My Biggest Personal Design Mistakes

[@MTKDofficial]

🏠 Online Design Solution - www.mtkd.ca/design-services 📬 Join my newsletter here - mtkd.ck.page/newsletter Let us know what your biggest mistakes were, so we can avoid them too!

[@PaulSmith-v9t]

Thanks for the great kitchen tips. About open shelves; we had them in the past, and they don't just get dusty, they get greasy and dusty, a much more difficult and endless chore to clean. Lose them.

[@lauriesmith7517]

I find my smaller side sink incredibly useful! It's greaat for washing vegetables from the garden, as a rinse bath for handwashing dishes, handwashing just a few dishes to save water, many, many tasks like that.

[@sfermigier]

I've had a 1 + 1/2 sink in the first kitchen I had designed for a small appartment 15 years ago, and asked for a similar configuration for our new apartment 5 years ago. So no regrets at all. The smaller sink is always used to rinse vegetables, the large sink to wash cookware that doesn't go in the wasjing machine.

[@josephgaviota]

2:40 I have a double sink, one side large, one side smaller. I _LIKE_ it. I want the big sink so I can wash big things. The smaller side is fine for rinsing stuff off, and such. I have a friend with a more standard double sink, and both sides are small. I prefer the advantage of at least one is big. (but I understand everyone feels differently, of course)

[@karenk2409]

I love my stainless steel double sink. When I cook, I have hot soapy water on the left, and can still use the sink and disposal on the right. The OTR microwave is out of my way, but I almost never use it except for frozen vegetables. Waste of money. There is an appliance garage in the corner (otherwise useless space) of my countertop. I absolutely love it and it unclutters the kitchen (hello, toaster and can opener and coffee bean pulverizer). Corner lazy susans are very useful and practical. If you don't overload them, nothing will fall off the shelves. Open shelving in the kitchen is an awful idea. It's dirty, no matter how often you clean (and why do you want to dust your dishes?!)

[@JackieofAllTrades]

I am Not a fan of open shelves -AT ALL!

[@LynnBradley-e4f]

I purchased my home after being divorced and moving to a new state. I have been doing some minor upgrades and remodels since. One of the things that made me that happiest was having a restaurant sink and faucet installed in my kitchen. The sink is 6 feet long with two large basins and a sideboard. The faucet also includes a sprayer. I had a glass washer installed as well and a hot water dispenser. I really enjoy my kitchen.😊

[@annsmith7196]

6 feet? That’s a bathtub.

[@cuchanu]

If those mistakes stand out to you it's because like you said, you have to live with them. I think a lot of time people in this industry make mistakes that they don't really even learn about because nobody tells them afterwards. I'm not a designer, I'm a carpenter and I've heard Carpenters say " I've been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has complained" all the time. But guess what? They don't call you back, they call someone else, and I definitely have heard people complain about the things that they say nobody has complained about. But when it's on your own house you have a unique chance to really learn something..

[@LynleyMcKernan]

"They don't call you back, they call someone else" is exactly correct in my experience, especially when you hear the "I've always done it this way" line.

[@Geronimo2Fly]

I have the sink and a half and I love it. The small part holds the sponges, scrub brush and hand dishwashing liquid. That keeps them all separate from the "work area" sink, exposed to the air to dry properly, and out of sight. Everything else on your list I completely agree, although I am putting a microwave in my island. It's a drawer microwave so will be easier to use than one you have to access from the front. I would definitely miss my microwave if I didn't have one, I use it all the time.

[@Diana_Breaks_a_Nail]

I have the most functional kitchen (finished in March) using all of these tips Thank You! Except I did install a drawer microwave in the island - which hopefully won't break 😂🤞. No Corner cabinets, giant workstation sink, drawers everywhere but under the sink. I love every inch so far - no regrets.

[@1esk192]

I love my divided sink. The small part is great for dirty knives and even the Thermomix pot and I still have an empty sink to use. Before I just cluttered up the space next to the sink or had a full and unusable sink.

[@Kevin_Rhodes]

I have a stainless steel bin that I keep in my huge single sink for when I just need a small sink. Best of both worlds, if I need the whole space I just take it out.

[@trinaroe5132]

@@Kevin_Rhodes Where did you get the bin? Did the sink come with it? Who makes it?

