1. Don't get a Frigidaire DW just to have an appliance suite. The mfrs love that thinking but it's far better for you to mix appliances based on what functions.
2. Don't worry about the handles! (yes we do understand) but handles where they are supposed to be, in the color that they are supposed to be, read as neutral because we expect to see them. If, e.g., you changed out the normal handles to an ornate ORB appliance handle with a birdcage and curliques on the fridge only, but nowhere else, then the handles would become an issue (as would your sanity). In your kitchen, because it's small, I would vote for a KA DW with the least obtrusive combination of handle/controls.
3. FWIW, I have Thermador range & DW (with handle; control panel visible only when you open the door) and LG fridge. People notice that the range is fabulous, the fridge is a nice FD, but they don't notice that the handles don't match.
4. Have you found that place in NYC that recycles high end appliances for people who can't stand the idea of having last year's fashion appliances? Can that help in keeping costs down? (also haunt craigslist and ebay)

Some thoughts: A lot of SS can read "school kitchen cafeteria" to my eye so I did a mix of black and SS. Mixing appliances brands is OK in my book. For my KA DW I went black / handleless 'cause I had a narrow space and I wanted to minimize the "sticking out-ness" of a handle and wanted a sleeker look.

I like a d/w handle that is flush with the d/w, not sticking out. I find I use that area often for working and don't want the handle to poke me when I'm at the counter.

OTOH - a nice long handle makes a great place to hang the dishtowel.

Take a look at Bosch dishwashers. Some models come without a handle and the controls are hidden. They are very quiet too. So quiet that they have to put a light on the outside just so you know it's running.

Jodi-

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????