This is how I've done it. Caulked (and like many mentioned) and built it up with a few passes. Taped off the trim but not the very bottom edge of the trim. Painted the caulked wall AND the bottom of the trim. This is the easiest way to do it because even when you look at the most sparkly white trim the bottom always reflects the color of the wall and never looks white anyway so might as well paint it (I have light colored walls everywhere so this has minimal impact on overall look of the moulding). Also taping off the straight edge just above that trim edge is easy and easy to paint everything below and little to no risk of a mess. I'm done, forgot to take pictures.. maybe next time. Thanks everyone for participation and advice.

There is a reason that that cabinet seller is no longer with the company. She messed up quite a bit. And I mean a LOT. That design is not acceptable. And you are a ways from needing to be concerned about crown. You need to invite the company owner to come to the job site and fix more than just the crown molding. Simply ask him, "Is this a kitchen that you could easily cook in?". If he says yes, he is lying. If he is honest and says no, ask him what he is going to do to make it right.

Thanks—I remembered the term after I posted. It’s not the master, but I’m less worried about the difference than the lower ceiling and lack of crown molding making the room less finished. Do you think the picture rail will lower the ceiling? I also got a suggestion of beams (which we like) or a coffered ceiling (which we generally don’t), but have the same concern about looking lower. But I’m starting to think that’s not a real problem—many rooms with beams are 8’ or below. Thoughts?

When I had my kitchen renovated a few years ago, I was in a bit of a dilemma: to add additional crown molding to the rest of the kitchen or not. I had simple Shaker style cabinets installed and decided to not have additional crown molding installed in my kitchen. I like the more minimalist look❣️