5 Things I Wish I Knew Designing My First Kitchen

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[@atam3977]

Everyone who works in the kitchen hates corner cabinets. In my new home plan I designed a gallery kitchen, no corner cabinets from the start.

[@bluedrummajor2876]

I had a house once that had a shelf at a very nice height over a wall oven. It was the best place for a microwave that I've ever had.

[@---ey6hj]

I’m taking Marks advice about lighting to make the kitchen so bright that deer will wander in thinking they’re crossing the highway👨🏻‍🍳

[@teri-joscott8279]

🤣

[@MTKDofficial]

Fair game!!

[@mercurysmith563]

I don't have a microwave because I love to cook...really cook. I designed (and won awards) for kitchens for years then started working with professional chefs, microwaves never came up, they are a lazy way of ruining the taste and texture of a dish. As for corners, way to valuable a space to block off but, I graduated to custom building kitchens and having the freedom to make a corner cabinet that wasn't 36x36 makes for some very clever use of every inch of space. I recognize that most kitchens are pre-manufactured, 3-inch increment, I worked with it for years, but think about this; you gain back the three-inch filler on each side in addition to the corner and can use the corner as the give to balance a run. I did my mother's house and started the design with a 36x36 as an initial space filler, when the runs came together you get that pesky "mini-cabinet" dilemma where you are forced to cram a twelve inch (or some factor smaller, cabinet into that hole. Instead, being all custom, I was able to just extend one leg of a 90-corner cabinet by ten inches, and use that space for adding tray dividers,..absolutely no waste of space. You get the idea.

[@MTKDofficial]

Brilliant. I’ve designed highly custom kitchens as well. My favourite corner was a 45 x 36. Made for a very nice space. Still would rather block it off though. We get all hung up on wasting space in a kitchen for some reason. A little silly to me. But homeowners should explore all these options for their kitchens. Yours is a great one and might be just the thing someone needs. I’ve won awards too 😉, just don’t talk about it.

[@elmohead]

Now now don't be hating on microwave. It's been proven that it is the best way to steam vegetables by Harvard.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Great video as usual Mark! I HIT THE LIKE BUTTON! Thanks so much… but microwave placement? Even the thumbnail is throwing shade. Why you hatin’?

[@darlene19668]

Keep your chin up Ms Jackie....let him have it😂😂😂😂😂

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. Did you catch that wink. That was just for you. 😂

[@JackieofAllTrades]

@@MTKDofficial I knew it!

[@tealkerberus748]

No corner cabinets. Fridge-dishwasher-sink-stove-oven on one wall, island in the middle, pantry and appliances garage on the other wall. Doors both ends: one to the carport and garden because those are where the food comes from, the other to the living/dining because that's where the food goes to. Big kitchen because it's an actual farm and food is a big deal on a farm. All disabled access because I need to be able to use it.

[@darlene19668]

Oh yes 45 cornered really expanded my counter where I needed it....and I love it❤...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻I don't have a microwave...just don't like it lol...oh and fridge yes agree 100%mine is easy to get to without stopping workflow same with my coffee area easy accessible without stopping work flow🎉...lighting oh yes NECESSITY. ..YOUR VIDEOS GET BETTER AND BETTER

[@keradee8742]

Great video Mark! Part information, part advise, part humor and part confessions. That's why MTKDers love you!❤

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the support!!!

[@angier2289]

I just bought a condo that had an OTR microwave that was too high, and the fan was so ineffective, we were setting off the smokies every single meal! Best thing I did was to get rid of the OTR microwave and replace it with a beautiful and best of all, functional fan. We bought a little cheapy microwave that’s hidden in the pantry because we maybe use it once a day for defrosting. Dear developers: STOP with the OTR Microwave already!

[@MTKDofficial]

How do I five star a comment!!!

[@xXxJonnyLavaxXx]

Hits all points Mark! I find myself getting lazy with this when I am overloaded with designs. I feel like this is doing the client a disservice when I am not giving them the best functioning space for them.

[@MTKDofficial]

I’ve been there man. It’s easy sometimes to just throw cabinets onto a floor plan and hood for the best😬

[@natashabailey6091]

Great video Mark!🤗😁

[@user-hj5cf7ex2v]

Microwave over the range? Seen it, done it, didn't like it, will never do it again ... unless of course I had to choose between a microwave over the range or a TV over the fireplace. Actually, I would probably just move.

[@marycarver4026]

Great video! Short and to the point. I am preparing to have my old kitchen remodeled , thank you for information , could you do video about lighting ?

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks for watching. I think a video about lighting would make a lot of sense too. Thanks for the idea.

[@metime4325]

i have 2 corner cabinets desinged back in early 2000. I use them to keep giant pots I use seldom for thanksgivings.

