To answer your question, mismatched appliances do not appeal to buyers (IMHO). If your budget permits, update your appliances and enjoy them yourself.

Many things will change in the next several years, including appliances styles and features. Why replace something that is functioning perfectly well for the benefit of someone you haven't even met yet?

Given the expected lifespan of recent vintage major appliances, you will likely have to replace the fridge or dishwasher before the sale anyway. If you already have plans to move, then make decisions based on resale otherwise, don't bother

I'm with Patricia. Much of the advice about updating has to do with the ever elusive "resale value". If you are set in place for a while (no plans of selling in the next 2 years) then sit back and relax. Today it is your home. Tomorrow it will be your home. Next year it will be your home.

If the mismatch doesn't bother you then do what your heart/bank account tell you to do. The future is up in the air and design trends may prove that the SS you bought today is out of style/being replaced when you decide to move. No use wasting money replacing things twice.

If you are truly looking to sell in 5-7 years, then put the money you would spend TODAY on new appliances into a savings account. Let compound interest do some work. If you put away $7K today (SS appliances are still some of the most expensive on the block right now) you can have $10K in 7 years (assuming 5% interest rate each year for 7 years with compound interest). In 7 years, you will have $3K MORE to spend just because of interest. Imagine what you could do with that $3K when getting your home ready to sell.

You all are giving me much to think about. I resisted going with stainless years ago when we built this house, because I wasn't too fond of it then. Now I have one piece of it and love it. (Guess I'm not a trend setter :-) Now I'm resisting the knew "slate" color that is coming in--it seems dull to me. What do you all think of that color? Will it prevail in the future, or will stainless remain the favorite?

I like the slate and am not fond of stainless. That being said, stainless isn't go anywhere any time soon and who knows where slate is going. And who knows what might be on the horizon. You don't have to resist anything because no one is forcing anything on you. If you like stainless, go ahead and treat yourself. If you are worrying about some unknow future situation, save yourself the anguish and live in the here and now.

I love stainless but I am getting used to the slate too. I think all appliances should match.

Stainless is and will continue to be standard in my opinion. Reason: industrial kitchen appliances are all stainless and many people like their kitchen appliances to imitate industrial ones (e.g. 48 inch ranges, massive vent hoods, car-sized and priced refrigerators).

Good point, Dawn, and one I have never thought of before! Thanks for sharing!