[@Kevin_Rhodes]

@@trinaroe5132 I found it at a restaurant supply store. It basically looks like a very deep baking pan, but stainless steel. I suspect it's meant for making huge casseroles or some such.

[@angelamurphy9472]

“Less than optimal for your needs” is a brilliant statement! Functional for you is the key! I have a microwave over my wall oven, so they both are “built-in” and a very good vented-hood over my cooktop. Nothing but drawers in my lower cabinets have been a game changer, especially as you get older and don’t want to get down on your knees!

[@Cindy-hx7zp]

We are in the process of a new build. My kitchen design was done before I found your channel, but I’m pleased that we avoided a lot of the mistakes you mention. For 23 years I’ve been unable to reach anything in my upper cabinets. So all cabinets are 8 feet tall, and we blocked out the corners. The new kitchen only has one upper, and it’s a hutch style so I will be able to reach items in it. Opposite that one upper is a cabinet for the wall oven, (New 2 in one GE oven) and I can also reach that. We put in an 8’ x 12’ scullery with multiple pull outs, a 13-slot storage cabinet for trays/casserole dishes/bakeware, and the refrigerator and counter microwave will be in there. Cabinets were just installed and I love it. Enjoying your videos.

[@renayhayles6883]

I like the double sink. When family members member want a quick use of the sink when I am cooking

[@janicewolk6492]

I wouldn't have a big single sink.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

@@janicewolk6492The big single justifies itself in spades when it’s time to scrub those long roasting pans or cookie sheets. It’s nice to have the whole thing fit and soak it effectively if needed.

[@Conflictinator]

I'm getting my kitchen remodeled next month. I got the standard double sink, because I like having one side to wash, one side to drip dry. With just the two of us, I rarely use the dishwasher. Also, the left side of the sink sometimes doubles as a tub of clean water to soak things food and non food, and you're not taking up the whole sink for one task. I'm also getting a corner cabinet without a lazy susan. I'm fine with that. I decided against the OTR microwave too. I'm short and would have trouble reaching there.

[@simplelifesg3459]

Absolutely agree with your list. In my apartment kitchen, a large single bowl sink is simply more functional than a dual bowl one. OTR microwaves thankfully never appeared in my country - we either have them on the countertop or in a slot on an appliance cabinet at slightly higher than or slightly lower than countertop level.

[@kaasmeester5903]

Fully agree on #2. My kitchen came with a sink-and-a-half, which is absolutely useless but still gets dirty and requires cleaning. It also takes up countertop real estate, which my kitchen didn't have a lot of to begin with. I made a cutting board that fits exactly over the half sink, so at least we've reclaimed that space. Also agree on #3, OTR microwaves are ugly as sin. Thankfully you hardly ever see them here in Europe, they were never really a thing here. For #4, the more common choice here is to use a base cabinet combi oven, that offers a microwave, conventional oven, and a convection oven all in one appliance (some also do steaming and stuff like that).

[@MapleSimmer]

I had always had a double sink so when I did my kitchen renovation (over ten years ago), I got another double sink, but one side is a normal size sink (it holds a regular washing basin) and the left side is a bit deeper and is large enough to easily hold a half sheet pan. That said, if I didn't have room for a double sink that size, I would go for one large sink. I use my microwave for reheating some things including tea and coffee, but it is out of the way, but raised up on a shelf. Since it is not built in it can easily be replaced when it breaks (which it did a year ago!).

[@trinaroe5132]

I think most of the sink & a half sinks I’ve seen had a bowl the size of a single bowl sink (which is LARGER than any of the sinks bowls in all the double bowl sinks I’ve had over the years) so that bowl would be more functional than what I’m used to. And the half sink was shallower, so a garbage disposal doesn’t take as much of the space under the sink. And it still gives a place to rinse dishes if you’re washing by hand and the larger bowl is full of dishes soaking in dishwater. I think the functionality of it depends on how you use your kitchen. For those of us who don’t have the space for a dishwasher and wash dishes by hand it’s probably a more functional sink than either the standard double bowl or a larger single bowl that would take the same amount of space.

