You will want to be careful to ensure adequate airflow if you replace the stock kickplate vent or cover it with another layer. The vents in the picture actually look a little constricted to me. Theoretically, if the fridge breaks for lack of ventilation they could refuse to warrant it if the vents are too small...though I suppose you could always remove the extra layer before the repairman comes and plead ignorance. Anyway, two other options: (1) I don't know whether the Kitchenaid grills are metal or plastic, but either way they are usually paintable to match the other areas of the toekick. It would still be obviously a grill, however, and the knob would be visable. (2) You can retain (and possibly paint) the original grill, and at the front of the toekick put in fake furniture-style legs and optionally a partial plinth (attached with velcro). Since it's going to look a little different whatever you do, this can make a lot of sense. With the partial plinth and legs in front, most people won't notice the grill unless they are on floor level (especially if it is painted to match the floor, rather than the rest of the toekick). I did a quick search for picture of this approach, and found one in the attached recentish post from gardenweb member jm_seattle. Of course, if you want to avoid the issue entirely you can get the Subzero drawers instead - they don't have a visible grill at all, looks like the rest of your toekick. For the dishwasher, you don't need a vent but most will leave a small gap at the bottom just so any leak is caught quickly - instead of building up and causing damage hidden behind the toekick, it would theoretically run out the gap and you would notice it sooner. Other than that, I think pretty much everybody just uses a piece of matching toekick trim velcroed on. Here is a link that might be useful: Fake Legs Toekick w/ vent

About all you need to do is get a dishwasher made to take a panel ("integrated" models) which come, as these things so often do, with a surcharge, although in essence you're getting less for the money (they come with no front at all). The literature will tell you the exact dimensions of the panel you'll need, and it screws on very easily (I did it myself with a friend to help hold it). You can just pass on the dimensions to your cabinet company or carpenter. There are also a number of independent companies that make panels in a zillion styles and materials (Frigo, Heartland, etc).

I agree with everyone that end panels are the preferred way to go...HOWEVER, if it's the choice b/w an end panel and, say, a drawer base instead of shelves, I'd forgo the end panel. End panels can be added later, while drawers cannot. Be sure, though that those end cabinets all have finished sides/backs (i.e., they are finished in the same wood/stain/glaze as the rest of the cabinets...any KD worth his/her salt will know this...but double-check anyway!) IMHO, if you have to cut costs somewhere, I'd cut them on the door end panels...as a matter of fact, that's exactly what we did. We eliminated end panels on the ends of the upper & lower cabinet runs as well as the peninsula ends. We also eliminated the furniture base and filler overlays (that's the overlay on a filler piece that makes it look like another door). ALL of these can be added later (and we plan to add them as we go along...we've a plan for that as $$ comes available!) I think your KD is giving you good advice if you are over budget and are trying to cut back somewhere. What I'm saying is, if something (1) doesn't add to the functionality of the kitchen, (2) can be added later, and (3) it's lack does not really detract terribly from the overall look, then eliminate it now if you need to to cut back. HTH!

Thanks lascatx! I'm thinking I will wait till I get my full overlay doors on and see if I have room to add a thin molding strip all around. One thing I did not consider is that the two top open display boxes will look a bit recessed with the overlay doors below & may look better with a transition strip plus it would hide exposed seam. All in all though I am more than happy with my butter yellow uppers with mirrored doors. Husband is about to kill me as I asked for a few "do overs". Should have the dark Cherry lowers in soon, I'm so excited and wish I could post a picture.