[@Pandorash8]

Thank you, Mark. You have helped me so much with my latest kitchen. Just about to finalise the plans and you have given me courage to block off corners, add pullouts to the pantries and put the fridge in the adjacent dining area (away from the cooking zone and near the pantries and appliance garage).

[@MTKDofficial]

Oh awesome!!! Thanks so much for watching! I'm really glad my content was helpful.

[@trinaroe5132]

Not sure why you think the MW is going away? I have two currently (one in kitchen and one in dining room) and often use both of them at the same time. What are you thinking replaces it????

[@moocrazytn]

My question, too. I spent a great deal of mental effort on the placement of my small but constantly used MW. (Definitely not over the stove!)

[@MTKDofficial]

Probably something that hasn’t been invented yet. I’m probably wrong though 😂

[@tamaramartin4015]

Our next house currently has an OTR, and i would really like to continue that when we get in there. But between the shaky hands that are not too far off in the distance for us as we get older, and our granddaughter going blind, i'm afraid that we might drop something and then we'd destroy our stove. As much as i don't want to, putting the mikey on the counter is just how it's going to have to be.

[@TwentyMinuteGuitarPlayer]

I want a T shirt with that function quote on it!! Great video!!

[@MTKDofficial]

Let’s make it happen.

[@sailormercuryLSR]

My biggest regret so far with my kitchen is the upper cabinets! Go for deeper cabinets if you can. I ripped out beautiful custom cabinets because everything was changing and I didn't realize the uppers were 18" deep and the current standard is 12" and 15" is considered deep. I lost 1/3 of my upper cabinet space! The designer NEVER discussed upper cabinet depth with me 😭 But double and triple check your upper cabinet depth! For the microwave we put it in a 30" oven cabinet spot, the idea is that if I decide down the road I need another oven or I'm willing to invest in a steam oven I already have a standard size spot for it.

[@sailormercuryLSR]

Eta... The kitchen designer never told me that 15" was even an option and designed it with 12". I HATE them. If we had gone 15" I would have accepted that I was losing space but would work through it. My plates don't even fit in my uppers 😡😡😡

[@MTKDofficial]

Great advice. The standard for most uppers these days is 12”. Quite a difference if you’re used to something deeper.

[@TarquinTheTall]

Thanks for saving me from these mistakes🎉

[@gggail]

Fabulous info 👌

[@lizbiancoismydesignsherpa]

You are so right on the micro! New ranges offer microwave zapping. Hooray!

[@MTKDofficial]

Thank you! I've been getting heat for saying that. lol

[@MrsSixhens]

for reheating coffee even?

[@jozefbols4386]

Hey Mark, I do have a microwave and an oven!! I'm short, almost 65, and have a muscle-, connective tissue- and bone disease (24/7 pain makes life hell!) so real cooking, I can not do that anymore ;-( So I use those 2 appliance a lot, so, yes, those are important to me!! I want them not far from the cooking fire but not above it!! And I want an induction cooker!! We have a high, fully glazed veranda (which was already there when we bought the house) and a very small kitchen with little natural light. That veranda is a real curse!! Freezing cold in the winter and so hot to fry in the summer. Hate this. In time we want to demolish the veranda and build something else that will be connected to the kitchen so that we will have a kind of living-dining kitchen. I would like the kitchen (my domain) to be adapted to me because of all my problems. I want a small fridge/freezer in the kitchen and the huge one in the eating area. Our son (29) has the same health problems as me, and cannot go out to work or live alone, we will also do all these changes with him in mind. We are going to look for a total concept company that will take care of all the work, although that will cost a little more. I know what I want and don't want, but yes, it has to be feasible, of course. I wish you lived and worked in our country so we could hire you. Hope we can find a person as good as you, sweetie! Lots of love to you and the family, Pinkie

[@stevelp]

You've convinced me with blocking corner cabinets and OTR microwaves. Any situations you think corner cabinets make sense? 100% agree on task lighting and pull-outs on base cabinets are a must. I personally don't like the aesthetic of all drawer base cabinets.

[@MTKDofficial]

Honestly. For me corner cabinets only make sense if they are highly accessible, like a magic corner in a blind corner. But even then it would have to be the only option. However if the storage is really lacking elsewhere and the homeowner thinks it’s a must, then go for it I guess 😂.

[@questioner113]

I am new to microwaves (despite being almost 60 years old), and i must say I find my microwave - convection combo useful; I often use the microwave - convection or microwave -grill combo modes. Also, it's very useful to heat just a small single portion of something. So, unless families go back to eating meals together as a group, why would microwaves go out of use?

[@MTKDofficial]

Families going back to eating together sounds amazing! But you're likely right.

