Friday, July 10, 2009

Almost too easy

I was laying in bed one morning when it occurred to me...
We have an over-the-range microwave!

No, I am not a complete idiot, of course I knew that we had an over-the-range microwave all along (hello, I use it everyday) but the realization that the microwave had to be plugged into an electrical outlet in one of the upper cabinets was really what I was excited about.
I headed over to Lowes and purchased a 24 foot rope light ($15.00) then had my hubby drill a small hole through the top of the cabinet .

No more dark and dirty looking corners and I love the glow it gives at night.

I've always wanted lighting above my cabinets...

only $15.00 people.

I LOVE it!

33 comments:

Jamie said...

That is a great idea!!! Did you paint those cupboards yourself or where they already like that? Love the kitchen look!

Darla said...

You are FUNNY!

We did that with the space above our cabinets too -- we used christmas lights but I can definitely see the value of rope lighting.

Ter said...

I love the idea too... but how about turning it on and off, do you have to get in behind the microwave to plug/unplug it?

Noelle said...

That looks really nice.

Jill@Barnes Yard said...

Um. Genius.
:) Jill

Mindy said...

Same question as Ter... how do you reach the outlet?

Kathryn-nannygoat said...

The plug is in the cabinet above the microwave so it is super easy to just open the cabinet and plug it in.
It would be so awesome to have a switch but beggars can't be choosers. I'm just happy to have some lights up there. :)

Deborah said...

How cool is that? Great idea. :)

Unknown said...

Nice! Love it!!

Jen V said...

So cool! I'll have to think about doing that in my kitchen!

Don't you love when inspiration just hits you! I always get inspired while trying to fall asleep - then I get so excited I have to get started right away - hence the lack of sleep (good thing I'm an insomniac anyway - LOL)

Anonymous said...

I am SO glad you just posted this! You have totally just made my weekend! I didn't even think about that but I am so excited I have wanted something like that for a long time, now all I need to do is get the hole in the cabinet and buy the rope light! Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Also, just wondering but you just climb up and unplug it right, no switch or anything.

Rebekah said...

This is why YOU have the craft blog! Trevor is SO GOOD TO YOU!

Unknown said...

This is the easiest, best, most clever, fastest room changing DIY I have EVER EVER EVER seen. Brilliant! I am TOTALLY doing this. TOMORROW!!

Melissa said...

Love it Kathryn! I wish this would work in my kitchen (darn those drop ceilings)!

Anonymous said...

Ok...so I was so inspired by your post that I went out and got the rope light this weekend and have it all hooked up! The best part is when I told my dad who is an electrician and he was trying to explain this wireless switch thing to me. Long story short since it is my b-day on Tuesday my daughter (with the help of my electrician dad) went and bought me this remote switch. The Westek Wireless Wall Switch Transmitter Model RFA 108 is the name of it and they got it at Lowe's. Now if I can just figure out where I want the "light switch" to go. Thanks again for the inspiration.

KatieJ said...

You are so smart- what a great idea! I love your kitchen, and how you decorated above the cabinets, I need help with that before I light it probably, but you've got me excited!

Stefany said...

That is a fantastic idea!

Jessica said...

I LOVE that! I believe I'll be having a talk with the hubs tonight...lol

Kim -today's creative blog said...

hey girls, I featured you today! Love it all!
Please email me so I can send you your featured button.
krjdemmon@comcast.net

amanda said...

What a great idea! I am heading to Lowe's tomorrow! Found you ladies on U Create! Thanks for sharing:)

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

I love that idea. May have to copy it!

Sandy said...

Great idea. Now I just need to move the microwave, get hubby to put up shelf, wire in some electricity etc.....

Caroline said...

The back lighting on the top of the cabinets looks great. Brings a great warmth to the room.

Whitney Caroline Designs said...

Hi Kathryn!
I'm a first time visitor of your blog. I heard about you though Today's Creative Blog. I too have an over-the-range microwave and it died on me this week. But your post has cheered me up!!! What an awesome idea!!!

Elise said...

Hi Kathryn

I am also a first time visitor after seeing your blog on Today's Creative Blog. My little ones have been sleeping for over an hour and this is how long I've been ooohing and aaahing my way through your clever and inspiring blog.

I'll certainly be back for more Nannygoat goodness.

Elise

Sallianne McClelland said...

So the gorgeous Creative Blogger told me at 5am this morning that I had to come to your site and spend 2 hours on it...and this was before my cup of tea...now that I have my cup of tea....well I can go to old posts!!

Natalie said...

I'm SO doing this! What a great idea!!!

Anonymous said...

Just found you at Today's Creative Blog. You have some fabulous ideas that I can't wait to check out. This one is just amazing!!

GirlHouse said...

The previous owners of our house did this. We love it!!!
As for turning them on and off--It is as simple as buying an three dollar timer to plug into the outlet. No need to add athe wireless switch.

p*nut said...

I did the same thing years ago (it's been almost 10 yrs in the house) and have only had to replace the rope light once! And I leave mine on 24/7, I like the glow it has at night, kind of like a big night light.

Anonymous said...

Well I just had one of those 'duh' moments and had to go crawl up and look above my microwave.

I'm going to Lowes tomorrow :)

Ener-jblog said...

Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Gang Wireless Light Switches Reciever

Anonymous said...

Use solar rope lights if you have a window.