibility and control.”

If you aren’t sure whether a microwave has a place in your new kitchen, a speed oven, which is a combination microwave and convection oven, may be the right choice for you. “If you want a second oven but are tight on space, a speed oven can be the perfect solution,” notes Bryan. “Most models have a comparable interface to a microwave, with your go-to buttons for things like popcorn, but they are also excellent at crisping up food with the convection function.” Speed ovens are smaller than a typical wall oven, closer in size to a microwave, making it good as a support appliance, but likely not the best option for your primary oven.

For those who want to move away from microwaves altogether, a steam oven is an excellent alternative. “Steam ovens are becoming more popular as a healthier way to prepare food. They’re great for cooking and reheating, by adding more moisture and not drying food out,” Bryan says. “Steam ovens also include a convection function so you can brown, crisp and cook more evenly than a standard microwave, often more effectively than a typical oven. You can even bake bread.”

If none of these options feel right to you, there are other ways to downplay your microwave, like installing it in the pantry or an appliance garage, according to Bryan. “Keeping your microwave in a less prominent place works well if you only use it sparingly, like to reheat coffee or melt butter,” he says. “This is also a good alternative if you don’t want stainless-steel elements as part of your kitchen design.”

Ultimately, whether you choose a traditional microwave, a microwave styled like an oven, a steam oven, or a speed oven, the key is selecting an appliance that contributes to your kitchen’s overall design rather than detracting from it.

Set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to make your next kitchen practical and beautiful all at once. Find more remodeling tips and design inspiration on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Check out our photo gallery of past projects for more design ideas as well.

The style and type of kitchen appliances you select can dramatically influence your entire kitchen design, so it’s important to choose wisely, and to be sure you do so at the right point in the process. “Appliances impact your kitchen design in two major ways,” Normandy Designer Becca Ruggiero says. “The first is in how they use the space, and the second is the way they influence your kitchen’s aesthetic. Having both in mind can help you determine which appliances will be the best fit for your new kitchen.”

APPLIANCES AND KITCHEN SPACE PLANNING
If there is one area of kitchen design that seems to change at a rapid pace, it’s the addition of new appliance features and offerings, making it tempting to add all the latest developments. “But for every inch of space you dedicate to an appliance, you are giving up something else, whether it’s counter space, cabinet space, or aisle clearances,” notes Becca. “It’s about balancing the needs of your kitchen overall.”

Think about how different a kitchen might look and function with a 48-inch range versus an induction cooktop with wall ovens, Becca offers. “People can be tempted to go big for their appliances because they host at the holidays, but it’s important to think about how your kitchen will function year-round. Do you need two ovens on a regular Tuesday, or would you benefit more from a larger island?”

While appliance-heavy kitchen designs are very popular at the moment, when space is tight you can look to other areas of your home to integrate those less-frequently used items. “Maybe you move your microwave to a pantry or create a bar for your built-in coffee maker or beverage refrigerator,” Becca says. “They can be still usable in other areas of the home, sometimes even more so.”

KITCHEN APPLIANCE DESIGN INFLUENCE
Determine whether you want your appliances to be a major visual element in your kitchen design, generally known as statement appliances, or if you prefer paneled pieces that virtually disappear within your design. You can also opt for typical stainless appliances or a mix of paneled, statement and stainless.

“Paneled appliances are specially made to allow cabinetry panels to attach to them that match the rest of your kitchen, and not all brands offer that as an option,” shares Becca. This is an important distinction to note when making your appliance purchase, since you can’t just add a panel to a typical stainless-steel refrigerator or dishwasher.

“If you opt for a ‘wow’ factor with statement range or hood, it can dictate the rest of your kitchen’s design so it’s important to make that decision early in the process,” Becca says. “Be sure you absolutely love it though, because these types of appliances often have unique sizing so if it fails at some point, you would likely have to replace it with another of the same.”

WHEN TO BUY YOUR KITCHEN APPLIANCES
“I recommend you do not buy appliances before at least discussing your kitchen ideas with a designer,” Becca says. “Too often I’ve seen people who bought new appliances anticipating a kitchen remodel, only to learn that these new appliances don’t really fit with their overall plans. Then they have to decide whether to walk away from new appliances or compromise on their design aesthetic.”

As a general rule, statement appliances should be purchased toward the beginning of your design development, paneled appliances can be selected slightly later, and more standard sized appliances with metal fronts can be purchased at any point in the design process.

“No matter what style of kitchen appliances you choose, it’s important to finalize your appliance selections before you finalize your cabinets,” Becca cautions. “Cabinets will often be ordered to exacting specifications to account for appliance sizes, aisle clearances, cabinetry alignment, and water line or electrical needs.”

The right appliances can not only bring you joy when cooking and entertaining, they can create that one-of-a-kind look to your new kitchen that’s exactly what you were hoping to achieve. Talk with Becca about how your kitchen might come together with all the appliances you have in mind. You can also find inspiration in our photo gallery, or see the latest tips and trends on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.