Mixing styles can work, as long as all the overall "mix" has been taken into account. This could include your faucets, trims, towel bars, etc. From what you've said so far, while you've settled on brushed nickel, it's not clear what kind of style or functionality you have in mind... Is the shower bar/hand held shower you've chosen from the same set as the matching shower head and diverter above, or is it different? What is your plan for faucets (sink and tub)? To my eye, those two bases are very different and distinctive styles. You are going to have your shower bar/shower, shower head and diverter in close proximity (and maybe other fixtures too). I would continue the hunt for other options.

I think you should keep it -- it will be great at either your island or your main sink. I almost cried when I first held my semipro faucet (pre-installation) up to the window to try it out -- but now (3 years post install) I never, I mean never, notice it in front of the window anymore. Windows have a way of drawing your eye outside, so makes sense that it wouldn't be noticed. Also your Grohe is very streamlined, so it would be even less of an issue. I also think it would look great on an island, though and unless it would be in the line of sight between two people seated at the island, I doubt it would be bothersome at all. I really think you will love the functionality of it on the island (or at the main sink!), and should definitely keep it. Also it's very sleek in its design, so I don't see it as an eyesore or obstruction whether it's in front of the window or on the island -- who's to say that 15" or 12" is the ideal height for a faucet over 26", anyway? Personally I find yours less obtrusive, even at 26" than some shorter ones with wider profiles. It does list "Locking Dual Spray Control-- switches back and forth between regular flow and spray" as a feature, so I think it will lock in place for you while you're using it -- not sure if it stays in that position after you turn the water off (my Grohe minta reverts back to regular flow, but that's fine with me).

Getting down to the last minute choices of sinks, faucets, etc. Do you have any opinions on quality, replacement parts, etc. for the various brands of faucets, such as Whitehaus, Franke, Rohl, Kohler, Newport Brass. I may be ordering on line without actually seeing the quality, and don't want to be disappointed. I like Rohl's Perrin and Rowe's faucets, but too pricey (champagne taste...)

Kohler's blade spray is awesome, and I seriously considered the Artifacts but eventually decided on the Sensate. It was some time (and many decisions) ago, so I may not be remembering correctly, but I think the Artifacts only toggles between regular spray and berry spray and you need to hold a button down to get either spray rather than the regular stream. I may be wrong, but it's worth checking so your friend is sure to get what she wants. I was disappointed to give up the idea of the berry spray until the Kohler rep pointed out that if you turn down the pressure on the Sensate spray, voila, you have a berry spray. I had to laugh at how obvious it was once he pointed it out. Anyway, would a pull-out rather than a pull-down work better? It seems like there'd be more options as far as the height is concerned, and the angle of the water flow might make the reach easier.