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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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questions about kitchen renovation
we have an appointment both with the contracter and cabinet design specialist on 7/11 to finally start this process... so excited! i've been doing a lot of research on LIF and have asked questions in the past but have more and would appreciate any help, so thank you in advance 
- i see a lot of posts of people saying that if they could re-do their kitchen, they WOULDN'T get a microwave over the stovetop, but i also see a lot of pictures of people that DO have that in their kitchens. so i'm wondering, why wouldn't you want that?
- i am getting custom cabinets, and obviously you can finish any kind in pretty much whatever color... how do you decide between cherry, oak, maple, hickory etc? is one better than the other, etc?
- when you started your renovation, what did you decide on first, other than the layout? did you pick out cabinets 1st and go from there, or was there a particular color countertop or floor that you knew you wanted and went from there?
- how did you decide on your flooring?
- and how did you decide on your countertop? again, what is the pros/cons between granite, corian etc?
- for those that have glassfront cabinets, how did you decide where you wanted those/how many etc?
sorry, i know it's a lot of questions!!
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Posted 7/2/11 12:02 PM  |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
OK- i've worked with my dad (Dynamic Kitchens- vendor on LIF) and have worked with a bunch of different designers, clients, etc.
Over the stove microwave w/ blower underneath to me is 1) SUPER loud, 2) rather ineffective. and 3) annoying to replace if breaks.
to me- if you have the room, get a decorative hood w/ a blower pack in it, and stash the microwave somewhere else. A good, true custom, cabinet maker can take a counter top microwave and make it look like a built in (my dad does this all the time). This is also a cheaper option as most counter microwaves are under $300 AND if they break much easier to replace.
The blower packs that go in the hood are much more effective in removing air/smoke/steam than the blowers in the over-the-stove microwaves.
Re: custom cabinets- make sure they are REALLY custom.. some places say they are custom but they are semi custom. True custom cabinets should be made to your exact size. IF the cabinet company says a cabinet only comes in a specific size- they aren't custom.
Re: wood species- right now maple and cherry are the most popular. Cherry is more expensive than maple, and it reacts to UV light- meaning if you have a lot of windows in your kitchen, the color of the stain can change. Cherry also has small sap pitmarks in it.
Maple is very popular b/c it doesn't really react to UV light and doesn't have a lot of figure (grain).
Hickory is becoming popular but has a lot of highs and lows in the wood.
Oak isn't really used anymore in kitchens unless it is quarter sawn
I would say the FIRST thing you should pick out is your cabinet color/style- that will dictate everything else. If you are going traditional, then the other aspects should match that... contemporary, the same.
Glass front cabinets come in a variety of styles- mullions (with the "window pane look") or glass frames (nothing in middle). Usually these flank something- a window, the decorative hood, etc. Or they go in corner cabinets.
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| Posted 7/2/11 2:04 PM |
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smooney
Hidey Ho!
Member since 2/10 1669 total posts
Name:
.
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
i agree about the microwave- we chose not to get one over the stove and are very happy we didnt. we chose flooring kinda early in the process, then used those tiles to choose our backspash, counters, wall color, etc.
good luck!!!
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| Posted 7/2/11 3:57 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
I don't like the microwave over the stovetop because I'm short, and it's difficult to reach. Also, it just blows the air back into the room. I have the wooden hood with the blower insert and it blows to the outside of my house - much more effective.
My DH wanted maple - he doesn't like to see the grain in the wood and he wanted a hard, solid wood.
We went with the floor color first because we weren't planning on changing it, so we planned the kitchen around it. We ended up having to change it so we had to get something similar. I think you should start with cabinets (and they should coordinate with the style of your house, like no country style cabinets in a modern house), then the countertop and then floor, backsplash. The only time I'd start with the countertop is if there was one you absolutely had to have - then I'd match everything to that.
I have corian in one of my bathrooms and I'm not a fan. We considered quartz but chose granite because I like the movement in it - something only nature can do. The quartz is pretty but more consistent so if you like that, quartz would work. The quartz and granite are roughly the same price (depending upon what you actually choose). My SIL has white cabinets and got soapstone - she loves that. More of a Martha Stewart look than granite. Soapstone is soft so it will etch and mar, but there is no maintenance (unless you want to oil it) and it resists stains.
