Microwave Placement
Last weekend, we tore down 2 stories of chimney. We had planned on waiting to do the 1st floor and basement but we’ve stalled with a couple other projects and it only makes sense to make a big mess like that now so this weekend we are taking the rest of the chimney out. That means, I will have a chimney sized opening off of my kitchen. I was initially thinking pantry though the bathroom off the kitchen will be pantry eventually. So, I’m thinking of something like this image from Better Homes and Gardens online.

Room for a microwave off the counter behind closed doors that slide into the sides. Like an old style TV cabinet. What do you think? I’m pretty excited about it and Stefan is on board. I’m also planning on vertical pan storage above the microwave cabinet and a cabinet with rolling drawers for pots and pans under it. It will be about 30″ wide and recessed into the wall about 20 inches so I’m thinking shallow cabinets. I need to measure the opening once we get the chimney out and see if will all work. It isn’t deep enough for double wall ovens or that would be on the table but a microwave cabinet is frankly more functional anyways.
Working with an old house is so much fun. You really have to be creative to get everything to work and you have to be willing to try some unusual layout options. It makes the whole process more exciting!
Sarah
Bathroom Vanity Options
In the master bathroom, I’m planning on two pedestals with some sort of vanity storage between. I’m not sure what I want really. I know I’d like a place to keep a hairdryer and curlers plugged in and stored and I know I’m going to need some storage for bath products and toilet paper etc. Here are a few ideas I’m looking at. I really like the idea of an armoire with a mirror inside and lights so I can open it up, put on makeup, do my hair, etc, and then close the doors and have it look decent again. I’m just not sure exactly what form this will take. Back in Australia, it was easy for me as I would generally use a Maid2Match in Brisbane to clean my house and make it spotless, but here I have to do all the work on my own. Including cleaning and maintaining the masterpiece project, I’m about to complete.
This image from Better Homes and Gardens shows a built in double vanity with storage between. Imagine something like this but with pedestal sinks.

This image from homeanddecor.net has the armoire thing I’m going for. I’m not sure how I feel about the mirrors being built in looking but it is a clean and fresh environment thanks to the best air purifier that was installed in the room, here is a VOC air purifier explained review.
This image from homekilondike.com has another armoire thing but more of a medicine cabinet thing. I really like this look. I’m thinking custom wood cabinets in minnetonka mn is the way to achieve this look. I haven’t found anything off the shelf that is quite what I want.
This image from environsresidential.com’s portfolio has a cute old marble top dresser as the vanity between the pedestals. I love love love the idea of this, I’m just not sure it’s enough storage for a master bath.

What do you think? As always, comments appreciated!
Sarah
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I like the idea of re purposing an old piece of furniture in bath to use as storage. Not sure how easy and affordable it is in reality. The chest of drawers offers a lot of storage and they come in many sizes. You could then add the larger cabinet above like your photo from homekilondike. It depends on if you want a clean cohesive look or a unique salvaged look. Also really think about how you both live. Will you really put stuff away or do you want space to leave stuff out.













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