The faucet is: Delta stainless faucet #978SSSD The base and neck is smooth even though the photo makes it look like the stainless steel has a fancy pattern. The lighting around the kitchen makes it look that way. We have the same faucet at another sink in the kitchen and the light doesn't hit it the same way so it doesn't appear as fancy. Personally, I like the pattern that the kitchen lights make on the faucet. It's like an upgrade without paying for it. :) LOVE the single sink. I never had one before and I'd definitely do it again. We bought a sink grid for the bottom which makes me like the single sink even more, even though next time I might go an inch or two deeper. The backsplash over the cooktop is a mural that comes in 6 pieces and we added a border to it. I attached a link for Questech's website. The backsplash tiles are: Datilde - tumbled natural stone TS01-Sand 4x4. If you google Datilde you'll find more info. Here is a link that might be useful: Questech tiles, borders, murals,

The kitchens forum is the best place to get advice on this type of question.

Your cottage kitchen sounds lovely! I have a single-bowl rectangular stainless apron sink, with a Victorian style bridge faucet. I love it! Although I love the bridge faucet, it's huge, and if the sink was smaller than 33", it might look out of proportion. (Not that it would matter that much--my small kitchen is pretty quirky, LOL.) Bridge faucets usually have separate (expensive) sprayers, too, unless you get one with the middle mixer post, so that's something else to consider. I added a filter faucet into the mix, and some codes require an air-gap, so it can get crowded. You might start a thread asking for pics of 27" or smaller, sinks with bridge faucets. Oh, and as for finish--I ended up with ORB because of a good deal, but I don't think you can go wrong with chrome in a 1940's cottage. Good luck--looking forward to seeing your finished kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: My 'behemoth'

Sales weasel is more like it. All light colored stone is porous and will need sealing to keep it fromstaining. Some stones need repeted sealing because of it's extreme porosity, or the owner's repeted use ofaggressive cleaning products that strips the sealer. YMMV according to your particular stone and your own cleaning behavior. Test a specific sample of your specific stone.