I don't think you're making a mistake since you're going with it for aesthetic reasons. I have the portrait suite in my downstairs bath (pedestal sink though) and it seems like you're using it for the look. IMO it's really just the plain drop-ins that have no style to them that look less expesnive. The portrait series doesn't "look cheap" to me. It's the whole package IMO, not just any one element. The type of vanity and countertop you install it in will have as much of an impact as whether it is undermount or not.

Firsthome, are you unable to fit a 21" deep vanity in your bathroom? I have a 36 x 21" vanity in my guest bath. It has an overmount sink with an opening of 15 x 12". I'm looking at the Kohler Caxton undermount in the 15 x 12" to replace it. Enduring, I handwash light items in that sink without a problem (no sweaters). I can't wash my face without splashing, so I don't know if it's my problem or the sink's problem. I saw the 17" Caxton installed in a 36" countertop and it looked nice, but I'm reluctant to give up even 2 inches of counter space.

What is a half pipe sink? Google doesn't answer that question for me! I would worry about something heavy being dropped into a porcelain sink, especially if you have a medicine cabinet right above it, so I would use Kohler. Many styles are inexpensive. The Caxton sink, for instance, is under $100.

We have three bathrooms. Master has about 9' of counter with one sink, hall bath has two 5' counters, one with a sink. Then another 2' wide counter with a sink. Powder room has a 3' counter with sink. This is through a mod home builder so I'm not sure if I have other options. I wonder if I should just go with the basic counter with drop in and replace later as we can. Of course then, it will probably never get replaced....sigh.