In my new kitchen (new home build) I'll be using a soapstone look quartz counter with a Whitehaven short sink and stainless faucet. My walls will also be cream and floors a white oak, though my cabinets are medium oak. I'm aiming for a Craftsman influence.

There are very few photos that show the white sink with dark counters, so I'm a little nervous about it, but wanted to at least let you know I'm with you...

(found one photo)

That's awesome. A corner sink can be so tricky.

I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you! Some issues: we are on well water and it is very, very hard leaving lots of mineral deposits and my other chrome faucets require constant attention. Also, I'm a serious home cook. I cook A LOT, hours every day. I've had a single handle faucet all these years and they don't seem to modulate WARM, it is either hot or cold and that makes me nuts. I do worry about chicken-y hands and the ability to grab the sprayer. I really appreciate about your feedback about the polished nickel. Yikes. What do y'all think about the current "gold" craze? Would that be lower maintenance?

Also, I feel like Rip Van Winkle. 30 years ago, when we built this house, there was only cast iron porcelain sinks, chrome, and tile to chose from. All the choices nowadays, yikes! Our white tile counters have served us well but are very dated and more dinged up than I like to admit. Love the soapstone I've chosen that we will put in. I've loved my cast iron enamel sink but am ready to give up the 60/40 sink for one big sink. The soapstone sinks look amazing but not sure about day to day wear.

I don’t think two handles are such a big deal. I used to think I had a big preference for just one, but it’s really not a big deal using two I discovered at a vacation rental. You get a feel for the amount you have to move the levers very quickly.
As for finishes I love soapstone and white enameled cast iron. I would stick to polished nickel for the faucets. I think that is a very classic look with soapstone.