There is such a huge array of taps now that I can understand your dilemma. I think stick with classic chrome or brass taps as they are less likely to date. What handles/knobs do you have on your cupboards? Maybe continue the theme? Do you like traditional or modern. You say you like a stainless steel sink, so at least you know what you want there. My only query is why no dishwasher? Wouldn’t be without mine - nothing cleans cutlery and glasses like a well maintained dishwasher, and my kitchen is quite small. Here’s a few taps that I rather like, but of course you may not!

No dishwasher- the only job my husband does around the house is wash the dishes and he actually enjoys it so didnt want to take that away from him! On several occasions I have been at friends houses, who have dishwashers, and their dishes have not came out gleaming - like when you get a plate but you can feel some dried in food remains on it. Never had one, so never wanted one even now in our 40s. I think it would take more than a day to fill it too, so we would need to get more dishes!

Cabinet handles, possibly a copper tinge to them? Haven't decided - thats another thing to put on the to do list!

I like all 3 that you posted, particularly the first.

Okay we won’t take that job away! Dishwashers have to be looked after and need special salts added. If the salt runs out then everything will be grubby despite using cleaning tablets. There’s only me and hubby so we bought extra plates from charity shops to get through the day.

Looks like you like traditional (girl after my own heart!) so hopefully that’s a start. I love the swan neck taps.

You say white marble effect worktops but if these are laminate you can’t have an undermount sink. For an undermounted sink you need a solid worktop such as Quartz, Pietra, solid timber etc.

Look at the spout reach when choosing a tap. If you want to get a big bucket under the tap look for a decent size regarding the spout reach.

Worktop - quartz, granite

We had a new kitchen tap not long ago purely for necessity as our old one was leaking. Went with this one: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/aelmaren-kitchen-mixer-tap-w-pull-out-spout-stainless-steel-colour-20428058/ It’s not as fancy but the pull out hose is very useful for rinsing veg or big pans. Pressure is great and it’s easy to clean. Early days yet but so far so good.

Hi Ellie. I've never bought a SS sink but I know Grohe and Franke don't get particularly good reviews despite the long guarantee. I would be looking at the highest grade SS which is 18.10. This has 10% nickel added which will give you the most rust resistance and shine, I also think the heavier/thicker SS will mean less noise. Blanco may be worth a look.

in terms of taps I like Perrin and Rowe but they are dear :( Monica on here bought one on eBay and had it refinished at a fraction of the cost though. I inherited brassware throughout the house by Aston Matthews. I know the kitchen is 25 years old and I would guess the utility and bathrooms are the same age and they're still going strong (although just changed our ensuite) so would say the quality is high! If you're tight on worktop space a boiling water tap may be a good idea, I know they're rather expensive though..

if your looking for a 1.5 bowl sink i would suggest looking for one where the larger bowl is around 500mm - the smaller bowl will come in around 180-240mm

this will ensure large pots can be accommodated along with chopping boards.

With so many on the market i would suggest looking at Blanco / Caple / Franke as brands.

Regarding Taps you will need to consider water pressure.. check with your builder

single lever vs dual lever

square vs round

is it to be filtered

do you want a spray tap and if so as a pullout vs flexible spring coil

**i personally love my hot tap and use it for all things not just tea & coffee.. gravy, blanching, cous cous & bulgar wheat to name a few.

If you are definitely getting a double or 1.5-bowl sink, I agree with qudaus above about having the larger bowl at least 500mm, or even larger if you can fit it. It's so much easier to manipulate large pots and pans, baking trays and roasting tins without splashing water everywhere.

On taps, I would always go with a single-lever mixer, which is easy to use even with floury, oily or dirty hands. Make sure that the neck has enough (high) clearance over the sink so that you can place high pans underneath.

When I did my kitchen I saw some 'tap to turn on/off' models but I am not sure whether they work reliably and in any case, I have two cats and my poor water bill if they ever discovered that trick! Taps with a motion detector on/off feature might be worth a look, though.

I also love the pull-spray; super convenient for all sorts of things, including filling a pot with water while the sink is full! Also, using the spray to rinse the sides of pots before washing saves a lot of water compared to filling them to soak.

I don't have a hot-water tap and would never choose to, but those who have one swear by them. I feel like it's a waste of energy to keep water at boiling point 24/7, although the manufacturers tell us it is not... Anyway, I just boil the kettle with the volume of water I need for hot drinks, and for cooking, eg pasta, I use the induction hob, which is quick (admittedly not instant!) and extremely energy efficient.

Good luck and have fun!