Stainless steel appliances can still be used within a rustic, arts and crafts style kitchen, an expert has said.Design commentator Rita St. Clair made the comment while responding to a reader query on Silive.com. The reader had said that she wanted a kitchen dominated by wood and natural materials but that she also preferred to use stainless steel kitchen equipment.Ms St. Clair said that such a combination was acceptable, noting that in kitchens with an abundance of wood, other materials like metal and art glass are often used for lighting fixtures and decorative door panels.Referring to stainless steel appliances, she added They are not a fake look-alike material or finish, which would not be appropriate to this craftsman-like interior. Ms St. Clair advised homeowners who opt for such a design style to use stone-like countertop materials around their kitchen sink. This could include granite or a similar, natural material in a dark colour, she said.This week, interior designer Peter Dunham told azcentral.com that people are less interested in chic styles following the economic downturn and instead want more traditional and authentic kitchen features.