A good website to check out is GardenWeb .
Click on "Home" under "Forums" and then click on "Kitchens". Lots of info there. They also have a finished kitchens blog with tons of photos - you might see something you like.
Have fun designing!
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| Posted 7/2/11 5:44 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
- Microwave under the cabinet.. it's not as attactive as a decorative hood in my opinion. Also - the duct work is a pain in the *** if you want it to vent outside (and we do). However.. if you are short on space (like me) and want every available nook and cranny for storage/counters - it can help. So that's what we got.
- Are you talking about finishes (like Maple doors with a cherry finish) - or actual wood? If finish - it's all what you like. I like the look of painted doors with glaze - but a lot of people like oak or cherry or whatever. If you are talking about the ACTUAL WOOD.. it's again the looks. There are differences in the width and look of the grain.
- Layout, cabinet color, cabinet style, floor, counter, backsplash paint. I didn't buy any new appliances.
- We were on a budget. A massive budget. I looked at designs I liked, decided on a color and a pattern concept and then tried to replicate it as best I could with the selection at HD!! I did know I wanted it to be VERY neutral. I also knew that we wanted porcelain tile because it had the best resistance to damage and wear out of our choices.
- I needed something VERY sturdy, stain resistant and damage proof. I'm a WRECK in the kitchen. Hot pots on the counter, kids spilling fruit punch, etc.. Solid surface had okay resistance - but it still scratches and stains. So it was granite or quartz for us. We went with quartz because the island/peninsula we have has a gorgeous piece of granite. We knew we couldn't replicate the granite and didn't want it too look like we tried and failed so we went in a completely different direction and wound up getting a very mild quartz counter with moderate movement (Caramel Rhine in Silestone). We decided to just counter the plain counter by pulling in a very vibrant backsplash.
- I wanted glassfront and didn't get them. I'm too messy! If I had gotten them it would have been wherever I had nice glasses to showcase!
Message edited 7/3/2011 8:20:50 AM.
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| Posted 7/2/11 7:10 PM |
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julz33
i run for bacon
Member since 5/05 20584 total posts
Name:
julz
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
We are in the process of redoing our kitchen now. We are putting (actually keeping) the microwave above the stove. I like the way it looks, it saves space, and the fan has worked fine for us. We are going with maple cabinets. Maple is cheaper - not why we chose them though. We like the color stains better on maple. Many of the cherrys were too reddish for the look we were going for (unless we got a glaze) but cherry can change in light and has more variations in color than maple. Go look at the doors in person to see which you like better. We are going with a very simple shaker door style. We've always had granite in our kitches (old house we installed it, and this house came with it) and we love it, so we are getting granite again. We looked at a million samples and chose a color we liked. The we picked the floor, color to compliment granite and cabinets. Backsplash will be picked last but I am thinking something neutral here too. The granite will be the star in my kitchen and we don't want too many things competing for attention. We had glass cabinets in the corner of our old kitchen and we will never get them again. It was more for show and I'd rather have it for storage. We are using Bayview Fine Cabinetry
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| Posted 7/2/11 8:56 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
We researched a lot before redoing our kitchen. We went custom (Dynamic Kitchens) and so happy we took the time and spent the money on good quality cabinets. We went maple because we wanted a clearer wood(no knots and a hard wood) If you look at magazine pictures of upscale kitchens none of them have a microwave over the stove. I think they are a complete eyesore. Also slide-in ranges IMO are much nicer and upscale looking as well. We did a drawer microwave in our island. It wasn't much more expensive but so much nicer because it's hidden. And the exhaust over my stove is a much higher quality than that of a microwave exhaust. When I cook or fry the smell gets sucked up and directly vented outside....
Message edited 7/2/2011 10:07:45 PM.
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| Posted 7/2/11 10:00 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Just wanted to add that you CAN get a microwave hood that vents to the outside. That's what we are doing. You will just have to run the venting out - that's the duct work that I mentioned being a PITA. No - it is not 'upscale' - but we don't have upscale space or upscale budget.. and honestly? We're average folk anyway so we don't need an elite kitchen! 
