I rather agree with GC. You want the light to "land" on whatever you want to see (the primary exception usually being for indirect lighting used to lighten mass areas). In a kitchen you want the brightest portion to fall on your working areas -- a light that falls on your back would put that chopping knife in shadow, which isn't a very comfortable idea. If it's an eat-in kitchen, himo, hanging lights over the table provide a more attractive ambience than floods. And being me, I also want a separate circuit to light the floor for cleaning. This all can add up to a high electrician's bill, but I think it's worth every penny! I prefer mini-spots placed directly over: the counter areas mostly used for chopping, mixing, measuring; over the sink (even when the sink is under a window); and over the cooking elements. If you have odd corners or deep cabinets which will be in the dark -or shadowed; it's far more useful to small lights placed *inside* the cabinet so that it comes on when the door is opened or (least expensive method) battery minis which you can click on.

Congrats on the home! Enjoy! I would still suggest something above it. Might not be "counter" in the strict sense but the shelf space is always handy. After all you need a place to store your detergent, laundry baskets, other cleaners, etc. Depending on the location, I like a microwave up higher rather than counter height. I used to set mine on top of my 9cf upright freezer. Mine's in the basement so less important aesthetics I realize, but I like having the shelves right over the washer and I have a small plastic shelf unit between the washer & dryer for the detergent, bleach, vinegar, dishwasher detergent and the Oxi, Borax, Calgon, etc go on the shelf above it. Keeps everything condensed and more organized. I'm one who is not offended by actually seeing appliances in a home. They're part of the home, to me. Some think that some machines are very good looking. To me, an appliance is an appliance and is there to do a job, not be a showpiece. But each is different. You could still hang curtains, or make or get a folding screen to put in front of it and it would accent the area. Could even make sort of a closet out of it with doors to conceal it. Without seeing pictures, I can only guess and by no means do I claim to be an interior (nor exterior) designer, but things can hide, conceal or otherwise change the looks of things. You could put plants on them if you're into them. Also pay attention to any show with washers on them, you can get a lot of ideas from them. Especially home improvement shows and the like. Good luck in your new home. It's exciting to get your own place, isn't it?

I think the granite looks great: very classic and a big improvement over the tile! I'd definitely look into undercabinet lights. Before, the white counters reflected the ceiling light back up under the cabinets. The dark granite holds onto the light and makes the undercabinet areas a little cave-like. Lighting will make a big difference. I think the previous suggestions are excellent: painting the wall in the kitchen, along with finding some colorful accessories. I had a small galley kitchen similar to this one, and I was amazed at the difference a bright blue rag rug and a few blue dishtowels over the stove handle made.

"The rounded edge on the inside of my sink and the two outside side edges cost a total of $150 more." This is why I keep preaching that fabricators should sell this option instead of that gawdawful ugly cheap "pencil" edge at sinks. One chip, and that's "when", not "if", and you've paid me nearly $300.00 to fix it on site. Pulling the faucet and sink, profiling and polishing a proper round over, and reinstalling the sink and faucet to reduce the risk of future chips could be $500.00 or more.