Thanks for the responses. The more I think about using chrome, the more I think I like it. Sweeby, I think you're correct that it's a more appropriate finish for an old fashioned look, which is what I want. I had seen some fixtures, with old/antique copper finish, that I loved and was trying to put together a whole set of fixtures. But I think chrome will be better all together, and it'll be easier and cheaper to get fixtures that go together and that I like. aunttomichael - are you happy with your faucets? I had looked at Sign of the Crab briefly and thought they looked really good, but hadn't heard anything about them. Apparently they also go by Strom Plumbing? kgwlisa - I think your faucet choices are great, and I think that your idea of using levers on the tub instead of using similar but different cross handles on tub and sink is a smart way to go. I've also looked at the American Bath Factory faucets and thought they looked good. Is the Harrington Brass company considered a good one to buy faucets from also? tudorlover - I thing having the light fixture in polished nickel will be fine. In my powder room I tried and didn't like the look of brushed nickel faucet and chrome towel racks and TP holder, because they were so close together and there was a big contrast in the finishes. But a polished nickel light fixture should work nicely with just about other finish, including the chrome. One more question... Has anyone used or heard anything about faucets from Baths From The Past? I think they look great but I can't find out anything about them.

Thanks for all the advise. I'm choking on this decision so far. I sent DH a link to an article on Atticmag that Rococogurl posted about things to consider when picking a faucet....It covers height, reach etc. I'm letting him take the wheel for that part. Hopefully considering all those things he can narrow down some choices. I have only seen one working faucet in the displays (that I recall)....it was a Brizo Talo Touch2o. I liked it....alot. It was a little touchy, it came on a few times when I wasn't expecting it to, but it might be a learning curve. I didn't like the price though, and while it was really cool to be able to tap your elbow or forearm on the faucet to avoid getting chicken-y fingers etc. on the handles, my hubby is on the fence.....he is thinking it's a lot of extra money for something we have done without just fine before. Our latest trip to the plumbing store we were checking out some Delta's and the Sales person steered us over to the Grohe. Said they were having a fantastic sale on them (40% off retail) and they were a MUCH higher quality faucet than Delta. Looked online when we got home, seemed every site I visited had a deal on Grohe, so they must be clearing out old ones, or are one of those companies that over inflates their value to have them on sale all the time...... Looked at the Grohe Bridgeport (I think) but it didn't have a hold and lock feature on the spray. Not sure that's a big deal though. I'd buy that Talo or similar Brizo if I could find it on sale and if I could find more positive reviews. I keep reading they are not much better than Delta, just a beefed up price tag. I've read several people satisfied with their Delta's but read probably an equal amount of negative about them. Costco is out of the one Hansgrohe that I considered looking at.... Guess I will keep looking and considering.

We have the Allegro E and its long reach was one of the factors. Another way to reduce the functional reach to water (which you also use just for handwashing if you don't also have a prep sink in the kitchen) is to make the front lip before the sink starts as small as possible (this assumes a faucet mounted behind the sink): Stick drawing is poor, in real life you belly up to the sink/counter edge, so the actual stretch to water starts at either the countertop edge or apron front, depending on sink type. I agree with Madeline616 that even an inch can make a big ergonomic difference and some front lips can be as much as 5 inches -- if you have an overmount or undermount sink (rather than a front apron) then you also need to count the countertop cabinet overhang distance. But you can see that if one is putting the faucet behind the sink and if you need a specific usable sink distance front to back, that every extra inch of front lip makes the stretch to water that much more. This is one of the reasons we went with custom sink, since the only other sinks that met our needs at the time had wide front lips. Our sink is an apron front with a front lip of 1.5 inches, a usable interior of 16.5 inches and overall front to back distance of 19 inches. Even with the Allegro E faucet which has a faucet reach of 11", measuring to center of water, I'd love the water to be another inch closer to me so as to do even less leaning to reach water. If it fits your kitchen design and budget, the articulated Kohler Karbon faucet is a real winner for ergonomics, since it can adjust out to 13"!

If we are doing combos allowed, then, I want a smattering of the extinct Cottage Living with a hefty dose of Renovation Style. This months RS the Before & After issue with the brown chairs on the front has the house my house wants to be........but never will.........Joan's house in the article "The Rescuers". Red