Heyyyyyyyyy! I remember those colors -- the dark brown, gold and avocado appliances ...... I do like the look of the bronze appliances -- and would work well in many kitchens ...... Does anyone remember (or still have ....) the cream-color or the ivory-color appliances??? ((bisque? was one of the shades I think?) Wonder what other colors the industry will come up with ???? Jan

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?

Hi PPS7, when I built a year ago, I decided to go w/ORB because I wanted an *older* look/feel to the home~*I* feel it accomplishes what I wanted. Yes, I did all my door hardware, door stops, as well as bathroom fixtures in the same finish. My light fixtures are mostly black w/ the exception of chandeliers. IMO, it's a personal choice. I like continuity in a home, that's why I chose to do everything in an ORB. If i were in your shoes, I would use the ORB as the black looks much to flat to me~light fixtures don't have to match in either case. Hope i've helped. ;o)

I would not recommend black stainless steel appliances at all (the finished scratches off, they're dark, not consistent across brands etc.) ORB and black are pretty close in terms of looks, and IMO a near match is worse than contrast. If you're really set on ORB just go for it, ignore the fridge.