I can't remember which website I used for hardware, but it was really inexpensive and surprisingly nice. Could have been Knobs4less or Myknobs. I couldn't get some of the plainer knobs I wanted online, went to many stores (specialized bath stores) looking, finally found them at Target of all places. I have brushed nickel faucets and coppery orb light fixtures and pulls. I think the mix looks fine (better than fine, actually).

Either B or C...we're not the cheapest house in the neighborhood but there are some that are significantly larger/more extravagant/ pricier than ours. The neighborhood began development about 20 years ago. The original builder is completing the development. We actually chose the neighborhood before we decided to build. We chose it for the school system (best in the city), location (very close commute to work, shopping, highway, etc), and the overall feel. When we walked around while shopping for houses, other people stopped us to introduce themselves and tell us how much they liked their house, neighborhood, and the builder. We also ran into about 7 different acquaintances that all lived there! We looked at another development that is newer but the houses all backed up to each other so the backyards were not private. That was a deal breaker for us. We couldn't find a house in our price range to buy in our chosen neighborhood, so we bought the last lot and are currently builder. So far, relatively smooth sailing.

Thanks! I was leaning towards the bronze myself, but the decorator we are working with wanted polished nickel. She tends to like grays and silver tones way more than I do.

Alabamamommy - It was a long and more complicated process than I expected. I expected picking stone counters would be difficult, paint colors are always a challenge but hardware? One thing to keep in mind that if you pick a standard size - I think that 3.5" or 4" center to center are common measurements - you can always change them (especially if you have not spent a fortune.) I definitely recommend going to a local hardware store and picking up a few - different finishes, different styles - to start to narrow down what you are attracted to. We also put the samples on the doors (we used that adhesive tacky putty but the tape mentioned above may work better.) You may get lucky and find one you love, but if not you will have a better idea of the style or finish that works for you. Then you can order samples - from one of the online knob sites, a local restoration hardware (they don't charge you shipping if you order from the store - I even ordered on the phone via the store so I didn't even have to go to the mall :) or other store that carries hardware. We have a great local hardware store that carries all kinds, BUT each manufacturer charges shipping so it stinks for samples (versus the online consolidators that will charge you one fee even if you order from different manufacturers.) I also found some online stores that specialized in more period hardware, even some more simple (www.whitechaple-ltd.com, wwww.houseofantiquehardware.com and www.horton-brasses.com.) The surprising thing was to me some handles looked good in some finishes but not in others. Additionally, finishes look different for each manufacturer - some lacquer, some don't, some times there is a "grain" on a brushed knob or pull that goes in a certain direction. Some knobs have an orientation. OK - maybe I have freaked you out more at this point. I surprised myself in the process - I originally wanted a silver color but not polished (actually loved the pewter but everything was either rustic or super expensive.) BUT - I ended up with polished nickle because it really complimented my natural birch cabinets AND I used ORB on my white island and cabinets AND used glass knobs and satin nickle on my desk/hutch. Oh yeah AND two different handle styles AND knobs. I also wanted something that was a little old (we have a turn of the century house) at the same time contemporary. I went with Restoration hardware bistro pulls - but almost went with the House of Antique Hardware's "Classic Early 20th Century Pull" (and don't even look at Sun Valley bronze unless you have an "unlimited budge" - they are beautiful :) Regarding you kitchen - I love ORB with white, but you have to decide do you want hardware to stand out as ORB does with your walnut accents. I became attached to PN because it actually reflects what is there and therefore doesn't stand out as much as an ORB but give a lightness and glow that I didn't expect. Chrome is "cooler" looking than PN to me. Satin nickle (stainless has a similar look but is more expensive) would be more "modern" and does look really nice on the white as well. There is also antique brass (sort of a dulled almost browned brass - not shiny) that would give you more of a classic feel and may be a nice compliment to walnut but based on what I read this may not be your cup of tea (I have just warmed to it recently.) Obviously I still have some hardware baggage based on my long post - I wish you luck and hope that some of this helps.