You could put microwave on Cnr bench near window and toaster etc in pantry maybe even get a pull out shelf for ease of appliance use. But imagine yourself working in kitchen using it daily and if you still think it's going to be too small then if you think too small now will always irritate you

When I lived in a flat I used a TV stand as a microwave holder. I kept the special cookware in the DVD space.The cupboards underneath provided more kitchen storage.

As for trolleys, Google this

Thanks for the feedback! Anyone know if it's affordable to change the worktop to a wooden one and change the sink to a single sink? That could be an option maybe

Besides a microwave, what other appliances do you need to put on the bench?

I decided years ago to shed appliances that take up space and gather dust. Some appliances are essential such as microwave, toaster and kettle. Others have been marketed to us convincing us that they will save us time and are essential. for example food processors can be replaced by a knife and cutting board (less washing up and does same job). Coffee machines have become popular, but usually make crap coffee.

There are not many things that cannot be achieved with a good set of knives, hang blender and pots and pans.

It's a badly designed kitchen, usually sink is under the window and that leaves more room for prep area, if you don't think that you can replace it in couple years and you loose sleep over it don't buy it. The think is we can never find ideal house for the money we have , there is always compromise but only you can decide how much of a problem it is.

Hi, how about this? I think there is enough space at the entrance for a narrow round extension. You would have to "cut' in half the door of the high cupboard. Would it be possible? I would also change the sink for single one. /Marcin

Go to a kichen designer with dimensions and ask cost to replace bench with single sink. Then you may have a workable area. Powerpoint in the pantry can take a microwave but will reduce pantry space although you do have overhead cupboards. Agree that the large double sink makes the kitchen unworkable.

You can have microwave next to the Stove top left or right, and some shelfs in the left corner next to the window for cereal containers or coffee/tea supplies. A buffet in the dining room or next to the entrance could provide extra storage. Extra large chopping board over the sink bowl could add to prep area etc. just think out of the box and eventually you can replace the kitchen with something you like.

There are affordable wooden benchtops at IKEA.

We have been living with a very small badly designed kitchen, with a one bowl sink, until I ripped it out and built my own and the one thing that bugged us the most was the one bowl sink. We had a small wooden trolley from IKEA that I oiled and used for prep and rolled it away when finished with. Still painful though.
You maybe able to negotiate a cheaper price ($10-$15000) and reconfigure the kitchen to sink under window(check plumbing before jumping). The Perth market is so slow developers would probably go for it but the East coast maybe not.You would want to be in love with place though.

Double sinks are too useful to remove. Working in a smaller kitchen is easier than a large one rather with your needs only one step away. If this prop was a stepping stone in the property market I would leave as is and save for a bigger house with your ideal kitchen than change a brand new one. Trolleys and hanging space is what I would play with for now. Just think also, less bench space to clean ;)

There are some useful ideas about how to maximise space in this article I was reading the other day - [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/kitchen-capers-nifty-tricks-to-store-just-about-anything-stsetivw-vs~28115084[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/kitchen-capers-nifty-tricks-to-store-just-about-anything-stsetivw-vs~28115084)

I know you've got lots of suggestions already. But I would put the microwave where the fruit bowl is (if the space is wide enough) and attach some open shelves above it. If the microwave is too wide for that spot, I'd still put some shelving in there. It seems like a bit of a useless corner otherwise.

I don't have too many ideas on any extensions - but definitely invest in a trolley! Functional and aesthetic - great for when you have guests over!

I had one dinner party where I plated up on the ironing board!

Hi there

my suggestion is to leave the sink, add chopping board covers to both sink holes, and where the fruit bowl is, put in a cabinet above it that will hold a small sized integrated microwave, similar to the top cabinets on opposite side. This way, it won't look like an "add on " or afterthought.

Maldonado, see if there is a suitable kettle that heats on the stove top, rather than electric, to give you back some more bench space. Good luck.

Agree with covering one of the sinks with a chopping board or something. You get more bench space when you need it, but still have a double sink when you need it. I'd put a trolley at the end of the bench top. Then think what appliances you really, really need. Also sort through how many pans, dishes you have etc. maybe you can put some in storage until you have it down to your essentials?
One more thing, lovely space and furnishings, but it feels a little cramped. Small thing, but spread the stools out a bit more. A slightly larger table so the chairs don't feel so shoulder to shoulder? Or chairs that are less solid?
I think it is a lovely space!

It's Wed, let us know what you decided.

you could add in a little built in storage cupboard in the corner where fruit bowl is. Sorry I know how awful this photo is but A little cupboard with microwave space would save the microwave from being on the bench and also give you extra storage. The sink is huge (unneeded) and i think putting a chopping board there is a good idea!

It's Wednesday! What did you decide??!

What a pity some people don't get back after posting a dilemma.

Soooooo annoying when we don't get eve a short note of outcome.

use your dining table as prepping area I do..

You could think about changing the lower cabinets to draws (better access to everything) and create a spot to pop the microwave in...

OLD POST - poster gone away.

Sorry it was my first time posting and I thought I've already said thank you for the feedback way at the top (indicating I'm ending the post).
There's no notification from Houzz when feedback is given either. We decided to go ahead with the purchase. We're also taking your advice: 1 sink, extend the bench top by a bit, shelving near the window to put our microwave and getting a trolley with a top for more bench space. Thanks heaps again for your input. We really appreciated it!