Turn A Microwave Eyesore Into A Stylish Appliance Garage With An Antique Flair

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Every kitchen has its collection of mixers, coffee makers, toasters, and air fryers, but it's the bulky microwave that takes over. These large cooking tools take up counter space and draw the eye as soon as you enter the room. You can hide your microwave and gain extra kitchen storage with one unique design idea: an appliance garage. This is a cupboard of sorts, designed specifically to hide those unsightly culinary aids that clutter up surfaces in the cooking area. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some even built to accommodate the entire length of a countertop. For the purposes of hiding that extra-large appliance, you really only need a cart or cupboard with a rolling door for easy access to do the job.

This handy tool isn't a new concept. Designers like Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines have recommended them over the years. But avoiding those high built-in renovation prices is some real homeowner magic, and it involves a little elbow grease and creativity. The simplest way to DIY an appliance garage for your kitchen is probably just adding a sliding door to an existing cabinet, but you can also build a custom unit yourself. This is a great opportunity to add some antique flair to your home by updating an older piece of furniture you have on hand, or thrifting one to fit your aesthetic. The resulting product will streamline your aesthetic and get rid of that tacky eyesore once and for all.

There are different ways to go about making this kitchen dream project a reality. The first is to find a beautiful antique-style cupboard or shelf setup with a space large enough for your microwave at a thrift store or estate sale. A hutch from a buffet or credenza is a good place to start, because it's already designed to stand on a surface. The second is to build one yourself. In either case, you'll need to make the door. A sliding tambour door can be purchased as a kit from brands like Lee Valley, or made yourself with a piece of custom-cut wood and track hardware like Dolenor's pocket door slide hinge kit. Once you've chosen your style and supplies, it's time to install.

Putting it all together means measuring and lining up all the pieces so everything comes together on the countertop. Sand and stain or paint your finished product to suit your kitchen aesthetic. Remember to connect the back of the cabinet to the wall so it doesn't topple over once it's in use. Add the doors using the instructions for your chosen kit. You can also go doorless and add a retro sliding curtain using a track like the FSLGEFUL self adhesive no drill curtain track. If you're looking for ways to implement an appliance garage in your kitchen for less mess, and a less noticeable microwave, this antique flip is a great place to start.