I hadn't even thought about the faucet turning on or off when you tried to adjust its position. Back when we were remodeling our kitchen nine years ago, I don't think motion sensor or touch was available. Jerry hated and still hates single handled faucets, while I wanted one so I could turn it on or adjust the temp without using my messy hands. I didn't want to have to grab the handles to turn it on or off. He felt like there's better control with two handles. We found a Kohler that had separate handles that stick out a bit, like a sideways L, so they can be turned on and off with the back of your hand. Interestingly, the salesman that helped us said that he frequently sees this situation where the man wants a two handled faucet and the woman wants a single handled one. I wonder what that means? A few years ago, we had a plumber out to fix a plugged drain, and he noticed some very small chips in the finish of our faucet. He said Kohler would replace the faucet, as it has a lifetime guarantee. I didn't worry about it because I could barely even see the chips. Fast forward a couple years, and the faucet becomes stiff to turn, and leaks slightly. I decided to call Kohler. They were out of the style we had, but said maybe the local dealer we bought ours would have one. They did, so we arranged to get that one. All was good. Well, low and behold, we received another one in the mail. I called them, told them I'd be more than happy to send it back, but they said to keep it, as it was their fault. So, we now have two replacements. The second one is going up in our house in Tahlequah, whenever we get a new sink up there. All that is a long story to tell how I'm very happy with Kohler's customer service, and the faucet hasn't been all that bad. Maybe not the best, but not bad at all. Sally

Lisa, I believe I am going to get the Artifacts faucet #K-99260. I am linking to it below on the Kohler website. It is about $500 online, which is high but it seems to have so much going for it, that I am hoping it's worth it. Kohler says its "Unique handle execution provides intuitive use and eliminates handle interference with backsplash." It seems to have the benefits of a one-handle faucet, but the handle placement is unusual, and seems like it would be very helpful. And it has the magnetic docking which I checked out in a showroom, and is really good. The faucet head felt more ergonomic and comfortable to me than some of the other faucets on display. It also has two kinds of spray, and one of the sprays (called a "sweep" spray) has a fanning-out shape that will be very good for washing the sink and dishes. Plus, it sure is good-looking (IMHO). My only concern is that it is very tall, but I think that will just make it a focal point in my kitchen which I need. Artifacts Faucet K-99260-CP on Kohler Website (approx. $500 online)

8 considerations in favor of original Great room arrangement...A great room is a huge room that allows for any configuration of LR and DR. If you need the DR table to always be extended to seat 14 once a week you still have 4 1/2 feet around the table on both sides so it will not block physical access to the LR, is low so you can see over table into LR beyond, a set table will look elegant from the front door, table will be closer to the Kitchen, diners will still have views of the pond for daytime meals but you say most meals are taken informally in the kitchen, it is probably dark outside at dinnertime anyway, DR does not need to be as a sun drenched as the LR, and it allows the LR to take full advantage of the sun and views and everyone is closer to the view instead of the front door. Here is what I mean with table sans leaves and walk-through view if table is fully extended

cabinets are natural maple, solid wood, flat front (not slab, but rather angled on the edges - mid-century vibe), I'm confused. Do you mean that the edges are beveled, like this: Or do you mean a 5 piece cabinet door with a mitered frame and a flat panel insert? IMO, the Aspen is too rustic for the contemporary feel of the first door. The gist of which is that the style of the cabinets matters. The other thing to ponder is if, in 6-8-10 years when you want a kitchen refresh...are you going to feel married to expensive pulls? I know that I would have no hesitation in replacing $10 hardware; but trashing pulls that are 7x that cost?? The other factor is that you have a galley kitchen where no one will really see the pulls because the nature of a galley is there are no long views to admire from. In reality, within a year, you're not going to give a second thought to whatever you choose. The hardware will become what it was all along. Just a tool to open & close things.