[@mcmccoy1184]

#5, a tilt-out tray doesn’t have to be a mistake. It can be very useful. On mine, the manufacturer designed a little post on the left-side to hold rings. No more ring slipping off my finger and down the drain. Plus bracelets. I put them there while I’m washing dishes, etc. Then, when I’m done, my jewelry is safe, accessible, and dry. Also, a good place for a few first-aid items, like a bandage, when a small child runs in from the back yard in tears (or worse, bleeding).

[@Candisa]

- Flip up upper doors: Yeah, my parents have one above their fridge and I have one above my oven, we both use that cabinet for the same thing: manuals, warranty paperwork, spare lightbulbs... definitely wouldn't want that for anything you use on a regular basis. - Sink: I have both a standard double ánd a large single sink in my kitchen nowadays, 11/10 would recommend, but you need a big kitchen to pull it off without compromising elsewhere. My parents have a standard single and a slightly larger single (just big enough for an oven tray), I think that's a great compromise. - Microwave: I have a countertop model sitting on bottom cabinet that's 1 cutlery drawer taller than the rest, that's perfect height for me and cheap to replace when it eventually breaks.

[@rjones3955]

I love my countertop microwave. I'm convinced that people are against them because they often get placed in the main work area, hogging necessary prep space on the counter. When we did our reno I was able to put in a coffee bar area, and that's where the microwave goes. It's a medium-sized kitchen, no room for an island. The coffee bar is shallow depth, and the Breville Compact Wave fits great, looks attractive. I would not like it if the microwave were in my "main L" workspace. This setup has ultimate flexibility if the microwave breaks, or if a different appliance (like your air fryer) is preferred in the future. The area above the range is open and pretty, with a functional hood that vents to the outside. Anyone in the family can use the microwave without waiting for the cook to move out of the way. Where to put the microwave really does have to be decided on a kitchen-by-kitchen basis. But don't rule out the countertop: it might be great!

[@LinA-it9vd]

Double sink is a must have for those of us who are serious cooks and bakers. No way I would ever have a single sink. I have a drop down front with a divided storage for bottle brushes and other needed things.

[@debrayoder7104]

Same

[@jayburris6252]

I’m a serious cook and baker. I have the opposite opinion. I love the big open single bowl that fits my big pots and cookie sheets. I’ve suggested these big sinks several times to clients and they’ve always loved them.

[@eddiefniii]

I wanted a single sink. But it. Love it. Huge pots and pans.

[@LinA-it9vd]

@ I have a Le Creuset goose pot which is the largest pot you can buy and it’s oval with handles and have a double deep sink. I have no problem washing that pot or my Dutch ovens and stock pots. I cook large batch food and am a wedding cake baker so I use my kitchen. I only use half the water and have the other side for straining, drying or simply washing anything I need. There is zero logical reason for a single sink unless it’s smaller than a double which many are not.

[@LinA-it9vd]

@@jayburris6252 Sorry but that’s simply not true. I have a double square sided deep sink and there is not a pot available on the market that doesn’t fit.I own the largest pot and half sheet pans and everyone fits my sink. It’s a trend and a water waster at that.

[@kat9285]

Great advice on the pull down doors. Here I thought they were so amazing in a friends kitchen and with me only being 5’2” after watching your video I’ve avoided a costly mistake!

[@tealkerberus748]

I’m still undecided about the double sink. I grew up with one - two standard bowls, drainage boards both sides, total length about six foot - and that’s what I installed in my current house. It’s great! You fill one side with hot sudsy water for washing, fill the other with plain hot water for rinsing the suds off, there’s plenty of room to stack and organise the dirty dishes on the first side, and sufficient space for a nice big draining rack on the other. I’d actually really like to become the sort of household where we use the dishwasher every day, particularly as our next house will have more people in it and that probably means enough dishes to justify running a machine every day. But what sort of sink arrangement that means we’ll need … I actually don’t know.

[@JamminMammy]

How 'bout we eliminate the microwave altogther? Double sinks, though, are a must for serious cooks, preferably with drainboard built into the counter.

[@LynleyMcKernan]

I have just had a sinle, large sink installed, along with a selection of "accessories", one if which is a smaller sink that pops inside the large bowl when a "half bowl"is needed. I ensured that there was storge under the sink for all the accessories.

[@dash1dash2]

The sink and a half is only useful for chilling wine. It's the combination of a bar/wine sink with a regular sink. I also heard that the smaller portion of a sink and a half is usually connected to a garbage disposal.

