I just need to know the explanation for one voting YUCKY for THIS kitchen...were you just being the devil's advocate? It's the swankiest yet!

I know everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but I think the last choice should be removed - or at least replaced with "not my taste".

I'd love to see a color on that wall but I love love love that table.
Bon Apetit!

Wow, apprently dark wood brings out the civilty in this normally ruthless crowd!

I, like Jamie Pup, am sort of baffled at this point.

I think it may be the black (solid surface?) countertops. Personally, I love them. I almost decided to switch from white to black epoxy paint for my formica do-over, but I already started with white, and anyway, I have lots of black now. And there is a bit of a clash between the stainless and the black, but all in all quite a nice place.

Love love love the cabinets and steel.
Hate the pot rack and the knife rack -- too cluttered for such a classy kitchen. Please do something with the backsplash (not sure what, but just do something with it.)

I don't claim to know much about style...but I just don't think those cabinets and the stainless steel "go" together. Event the fridge looks awkward in that space.

Also, I'm totally against those magnetic knife racks....they are just an accident waiting to happen. This one looks kind of lost on the wall - but maybe it will be better after there are some more "personal touches" on that wall too?

The best kitchens (and the best cooks . . . ) all seem to be on the Upper West Side. Coincidence? I think not!
PS Windows are great in kitchens -- and such a rarity in NYC. I totally appreciate Rupa's cherishing hers -- I love mine, too, even if the view sucks.

Patrick (the other one) I think we're all just overwhelmed at this point with envy of the space some people have, at least I am. And I agree with Galloping and dislike the pot rack. Wouldn't it make more sense to have pot closer to the stove even if in cupboards? That said I have to admit I'm not much of a cook myself.

Jimkk,
if the pot rack were to be displayed over (or near)the stove, that could potentially allow the mist and/or grease to soil the hanging pots. And, if the pots were to be housed in the cabinets near the stove...storage for kitchen this and that then becomes an issue. Your average NYC kitchen already has a lack of storage space therefore putting pots inside the cabinets MAY leave no place for the other kitchen accessories. Ya know?!

I live in NYC also and am aware of the space issues. This has more space than I have. Its just that with everything else this kitchen has working for it, this arrangement looks awkward to me. More steps back and forth and less efficient. Maybe the photos are misleading. Also as a shorter person myself the rack looks too high to be convenient especially with the stainless prep counter there.

Jimkk,
I can totally empathize with the being on the short side. I have a narrow galley style kitchen myself and I display my pots rather high...space is a big thing for me...and this way they're out of the way. When I need one (a pot) I elongate myself beyond what's considered natural OR I use my trusty stepping stool a la Ikea!

Thanks for all the advice, all! It's true I wish I could have the pots much closer to the stove, but the cabinets around it are really too small. (I used to have my pots in there but it involved a lot of pulling everything out and putting everything back.) They aren't too far away and are low enough that I don't need a stool.

I would like to definitely add some more color to the room (that wall with the potrack!) and do something to make the potrack/kniferack/table look more finished. Right now, it's great in terms of function to have everything right at arms reach, but it does look messy.

Anyone have ideas for how they'd making it more pulled together? I'd also love some color advice for that wall. I wanted to do something bright like a lime green or a warm gold but don't know what goes well with the black, cherry, and steel..

Thanks in advance!

Let me just begin by saying that I'm no interior designer but...

This is the luxury of having natural wood colored cabinets...it's a free for all concerning color. Your cabinets I believe are basically considered neutral and can be complemented by many colors...warm or cool colors. The only criteria is that the color you choose is vibrant, strong and obviously one that speaks to you. I mean I think there aren't really any dos or don'ts when choosing wall color...just choose your favorite color and maybe focus on the various hues. Hope this helps ya some Rupa!

Rupa--
I actually think it is a backsplash issue more than a wall-color one. I think there needs to be less of a visual jump from uppers cabinets to counter top. Not saying the backsplashes need to be as dark as the countertops, tho.

If you own, I am a big fan of tile backsplashes, and if a random mosaic (of 1" tiles), it would allow you to integrate a lot of colors you already have going on and pull the whole look together.

Based on nothing but a total guess, I think an olive green paint introduction here could be a consideration. Or just an olive in a martini, instead, and continue having fun cooking with/for family and friends!!