You could also bring in some texture with bamboo sticks or decorative branches and help balance a bit the height of your room with small scale furniture. Spray paint them if you find the perfect size and shape but they aren't the color that you need. Ikea carries white decorative stalks for a very good price. the ones in the 1st picture hold well with small kids around and you don't need a vase for them. there are washi paper or crinkly paper floor lamps with a soft beautifully diffused glow For a budget friendly version check ikea or target http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80028552/

You will need to talk to an architect or perhaps a glazing vendor who specializes in curtain systems. They will likely provide the shop drawings necessary. Curtain systems are not something I'd attempt without help if you aren't an architect. There are too many variables, too many different ways to go, lots of options (storefront, spider, etc).

Usually when you get side panels you automatically have space on the sides. If you have a full depth cabinet on the top, you automatically have space at the top and in most cases you will have leave at least 1 inch of extra room for the back of the refrigerator, so there is always air circulation since everything is enclosed. In the 70's they use to make a small recessed space behind like Fred said, today you don't have to do that, most Ref have flat backs, recessed wiring, not to mention the supply for ice-maker also comes in a flush mounting kits for the wall... so pretty much everything is recessed and only space you need is for air circulation and 1" is more then enough. In addition, if you make recessed area now and you push ref to far you will never get your doors open so doing all that is a waste of time, in addition most manufacturers starting to make 30" side panels.

M soooo sorry for late reply as my little one fell sick n v wr sooo tensed but he z doing good nw ... Thxxx... Kristi for ur deep concern :) . Maine is closed kitchen with wide opening which opens in a small dining area which is again not a proper dining area :( it's just a passage wr v hv to make our dining :P adding pics.1 of model flat of my appartment n pic.2 of my flat ( before alteration) U asked about so I don't knw exactly what I should tell as I am not a professional but ya I am trying to give my whole flate a contemporary look with bit classic touch as my husband like modern n I love with classic