Q: I enjoy it when you make plumbing-fixture suggestions that the non-plumbers among us may have overlooked. I'm planning a moderate kitchen update to include a new kitchen faucet. I have seen the pull-out-style spray faucets and the single- and two-handle kitchen faucets, but I want something a little different from the standard choices. Any other suggestions?

A: Today's kitchens have evolved into entertainment areas for many homes, and the choices for kitchen faucets have expanded to keep up with demand. Here are three lesser-known kitchen-faucet options:

Faucet families: Some companies offer kitchen faucets in two sizes, a standard size for the main kitchen sink, and an exact copy in a smaller size for the island or beverage sink. The two faucets work together to underline your kitchen style choices.

Wall-mount: Some kitchen faucets are still available in the old-fashioned wall-mount style. This can be a great choice for a country kitchen or if you are doing a remodeling job in an older home. Just make sure you choose a sink that works with wall-mount faucets.

Cold-filtered: This is a kitchen faucet with a built-in valve that provides cold-filtered drinking water on demand. This feature can eliminate additional filtering equipment, giving your kitchen an uncluttered look. Now, that's what you call a kitchen faucet that cleans up after itself.

Bath sink choices

Q: I'm replacing my bathroom sink, so that means I get to choose a new faucet from scratch. Can you please let me know about the bathroom-faucet choices I'll have to choose from, and tell me a little bit about each type?

There are a wide array of choices for kitchen faucets, from the old-fashioned to the modern.

A: Faucet choices can be complicated. But if you keep in mind that there are four basic faucet groups — and that your faucet should match your sink — that will make things easier. I usually recommend picking out a sink first, and that narrows your faucet choices.

Depending on the type of sink that will fit your project, here are the four basic bathroom faucet groups:

Four-inch center-set faucets. These are one-piece compact faucets for sinks with three holes, and measure 4 inches from one outside hole to the other.

Eight-inch widespread faucets. The faucet spout and handles are separate components that are mounted on the countertop, or three-hole lavatory sink, where the outside faucet holes measure from 8 to 16 inches apart.

Single-handle, single-hole faucets. As the name says, one handle controls both hot and cold settings, and these faucets require only one hole. Use on single-hole lavatory sinks or countertop installations. These faucets are very popular with vessel sinks.

Wall-mount faucets. These are any type of bathroom faucet that mounts on the wall behind the sink, and works well with under-mount-style sinks.

Final tip: Each faucet group will have many choices, so just go with the flow and take your time.

Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and an LEED green associate.