Stainless generally isn't as bright and glaring as Chrome. Ultimately it is a matter of personal taste. I usually prefer brushed Nickel and sometimes stainless.

Greg

ditto. I didn't buy chrome.

I got a Kohler Simplice in Stainless and I love it. I like the shine but I really hate polishing chrome especially now that I live in an area with really hard water.

a billion here, a billion there and pretty soon you're talking trillions.

I bought chrome: I couldn't justify the extra cost, and frankly not a soul has noticed that I've got stainless steel handles and appliances, and a big shiny chrome tap.
I don't worry that my saucepans don't match each other, so I reckoned I wasn't going to notice if my tap didn't match my hardware.
And it still looks great.

In many kitchens chrome will work fine. And not a soul will notice there are stainless steel handles and appliances, and a shiny chrome "tap". It certainly is possible to get compliments about a chrome tap too. OTOH, visitors will refrain from commenting about things that seem like budget choices. They will comment positively about things they like.

For the OP's choices Blanco Meridian Semi-Pro and KArbon, I would buy BN and VS finishes.

With the $$ you're spending on these particular faucets, I would do the stainless/BN/VS finish.

If you are getting soap dispensers they will have to match the faucets and you will be paying a comparable upcharge for stainless there too.

A consideration for us was cleaning. Chrome notoriously shows more smears, fingerprints and water spots. We chose brushed stainless, and are very happy with it. It also shows smears, fingerprints and water spots, just not as much. Similar to having frosted glass or clear glass on the shower doors.

It is worth it if you like it that much more and can afford it. If it means losing something else, then you need to weigh your options.
I prefer chrome and would pay extra for that, lol.....so glad I don't have to...

Kristen - Do you love it - love it so much that you want to pay more? I like the modern, subtle look of stainless (or brushed nickle) but for me the faucet look wasn't important and we don't have hard water so it was chrome for me. Chrome is just the standard in my book, doesn't look cheap or expensive, just looks like a faucet :) I was surprised when it was installed to realize the polish was a nice foil for the stainless appliances and my honed counters. I am now considering a polished back splash. To hazard sounding like an interior decorating person - it is nice to have different textures - it provides "depth" to the kitchen :) Seeing the polish next to the honed surfaces actually emphasizes their soft, lush look and provides a little punch.

Definitely more than you wanted to read. Definitely past my bedtime :)

I chose my Delta Allora in brushed stainless because it seemed so HUGE to me in that empty, pre-lived-in kitchen and the stainless was a bit more muted. However I believe that a chrome faucet is a true neutral and classic. The Karbon is ultra cool in any finish!

Thanks everyone for your input.
It really doesn't matter to me so I am going to go with what fits my budget which looks like it is going to be a mix of the two.

I think I am going to do the polished chrome joints on the Karbon and brushed on the Blanco at the clean up sink. I think that will match my stainless sink nicely. I just can't see the extra $200 for VS joints on the Karbon making that much of a difference in the look at the island.