Definitely Option #2. But, could you lower it a bit? It's still a little high for the average person.

Actually, I don't like the wine rack. First, it's current location is near an appliance that gives off heat -- I'm not sure that it's the best place to store wine. 2nd, it looks "off" -- I don't know what it is, but it doesn't look right.

FYI...since it's Thanksgiving Eve and many of us are already preparing dishes for tomorrow, you may not get many responses. Holidays are usually slow on the Kitchens Forum.

#2 over the counter. I had a microwave over the stove and it was terrible at venting.

I know the timing is terrible but we have to submit a change order. THANK YOU for your input!!!

I'm not crazy about the wine rack either but we needed to find something to fill 6" of space.

Again, THANK YOU and Happy Thanksgiving!

#2 and the wine rack is fine (unless if you are very particular about wine).

You can always store rolling pins, vodka bottles, etc in the wine rack.

I would say #2 with no wine rack! If you need a wine rack move it down between the two base cabinets. (lower=cooler and no appliance)

#2...why not just make the cab larger?

Option 2. If you don’t like the wine rack I would do a 3” filler on each side.

Also, if you have the option, I love our microwave drawer!

Option 2. Maybe move the wine rack over to beside the microwave and slide the bigger cabinet next to the fridge. You'd have to be the Jolly Green Giant to reach the wine on the top shelf though - lol

#2 but move the wine rack to other end if you really want it. or just open shelving onthe end . Wine next to fridge is not the way to store. I would make the cabinet wider if possible.

Yes, put the wine rack on the far end (is this an alcove?) then maybe your upper and lower cabinets seams would line up with each other - especially the big upper.

#2. I'd remove the wine rack as well and use a filler as a previous person mentioned. if you wanted to use the space you could also possibly do a spice rack or baking sheet pan storage cabinet.

if you want to keep that 6" space you can do upper cabinet pullout.

I thought the cabinets had already been ordered...

definitely option 2

Option 3. Purchase a microwave that hangs under the upper cabinets. I have a GE one that I like. No loss of counterspace or cabinet space. Go to this link and scroll down and you'll see a picture of it installed under a cabinet. Very practical. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-specs/PEM31SFSS

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who took the time to comment with feedback. We are meeting with the designer tomorrow to discuss the next steps and you all have provided some great options!!! Genuinely, THANK YOU for taking the time out of your busy holiday to help. I appreciate all the comments.

Thanks for the thank yous to everyone. Good luck with designer. Please post what ideas were gathered.

#2

#2, and get rid of the wine rack and insert a pull out slider for spices.

I never found your sink by the way

I like artistsharonva's mock-up. It looks like that cabinet is deeper than the flanking cabinets already. We have the same MW as partim1 above, but it is behind an Aventos lift up door under our TV. We made the counter under the MW 27" deep. Our coffee station resides there so having the extra few inches is very nice to have. If you are not using a counter depth refrigerator, make the refrigerator panels deeper and then the countertop can die into the side panel.

You could also use a retractable or a flip-up door. Just remember that you will need your electrician to install an outlet in the proper location.