I've had kitchens on the brain lately, especially after Cote de Texas' amazingly thorough and precise feature post on what makes a kitchen desirable. But as I viewed, and reviewed(!) all those pictures of too-good-to-be-true kitchens, I recalled (as if it takes a monumental brain synapse to do) that most of us won't get to build The Ultimate Kitchen - with EVERY fabulous appliance, finish, fixtures and hardware.

Some of us might have the chance to put together a less-lavish, but genuinely close to Dream Kitchen. So, I got to thinking...what ONE fabulous kitchen accoutrement would I choose, having the limit of budget, space, or installation time? It's a very tough question, as I'm a major Kitchen Gadget Junkie. So, while I ponder this so very pressing (and completely rhetorical) question...think about your answer!

Would you go for the gold with an Über range like this La Cornue - the ultimate in extravance?

Or how about a custom pot rack from which to hang your pro-grade cookware?

An architectural range alcove or a copper hood are sure to be head-turners

Would the pragmatist in you take over to pick an exquisite faucet (or two, or three!)??

Or finally, would you, in your cloud of indecision, opt not for one "statement piece," but rather a whole of elegant simplicity that says "Please, share a meal with me?"

Have you made your decision?

So, what ONE kitchen item would you choose?
a) Ultimate Appliance(s)
b) Custom Hardware
c) Statement Ventilation
d) Bijoux-esque Fixtures
e) None of the above