I didn't think about the stainless being a different color. I did think about the handles though and all the appliances we got had similar handles - Samsung french door fridge Bosh dishwasher Sharp drawer microwave Kitchenaid double oven All this handles are somewhat similar or atleast enought that I don't think any one will stand out as awkward...of course we are just finishing our demolition phase so will see once the appliances get put in.

Todds, I don't know how to tell this in a few words to explain adequately, so here's the long version: Our oven is the Fisher & Paykel AeroTech dbl oven. I didn't even consider Wolf. They were considerably more expensive for no more benefit that I could see. They weren't really on the short list of ovens most raved about on the appliances forum. The F&P ovens had the cooking modes I thought I'd really use and, as a bonus, the appearance I liked best (I prefer knob controls over glass touch panel). The only thing they lacked that I really wanted was the full-extension, ball-bearing racks which the Monogram ZET models have. That feature, the knob controls, and their price also put them (the Monograms) on the top of my list. The only more expensive ovens I considered was the Miele, for their quality of construction (very high quality control within Miele manufacturing), their accurate performance, and their customer service. In the end, the F&P were close on those points, had the style I like, and the far better price. (I found ours on Ebay for under $2200.) I also didn't think I needed or would use the expensive Master Chef and rotisserie features on the Miele. I think the Wolf was in the same price range as the Miele without any added benefits or as many rave reviews. (Not necessarily any bad reports, but just not as many great ones to indicate great value in the price.) For rangetops, I wanted powerful BTUs for use with propane, 8 burners, and good reputation for consistent performance, durability, and customer service. That put Wolf, BlueStar, and Capital Precision on my list. I believed I'd like open burners most, so crossed off the Capital, and Wolf's customer service swayed me in the end. I also thought I'd like their burner style better, but actually think I was mistaken in that. Knowing that, I would still have a hard time choosing between BlueStar and Wolf, because there have been more negative reports about BlueStar recently, and I've been happy with the rangetop's performance and Wolf's customer service. It's also great that it has a 2 yr warranty while, I think, others have 1. That probably tells you far more than you wanted to know... :-) Feel free to email me through 'my page' if you have questions.

Bluekit, *where* did you find a d/w with ornate birdcage ORB handles??? I want it!!! LOL! Seriously, good points about not worrying too much about handle style. And about not doing a "suite". I guess I'm trying to be a *little* price conscious, and the KA's are expensive. But then again, I'm spending an extra $250 on a range with features I don't need just because I think it's *pretty*, and I don't even cook that much! While the d/w is something I'll use everyday, so I suppose it's worth putting some money into. Or at least I tell myself that everytime I look at my spreadsheet and groan. (Somehow when I started this project, I thought I could do this kitchen for $10k total. Newbie naivete!) Gwent - I know what you mean about too much SS. I think that whenever I see a SS backsplash - it just seems that there are nicer materials to make a backsplash out of. (Well, to *my* taste.) I'll consider that black d/w idea - it would certainly go well with the black top of the range. LightlyStarched - I will have many handles from which to hang my dishtowel! LOL! Now, Jodi, as to the Bosch dishwashers... I know they're considered the best (next to Miele, which is *way* out of my price range). But - (a) I kind of do want the self-cleaning filter and food grinder, even if they're a little noisier. I'm a low-maintenance kind of gal. (b) I've heard some funky things about Bosch customer service. And (c) there are *so* many Bosch models!!! I did a search on ajmadison.com, and it was intimidating how many different Bosch's there are, all with similar features! How the heck do you choose????

aloha I think you need to step away from the kitchen and think about spaces... What do you want out of your space and architecture? Natural light or drama? calm or sophisticated? simple or adorned? flat or reflective? Come up with more adjectives that you can think of. Then, as you pull elements together, go back to those adjectives. Do these elements satisfy what is truly important to you. For example, I live at 48th degree N. This means above all else, natural light is one of the top things that I look at when house hunting, designing in my house etc. I will NOT compromise on this. Because of this black cabinets were absolutely out no matter how great they looked. I am not saying this is what you do but you need to figure out what is on your list in terms of 'ideas/sentiment/design principal'. Once you settle on that, the decisions should Do ALL elements work together? This includes everything: house, kitchen, windows, dining room, fireplace etc. For example, when you are going for a modern esthetic in the kitchen, you will also have to chose a FP with modern esthetic. Marble face with a traditional mantle will not work for you.... Sometimes, you may not end up with each item that you wanted. But you do the best you can with the budget you have. For example, I agree with all others that your idea of 3 different appliances will make it look as if you ran out of money... I recently saw a beautifully done modern house for sale at 1.6 mil. They had a FD SS frig on the background of dark cabinets. The frig screamed out "we ran out of money". Even my DH who is not design savvy remarked that the frig was not "fitting" in the house. Maybe this family really wanted that frig. It probably worked for them quite well design wise, and this was where they were willing to save money. For a potential buyer (visitor/friends), the effect is "we rant out of money"..... if you don't care the effect then go for it. Otherwise, review your design decisions again. This is a good place to review and review again.