Wow-thank you all for all the feedback! You have all been busy!

DH and I did run out for a doorbuster and picked up the metallic silver--it was the only silver/gray one there.

Excuse the poor photos (lighting issues with my camera which also make my cabinets look cream). I think it looks good. I don't LOVE it but it blends with the stainless well. It does take the kitchen more modern looking for me (maybe modern is wrong word--perhaps "updated?") and definitely makes my canisters look out of place. (They already were--from the old house.) What do you all think?

Love the lemon!! :D I will go for color in my next kitchen!

It is a sensible choice. Enjoy your new KitchenAid mixer! I am so envious. I was eyeing one, but then we decided to go on vacation instead and I am getting luggage for Christmas instead. (BTW, I have a Bay Leaf green as my favorite, followed by Cobalt blue). Greens can go very, very bad!

My first thought was white, cream, or black. I honestly don't care for the metallic silver. (or any of those colors you listed above really) Maybe it's the way the light's reflecting off of it. You kitchen is so pretty I just don't think that particular mixer color is adding to it. I can't find the right words for why I don't care for it. Modern in comparison? Hate to say it, I know this isn't the case, but I think that color makes it almost look cheap. And we all KA mixers aren't cheap. I'm sure it looks much nicer IRL. If you wake up tomorrow and end up loving it, then by all means ignore what I just said! :)

Either way, you kitchen is gorgeous. I love the whole stove area.

Sheeisback,

Thanks for the lovely comments about my kitchen. We are enjoying it and feel blessed to have it.

I truly LOL about your comment about the reflecting light off of the mixer--this morning it struck me that the top looked like the head of the creature in the movie Alien! I pushed it back in the corner a bit and now the spotlight is off of it. It does look better but I haven't decided on whether to keep it or not. It was a good deal--$200-- so I could always move it to my appliance garage if I don't ultimately like the way it looks. Since I don't have my backsplash in or any counter accessories, I don't have the vision for the final product I was going for. But I do need a mixer now. So I will live with it for a couple more days before making my decision I guess.

Thanks for the feedback! I will keep it in consideration! :)

I want a new bigger one too. But the colors options drive nuts. Too many and all seem just a bit off I have had my white one since the late 80s. I am really wanting the milk glass bowl and a stainless second bowl

I really like the one you chose and I think you'll enjoy having it for many years to come. I have Sugar Pearl and it delights my eye each time I see it. Hope you'll enjoy yours!

Unless you're looking to add a 'pop' of color to make a statement, I think you've made a good choice,

May you love using it and get lots of use out of it!

I adore my Majestic Yellow, so adorable, the color of beaten eggs and sugar.

I bought the lift-bowl version, so had fewer choices for color.

Bought a bright red one for the SO's daughter.

I think you really have made the #1 decision-. you don't love it. Now you are just negotiating with yourself as to whether saving a few dollars is worth it, knowing your gorgeous new kitchen isn't perfect for what you really want or will want when the room is finished. I'd return it and then wait to select one when everything else has been selected . Whatever you saved is probably no more than a couple of bucks/year over the life of the KA plus the enjoyment of having a color you do love!

I totally agree with pandtkendall. With all the colors (a hard choice for some) you should choose one you love. Wait a bit until your kitchen settles down and its character emerges. Yesterday I was at a home for T dinner, very contemporary kitchen, pro appliances and stainless counters and backsplash. They had an Aqua Blue KA and it looked great. It's not a color I'd choose, but it was perfect for them. I think a black/white/stainless kitchen needs something with a beating heart.

I like your choice. You may be overthinking about the canisters. I would keep them until I found others that I loved for the space.

I am glad to hear that others have silver pearl and are pleased. I chose the silver pearl awhile ago but I started to second guess myself this morning when I ordered it. all the choices are fun and luscious.

I came back to see if you had decided and feel kind of sad that you ended up with something you're not head over heals about. I understand that it's exciting to be able to save a few bucks but considering what it is and how expensive they are, I think you should forget about the savings and instead go for a color that makes your heart sing. Why? Because for most of us, they are a splurge and something you'll most like have for many years (so it's not wise to just settle) And while yes, you do have a very lovely kitchen, I think it could use a little pop of color, one that reflects your personality, don't you?

Mom2sulu, I do like the mixer on your counters. I think you're on to something in that to look into more updated cannisters.

Here's ours in Ice. That was kind of the obvious color here. Good to know the glass bowls are sturdy, but we do have tile.

I have continued to look at the "Alien" in my kitchen and have to admit that I really do like him....maybe even leaning towards love. :)

He is clean looking, unobtrusive, and does blend really well-especially since I tucked him back into the corner more. If he does a good job, I think we will get along well. I can't say that he makes my heart sing, but I don't think any of the numerous colors would either...although I love looking at them in other's homes.

