Given your requirements, $12 to 15K is more than adequate since you are not getting a built-in fridge. We just bought a set of appliances for our 2nd home (loft), and ended up with one brand not just for the promotions but because in such a small space, big differences are really apparent. The BlueStar probably fits both your requirements, but the Capital may have too many soft edges for your wife's criteria (imho). You may even consider the Wolf. That will run you 5K for AG 30". The KitchenAid CD 36" have a pro finish that goes well with the handles on either range. $3K Add a Miele or Bosch DW (800 to 1.5K) and a then you have plenty left for a very nice hood that will meet your wife's design needs (try a customized ModernAire). You can do that for $12K. For the main house, we really considered the Thermador bundle as well. You can get a 30" range and get a good Bosch made DW for $4.2K. Add a KA CD Pro finish fridge and Kobe hood and you are complete for $8K.

My Kitchen Aid Architect II stainless appliances wipe up pretty well with a damp soapy cloth, then once every week or so I wipe with Weiman stainless wipes I got at Target. Our earlier SS refrigerator -- Maytag Performa -- only looked good after using special SS cleaner. The refrigerator seems to be the one appliance that needs the most attention. Our Sharp Microwave Drawer gets the next amount of prints & it wipes up nicely, too. Kids don't touch the ovens or warming drawer that much. (I have 2 boys 9 & 10-years old.) I did have a neighbor say she had to have panels on her refrigerator to avoid fingerprints. It might help you create a look you like a little more & you can get a handle to match your cabinets. It is a little pricey, but if you only do the refrigerator you may be happier. Of course then you run into making sure your cabinet maker is skilled enough to do the job correctly. If you want water & ice in the door make sure he knows what he is doing. Good luck with your choices!

Whats your Husband's (or your) thoughts about panelling the DW and the Fridge. We had Stainless and they were a bear to keep clean, particularly the DW and water spots. Can't say nuff good things about how easy the Fridge and DW are to keep clean now that both are panelled. Had them bout 5 years now, would never go back to SS. Most of the folks here pick the "Best Appliance for the Job". There is not an appliance manufacturer that excells at all appliances---most are happy with their Miele DW's and many are happy with their KA DW.s But I would suggest you read the post about Ovens (both Miele and KA) before you make any decision as far as ovens go. Myself, I am very happy with my Elux Oven, Speed Oven and induction cooktop, but (from inputs on GW) I certainly would not pick one of their DW's over a Miele or one of their Fridges over my Jenn air--alto to be honest, at the time I bought my appliances 2005-2006 Elux did not make a 48" Fridge (built in and panelled as that is what we wanted). Anyway, scout around GW a bit, perhaps show "Convincing posts" to your Hubby (LOL). Good luck with "The Hunt"! Gary

For starters I wouldn't get black stainless because of all the issues I have read in terms of the finish just being easily scraped plastic. As a design feature, I would do as another poster suggested and get panel ready appliances for that wall of cabinets so there is a cohesive look.