We’re a big fan of updating in phases over here! It’s a great way to budget for a project and it’s also a great way to make the end goal feel obtainable, whether you’re tackling the work yourself or hiring out. While there are still more kitchen updates on the way, here are the three changes we made for this phase of our kitchen update.
1. Added a microwave drawer to the kitchen island
Our longer-term plans involve eliminating the over-the-range microwave/vent fan from above our cooktop and installing a gorgeous range hood. We decided to install a microwave drawer from Forte Appliances to solve our microwave problem. A microwave drawer is an excellent space-saving solution! It is designed to fit under a counter to allow for cleaner counter space, improved functionality, and overall more aesthetically pleasing.
Now that the microwave drawer is in, we are freed up to create a dream vent hood. We’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I really enjoy having the microwave in our kitchen island. It feels convenient and doesn’t interfere when someone is cooking on the stovetop. I also like that it’s easier for our kids to access. The only downside I’ve found thus far is that it’s at a perfect height for our dog to slobber all over, haha (which still wouldn’t stop me for installing one again). It’s also oddly satisfying to open and close the microwave drawer!
2. Installed a panel-ready dishwasher
I just loveeeee the look of panel-ready appliances! In an ideal world, you wouldn’t be able to find any appliance in our kitchen because they would all be covered with a panel to blend in with the cabinetry. We also got our panel-ready dishwasher from Forte Appliances. I wanted the dishwasher panel to look like a set of drawers, so that is exactly how I made the panel front.
The functionality of the dishwasher itself has been working out well for us. The entire inside is a stainless steel tub which is more durable, quieter, and cleaner than plastic. It has a third pull-out tray for a cutlery rack, which I also think leaves more space for dishes. We just commented the other day that it feels like we are running the dishwasher slightly less often due to the design and being able to fit more in it. The controls are integrated into the top of the door, so it is easy to operate. Probably my favorite feature is that it has LED lighting inside the dishwasher, making it easy to see.
3. Added shiplap to the island and painted it a different color
The color of our kitchen island has bothered me for 8 years now! Why on earth would I wait so long to change it? Unfortunately, there is a good bit of work that goes into just changing the color of your kitchen island. With a row of cabinetry on the backside, it turns into a bigger job than you would expect. Since we were switching out some cabinetry to accommodate the microwave drawer, it seemed like the right time to finally change the color of the island. To add some texture and interest, we also added vertical shiplap to the front and sides of the island. The new paint color of the island is Sherwin William Balance Beige.
With these simple changes, we are setting ourselves up for a successful “phase 2” update that will include extending the cabinetry to the ceiling and installing a range hood (and who know what else I’ll add to the list by then, haha!).
Kitchen Sources
Forte Appliances Stainless Steel Microwave Drawer | Forte Appliances 24″ Panel Ready Built-In Dishwasher | Ball Cabinet Knob | 5″ Cup Pulls | Wellfleet Cone Pendant Light | Barstools
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