[@CreativeHomescaping]

I have to disagree with a lot of these things. I can’t stand single sinks. I have a triple sink (two large sinks and one small on in the middle for the disposal) and I love it. It makes doing the dishes after a meal so much easier. I also like my sink tilt-outs. I keep desiccant packets at the bottom of the bins and don’t put anything away until they feel dry. Finally, what a waste of space to block off the corners. I have lazy susans in my base cabinets and bifold doors with alternating shelves in my uppers and it works great.

[@joemanzo4453]

$2,700 for a MICROWAVE??? What does it do? Clean the kitchen when you’re done with dinner? NO microwave is worth $2,700. Sorry Mark. But I still love your videos. Lol

[@Beeber267]

2 sinks a must for a serious cook. I have a normal size sink with a half sink. The half sink holds the garbage disposal, the colander, is used for pre rinse and post wash rinse, and for soaking.

[@LSCoosCounty]

Whew! I didn’t make any of those mistakes. Thanks for the list. I do have the sink tilt down drawer, but I loved it in the old kitchen and I use it for the steel wool, cast iron mesh and a couple bottle brushes. I don’t use sponges because they get so stinky and gross.

[@pman2916]

I love the double sink because I enjoy washing dishes and will never own a dishwasher. I wash in one sunk and rinse in the other before racking them. I haven't owned or used a microwave for more than 10 years. Never missed it.

[@JaneDoe-vi5yc]

I love my double bowl sink. Love. I wash something on one side and let it dry in the other. Yes I have a dishwasher. But sometimes I don’t feel like using it and letting stuff dry in the other bowl keeps a mess of drying dishes off my countertop. That’s a horrible look.

[@howardtsu2574]

In regards to the microwave- there are combos that incorporate an oven, steamer, air fryer (convection oven), and microwave. Saw one from Fotile.

[@LenaNapier]

I would NEVER have a single sink again. I love my divided sink . Very functional since I cook a lot!!!

[@AbelieverofourLord]

I have the 2/3 - 1/3 sink and I absolutely hate it, but there are just two of us and I handwash my dishes. I hate the OTR microwave, I'm only 5'1 and heavy glass bowls are quite challenging especially for seniors and I find it so ugly sitting between a pretty set of wall cabinets. I agree with the OTF doors are not for short people, I use mine for manuals and keepsake mugs. Thankfully I don't have to deal with open shelves, but pretty much all the no no's you mentioned are here and I'm loosing my mind finding a work-around.

[@trinaroe5132]

My experience with tilt outs (at least the after market variety) is that they are too small to store anything! My sponges don’t even fit! Also, if you have them you have to be careful that the handle you put on them isn’t a pocket catcher. But what I have done with them to make them useful is when I buy scrubbing pads (green or blue thin ones) I cut them into quarters. I get more use out of them this way because when I used them while I wore them out in the middle first, so now I’m only throwing 1/4 pad away when it’s worn. And the unused 1/4 sheets DO fit the tilt down tray. Mine also have a ring peg to store your rings while you wash dishes, but I usually wear gloves to wash so don’t need to take my ring off. The only thing I store in the other one is spare change, separated into nickels, dimes and quarters in leftover pill bottles from prescriptions! 😂 My pennies I typically throw on the mechanical horse at my local grocery store because it still just costs a penny! Kids never have to bug their parents for a penny to ride it because everyone who shops there dumps there pennies there!

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

The sink and a half, or double sink is good for those who do dishes by hand (no dishwasher), to rinse glasses or cutlery. So it can have a purpose. When choosing a kitchen sink, definitely go with a big one if you regularly use large items like baking dishes or soup pots.

[@MsTreker54]

I’m currently planning a remodel of my kitchen and taking the OTR microwave is in the plan. Probably going with a countertop unit as I’m concerned with spilling hot items when taking something out of a OTR unit.

[@cshop1862]

I absolutely love my sink with one large tub and one small tub. And, I like my over the stove microwave.

[@lauriesmith7517]

With you on the sink, but I am so glad to be rid of my OTR microwave. Seventeen years of getting hit in the facew by that huge door was plenty for me!

