When I embarked on a kitchen remodel a few years ago, one of my main obsessions was to hide the microwave (Jerome, remember?). My kitchen is tiny, and it proved a challenge to find an unoccupied niche. But we prevailed, and I'm happy to say I haven't had to come face to face with my microwave for the past decade. Here are 10 spaces where the microwave is tucked away from aesthetically appraising eyes.
Above: A folding corner cabinet provides a niche for a microwave and other appliances (note the piano hinges; read more at Design Sleuth: Elegant Piano Hinges).
Above: A cabinet front conceals a microwave; image via Decor Pad.
Above: A microwave and a toaster oven tucked under a countertop ingeniously solves two problems, via Gepetto.
Above: A built-in Viking microwave is a sleek, discrete (and expensive) option.
Above: The built-in BM 281 Gaggenau Microwave Oven features gas-pressurized springs for smooth opening and closing.
Above: Allison Bloom of Dehn Bloom Design tucked her microwave in a niche in her kitchen island (see Steal This Look: Mill Valley Loft-Style Kitchen). Photo by John Merkl.
Above: Traditional cabinetry with a built-in microwave slot; Heartwood Kitchens.
Above: Ikea cabinets with swing-up doors for countertop appliances; via Dwell.
Above: A clever slotted bookshelf, spice rack, and microwave niche, all hidden behind pocket doors; via This Old House.