First, let me say how very much I appreciate everyone's help with this. My salesperson is not really processing through this with me. treasure - your bathroom is stunning, I have seen your pix before and just love it. good to see the frameless mirror as well... that's the way I'm leaning but have a while to decide. have to deal with this faucet issue pronto while I still have the plumber engaged. the "hook" beneath the panel is an extra hand shower holder, so it's accessible while sitting on the bench which does not show in the pic. Back to the handles/faucet - great point oly - here are the specs for each (I wish I knew how to make these clickable): this is the one I currently have, and would like to keep the handles: http://www.rohlhome.com/pdf/220.pdf This is the spout I'm leaning to: http://www.rohlhome.com/pdf/1020.pdf Yes enduring - the size of the hole is a huge consideration. The plumber measured it from the underside and we think it will work. I'm going to ask DH to loosen the faucets enough so we can measure the hole. Yes, absolutely the 1st replacement spout will fit - same size base and same size spec'd holes. I actually think that the 1st one is more lovely but I want the extra 1/2" of space the other affords! I will maybe just buy each and insist that my salesperson take 2 back once I decide. If that fails, I learned that AMEX still has purchase protection and that may ensure I can receive credit. I hate to do that, but I don't know how to tell otherwise.

Thanks for your thoughts. I just figured some people might want to see what can happen when you give in to every bell & whistle ;^) Let me answer the questions: Morton5: yes, if you look at the Before pic, you can see just how narrow a space we had there to sit and eat. The sink was constantly splashing the people there. We did away with the island completely in the end, though, and love the new layout. Redroze: I just keep it in this olive oil dispenser. The other dispenser there is for hand soap. I found the brush at Bed Bath & Beyond. It's specifically made to wash crystal glasses with, but I use it for my everyday glasses, too. After all the stuff I had drilled into my last counter/sink area, I tried to avoid drilling holes in this new one. Holes are so permanent, you know? "> Eandhl: It's Kohler's Vinnata in the brushed nickel and we love it. Brad, here's a couple, plus one of the KA's plan for that area: "> This was taken as we were moving back in, so it's a mess. "> "> Mominthedubc: The filtered water faucet is meant to work on R/O's (Reverse Osmosis filtration systems), which is what we have here. It's not meant to be used with a hot water system. Anyhoo, it's Kohler's Wellspring in the brushed nickel to coordinate with theiir Vinnata. BTW, it's made wonderfully, compared to all the other beverage faucets we've had in the past. Davewg: you're going to love the Vinnata! I can't wait to see your finished kitchen. Hang in there! Talley Sue: that's fantastic! I had no idea those things existed. I've already copied the info to show DH. Thanks!

I have black countertops and anthracite silgranit sinks. I went with ORB faucets and think it looks really sleek. I like that all those elements blend together. With that said, if you want your faucet to pop out and contrast, go a different direction... Everyone is different. Here is a link that might be useful: my finished kitchen thread with pics

Davidrol Excellent question...what are we doing with all this money? New appliances, a better kitchen eating/hanging out area, and we really need more counter space...right now there is no place to land food from the stove and oven. Resell appeal is important - we will probably be moving within 5 years. I agree added counter/cabs it will make it look smaller - and I am continually balancing aesthetics vs. function. (If it were up to me I would have no upper cabinets only open shelves but DH would never go for that.) My KD is all about cabinets - I have already taken out a wall and added a peninsula where he wanted to add wall and cabinets leaving me without any in kitchen sitting/eating area. The KD insists this will look OK and you won't notice the off center...but I am not sure I will like it. I keep going back to decreasing depth of new counter to 20 inches. I know we lose the magic corner but honestly, those don't seem like they pack too much of a punch as far as storage - especially for pans which is what I need to store in that part of the kitchen. With counter cut back to 20 I can still put in two deep drawers under the new cab and get most of my pans in...also with a 20 inch counter (instead of 24) I think we could hang pans to the left of window #2 (faces street - not garden window) which I think would be out of reach with a 24 inch counter. Chana Goanna I love the idea of the soapstone sink but does soapstone come in a white color? Someone told me it is always dark.