Designers Say This Microwave Setup Is Secretly Aging Your Kitchen

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You want an updated, modern-looking kitchen that functions flawlessly, but kitchen design trends are always changing; it can be tough to know where to start. Cara Woodhouse, who partnered with Monogram to share home design tips and celebrate her book, "It's a Mood: Your home. Your vibe," spoke exclusively with Chowhound to share one of the key giveaways of a dated kitchen: The over-the-range microwave.

Woodhouse says that a microwave installed over your stovetop can interrupt the flow of your kitchen, making it harder to move from one task to another (plus they simply don't look like a conscious choice). "They can visually dominate the space and don't feel custom or integrated. Today's kitchens are about thoughtful placement and seamless integration," Woodhouse says. Woodhouse is a fan of Monogram microwave drawers, which make it easy for your microwave to disappear into cabinets. They're also an ergonomically comfy option; you simply open the drawer, place your food on the platform, and slide it into the microwave. Similarly to operating a dishwasher, it's easy to hit the buttons on the panel and you don't need to bend down to operate the microwave.

While a microwave drawer can be convenient and help create a modern look, it's a pricey choice. If installing a pull-out microwave drawer isn't an option for your kitchen or "if moving the microwave isn't possible, you can still improve the look," say Cara Woodhouse. "Enclose it within a built-in niche or surround it with open shelving to soften the visual impact."

If your microwave sits on your countertop rather than above your stove, Woodhouse recommends finding a way to keep it out of sight. She says creating an appliance garage can be a smart way to free up counter space and direct focus away from your microwave (it's also a smart move for storing other appliances, including your air fryer and stand mixer). You can also try adding a microwave cart to your kitchen to get your microwave off the counter and create a more streamlined look. Another way to tuck your microwave away, out of sight, is to place it in a cabinet. While you need to keep the cabinet door open while operating it to ensure proper airflow, this can be a simple, zero-cost way to create a more modern, spacious look. If you go this route, be sure to keep your microwave super clean so any lingering odors aren't trapped in your cabinets.