Message edited 7/3/2011 11:21:16 AM.
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| Posted 7/3/11 8:20 AM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
I certainly didn't mean to offend. Its just my opinion and believe me we certainly are average folk. I was in my sweats demo ing my kitchen myself. My DH did ALL the work himself which allowed us to get some extras we wanted etc. I just don't care for the look of the over the hood microwave but some people do....
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| Posted 7/3/11 1:08 PM |
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maymama
my little loves
Member since 8/08 18453 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
we have micro over range and we love it! it isnt loud (unless your micro only has one fan setting - most have more than 1) and it saves counter space!
good luck, cant wait to see pics
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| Posted 7/3/11 1:12 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by OneOfEach
I certainly didn't mean to offend. Its just my opinion and believe me we certainly are average folk. I was in my sweats demo ing my kitchen myself. My DH did ALL the work himself which allowed us to get some extras we wanted etc. I just don't care for the look of the over the hood microwave but some people do....
I wasn't offended! It just tickled me to think that we aren't 'upscale' and that our new kitchen will have an eyesore!! I kind of have an odd sense of humor.
Honestly - like I said - I prefer the look of a decorative hood - but it just wasn't in our budget AND we couldn't justify using any other space for the microwave - so over the range it will be!! But DEFINITELY venting to the outside because I don't want my cooking smells blowing back into the house.
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| Posted 7/3/11 2:11 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by rojerono
Posted by OneOfEach
I certainly didn't mean to offend. Its just my opinion and believe me we certainly are average folk. I was in my sweats demo ing my kitchen myself. My DH did ALL the work himself which allowed us to get some extras we wanted etc. I just don't care for the look of the over the hood microwave but some people do....
I wasn't offended! It just tickled me to think that we aren't 'upscale' and that our new kitchen will have an eyesore!! I kind of have an odd sense of humor.
Honestly - like I said - I prefer the look of a decorative hood - but it just wasn't in our budget AND we couldn't justify using any other space for the microwave - so over the range it will be!! But DEFINITELY venting to the outside because I don't want my cooking smells blowing back into the house.
. I would have loved a commercial type stove but couldn't justify spending the money on it so I can understand what you are saying! In this day and age we are all very blessed to be able to be homeowners and more so ones that are doing major improvements...
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| Posted 7/3/11 2:56 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
thank you all so much!
as far as the wood - i was talking about the actual WOOD, didn't really understand all the difference in the grain and exposure to light etc. it sounds like maple might be the way to go.
granite or quartz also sounds like it may be the way to go for countertop, i want whatever is most resistant to accidents in the kitchen lol
as far as the microwave vs hood... again, thank you. i see pictures w/microwaves over the stove all the time and never thought of it as an eyesore, i don't mind the look at all - and it's actually the way i was going to go, until i read people saying they didn't recommend it. i know a lot of what i like/don't like, want & don't want... as i've been living with a fugly and inefficient kitchen for years now  makes me angry every time i cook or bake! we have somewhat of a budget, but i want to do this once and do it right - not have things falling apart or decide i hate it in 10 years. i want to die in this kitchen  hoods can be very pretty, they can also be a little too ornate for my tastes sometimes - so if it comes down to $$ i would rather spend less and have a micro over the stove, as opposed to a hood - and spend the money elsewhere on something that IS a "must" for me, since a hood is not. that said, i want the fan to be efficient... so that is something i will definitely look into w/my contracter.
the place i am using has both custom AND semi-custom cabinetry, so i will be looking into both - seeing what the difference will be like in my kitchen, design wise and $$ wise and go from there.
thank you again all so much... and if anyone can offer any more advice, i'll take it all - or pics. i love me some pics
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| Posted 7/3/11 7:08 PM |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by MrsKelly
thank you all so much!
as far as the wood - i was talking about the actual WOOD, didn't really understand all the difference in the grain and exposure to light etc. it sounds like maple might be the way to go.
