It depends on the ORB you are looking at. Some ORB is very dark, almost black. Some is more of a warm dark tan. Keep in mind as well that if the ORB you're looking at does not have a PVD coating, the finish will wear off over time and you will have shiny brass showing through from underneath the finish. They call this a "living finish." If that is not something that you think you'd like, then stick with the black. We are doing something similar in our kitchen: white cabs, Verde peacock granite, SS sink & faucet as well. We were originally going to do either black or ORB hardware, but finally decided on brushed nickel. It's a lot more cost effective, looks great, and you don't have to worry about the finish wearing off. Also, I *think* that black hardware's finish can wear off over time as well, but don't quote me on that. Look into it. We looked at Colonial Bronze Hardware (and ultimately bought from them) b/c they have a lifetime warranty on the finish, as long as you don't clean it with abrasive cleaners/scrub it, etc. Their black and ORB hardware is gorgeous. Made in the USA too! And since your granite doesn't really have any brown tones in it (right?), the ORB may not tie in as well as the black would. There is black in your Emerald Pearl I assume? Might tie in better than ORB. Both the ORB and the black will be heavy contrast against the white cabinets, which can be beautiful. The satin nickel we chose will kind of disappear, but we are ok with that. Ultimately, it comes down to what YOU want and not what everyone else "is doing," so don't get hung up on that! You have to live with it and love it; that's most important. Think about what will tie in best with your granite. What is your wall color btw?

hey, you're right. it doesn't look weird at all. i guess because your sinks are undermount, you don't really see the stainless very much. just goes to show that what you see in your mind's eye doesn't always turn out to look like you think it will.

Personally I think ORB is more timeless than black fixtures. I just finished remodeling and my hardware is mostly oil rubbed bronze with quite a bit of copper. I specifically chose ORB because it had copper highlights as part of the finish. I even bought old door knobs in an Art Deco style and had them refinished in an ORB finish. Since my remodel was inspired by Arts & Crafts/Prairie/Art Nouveau/William Morris with elements of Hollywood Regency LOL that it seemed more traditional was fine as the new fixtures I chose were deliberately not "modern" looking anyway. I didn't follow trends so I don't care whether I am on trend or not - resale didn't enter into my mind at all in terms of any of my choices.

The luxury vinyl wood is a great idea. We have been very happy with it in our daylight basement the rest of the house is already oak flooring. The vinyl product looks very much like wood. As for cabinet knobs am tired of the metal knobs in all different finishes so i am using furniture grade hardware on my cabinets i have stainless steel backsplash of 13 foot cabinets and corian and granite Countertops which are hard surfaces so i wanted to go soft and organic for the handles My upper cabinets are white. In order to soften and simplify the eye i used the big wooden chest knobs in the same white. they dont compete for your eye which is always a consideration: especially with all the other appointments a typical kitchen provides Also gives a decorated feel i am told.