Dear Debbie: We have a small, rectangular kitchen that sits open to the eating area. It has new steel appliances, which I can’t afford to change, but I’m not sure what color cabinets would look best to take the clinical edge off the shiny steel. I’d also like your opinion on the backsplash area, which is now white tile. Thanks for all your imaginative ideas.—Bryan

Dear Bryan: You are right to be thinking about your kitchen as an integral part of the whole open-plan living space. Considering the expense of the cabinetry, counters and appliances, the kitchen decor most likely will ou...

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