I'd wait a few weeks after completion. There will probably be many small things you will want when you put your kitchen back together. You may also want to start saving for the next project or just to have some buffer in the bank account.
We know our family bath is next once we recover from this both financially and emotionally.

I don't know what you haven't bought yet. Give us an idea.

In my case, I'd get a drawer microwave (15' h.) and a steam oven that I would put in a 15"h space in the same cabinet. Like two drawers. I have the electricity, I have the plumbing, I have a desire to buy one or the other or both, but I'm unsure. If I was forced to buy something, with a few thousand in a free budget given to me, then I'd have to buy something wouldn't I?

This sounds like an "in hindsite" question. Like davidro1 asked what haven't you bought yet - or better yet - what do you feel like you "settled for" and can still change.

My kitchen is very simple and I wouldn't have spent extra money on "frou-frouing" it up even if the money had been there. We did do a couple of mid-reno changes like adding dove-tail drawers, putting in an extra window in the family room and enlarging our master shower. The window and bigger shower were the "biggest bang for our buck" without a doubt.
And each of them were under $2000.
Aferwards though, you might keep the money for accessorizing the kitchen - new dishes, window coverings, art work, table/chairs. Those are the things that I would have liked to have specifically set aside money for. Now, those things are happening but just slower than I would have liked so that the kitchen/family room/eating area don't feel quite finished.

I agree that I wouldn't just jazz up the molding or stick feet on the cabinets. I'd probably have upgraded our cooktop (because that wasn't one of the things we invested in). Or saved some of the money for the many post-reno wishes. We haven't made backsplash decisions yet but right now my hankering is to invest more in the backsplash than we may choose to, so maybe a great backsplash.

If I were having a hard time figuring out what I wanted to spend the money on, I'd definitely save it. (-8

I am way too frugal, but if I HAD to spend $2000 I would figure out a way to get the fabulous tile for the backsplash that I fell in love with before I found out it cost $144 per square foot! I still can't decide on tile...

Although $2000 still wouldn't be enough for that :(

In reality, I would use it for new kitchen things like fresh dishtowels, the perfect soap bottle, a pretty tray for oils, window coverings, pretty flowers every week, etc.

More, better, specific organizers and pullouts for the cabinets.

If I had more space and more money, definitely a second dishwasher!

We entertain a lot. On such days we have to run the dishwasher 3-4 times. A second dishwasher would have been great.

I'd go spend it on my kids' house. It kills me that they're not in a position to move a door over to capture an "enfillade" view through a stair hall doorway, mud room doorway, and back porch doorway to the back garden. This jewel is just...lying there, waiting to be grabbed.

My kitchen is very simple and I wouldn't have spent extra money on "frou-frouing" it up even if the money had been there.

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll hold off on getting the island feet/fancy molding. What if that stuff goes out of style soon? I'm with you on the simple thing...I will hold off for now.
I will post my design, along with my choices, after I meet with our designer tomorrow.
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions :-)

Back at least 7 yrs ago when I did the kit in our last house someone asked "What is the best thing you enjoy in your new kitchen?" I remember all the magnificent things posters mentioned - My honest response was "I feel like a cheap date because I like my new Wusthoff knives best." I had the bells and whistles, Thermador range, granite, inset cabs etc like many mentioned.
So if I had extra money I would use it on equipment. Really good knives, pans, some bakeware.

Mmmmm....

I too would spend it on my dishes and pots and hand towels.

But that might be because I blew the budget all to hell and gone doing everything else.

MAYBE I could toss a little more money into some cooler drawer pulls... they were so cool that I couldn't even get a price because they only worked with or through interior designers (as opposed to kitchen designesrs? Gah.) They had to have been a million dollars each right???

IF I hadn't bought a scratch 'n dent GE Profile electric range and IF there were a white induction 30 inch range on the market at this time, I would put the $2000 plus the other amount I spent into an induction range.

