Plus, what is your sister's overall style? SS seems more modern to me, the kitchen has a country feel to it, which is one of my favorites!

Is there something actually wrong with the appliances that they need to be replaced?

The only way I think she should get what YOU want instead of what SHE wants is if you're buying. LOL (Teasing!)

What's wrong with the appliances other than that they're not brand new? If they work fine I'd leave them.

Stainless steel just gives any area a very upscale look in my humble opinion, so I don't think it would look choppy at all.

I thought she meant the appliances are 20 years old..not the cabinets?

patricia43 said: What? The high end products are usually in stainless steel. There is a minimal charge for stainless steel in the mediocre over white. If you are getting a $3500 stove, what is $10 for the difference in white or black or stainless.... let me go bang my head against the granite counter that I hate.

Palimpsest thinks: Patricia43 is partial to SS. Also thinks Patricia 43 does not like opinions that vary from hers.

Also magnets will not stick to stainless steel if the owner likes to use magnets for notes, etc.

If the owner likes SS that much more than white, then she will have to invest more money for the SS look.

That small area of the kitchen would still look broken up with the stainless. But the more gray, as above, the less impact it has.

Whoever has to keep it looking good : )

btw, there are some very sleek and contemporary white enamel with stainless trim appliances out. Don't know the price points.

So true, regarding Pal's point on the view.

My opinion is that if your sister plans to remain in the house for 5-10 years, she should go with what she likes. If this is a "turn-around" house, go with stainless for resale.

One thing to keep in mind with white appliances, there will always be a touch of black or gray on the appliances, so the look may still be chopped up. Since the counters are gray, I would look for brands with gray accents, instead of black. Ours were Sears Kenmore and to date, Kenmore has been the best, maintenance free appliance we have ever had. Our current GE Profile have been nothing but trouble.

One more thing...I'd ditch the white sheers and add a little color to that window, or leave it blank. ;)

Anyway, I was just trying to contribute to the process of the decision making. Stainless or white. Meanwhile, you repainted her cabinets, tore up the floor down the road, and chose textiles for her. Who has the bigger ego?

Come on. Initially the OP said the kitchen was 20 years old and, with the lighting and poor photo, we thought the cabs and flooring were also old.

Contributing ideas or observations on a decorating forum is a natural and creative outcome. The forum has worked like that for the two years I've been around. I wish people would stop trying to censor and control the constructive or creative responses of others. We all come from different places. It makes for a negative and oppressive environment.

Thanks Squirrel for your talented Photoshopping as usual.

(Hi there, Lynn : )

If me? It's ALL about that window! It's a gorgeous patio/view and she's got this plain jane, outdated metal sash. I'd paint that window frame black, beef up the casing, order mullions and paint black, add a hefty rod in wrought iron to match the other...which would play off the delicate curtains well. That said, the other drape in the photo isn't the best complement to the drapes in the kitchen but that's not a biggie.

The rug in there bothers me...it's too formal, too strong a statement with just all white in there...my eyes go right to the rug. I can see that your sister leans to the formal but I'd stay more "in the middle" here since the kitchen is not. I'd buy a seagrass rug with black border for a more neutral look but the TEXTURE would be the big thing. (seagrass, not sisal...seagrass is TOUGH...Scotchguard for added protection or perhaps find a quality outdoor one) I'd add a basket in the corner with a flowering plant, another by the DW...I'm trying to bridge to that patio...leading the eye outside. Replace the ceramic knobs with more substantial black/bronze knobs, perhaps even a black composite sink down the road (or not lol?) would give more weight/interest too.

Not photoshop but my rendering...