Go to the link in the kitchen forum that I've included and see the picture of Thyne's kitchen near the end of the thread. It looks very classy. Good luck. Here is a link that might be useful: Discussion on crown molding in the Kitchen Forum

No can do on the "doing it correctly from the beginning" thing, unless there's a time machine that will transport me back 36 years. I think the compounding solution is a little beyond my expertise, but thanks nonetheless. I think the quarter round suggestion is more my speed. I may even cut it down to as small a piece that will work, attach it with some adhesive, then caulk and paint. Thanks.

@live_wire_oak and @weedmeister thanks for the tip. Looks like the Costco installer was an amateur. I asked him the exact same question and he mentioned the grates will be aligned and not the top of the stove. He also never checked the level. I guess I will call them and ask if they can send someone more knowledgeable over. For the back it says 1inch gap is enough but who knows, looks like no one knows what they are doing anymore. Also, I am hoping that once I install the microwave on top the vent will be pretty good and quickly remove any heat. @wacokid yeah I wish I never asked the question about cooktop + wall oven below the cooktop (instead of raised in the wall) on Houzz. After hearing it is not a popular combo in the US, I decided to demolish my current setup and change. Big mistake! Thanks for the filler options @Shannon_WI.

OMG their workmanship is terrible. Obviously you didn't have a permit, because no City would have approved this job. You need to cut your losses and have this redone by a professional tile person. You should NOT under any circumstances be giving them advise on how to fix this. You will be giving them an out, because all they need to say is "She told us how to do this and we were just following what SHE wanted. SHE knew we weren't tile professionals. What you are seeing is just the tip of the ice berg of problems. I agree that probably the drainage of the floor is probably also wrong. Did they also do the Plumbing as well? In the future, you will undoubtedly be faced with major water damage to your home. If any damages occur down the road, it may be difficult to get your insurance company to pay for repairs once they see how this was done. These people need to return your money and the cost of your tile so you can redo the shower. For goodness sake don't let them work on any thing else in your house. If you need references, I would go to a large reputable tile store and ask them for people they know and trust. Be sure to check that their license. You can do this by checking their license no. with your State's Contractor's Board. Best of Luck to you.