There are things you can do in the refrigerator niche, like adding sound deadening material, that will keep a refrigerator quieter. You just need to plan for it.

We recently moved and in our new home the kitchen is open to the family room so we also researched quiet appliances. Our Bosch dishwasher is so quiet the only way we know it is running is when we see the red light. I think it's 39 decibels.

We also put in a Sub Zero French door refrigerator which is significantly quieter than any other refrigerator we've owned.

When you look at ovens too remember to check into the oven fans. Some people have complained about the noise level with certain models or brands.