I can tell you about our KA and Miele experiences. Got the KA built-in (SXS) right after they came out with the/an updated model (June 2007). We chose it (vs others)for these reasons: Cost: better price than the Thermador (?) which was the same fridge (at the time) just different cosmetically, and obviosuly much less expensive than the SZ. Shelves: we liked the shelving configuration/set-up better than any others we'd seen--closest to the Whirlpool, with which we were used to (also liked that it was the same company, sort of; since Whirlpool didn't make built-ins, this was the next closest thing). Ice maker: the KA was the only one (besides Thermador) that had the ice bucket/dispenser in the door, rather than inside the freezer itself. This freed up valuable freezer space. The trade-off is fewer door shelves, but those aren't nearly as useful in our opinion. We did have to have the ice maker repaired twice. First time was within first year (or two?). Parts were replaced under warranty--might have been a recall on those??? Second time, last summer (during a long stretch of unusually high humidity--according to repair guy's wife, everyone was having problems with dripping). Our dispenser door wasn't closing tightly and it would pop open slightly whenever either door (fridge or freezer) was opened or shut, allowing warmer room air to get into the ice bucket (which melted the ice a little and then drip, drip...). Repair guy adjusted/tightened it and knock on wood.... Despite the needed ice-maker repairs, we are very happy with have it. One other thing, I do think lemons stored in the bottom crisper go bad far quicker than they ought--haven't tried storing them in the upper one yet to see if that helps, but should. Everything else stays fresh as long as I would expect. Miele DW: We have the Optima, circa 2007 (they've made changes in the past year or two). Very happy with it. Love the cutlery tray and love that things come out clean! We did have trouble with our glassware clouding. This past winter, a Miele sup'v came out himself to check our DW. Apparently, the water softener sensor wasn't functioning properly, so he replaced the water intake unit (which also contains the sensor). We got new glasses in April, so we are cautiously optimistic that the problem is behind us. Knock on wood and all that!!! HTH!

I can see why you're having a problem. I can only tell you my own personal view. I wouldn't make it a deal breaker to decide between all-plywood and MDF. There have many discussions here and the MDF seems to hold up fine and has some plusses over plywood. My picky DH is doing all plywood, where I would have gone with MDF and the savings...and the easy clean interiors. 3/4" drawer boxes seem like overkill. As I said, dh is picky, especially about sturdiness, and we're having 1/2". 3/4" will be heavier and take up more space...Not a lot, but why give up any if not necessary. I'd worry much more about how the corners were joined over the thickness of the material. I'm not a fan of soft-close...Lots of money for drawers that close slower. Is slamming that much of a big deal? Not to me, even with 8 kids. We'll have full-extension slides at around 1/3 the cost and dh thinks they're heavier. (He was pushing for the soft close until he compared the sturdiness between those and what we got.) I think it would be a pain to have some drawers that have it and some that don't. You'll have to think about what 'touch' to use, depending on which hardware they have. I would like the flush finished ends for cleaner look on the crown. But it's possibly one of those things you'll never notice after it's in. Have you looked at examples of each so you can see what you think? As I said, all of those things are my opinion, and don't necessarily say anything for one of your choices over another. Have you spoken to anyone who has used any of these companies? Do they come in on budget and on time? Is their work wonderful and do they fix any mistakes without a hassle? How far are the less expensive 2 from meeting your vision? Can they come closer to it? $13K is a lot of money for other things if you won't notice any difference in the kitchen after you're using it. It depends a lot on your financial circumstances and priorities. Getting it 'right' may be worth $13,000 to you, while saving the money and having it 'close' may be preferable...Only you know that. Is this the house you'll stay in or a house you might sell in a few years?

Thank you lovehadley and imamommy, I too feel that SD16 has serious issues that go far beyond being a teenager. Particularly because this behavior did not start when she entered her teen years, it was already well-established. We did have SD in counseling when she was younger (about 10). But as soon as the counselor asked to speak with BM, she refused to allow SD to go to counseling anymore. I find that very suspicious, as DH and I both willingly spoke to the counselor. But BM would not. BM indicates she's going to again get counseling for SD, but I doubt this happens because BM "likes" SD's behavior. BM is glad SD is treating DH like crap. Even though DH and BM divorced when SD was 2 and she's now nearly 17, BM still has it in for DH. BM has remarried and has other kids, but she seems to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out how to get back at DH. DH used to feel that SD was so enthralled by BM that she did whatever BM wanted to please her. But now that SD is nearly 17, surely she should have a mind of her own and be responsible for her own actions?! I am not unfamiliar with how teens act, as my brother has four of them (now ages 19 to 14). I've been around them, and yes they can be rude but not outright hostile and nasty. Plus, my brother has no problem pointing out to them when they've overstepped their bounds. DH cannot do that with SD, for fear she will not like him. SD has been given WAY too much power in this situation, to everyone's detriment. DH claims he did not hear SD say "I'd like to see you try it." But for her to even say it is pretty damn in your face. It's a perfect example of her attitude and behavior. This kid has thrown a phone at me while I was holding my baby. She has tried to hit my baby in the head with a doorknob. She has pushed me while I was at the top of the stairs. She is very troubled, and she runs the show. I put the example of DH asking her to be polite on here because it is the FIRST time he has actually stood up to SD and said her behavior is not acceptable. I agree there is much more to this story, I just can't begin to type it all here.

She thought the style was too boxy to pair with the drexel chair and that it didn't bring in enough of the french curves she knows I like. The more I think about the whole room, I think these are a better pairing for the rustic quasi-elegant look I am shooting for though. I wish I could see it in other fabrics/finishes.. I am having a hard time picturing it in something other than the striped cheetah (BTW Drexel Heritage has a great program to allow you to change the fabrics/finishes.. this is Hickory White though). I also wish I could sit in them.. they are not on the showroom floor. I do know that I want exposed wood on the fireplace chairs-- but other than that, I am all over the place still. More reason to wait on that decision. I am also thinking that I could use the Drexel chair elsewhere-- dining room or bedroom-- but the new CL chair will likely go to one of those spots (or my office).