The statement is unfounded. It is possible to achieve integrated appliance with handleless doors on the most basic of ranges. More expensive furniture showrooms will add the benefit of being able to open at the side, by introducing an infill panel. I also believe some appliance manufacturers are now introducing touch opening fridges and freezers. I would be very wary of continuing with this designer for fear that they may be railroading you into options that suit them.

I’m also not keen on copper - the trend has already aged. I’d go for something timeless like an aged brass - i”d also take inspiration from quality kitchen companies like Devol just to see what looks good! There’s loads of good places online to buy ironmongery - one has been mentioned above, but also check out Willow and Stone and also Jim Lawrence (both easy to google!).

I've supplied both Neff and Bosch dishwashers that are push to open, Neff N70 range is described as 'designed for handleless kitchens' and Bosch Series 6 which they describe as 'door open assist' absolutely brilliant, I even now advise customers who are having a standard door with a handle to get them as its so much easier than pulling a handle to release the door. You only need to gently push the top left corner and the door opens enough to get your hand behind to open. Regarding having all your units push to open, you shouldn't have any problems, Blum have a range of 'Tip On' features (their push to open range name), for a standard door its a non soft close hinge and the tip on part is a piston fitted to the cabinet that when you push the door the piston is released and opens the door enough to get your hand behind, Blum also have a drilling jig for easy location and fitting. Then for the drawers Blum also have Tip On drawer boxes which are still soft close, for flap and lift up doors Blum's Aventos range of hinges can be Tip On and they also have their electric 'servo drive' range of motorised openers. Blum should have all this on You Tube if you do a search for 'blum tip on'. But I haven't seen an integrated fridge, freezer, washing machine or dryer though that could be push to open though.

We always use handles on drawers and doors. Knobs are sometimes difficult to pull especially if you have sweaty or greasy hands. Cup handles could be another option. You could look at the Hafele website for ideas but you can’t buy direct from them as they are a trade only account but once you see what they have to offer Toolstation and Screwfix offer some of them. We’ve just had 2 lots of brass handles from them and one is on dark green which looks lovely.