I have white molding and trim and decided to go with ORB (and I love it). I think it somewhat depends on what look you want. I was going for a real traditional look. I think polished nickel will give you a more formal look. Black might be great, but it will be a very strong look. I used Baldwin. It may be more expensive than Emtek (depending where you get it), but I talked to a couple of decorative hardware stores that carry both, and both steered me away from Emtek due to quality issues. Having said that, my builder uses Emtek all the time and was unaware of any clients that have complaints. I did ORB throughout the house for door knobs, handles but mixed in other finishes for cabinet knobs and bath fixtures.

I've been going back and forth on your post for awhile now just looking and thinking. I have oak cabinets too and we changed out the hardware to ORB. I love it. I hear your pain on painting the cabinets! DH is the same way but has always been fine w/ me painting our cabinets. We've just never gotten around to it though. Leaving the cabinets as is until you cajole your DH into painting I think that white is a good decision for table and chairs. But Let me toss this idea out to you: Should you eventually paint your cabinets would you consider painting your table base in a pale shade of grey/ blue? I suggest this just because I think that those curtains need something a little 'weighty' in the kitchen w/ the addition of the brown sectional being in the other room. Or maybe not. I forgot that you were painting the wals green and I don't feel like erasing everything that I just typed!

I prefer the cream also....I hope someone can come up with an idea for the vent...it's driving me batty! Do you close the drapes? If not, a bar cart? Plant? Small console? Let's put our collective brains together.. Now, you said you were doing a new chandelier. Do you have any ideas?

I wrote a long response that included the marmoleum as flooring, etc. Houzz lost it. But whatever. I agree about putting the fridge where the pantry is. While you're waiting to close, see if you can find those cabinets....I think lots of us have them and it's possible big box stores do, too....then you can fill in the space where the fridge was with cabinets so you have a landing space for hot stuff...(they screw to the wall and each other, usually) That's all I would do. I like oak, but I'm in the minority. I think a plain white 4x4 tile for a backsplash would be appropriate to the home AND will work well with the cabinet (plus they're budget friendly and a backsplash is a great DIY project. I would change out the light thing above the sink with something more period-ish. You might want new knobs for the cabinets. As for saving for a remodel....it's a small kitchen and with a house built in the 40's, it probably has "stuff" that can't be moved. Not all of us have "magazine layout" kitchens, and they work. We can still cook. And we get to go on vacation with the money saved :) I see this kitchen as totally a DIY project, but ymmv, of course. Just the gas line and electric would need to be hired out (for the fridge) It's a lovely space and I'm excited for you!