With "few exceptions", most of us here in the forum, recommend against "Appliance Packages" (All appliances by the same manufacturer). Why?----No one manufacturer excells at every kitchen appliance, and in many cases they are just "Rebadged units", (Made by another manufacturer) and fancy label put on and perhaps a cosmetic change or two and a BIG Increase in price. Couple Examples: (1) Miele Great Dishwashers and Speed Oven but a number of post related to temp problems with their recent ovens some similar post of their older ovens too. They do not make their own Fridges (Yet) alto there are those that claim the company that makes the Miele Fridges is under "Miele Supervision"---I would have to see that for myself. (2) Electrolux, except for a post (Here and there), Elux ovens are well thought of both performance and reliability wise. Their Fridges were frought with problems earlier, and reading current reviews it is a "Crapshoot" to even buy one now---(about 50-50 as far as Good vs Bad reviews). (3) SZ - Wolf. Many ppl like the SZ fridges alto there are negative reviews too. My big problem here is they use the Whirlpool variable speed compressor (Embraco) as do most manufactures now, and some say the interiors (On some Models) are not as up to date,(Fully Adjustable Shelves) (Led Lighting etc etc) as other fridges costing less. So "I" have a bit of a problem justifying their prices for fridges. Many like the open"Flame Thrower" (22k-23k)burners which Wolf doesn't offer. As far as Wolf Ovens go, one has to search very hard to find "Negative Reviews" on Wolf Ovens. I hope this gives you a bit of a perspective on how "many" of us here on GW relate to "Appliance Packages". Others here, feel free to correct me if you think I missed a point, or I was a "bit off" on any of my above comments. Good luck with your "Pending Choices" HTH's!!!!! Gary

Concerning the configuration of the burners. I think it would work fine, although I was confused because Bluestar shows the simmer on the back left. However it really depends on where you want to place the griddle =it seems your want it in the middle. That's fine but if it sticks up from the surface, it may interfere with a large 12 inch pan on either side. You lose your side to side movement of continuous grates and pan movement. But I guess the grill comes off easy enough or can be moved .. I would be tempted to have a 15K burner up front, because it has a lower low simmer) than all except the 'simmer' burner. I would consider the simmer behind the 15K. the two 22K front and back and the 25k in front of the 18k. Bluestar likes to put all the hot large burners up front and the lower burners in the back, mainly because in the back the stainless backguard tends to scorch if a big burner flame licks around a big pot. They probably got tired of listening to complaints about the looks. But it makes sense to have a big pot that does't need your attention parked on an 18K or 22k burner. It also makes sense to have a smaller burner up front. Having the simmer burner not blocked by a large front burner also helps if every burner is occupied.

Friedajune, I still mixed. I have Gaggenau, Miele, Monogram, Wolf and Marvel. People only buy all of one if the designer chooses the appliances or if they're buying the name rather than function, even at that level. :) You can still get a discount if you're buying a bunch of different brands, especially from an independent appliance store, but possibly from the big chains as well. Most builders and designers are afforded a discount, but they'll also let you have the discount if you pay the store directly (the purpose is to cover their overhead, which is nothing really if they're just signing you on their number). Additionally, the store will usually bargain with you if they don't have other discounts. They could give you free delivery and installation, or a free dishwasher, for instance, even if they can't give discounts on the appliances themselves.

While I generally agree with the 'decorate for what you love' crowd, some trends and styles always seem simply unrealistic or suboptimal, so I wouldn't ever consider them for my own home. That includes the ubiquitous barn door. The first time I saw one used as an interior decor option I rolled my eyes. They simply don't make much sense: as a door they fail to completely close off an opening so that alone is a huge thumbs down. Especially for a bathroom (ahem) or a bedroom, makes no sense. Not to mention the design closes off a large area on the wall which can no longer be used since the barn door will need to push over onto that portion so again, less utility. Same with open shelving in the kitchen. Many/most people don't live a life in which a minimal amount of tasteful monochromatic matched pieces can be styled on a shelf. Then let's get to the utility: open shelves not only look cluttered but things can easily fall off and break. Everything on open shelves is susceptible to kitchen grease, dust etc so that's certainly less useful. Moving on to outdoor showers-unless you live in the subtropics how useless is the opportunity to stand outside shivering for most of the year while you shower?!?! Who in their right mind will even want to do that? And even in the subtropics take it from me, you probably aren't going to enjoy your shower while dodging cockroaches (they love moist warm areas), lizards etc. Once again, simply not useful in real life. Sure some people may like having a place to rinse off after gardening etc but really how large a group is that? While not wedded to a non-aesthetic aesthetic, putting stuff in your home decor that looks good but either creates more work or simply doesn't work well makes no sense to me and never has.