Have heard there is an Electrolux white model, but can't seem to find one to look at. It's moot anyway--there isn't $2000 spare change in this household; the dented range was our splurge. And the high-end interior doors we ordered this week.

I'd hire someone to do the work so the darn kitchen would be done already.

Yes, you reminded me--I put in an electric cooktop with the intent of replacing with induction eventually--so there's something to spend extra money on.

Otherwise, my kitchen is simple, too, as I like it. Main work features are lots of counter to work on over lots of pull-out drawer storage. My big splurge--lots of windows over the counters. Aside from those, the feature I love most is my precious, jewel-beyond-price pull-out garbage. How could I ask for more? :)

$2,000 would probably be enough to get the backsplash done. It is the only thing left to do, and I am getting weary with my waxed matte board bs.

I need a second refrigerator, especially after finally joining Costco a couple of weeks ago.

Last, I would buy a complete set of Staub cast iron cookware.

hehehe, I could spend way more than $2,000!

My kitchen was already over budget, but if it wasn't I would have had the contractor find a place to route the damn waste stack so it wouldn't intrude 10" into my kitchen. Though they did a very nice job turning a waste stack into a column.

If nothing jumps out as must have or really really wish I could have....then I'd save it for non construction stuff and spend it after tht's done. Maybe you'll want new dishes, kitchen furniture, accessories a new Le Creuset in a color that pops in the new surroundings. Maybe save it for food and throw a welcome to my new kitchen party!

Agree with the backsplash suggestion. But, what first came to mind is upgrading to better light fixtures. I see them as the jewelry, and often what gives a kitchen real panache. Good lighting costs a small fortune and I'd spend at least some of (if not all) that extra money on classier lighting.

I agree about the waiting until it's all done and operational. Seriously.

I was in the same position, of having some extra play money, because the whole thing took long enough I'd gotten past the bougainvilleas blowing down, and the main water line rupturing--vastly unexpected non-kitchen work also handled by GC (tres ouch!). Spent it on pots. Not all that much. They were on sale at the outlet. Which gave me the excuse to buy the never-nevers. That is, the "goose pot" (15 qt. dutch oven (roaster)) and wok. And some more practical things. Love 'em. Glad I have 'em. Definitely for pleasure not need. :)

-So if I had extra money I would use it on equipment. Really good knives, pans, some bakeware. -

Yes. I bought some more quality pieces even though I already have everything I really need. The good stuff from the '60's.

I used my extra money to revamp my bathroom. Walk in shower!!!

After the kitchen was done, I bought a scratch 'n dent Kenmore gas range and although I am very satisfied with it, I would like to have an induction AFTER they make a white one and After my REC gets all the lines fixed so I'm not without power when the wind blows. On the other hand, I'd be thrilled with an old gas stove- you know- the $8,000 one and a Big Chill refrigerator. How many $2,000 will I have to use?

Oh, and some kind of supplemental heat to use when there is no power. Maybe a wall mount LP heater. That's on my To Do List.

Since my kitchen was a DIY I'd spend the money on a mini vacation and maid service to clean every little nook and cranny in my house. Then I would restock all the red wine I drank during the remodel.

Posted by plllog (My Page) on Wed, Jan 12, 11 at 20:43

I agree about the waiting until it's all done and operational. Seriously.
Ouch! When we did our last kitchen DH was adamant he'd do the demo himself. In the process he damaged my oven lol! So, I had to order a replacement part that wasn't exactly cheap.
Yes, the unexpected does happen, sad but true :-(

I'd add one or two glass-front cabinets with finished interiors.

Posted by taggie (My Page) on Wed, Jan 12, 11 at 21:45

I'd add one or two glass-front cabinets with finished interiors.

Yeah, I have those planned! I love the glass. I'm getting the kind with the "bevel" on the edges. I'm also getting a built-in hutch with the glass & toying with the idea of making it larger. We'll see what the KD says tomorrow.