Thanks for continuing to weigh in on this with me. This remodel seems like a perpetual matter of robbing Peter to pay Paul - but I think that's just a reality of small spaces. Microwaves are the curse of the kitchen. I use mine daily (more like nightly) for heat packs, which is why having it on the peninsula was so appealing. That and my partner doesn't like the Sharp drawers, which are expensive. He worries about cleanability and likes the idea of buying cheap, easily replaceable microwaves. I agree that it seems silly not to use this remodel as a chance to fix the tight W/D situation. It will help to push it back even 7", but I hear what people are saying about the full 14". If we go that route, we probably won't be modifying the other hallway corner to align, though I like the idea of a narrow bookshelfs. The problem is, the hall closet is on that wall, along with the entry to the house. So, there's not a lot to do with that wall. It's a really good point if they don't make microwaves that open to the right. Is that true? The microwave has been the curse of this kitchen from day one! lol Nice idea, though, to put some shelves up - either in the cooking nook or on the peninsula side.

Theresse, I think you are missing the easiest solution of all! Don't ever hand wash dishes!! There! Problem solved. My bill will be in the mail.... ;-P I had a similar problem, and played with the bump out for about a week, trying to get all those variables right: back comfort (since no toe kick with vintage cabinets), spout reach, counter corners resting on the lip in a way that looked pleasing to my eye. My cabinet guy thought I was an OCD loon! (Which I am, but that is between me and my doctor. Not my cabinetmaker.) I have the chicago faucet with the 12" double hinged spout. It wasn't my favorite spout, but the length was right. Actually, if I remove the extender piece, the straight part that only reaches 8 or 9 inches was the most period appropriate. That is the style one sees the most on the original kitchens in "Bungalow Kitchens" (I assume you have that kitchen bible!). We also have one of those (1929 original) in our garage. But those are paired with the traditional tiled-in sink, the back of which goes all the way to the backsplash. They are way too short for farm sinks. So I went with the 12 incher. I love that it reaches the edge of my drain. My previous faucet couldn't be directed right into the drain due to misalignment, and it always bugged me. But the gooseneck sure is prettier! These Shaw's sinks are a marriage of compromise. Think of the sink like a husband. So his faucet length isn't as long as you'd like. Is it a dealbreaker? Nah! The important thing is to go into the relationship with your eyes open.

Phish, can you feel a lump beneath the hair that's sticking up? Is there a mat beneath it, or a tumor of some sort? Either of those two things would be painful if you brushed them. Mats should be clipped off by someone who knows what they're doing. I think it might be a good idea to get kitty in to the vet if it's a "lump" beneath the skin, or a groomer if it's a mat. My mom's vet has a groomer who comes in on Fridays. Her kitty got so many mats, I had to take him in for a lion cut. Perhaps your vet has a similar set up.

My greater discomfort is that my existing full size fridge on the other side of the kitchen is going to stick out until we can afford a counter depth version in a year or two. That's where you might want to bump out the base cabinets (if possible). Deeper countertops are great but will be more expensive. If that wall is a straight run of cabinets (no corners), bumping out the base cabinets would be easy to do with the bonus of not having to replace the refrigerator.