Kitchen and bath faucet choices that are out of the mainstream

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.

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?

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.

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.