I was researching this a few days ago as well, and found some articles that said this is not considered wrong from a design standpoint. It sounded like it was more acceptable to mix finishes now, and some people prefer the not so matchy look anyway. I was curious because I have 3 rooms that flow together and I have brushed nickel in two rooms. In the 3rd room I wanted to put in a ORB light. I think it will work fine. I actually just replaced the windows with ORB double curtain rods (and these flow through two rooms). I also read that if you can add at least a couple pieces in that particular finish it will look even better.... so I felt having the curtain rods and the light would make it work, but I think even without, it's ok. Buy what you love, that is most important!

It depends on the ORB you are looking at. Some ORB is very dark, almost black. Some is more of a warm dark tan. Keep in mind as well that if the ORB you're looking at does not have a PVD coating, the finish will wear off over time and you will have shiny brass showing through from underneath the finish. They call this a "living finish." If that is not something that you think you'd like, then stick with the black. We are doing something similar in our kitchen: white cabs, Verde peacock granite, SS sink & faucet as well. We were originally going to do either black or ORB hardware, but finally decided on brushed nickel. It's a lot more cost effective, looks great, and you don't have to worry about the finish wearing off. Also, I *think* that black hardware's finish can wear off over time as well, but don't quote me on that. Look into it. We looked at Colonial Bronze Hardware (and ultimately bought from them) b/c they have a lifetime warranty on the finish, as long as you don't clean it with abrasive cleaners/scrub it, etc. Their black and ORB hardware is gorgeous. Made in the USA too! And since your granite doesn't really have any brown tones in it (right?), the ORB may not tie in as well as the black would. There is black in your Emerald Pearl I assume? Might tie in better than ORB. Both the ORB and the black will be heavy contrast against the white cabinets, which can be beautiful. The satin nickel we chose will kind of disappear, but we are ok with that. Ultimately, it comes down to what YOU want and not what everyone else "is doing," so don't get hung up on that! You have to live with it and love it; that's most important. Think about what will tie in best with your granite. What is your wall color btw?

I selected ORB for my kitchen, and as it turned out I got a cheapy orb for the handles and they do not show ANY kind of wear at all. I have had them in place for about 2 years(or is it 3?( and I am still enjoying them. I should stress that we are not gentle people and we do not baby things in the house:)so that is saying that it is most durable. I like the warmth of the look. I agree that the hardware is relatively inexpensive to replace - but I also don't see them looking dated anytime too soon. Things do definitely go in cycles as we have all noted that brass is kind of coming back in. I wholeheartedly encourage you to get what you like, and you will really enjoy it.

I agree on the stainless. I like the Cruette, although personally I prefer a faucet with a single, deck-mounted control, like in your current setup (but I also like the pull-down). I have had a Delta Leland for ~4 years and have loved every minute of it! Maybe someone else can chime in on how well the Cruette works. WRT to moving the faucet to the side, I would be more concerned about how it functions, than how it looks. With your existing set up do you fill a pot with water by holding it in your left hand and using your right to control the water? Would moving the faucet make that harder/easier/no difference? Will you still be able to fit larger items under it if you move it to the back corner?