Notice how a stainless steel backsplash adds a crucial note of gleam to these urban kitchens:

Above: A kitchen by Turner Castle Associates in the UK.

Above: Stainless meets country from Platt Dana Architects.

Above: A minimalist space by Belgian architects Suzon Ingber and Associates.

Above: A stainless and white kitchen from San Francisco architect Cary Bernstein.

Above: A white and stainless kitchen in New York by Messana O'Rorke Architects.

Above: A kitchen by BassamFellows.

Above: A kitchen in Australia.