Steel yourself

Not so long ago, homeowners regarded stainless-steel kitchens with suspicion. At best, they seemed hopelessly kitschy, like one of those 1950s diners; at worst, they looked institutional.

Then came the revolution. Now foodies cannot resist the call of the Wolf range and the cool of the Sub-Zero fridge. But the price is steep: At California Kitchens in Burbank, these two appliances together start at more than $8,000.

It’s possible to put a lot more shine in your kitchen without putting that big dent in your wallet, however. Virtually every cooking implement and appliance can be found in stainless steel, a material that sits pretty in all kinds of decor, from utilitarian kitchens to ones that look like wood-paneled libraries.

Whether polished to a high gleam or brushed to a satin sheen, stainless-steel kitchen items reflect personal values. Nothing says, “I take my culinary skills seriously” like a commercial blender or a pasta colander in easy-care stainless. To find these and other useful tools, shop like a professional at one of Los Angeles’ many restaurant supply outlets, such as Surfas in Culver City.

Now that the look has caught on, home emporiums are carrying stainless-steel items -- from dish racks to paper towel dispensers to salt-and-pepper shakers -- that would look appropriate on a metal restaurant prep table or a ceramic tile counter at home.