My new kitchen has white gloss cabinets, cambria charston countertops and a shiny black tile floor. I am holding off on backsplash for budget reasons. I am inclined to put in 2 more cabinets at the left end of the kitchen - a short one that mimics the one over the fridge, with a recirculating hood underneath it, and a longer one to its right, same height as the rest of the uppers, which will end at the wall. This is a $900 job, including materials and labor. ($500 labor - includes picking up and assembling Ikea cabs and hood - is this a good price? I live in Brooklyn, NY. He told me he would give me the best price possible) I am wanting to put a modest wall mounted pot rack and perhaps an open shelf or two in the empty space on the right end of the kitchen. I think I would find the pot rack very useful for both the pans i use most frequently and an oversized wok that needs a home. But my contractor thinks the kitchen would look much more finished if I filled both walls with upper cabinets end to end. Would really appreciate others' opinions on this.

Also, I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the custom made grille that's installed below the window. I'm thinking of turning it so that it is more horizontal than vertical, and having it above the baseboard. My contractor is very willing to do whatever I want, but thinks it looks just fine the way it is. I was also thinking of painting it the same color as the wall, so it would blend in, even though it is of very nice quality, polished stainless steel. I'm just feeling like it is hogging the limelight and looks a bit slapped on right now. What do YOU think?

Much obliged! -- Laurie