September 17, 2013

Is stainless steel out?

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I've got kitchen on my mind. A friend just installed new gorgeous countertops and backsplash, and it's got me looking at my kitchen. It could be worse, but there's some sad parts too. We haven't touched it since we moved in. Cabinets are white, which is good, but it's that weird thermofoil stuff. Do you know what I'm talking about? It's like the cabinets are wrapped in a plastic, laminate layer. It actually wipes really easy, and is scratch resistant. Some of the edges have started to peel where things get steamy-- above the oven and espresso maker, but I think I can repair those. Countertops are a weird laminate with a linen texture-- in pale green, and the pergo floor matches-- a grey-green- hate them both. All of my applicances work-- although I'm not sure how as they are the cheapest available and are probably 20 years old. My dishwasher just won't die. Same with the oven. The fridge we bought new 10 years ago... but I can't believe the other pieces are still ticking. I'm not wasteful (nor do I have the money anyway!) but I wouldn't replace them just for looks-- well maybe if I donated to Restore or something. So I'm dreaming of a mini-make over-- new countertops and backsplash. Is it possible to not let the domino effect happen? Once I start thinking about it, I want to close off an exterior door, knock down a wall and expand to the backyard, open up the kitchen to a larger sunroom/livingroom. But maybe just a backslpash and countertops would help. Second step would be to replace the appliances as the current ones start dying. So that leads me to the topic of the day: are stainless steel appliances here to stay? For some reason I've never been a big fan. Not sure why. But I'm starting to see some cool alternatives to stainless steel.

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I'm just looking at white as my cabinets are white. Looks like Viking is the clear winner here. Although there are some options at Ikea and Jenn Air makes a Floating Glass Series in white. It looks extra shiny though, like it would get fingerprints, and would be hard to match cabinets. Samsung and Bosch also have a few options. Of course the more expensive, the better looking. So what do you think? Is stainless going to be around for another 10-20 years? Or will it soon be retired to the appliance graveyard with harvest gold and avocado?