[@spremier9626]

I think I may have had single sinks in one or two apartments. I will always have a divided sink. I’m not sure about those with the half height divider but since I’m looking for a workstation set up that’s probably what I’ll have by this time next year. I’ve always have 50/50 sinks and used both sides. In recent years I’ve been using a roll up metal rack on the side without a disposal. It provides additional space to let larger pans and platters drip dry. I had a triple sink in my previous house. There was a tiny sink in the middle supposedly for cleaning vegetables. I’d get that again if I had more space

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

Microwaves - the big no-no is to have it too high, above the stove or above the refrigerator. Handling hot plates/dishes from this height is extremely dangerous. Placement depends on how much you use it. If only a little, maybe tucking it under a bench is okay, or even in the pantry. If you use it often, you could incorporate it within in oven bank, where the oven is slightly higher, and the microwave above that. About 30cm/1 foot off bench height is a reasonable height without going too high. Having a pull out shelf below it to rest a hot dish can be something to consider (a friend of mine did that).

[@s.a.m.francis]

Omg vertical lift doors! My kitchen cabinets were already taller than usual. I could barely open the top cabinets, let alone close them. I will say that I do like divided sinks, especially if you hand wash, one sink to soak and scrub and another to rinse in. I think it just depends on how you use them.

[@becsdrm]

I LOVE my small sink on the left side. I've trained my family to never put anything in there so it's always available to rinse things off even when the big side is full of dirty dishes and/or has a bigger dish that needs soaking overnight (which only fits when you HAVE a big side, rather than double sink with equal sides). I have my disposal on the small side so I can utilize that anytime I need to even if the big side is full. I never want a single sink because in the scenario above where dirty dishes are being stacked high in the sink (which happens in households with lots of people or a mom with young kids that doesn't get to the dishes as often as she'd like), how are you going to access a "free" area to rinse other things off? Mine is a white Kohler and 23 years old now; it's still shiny white because I use Bar Keepers Friend on it about once a month. I love it.

[@Magpie-1111]

Always enjoy your videos. Everyone is different though… Single bowl sinks mean you have to have a rack to dry the dishes sitting on the countertop. Ugh. I’m all about a large - on both sides - double bowl sink. I would never put an OTR micro in a high-end home, but they are functional for small and builder grade kitchens. I have one and it is the best spot for my kitchen. (I would never NOT have one.) in high-end homes I often suggest a double oven with the top one a combo convection/micro, and the bottom a standard oven. As an aside, if you panel your appliances it will very likely create problems as soon as one needs to be replaced. Can’t get panels for the new appliance, or you can get them but they are noticeably shiny-new and don’t quite match, etc.

[@carolbaratta3663]

I love my double sink. One side has a garbage disposer and the other a regular drain. I can't imagine rinsing the dishes with food floating around in one single sink. I need it divided.

[@banebury2346]

Double sinks should be large enough to soak and wash baking sheets on one side, and rinse them without soaking yourself with the sprayer on the other side. It is recommended to not put baking sheets in the dishwasher as they can get pitted and damaged.

[@DKB268]

I am going to frame out an opening into the mud room to set the refrigerator flush with the room and use the corner as a broom closet in the mud room to eliminate the corner in the kitchen totally.

[@cybertater5236]

Double bowl seems like it would be for soaking something and rinsing. But that isnt something i do everyday. Maybe without a dishwasher it would be useful, but it looked a bit small for soaking and washing dishes too.

[@avagrego3195]

I had a great corner cabinet

[@debbiew263]

Countertop microwaves are the worse. They are usually in tiny kitchens and then you have no counterspace for cooking.

[@jogi_54]

2:20 f original idea for the smal sink was, to prewash there, and to have hot water in the main sink. (prior we got dishwashers...)

[@karenstein8261]

High-up storage: Nothing but problems in my use. Sinks: Since the “work station” sink became available, I can’t understand how any other sort of sink gets used. Microwave: Over stove too high. Counter height too low. Under counter? What were you thinking? Units with over-range exhaust fans have their own problems, especially at replacement time. Micros, easily the most-used appliance, deserve more respect. Sink-front bin: Thanks for the feedback. My lesson: Upper cabinets tend to be too deep, come down too far, and put the counter in shadow. In truth, we need to completely re-think what we do with the space above the counter. Open shelves have their appeal - and limitations. I’d use them for appliance storage, single-row pantry storage, glassware - and find some way to screen them from view (besides cabinets with doors).

