If you can find enough suitable soapstone for all the counters, that would be my first choice--I think the dark counters will be perfect with the tone of your cabinets. And, you already have a marble slab to use for pastry. I'm linking a thread that has pics of a couple of GW members' kitchens, which are similar in tone. (And gorgeous, BTW.) **Edited to correct spelling of cotehele. My apologies. Here is a link that might be useful: GW thread with cotehele's and sombreuil_mongrel's kitchens This post was edited by mama_goose on Tue, Feb 19, 13 at 10:08

We went with the Pegasus Granite (made by Blanco for HD) for all 3 of our sinks. We chose 2 different 33" double sinks (one for the kitchen, one for the BP) and an 11x17" prep sink. 7 weeks in, we love them. They are so easy to clean, seem tough... all in all, are great. They are all black (I think it is the same as the Anthracite) Our first unit was cracked out of the box (our granite fabricators discovered it when they were templating), but HD exchanged it no questions asked. Other than that, no issues.

Beautiful transformation! Love the blingy backsplash! The tri-trash center looks like a terrific use of a corner cab. Love the mullions in your glass cabs - very pretty! It looks like such a warm and inviting space, and I love how it's integrated in your home now. Enjoy your beautiful new space!

I once read that chrome is a more durable faucet finish, and it also happens to be the cheapest! Years ago, chrome plated faucets became more favored and replaced nickel plated faucets because nickel plate wore off so quickly. I have to admit that despite all the choices in faucet finishes, I still like chrome. It is timeless, clean looking, and sparkly. On the other hand, a metal with a blue tint like chrome is not always the best choice for the sink and/or counter top color or design scheme. For instance, Tuscan or French Country. I ordered, but have not yet installed the Brizo Floriano faucet in stainless steel. I saw the faucet on the program "I Want That," and did want it! I was conflicted about stainless steel, chrome(love the sparkle), or brushed nickel. The deciding factors were that stainless steel or brushed nickel looked best with a stainless steel sink, and brushed nickel was not offered with the Brizo Floriano faucet. The decision for stainless steel became easier. I actually hunted, and hunted, and hunted for a deep, wide single bowl stainless steel sink that would allow me enough room to use that honking huge, organic looking faucet. I don't think people usually pick out their faucet before their sink. Couldn't believe how much my husband wanted me to find a way to use that faucet. Chrome and stainless steel finishes will show more "stuff" than brushed nickel, and brushed nickel has a warmer undertone. So, if the decision is between stainless steel and chrome, and they both require about the same amount of maintenance; I guess you have to go with which finish you find most visually appealing for your individual kitchen.