[@vegasrenie]

I've had two homes where I redid the kitchen. The first one was essentially designed for me, and this one I had a lot of say in. I agree with you regarding lazy susans. I lost a lot of stuff in that blind corner and did not like it that much. My current design (still a work in progress, literally) has one deep cabinet for those things I don't use that much, and the other one is a corner cabinet. My range now has drawers flanking both sides instead of a drawer and cabinet. My kitchen is quite small, so I have an industrial-style shelving unit on the outside and that's where the microwave is! Along with a few small appliances, cutting boards, and dry goods that are easily accessible. 😅 Over my BlueStar range, I have an actual big air/commercial vent that is vented to the outside. When I purchased this particular brand, the instructions said do NOT use an OTR because the stove will burn it to a crisp. It is a wonderful range and I've had it for years, but I've burned more food on it than I have on all of the years of cooking to date. I am a "woman of a certain age" so that's really saying something. It is a residential version of a commercial appliance, so there was quite the learning curve. For instance, the broiler on my model goes up to 1500°F. So all temperature suggestions have to be carefully accommodated when using it. I wouldn't trade it for the world! And as I watch my white (yes. Bright white) kitchen come together, I couldn't be more excited!

[@MTKDofficial]

Sounds like it’s all coming together beautifully. I love an all white kitchen too!!

[@privateinfo1711]

I don't have a microwave! I got rid of it and don't miss it! It took up too much space.

[@kayladionyssiou3636]

Alternatively this video could have been titled: "Mark's Mottos". LOL.

[@MTKDofficial]

I need a merch line lol

[@moniquebroad7348]

Tsk tsk tsk, OTR! Took guts to admit this and everything else, lol.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Shots fired!

[@MTKDofficial]

🤦🏻‍♂️ I had my moments.

[@joshchang7681]

Microwaves are great. They are probably the most efficient means for cooking

[@MTKDofficial]

Yikes! 😂

[@loca8048]

I don't have a microwave. I agree they will not last. It's really not that important.

[@Alexandra11090]

I surprisingly agree that microwaves will die out. However, I think it will be in the next 50 years. I think it will hang on for a lot longer than we think. There are some things that we just hold onto “just in case” and for me that is the microwave. I rarely use it now, but I do use it. Probably less than 1-2 times per month (in my home). More at work.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yeah that time frame is likely reasonable.

[@5610winston]

4:54 "It's a microwave. It's not that important, is it?" Horrors! Heresy! Call in the Holy Inquisition! Seriously, microwaves have their uses, but popcorn? A countertop air popper turns out a much better product, but an old-fashioned kettle-type does almost as well. I'll use an OTR to free up counter space for the toaster, coffee-maker, and popcorn cooker. And a toaster oven is the most useful countertop appliance there ever can be.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. Triggered. 😂

[@ryansoo4000]

There are two important rules I subscribe to in life: 1. Don't get involved in a land war in Asia! 2. Never route a circulation pathway through the kitchen work triangle! Follow these rules and you'll never go wrong :)

[@MTKDofficial]

Words to live by!!

[@AxlRose159]

Help! I have a small kitchen with 3 (yes,3!) corner cabinets.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yikes. Just the mention of it is like nails on a chalkboard.

[@ghaywoood5]

Microwaves out in 10 years??? How else could you heat up left over soup? I'm hoping the trend of built in microwave into pantry cabinet at waist/torso hegiht becomes the trend like IKEA has it. The microwave still looks seemless design wise and is very practical unlike drawer or OTR microwaves

[@chelin7023]

Microwaves are here to stay. Mark, you probably don’t cook or have leftovers? Re-heating is the main reason people have microwaves and I just don’t see them disappear. I’d suggest you start loving them and find the proper space for them in every kitchen or you won’t be a respectable designer.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. Imagine.

[@corbolm]

Cabinet over the fridge. WHY??

[@MTKDofficial]

It’s almost like a necessary evil. But you’re right to ask!

[@tealkerberus748]

Better than a collection of things parked out of the way on top of the fridge that you can't properly reach, all collecting dust and cobwebs - with a cabinet, you can have a pull-down insert, and that space becomes useable storage.

[@user-if7uj6ls2r]

Microwave goes over coffee pot.

[@MTKDofficial]

Makes sense.

[@mossyoakmom8880]

Not a very helpful video.

[@MTKDofficial]

Not a very helpful comment.

[@PaulaMion]

I love using Advantiums instead of microwaves. I'm going to pair it with a conventional oven in the same cabinet. I will still have a microwave, but it's going in the pantry. The pantry is gong to have a small sink in it and the coffee area and also all the small appliances.

[@MTKDofficial]

I hear that they are a great substitution for a microwave. Thanks for the input!

[@yostevedotcom]

Have the blocked off corner be a trap door appliance garage