It probably depends on the configuration of your kitchen and what's most visible from any given angle. If you have a dark granite, your cooktop might blend in fairly well if it's black. I have a mix of stainless and black. The double oven, fridge, microwave and sink are all stainless, and the dishwasher and cooktop are black. The dishwasher is behind the peninsula so it's not visible from the eat-in area, and the cooktop blends into the granite. The cabinet pulls are satin nickel.

I have mixed brands in stainless in almost every kitchen I have designed and in my own and as long as you stick to plain old stainless and not the smudge proof ones or black stainless you will be just fine.

We ended up delaying our project, but plan to get two individual wall units (oven and microwave) in matte white and stack them. It's quite a bit more pricey, but it also seems the individual units have better features than the combo. We're also beginning to lean more towards cabinets that have a little color, maybe green or blue. Cabinets that aren't white/grey will probably enhance the look of the matte white finish (we got the Fridge and Dishwasher in matte white already).

Thanks, Boxerpal! Interesting you shared the link to LilyAnnCabinets. They are actually located about 30 minutes from me here in Michigan. I saw the same cherry cabinets image on their Facebook page and contacted them last week as i really love their design and the backsplash tile that was used. I did replace my appliances with SS - only have have arrived (cooktop) and double wall-oven combo. I'm still trying to get used to the SS appearance - and I'm not loving the fingerprints on the fingershield / resistant finish...lol. Dishwasher is scheduled for delivery today and the refrigerator mid-summer. I will upload some more pictures of the desk space I plan to remove to create a new coffee & cocktails beverage center. and my personal vision board. I'm trying to decide between a soft white cabinet & the new Bonsai. I love the Bonsai - but not sure if I can commit to the color or rather pick it up in the space through accents (chairs, curtains, etc.). The entire process is overwhelming! My other dilemma -- my built in desk is 21" deep and new cabinets are standard 24" - which will definitely encroach on my kitchen space. Also, beverage fridges are also standard 24" - but thinking of recessing it in the wall. Also, because it's only 72-74" max in width to work with, I'm thinking i want a small compact beverage cooler. 18X21 would be ideal -- but haven't been able to find it. I also need to think about cabinet layout and where to put the plumbing / sink for the beverage station. I was thinking of offsetting it to the left side to give me more continuous counter space. Welcome any additional thoughts!