granite or quartz also sounds like it may be the way to go for countertop, i want whatever is most resistant to accidents in the kitchen lol
as far as the microwave vs hood... again, thank you. i see pictures w/microwaves over the stove all the time and never thought of it as an eyesore, i don't mind the look at all - and it's actually the way i was going to go, until i read people saying they didn't recommend it. i know a lot of what i like/don't like, want & don't want... as i've been living with a fugly and inefficient kitchen for years now makes me angry every time i cook or bake! we have somewhat of a budget, but i want to do this once and do it right - not have things falling apart or decide i hate it in 10 years. i want to die in this kitchen hoods can be very pretty, they can also be a little too ornate for my tastes sometimes - so if it comes down to $$ i would rather spend less and have a micro over the stove, as opposed to a hood - and spend the money elsewhere on something that IS a "must" for me, since a hood is not. that said, i want the fan to be efficient... so that is something i will definitely look into w/my contracter.
the place i am using has both custom AND semi-custom cabinetry, so i will be looking into both - seeing what the difference will be like in my kitchen, design wise and $$ wise and go from there.
thank you again all so much... and if anyone can offer any more advice, i'll take it all - or pics. i love me some pics
I know with dynamic the cost is per foot not per cabinet. So it doesn't matter if you have decorative hood or microwave etc. As for them being ornate a true custom shop could make a hood to match your aesthetic preferences.
I would definitely go maple. But I would also get your quotes and shop around to other places. With the economy being what it is there are great deals out there. For example my dad is offering free installation on all kitchens.
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| Posted 7/4/11 9:11 AM |
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firsttimer
Member since 5/07 1532 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
I worked everything around my cabinets. I knew i wanted cream cabinets so my backsplash, countertop, and flooring all revolved around that.
I put my microwave in the island and it is a toddler nightmare!
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| Posted 7/4/11 9:59 AM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by firsttimer
I put my microwave in the island and it is a toddler nightmare!
i read a post where someone recommended not to put the microwave there if you have small children... never would have even occurred to me! just found out i'm pregnant, so an unreachable microwave it will be!
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| Posted 7/4/11 7:02 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by Sassyz75
As for them being ornate a true custom shop could make a hood to match your aesthetic preferences.
i didn't know this... i suppose i haven't seen any, or many pictures that struck my fancy or stuck out in my mind, so i didn't think of that. i will check out the different options. thank you for all the advice
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| Posted 7/4/11 7:03 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by MrsKelly
just found out i'm pregnant, so an unreachable microwave it will be!
OMG!! CONGRATULATIONS!! You guys are going to have a GORGEOUS baby!
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| Posted 7/4/11 8:59 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by rojerono
Posted by MrsKelly
just found out i'm pregnant, so an unreachable microwave it will be!
OMG!! CONGRATULATIONS!! You guys are going to have a GORGEOUS baby!
awwww thank u so much! 
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| Posted 7/5/11 5:30 AM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Congratulations! I have 2 small kids and a drawer microwave that has a lock on it. No issues Either way I'm sure your kitchen will be lovely!
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| Posted 7/5/11 12:56 PM |
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KennysMommy
Never knew LOVE like it before
Member since 3/10 2640 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Just wanted to throw in something to think about: The darker the countertops, the more dust it will show if you don't clean it daily.....
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| Posted 7/5/11 1:08 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by KennysMommy
Just wanted to throw in something to think about: The darker the countertops, the more dust it will show if you don't clean it daily.....
good point!
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| Posted 7/5/11 7:23 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by OneOfEach
Congratulations! I have 2 small kids and a drawer microwave that has a lock on it. No issues Either way I'm sure your kitchen will be lovely!
does the drawer roll out? how does that work?
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| Posted 7/5/11 7:23 PM |
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firsttimer
Member since 5/07 1532 total posts
Name:
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Re: questions about kitchen renovation
Posted by MrsKelly
Posted by OneOfEach
Congratulations! I have 2 small kids and a drawer microwave that has a lock on it. No issues Either way I'm sure your kitchen will be lovely!
does the drawer roll out? how does that work?
We have a lock on the microwave but it just locks the ability to use it,; it doesnt prevent them from opemning the door and putting miscellanious items inside. I wnt even go into the fingerprint conversation......
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| Posted 7/5/11 8:14 PM |
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