Changing your cabinet hardware is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to update your kitchen. If you'd going with stainless steel appliances, I'd suggest satin nickel hardware for your cabinet pulls. Plus, it would stand out nicely against your brown cabinets. Here's a few ideas to get you started!

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Stone is right brushed steel or nickel, very simple and clean. It doesn't have to match the rest of your house and could be the first step to removing all the other brass. Not a fan. I'm not sure about your friend's paint choice. Grey is over rated and over used; with your warm cabs and trim, I'd try some color. There enough grey in the flooring, backsplash and SS appliances.