[@CGC1954]

I agree with some of that like it would look better if your microwave wasn’t over the range but I think it’s very convenient. And I would never want one in a base cabinet. I don’t like bending over to my dryer even though it’s on a pedestal so I sure don’t wanna have to bend over to get things in and out of the microwave drawer. My biggest mistake when moving into this new house was after a while. I had the cheap laminate countertops taken away and and I got granite for the counter and granite slab for the backsplash which I love but the problem is I picked a beautifully shaped Kohler cast-iron sink in black. What was I thinking. After a couple years, even though I was pretty careful about putting things in the sink the bottom , it stopped being shiny and it is absolutely hideous, but I know if I try to have it removed. I’m going to have to destroy all the granite so I just use a large rubber mat to hide the ugly dull finish on the bottom of my sink, but I still know it’s there😵‍💫

[@harveypaxton1232]

I'm surprised you didn't add a farmhouse sink to your list. More sink base cabinets I have found with water damage due to them than I can remember.

[@joancoleman1228]

Not a fan at all of farmhouse sinks.

[@photoklever]

I didn't make any decisions in my kitchen because I bought a spec home, and my microwave is sitting on the shelf, this is way worse even than the one above a stove.

[@WirbaJamilatuDzelanyuy]

Hi Mr Mark . I m new in this field and so needs your personal assistance. I wanna study kitchen design. I watched your kitchen tutorial, I must say I learned so much.

[@huynguyentoantin]

A sink and a half is not unless for me because I wash dishes by hand

[@Kevin_Rhodes]

I'm doing vertical lift "upper-uppers" on the long wall of my kitchen. 12' ceiling, so going to need a stepladder to get to them anyway. Stepladder stores in a 6" cabinet that is taking the place of a filler. Wish I could afford the servo-lifts, but those are $$$. Down with OTRs! Literally and figuratively! I'd put a small microwave in an upper cabinet if it came to that. I have a regular countertop one that is also a convection oven and air fryer that is in a small rolling cart in my old kitchen. I agree that it's lower than ideal, but it's still far better than an OTR, and I'd rather have the top of the cart for other things. I'm torn on the new kitchen - I bought one that is a wall mount to go above the wall oven, but I know it's going to be annoyingly high, and it was EXPENSIVE. It's from IKEA so I can return it and keep using the one I have, haven't decided (I got it on sale for 1/2 price and it was still silly money). Might just keep it and do both! New house is finally underway, so new kitchen will be in a couple more months. Six months behind schedule - permitting dilemmas - sigh.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Still riding the OTR-hater train, I see. My Whirlpool Slimline only cost me $400 three years ago, and it still sits OTR and it’s still working great! Just saying… But I agree with your sink assessment 100%. My large single basin has proven to be a lifestyle upgrade! Highly recommend. And… 5:45 Hi Drew Barrymore! I loved my air fryer but chucked it in favor of freeing up the counter space. Acceptable trade off, and in my case, totally the right decision. Thanks for another great video, Mark!

[@signs9587]

I'm 5'1" and still need to step on a small ladder to get into the cabinet over the fridge even with regular double doors. I love my large single bowl sink but my mother always loved her double bowl. Having a microwave in another spot instead of over the range requires a much larger kitchen than what I have. I hate giving up counter space and I consider my kitchen to be a medium sized one. As for the pull down tray under the sink we have one and I hate it! My husband loves it though. As a retired engineer he thinks it's "practical" but to me it's an ugly eyesore and stuff keeps falling down out of it. It's also very difficult to clean out those plastic trays! UGH!

[@robheyes6470]

The worst 'kitchen' design mistake is having an AI generate the image of the kitchen with tap facing the wrong way! Other than that a good video :)

[@livia.2016]

The annoying open shelves trend was taken too far because it is not made for storage. The point of it is to put there the things that you use constantly so you don't have to be opening and closing and also cleaning those unnecessary doors. I didn't want upper cabinets because I don't want to climb to clean them. Therefore, no cabinets, just one open shelve where I can reach everything easily so those things doesn't have to be over the countertop all the time. I use them all the time, so they're clean. It's like a little extra countertop over the real one that is for work space. By the way, I don't have a microwave, because I don't want to clean it, but I have a toaster oven because I need it; I clean just that one. I have it over the countertop where is useful and easy to clean. I totally agree about the big sink. I have a big one and I like it a lot. Actually, I thank a lot to the guy that sold it to my mom, it was hers and she took it off her kitchen.

