Every designer has a trademark. One of mine definitely is the microwave drawer. Why? It's safe, easy to use and very unobtrusive. Yes, a microwave drawer will cost you a bit more than the over-the-range type but it's oh so worth it!
A little known fact is that all microwave drawers happen to be made by Sharp. Don't tell anyone I told you but whether you're springing for Wolf or Dacor they all come from the same place. The only difference is the exteriors which are made to match the collections by various brands.
Microwave drawers come in 24" or 30" wide and are built into a base or tall cabinet. An island can also be the perfect location. Typically you end up with a nice big drawer below which is perfect for storing microwavable cookware.
The ergonomics of lifting on to the counter top, out of a drawer, as opposed to reaching 4 1/2 feet up over a hot burner to access the contents is so much more safe and efficient.
I would rather look at this instead of a microwave any day.
There are so many details involved in designing a new kitchen and bringing it to reality, so when it comes to budget you have to pick your battles. If space allows, the microwave drawer is a great investment and the safest option for any age.
MY KITCHEN & BATH FAVORITES
As a kitchen and bath designer I am constantly assaulted with images of products that are truly "drool-worthy", if I may coin that expression. I am seduced by originality, great function and sometimes simply an undefinable- irrational- attraction (kinda like how I found my husband). Anyway here's what I'm lovin today.Siderna Faucet by Brizo
Everyone knows I've been a big Brizo fan ever since becoming a member of the exclusive Blogger 19 (2.0) last year. Their Siderna bathroom faucet is simply sublime. I love the glass handles and I love the shiny chrome. I know that the popular taste, at the moment, is for brushed nickel but I have to stray from the pack for chrome. The nice thing is, frequently, shiny chrome costs less than the more popular brushed finishes.Sharp Microwave Drawer
I think the best microwave I ever owned was an over-the-range model by Sharp. Now they offer a microwave drawer which I love for many reasons. Although infinitely useful, who wants to look at a microwave? The microwave drawer is unobtrusively located below the counter. It's safer and accessible for the junior chefs in your family. They come in 24" or 30" models which are installed into a base cabinet. Mosaics by Hot Knobs
Hot Knobs is a product of Portland Oregon based Aquila Art Glass. Producing Art Glass Knobs and Pulls was a natural extension for this company known for the production of a variety of hand crafted art glass plates, bowls candle holders, etc. What a great piece of bling this would be for any cabinet. Knobs as well as pulls (handles) are available. The Green River Stone Company
Despite the serial killerish name, this is an awesome product. I just love fossils. There's something about all that antiquity in something you can actually see and feel. This is the ultimate in unique. The Green River Stone Company offers the finest in natural art fossil fish and stone products. The material actually is fossil-rich calcium carbonate shale from their private quarry in Southwestern Wyoming. From this stone, deposited 50 million years ago as sediment in a large freshwater lake, they produce individual fossil specimens, artistic fossil murals, and other stone products for museums, private collectors, interior designers and architects.Aqua & Lime Anyone?
Check this out! Brendan was doing a little modification on these antique doors which I believe belong to an armoire. Since they were done and awaiting delivery, he propped them up in our very cool new greenish design studio and voila'! It's like the chocolate and the peanut butter. They just go together. Wish we could keep them. Now we're looking to steal some doors off of another armoire. I think we may be on to something. Hmmmm