The colors in my kitchen/great area are muted, and I am enjoying that. My last home was full of strong colors(which I loved for a LONG time-15 years) but I was ready for a change with this home. Also, as I looked back through some of my inspiration kitchen pics, I realized that I am staying true to my likes. I like a boring black and white kitchen--it matches my maturing personality! I can always add a punch of color with flowers, fruit, and greenery when needed.

A couple of my inspiration pics:

I still plan on living with him for a few more days, but I think this will be a match.

Thanks to all of you for weighing in! You helped me so much and also made this a fun event--and saved my DH from the hand wringing as well. :)

I think it looks good and if it were my kitchen, I'd keep it.

Maybe it's placed for optimum access, but what about moving it to the far left of the counter, to the left of where you have the canisters now, close to the counter height cabinet? It would still be visible, but not the "star" of the show (although when you've grown used to it being there, you probably won't even see it any more). Then, when you update your decorative canisters, THEY will have a more prominent starring place on the counter.

Oh, Olychick, I think that is a very good idea! I hadn't even thought of that. I will have to play around with the placement.

Alien! LOL, too funny. Well, I hope you don't think I was trying to imply that your kitchen is boring because that's not what I was saying and my intent wasn't to offend, but just suggest it's one way to add a little pizzazz or an unexpected surprise. . I used to always feel the need to compromise what I wanted in order to save that cash and was never 100% happy with what it got me. Now that I'm older, I've learned that saving the money isn't always the best choice. Black was the only option available when I got mine, I love the yellow, but if I was buying one today, I'd probably go with a color that would work in my kitchen.

Lukkiirish,

No offense taken from anyone at all! You all have been wonderful.

I probably shouldn't have used the word "boring." I really love the classic white traditional kitchen. It kind of takes me to those older kitchens in the movies. You know, one of those dream kitchens.

It is all about the pendulum swing. I'm in my classic, muted phase right now coming off a color bender. In 15 years, who knows? I might be painting my kitchen cabinets yellow, blue, or green like so many of those gorgeous ones on here.

And if Alien is still alive and kicking, I might just take him to an artist and have him put on a technicolor coat. :D

I get tired of colors and I think that has been part of the reason I can't decide what color I want when I get a new one. I think for now, I will make mine a cover and call it good

i still like my white one after all these years but I want a stronger machine. Mine was not the base model but also not the lift head

Here's how I would think of your choice, you put it out to the universe and us asking for a choice. The universe answered you loud and clear by providing you with the only choice. So there you have it. Now love that alien from the universe! I think it is a gorgeous kitchen and there would have been no wrong choice.

mom2sulu, I'm glad and I don't blame ya a bit! I love those white classic kitchens too...

Honestly, I don't love it as it's so contemporary looking compared to your classic and gorgeous looking kitchen. I think I'd personally prefer the black or the gray since you said you absolutely don't want color.

BTW what are you planning on doing for the backsplash? I ask because my sister has a classic all white kitchen and she did a mother of pearl backsplash that looks drop dead gorgeous.

Your kitchen makes my heart sing. Love classic clean uncluttered look.

I chose white 10 yrs ago and am very happy with my choice. Had red as a few pops of color as in Rachel Ray Cruets & spoon rest and ended up donating them a few years ago. Neutrals make me happy in both decorating and clothing. Enjoy!

Thank you all!

Ravencajun, you crack me up! :D So true!

Cpartist,

I have narrowed the backsplash to a classic marble--very little veining--or just a white subway. Again, I want to go very classic. I have not tried a mother of pearl backsplash; I will have to look for that. I have been dragging my feet on this project because I have so many other things going on too. :)

Olychick, I tried moving Alien to a less dominant spot and I think he looks good there as well. I took a pic from the other end of the kitchen so you can see I do have some modern elements going on in there as well. It is a mix. My carpenter is going to build an appliance garage on the far end where my toaster and other accessories are.

I think that it looks just fine...I mean...it's a MIXER not a new car! HAHA! It's not like mixers are really all that pretty in the first place. To me, they are "utilitarian". Does this one match your kitchen? Absolutely! Will it make delicious bread and cookies etc...absolutely! Enjoy it! It looks just fine!

You are going to love the gray. It is a very neutral color in your kitchen. What if you had picked red, or pink or blue, ect. and loved it now, but then wanted to change your accent colors. You would be stuck with a very expensive item that would look awful in your kitchen.

Accent with vases, bowls, art, kitchen towels. Easy to change.