[@beefitze7281]

!! a second sink outlet with the half sink is not useless it is just not the oversized jumbo XL that north americans need to satisfy the ego, it can be used for drainage, defrosting, pre-rinsing, getting rid of excess liquid when sink all ready full of hot soapy water for the washing up, washing fruit and vegetables, a concern for most responsible countries is less water use helps cost and a precious resource and is a good habit for everyday everywhere , practical advise for microwave reaching high or low with hot potentially liquids messy and riks of burns.

[@CCGG-w3b]

Sink and a half is totally useless. Get a double sink!

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

Ideally double, but a sink & 1/2 (or sink & 3/4) can be the compromise for a smaller space.

[@sandralewis1689]

Oh yes!

[@huynguyentoantin]

This video proves that many if not most new design ideas are useless

[@beckygossett4697]

Leaning on the handles of your sponge storage while working in your sink: not comfortable!

[@ramlinshoes]

I don’t have microwave in my small kitchen and don’t need it. If you don’t have processed type food, little need.

[@Magpie-1111]

Respectfully disagree. I love to make a big pot of homemade soup and freeze it in individual portions. Can be easily and quickly heated in the microwave w/o dirtying a pot. Use it to defrost frozen fruit to put on my yogurt, make hot cocoa, warm the heating pad, etc., etc.

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

I have used mine for heating/cooking vegetables, rather than use a saucepan on the stove. I don't use the microwave much, but it comes in handy sometimes.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

Now, my question is: What is the best place for those kitchen gloves and sponges to dry? Is there a way to hide them without them turning smelly?

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

A comment above said she lets them dry out in the half sink before putting away. Another idea would be to put them away but keep the flap open until dry.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

@@StrawberryFieldsNIR Thanks. I did not see it. And now of course when I read back the comments, it's 3 comments away. 😒

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

@@nathalie_desrosiers Comment was probably made some time after yours. I usually read a lot of comments.

[@craigd10]

I have to disagree with your drawer microwave opinion. First, we have the same 30" Sharp model featured. It's 9 years old and has been trouble-free. You just got a bad one. Second, 24" is actually the more common size for them - you could have opted for that if 30" was too big. Third, in my opinion it's the best form factor. They are completely out of the way, and it's the only design that allows you to midway stir ingredients without having to first remove what you're cooking. I wouldn't install any other form factor in my kitchen. Lastly, I don't know why you had to bend down to access yours. I'm 6' tall and I don't. It's right under the counter - did you install yours above the kickplate? 😂

[@cherylberry6118]

I love my drawer microwave also, I haven’t had it long but it makes the new kitchen remodel look seamless!

[@zarolive6858]

What is OTR?

[@robheyes6470]

I'd guess it's 'over the range'

[@zarolive6858]

@ 🙏🏻

[@martha3445]

I don't like single bowl sinks. I like having soapy water on one side and a place to rinse on the other. I do agree that your smaller sink is too small. Mine is a 70/30 sink. Yours looks like 85/15.

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

wow it makes me feel better that you as a pro also made mistake

[@joancoleman1228]

Totally disagree with the divided sink. My sink is 60/40 and it’s perfect. I would never want a single bowl Sink.

[@janicewolk6492]

Base cabinet microwave is godawful. It begs you to spill hot food on yourself and kill your back.

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

Mounted too high is worse.

[@barbarawitt9989]

Eww. Shoes on the counter. Beautiful.

[@kadyszrybak6280]

Why don't you have that microwave fixed ? I repair those and most repairs are between $100 and $250 . If you where told that part is no longer available let me know what part you need

[@vandamme211]

Having microwave is a problem. Destroys food

[@jlynnyay]

Finger Radius Single Bowl kitchen sink…. Until death do we part 😂

[@JackieofAllTrades]

❤

[@johnknightiii1351]

You act like you're 5-ft wife could even reach the cabinet above the fridge without a stool. What's the issue? You're already on a stool. It's not a big deal