maybe it was the only place, or maybe he was the brother of the guy that installed mine. turned out he had many bays to choose from but had never taken any design classes. look into it getting moved to a better off-center.

thanks nnigrt. I guess I'll have to endure some eye-rolls and ask for it to be moved so it doesn't continue to annoy me.... just curious #gn builders. Why to the right and not the left? It was originally located closer to the window and higher up. Soffit also used to be closer to the window and was rebuilt to accommodate refrigerator & new pantry. I'm just concerned it will be too close to the register over the door if moved to the right. If that doesn't matter, that would def be the easier way to move it.

contractor is here. I guess it's a big deal to move it. he would have to rebuild the entire soffit. He said it was specifically put there to be in line with the other vent over the door.(???) He discussed with my husband prior to building it so I guess I'll have to learn to live with it..

Ask your HVAC subcontractor to provide a grill that directs the air to the sides. When you look up at it or look at it head on, you will not readily see the black grooves.

Oftentimes I read in this advice section about how "brain dead" the subcontractor was in doing the work.
Please keep in mind that every professional
subcontractor involved in construction...HVAC, plumbing, electrical. flashing,
gutters and leaders, etc. has a responsibility to the homeowner to provide the
most efficient and effective approach to the performance of their system(s).
Oftentimes, the proven science of these efforts can be in conflict with the
visual design process. It is the job of the architect or design professional, possibly the GC to
deal with such conflicts and work out effective solutions.... form vs.
function...a never ending challenge. At all times, the homeowner must be
advised if there will be any trade offs in performance with the ultimate decision
resting in their hands. And the homeowners must make their expectations clear to the professionals. If the homeowners are not on the same page, then you can imagine how challenging it is to the professional to anticipate issues across many, many construction categories.

Is it supply or return?

It is the supply.

Thanks @scott design. I'll try a different register. Also, I think once the cabinets and refrigerator are in the space it won't look as bad.