DH and I have been appliance shopping for our new kitchen for the last couple of weeks and after seeing what your builder is charging for upgrades, I'd be tempted to tell him where to go. Here is what we found from a local appliance dealership that carries several brands (KA, JennAir, Bosch, Electrolux, Wolf, etc.) First of all, JennAir is running a special that ends 12/31 for a $200 install credit per item as well as the buy rangetop and oven (or a range) and get a free dishwasher. Here's the link for the JennAir deal: http://jennair.com/promotions/your-purchase-your-reward Secondly, be aware that any griddle offered on a KA or JennAir is an electric griddle and not a gas one like Wolf or Viking makes. Thirdly, due to Viking's past reputation, we decided to steer away from them even though DH REALLY loved their D3 double oven with KNOBS. Prices we were quoted (in TN) were: JennAir 5 burner cooktop $1099 JennAir 36" rangetop $2699 JennAir 36" rangetop with griddle $3099 JennAir 30" double oven (convection on top only) $3399 Electrolux ICON 30" double oven $3099 KA 36" rangetop $2099 KA 30" double oven $2399 (convection on top only) Lastly, Viking is about to discontinue their 48" rangetop with double griddle in center. We found an awesome deal for it on Elite Appliances website with free shipping and no tax for $3599. Again, if we weren't worried about our griddle usage or past rep, we would've jumped on it. DH still is waffling somewhat because he really wants KNOBS on an oven...lol. In the end, our decision is to go with the KitchenAid 36" rangetop and 30" Electrolux ICON double oven. We already have our fridge and dishwasher but if we hadn't, JennAir would've been in the running. P.S. I think Viking also has a $200 per appliance rebate right now, too. I'd definitely check around with some local appliance showrooms and see what kind of deals you can get and really consider selling the builder appliances on craigslist, with the exception of the KA fridge, which seems to be an okay choice.

Yup, if one believes that a home should be "of its place", there are many better choices for the special Texas spirit and character than this Toll Brothers development, which could be located anywhere in North America. Here's some alternatives by Lake Flato Architects, which speak to the special regional nature of the Texas where I live:

I think two different cabinet colors and two different counter colors is too much. Add in a backsplash and it could be real overkill. I also don't like to match quartz with granite. Two different feelings that most of the time don't marry well. If you want two different color cabinets, keep the same counters. The kitchen above already has some dated elements. The raised cabinet above the microwave, and the microwave placement are not really done anymore. Cabinets should be all the same height and the microwave should be elsewhere with a hood over the stove. If the pantry is in the corner, there are better ways to accomplish that.

What’s behind door number 1? Sorry, couldn’t help it. Lovely house, it only feels stark because there are no foundation plantings. I’d pull a color out of the stone or grout and use that. And why go to all the expense of replacing siding that does not need replacing? Siding takes paint well. I need to go back and look at the front porch, but you can use some color on the front porch (seating, rug, planters, etc) and then use one of the porch colors on the side doors.