Okay, this will probably be the most boring thread ever, but I seem to lack the ability to make up my own mind on this topic.

So, my partner and I have been looking at pretty old houses and found one that we are now trying to buy. It's in good shape, except for the kitchen.

To me this is fabulous, because it means I get to design my own beautiful dream kitchen (that we can't possibly afford for at least five more years and maybe not even then. shhh! It's the design part that I love, anyway).

My problem is that most kitchen inspiration looks the same these days. Everyone wants cherry cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

Oh, those appliances.

Why are they so popular?! Why does everyone HAVE to have them?

I get that they look GORGEOUS and gleaming and shiny and modern in certain kitchens. But not every kitchen. The one I have in mind is very simple, warm, and cozy. So to go and throw in an element of steel... I don't know that it would work.

Plus, I've worked in some of those restaurant kitchens that inspired the whole look to begin with. And I know how much of a pain they are to keep gorgeous. Every Tuesday night, crawling around and inside appliances wielding the stainless cleaner...

Memories.

But what are the alternatives?

(Here's the survey part.)

1. What kind of appliances do you have in your kitchen?

2. How do you feel about them?

3. How would your dream kitchen be equipped? (If you are the type who thinks about these things, I'd be happy to hear about the whole picture, not just the appliances.)

4. Do you think white can ever look good? (I'm thinking of some floating glass appliances I've seen... link at bottom.)

5. Which do you consider more important in home design: resale value, or personal tastes/comfort? Would it change if you were planning to sell about 10 years down the line?

6. Are there any home design fads you really hate?

7. Any you love?

8. Have you ever liked something, then pulled away from it just because it was a fad?

9. What do you think is going to be labeled the "'00s" look in a few decades?

10. What's your favorite feature of your kitchen?