I think it's gorgeous and so is your kitchen! But I say this as someone who had LOTS of bold color in her kitchen for 18 years, moved to a more neutral palate in that kitchen for 13 years and went very neutral in my newly remodeled kitchen. I'm just attracted more and more to neutrals in my lichen, bathrooms, and galls- still do color in other rooms.

Anglophilia,

Thank you for your sweet words.

You pretty much just described me as well. My kids' rooms have a ton of color, but I have kept the main areas of this house pretty neutral. Part of my decision to do that was due to the location of this home. We look out into a really lovely open yard that adjoins a couple farms. I felt like the inside needed to be more muted to let the outside be the star.

Absolutely gorgeous kitchen and I bet the rest of the house is just as lovely. The alien looks very at home. He is a lucky fellow.

I see you've made your choice and it looks great! Love your kitchen and where you put it.

I thought this would be about what wattage to get and not the color. Haha! I bought white. Boring white. Last year we had a lightening strike. Lost tv's (one brand new), computer, etc, etc, AND my KA mixer!! It still works, just on one speed. If I decide to get a new one, what color will I pick??? And what wattage?

Like a lot of people, I have the KA Artisan lift-head that has 325 watts. Others will say you need more and that heavy-duty jobs will tax or burn out the motor on the Artisan. I mostly use mine for cookie dough and it has plenty of oomph. I have never tried to knead bread in it, but I might. Mine suits my needs. I even splurged and got the glass bowl but it sits in my cabinet. It's sharp looking, but it doesn't do anything for me beyond that.

I misread Alien as Allen and thought you'd named him that. Now I think maybe you should.

Allen the Alien has a nice ring to it! :)

While out shopping, I found rebate form for KA stand mixer. There are some restrictions pertaining to where mixer is purchased. KA rebate info

It's gorgeous! And it's no longer an alien, she's part of your lovely kitchen. Just be glad she's not harvest gold, which I am now renaming Majestic Yellow (thank you, Linelle!) left over from the 70's. Yes, I have had mine that long and she's still going strong and I have no desire to get a new one. I just hide her in a cabinet, bless her heart.

Hey guess what you can paint it if you hate the color of your old one ! And it's pretty easy .

Paint your Kitchenaide mixer

Very clever post, Ravencajun! We should all bookmark that for the future!

I love threads about KA mixers--still love my KAs after all these years. Yours looks great in your gorgeous kitchen!

I had an almond KA Classic for about 25 years--it stood up to many batches of pizza dough, stiff cooky doughs, and homemade cakes. It is now loved in my DD's kitchen, and I have a red Artisan. Red wasn't my first choice--I wanted buttercup or green apple for my new kitchen, but five years ago I found the Artisan on Craigslist for $100, a deal too good to pass up. The seller said she had used it in her home cake decorating business, but it looked unused--not a bit of gunk under the metal band, which I removed to do a thorough cleaning before I used it the first time. The finish was super shiny--it really looked brand new. Two of the attachments were missing, so I spent another $25.00 for them.

The Artisan has been used the same as my former lower watt KA, for pizza and bread dough, lots of pfeffernusse cooky dough, and cake batter. I just follow the mfr's instructions to use it on low setting for stiffer doughs. I've decided the color looks good in my kitchen--the universe chose well for me, too. ;)

See how that works out mama goose! Sometimes the universe knows best! LOL

Outside, Majestic Yellow is actually what KA calls it. It's kinda funny for a soft yellow, but I do love it to bits. It inspired me to ditch my red kettle for a yellow one.

This thread was a bad influence! I was convinced to replace my white KA I was given as a gift about 10 years ago with a new Green Apple version.

Before:

After

Hard to tell with the lighting, but my granite is a dark green. I've wanted a green KA since I moved here, but wasn't able to pull the trigger until this thread!

Good for you, aimee!

Oh, wow! The green is so fun and looks great! :)

That's one of my favorite colors it looks perfect!

For what it's worth, I think you made the best possible choice for your space. I wouldn't have liked black-mixer-on-black cabinet.

Having said that, I have the black KA mixer, and I love everything about it. Mine's more than a decade old, and I use it at least three times a week -- yet it's still in perfect condition.

When I bought it, I went back and forth between black and red. I am very much a red person, but I have been happy with black -- it blends instead of popping. Also, I do not have a problem keeping it clean. Perhaps I care less than other people? Yes, after I've mixed a cake, the mixer has a light coat of flour dust, but it's a matter of a couple swipes with a dishcloth or a wet paper towel, and it's fine again. I have literally never polished it.

Anyway, now that you have yours, you'll want to add on accessories. They're great too.

Which accessories are must haves to you?