We have this faucet in our 1930s kitchen:
http://www.plumbingproducts.com/images/eod-wallfaucet-es2145x.jpg

....which is a two-handled vintage-looking faucet. We actually inherited it from the kitchen touch-up the PO did before selling, but I like it fine. At this point I don't even notice two handles versus one, because it's so automatic. (We don't have a d/w, either, so this faucet sees a lot of use.) When we first moved in, we did turn down the hot water heater so that if you turned on the hot alone inadvertently, you wouldn't be scalded, but a year later, that seems to be the perfect water temp for dishes and showers alike anyway. I don't miss being able to pull it out at all.

I wouldn't choose this style again for a different reason, though: the gooseneck piece is constantly bonking into dishes, even though we have a deep sink. (It does swivel, but it's an annoyance to keep swiveling it back and forth as you wash.) It's a tradeoff for the vintage look, I think, since it seems most of the vintage-style faucets are arched. There are some single-handle faucets with a vintage flair, but they may share this problem. (Another problem with this particular faucet: the handles are always coming loose, though they screw back in easily. I think this is a feature of being a cheapish faucet, though, not of the two-handled-ness.)

Good luck with the decision!

Is wall mount an option? That'll get you a vintage look (and they're so easy to keep clean).

I love wall-mounted faucets - especially with subway tile. But I'm afraid there's not enough room under the window. Also DH is insisting on a single-lever faucet, he thinks you absolutely must be able to operate a kitchen faucet with one hand.

Now that I've done some research, and understanding this pull-down thing a little, I think I'd prefer something like the Blanco Grace single lever shown in this thread:

Faucet Thread

Or maybe something more victorian like:

Faucet

I wonder if this type of handle holds up. I've never seen one in person. I also need to find one that's not so expensive.

Have you taken a look at the Whitehaus models? I have their fireclay sink and it's great quality -- they have some really appealing vintage-styled faucets with single handles. Check out their online outlet for good deals on discontinued models; I had a very pleasant experience with them.

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Here is a link that might be useful: Fixturehaus outlet

Circuspeanut - I am really thinking that this is the type of faucet I want. I love the third one! I found it because of the link you provided on the other faucet post. I tried to put it in this post but I couldn't get the link to work (here or in an email to my husband?) I like the price too.

I feel nervous getting it w/o checking with my GC, but I don't want to miss out on it. He's supposed to bring over a plumbing/heating guy over soon to figure out how to heat the kitchen.

Also Circuspeanut - looking for yellow tile like yours

I have a single lever, no side spray, no pull out or pull down. It's made by Elkay and called Victoria.

Thanks Laurie. Do you find the handle easy to use? The only thing I wonder about is how you get full blast cold without turning it too far so that the hot starts mixing in? I know it's a dumb question, I'm having trouble just writing it. (I've only had a single lever in the bath).

Maureen, I don't know if you're an eBayer, but there is also one on eBay for a great price. Home and Stone is a very reputable eBay seller.

What finish are you looking for?

I think the side swivel handle takes some getting used to -- my friend's husband does complain about the design of hers, a Kingston Brass model -- but many folks think it's just dandy.

The yellow subway tile - oy vey. It's actually handmade 6"x6" field tile (color is Harvest) that I got an irresistible deal on from a local outfit, New England Art Tile, then spent a few hours cutting in half to make the subway shape. (I adore them, perhaps because I put my heart into the job, so I genuinely thank you for mentioning them! :) ). I love the handpainted irregularity, which looks much better in person than photographed. But unless you want 6"x6" or are doing your tiling yourself, it might not be the most practical buy for you?

A very similar tile in the right 3x6 size is available nationally from Solistone albeit for more $$. Solistone also has a lot of similar deco tiles to the one I chose. Yummy for the 1920's/30's bungalow kitchen!

Circuspeanut - That's another great looking faucet at a reasonable price. I have read good things about that seller. I hope to try one out before I make a decision. I'm not sure what finish I want. Is chrome too shiny with soapstone and stainless sink?

Thanks for the explanation about your fantastic tile! I asked you this question before and thought your previous answer referred to the art tile, since I didn't see any 3x6s on that site. Unfortunately we are not very handy. We will probably tile ourselves, but may not be able to handle the extra work involved with cutting the tiles. Thanks for the other tile link.

Style wise I'm no help, but I thought I'd respond to your questions about pulldown. My pulldown does swivel. I find the pulldown to be a very natural motion ergonomically. It is very easy to use. I use the pulldown feature primarily when I'm rinsing my enormous sink and I can move the spray all over the corners of the sink.

Anita

maureeninmd - The handle is easy for me to use. I'll try to describe how the hot & cold works. When the handle is straight up (perpendicular to the counter), the water's warm. Handle pulled forward (towards you), water's hot. Handle pushed back, is cold. If you want the stream to be small, handle is straight (all the way to it's left). Turning the handle out to the right, makes the stream fuller/stronger. The pic below shows Full blast & cold.

I have a Whitehaus and purchased it from their online store--saved over $400 and communicated via email with a customer service rep who was extremely helpful. He also found a matching soap dispenser for me at less than I could find online. Mine swivels and is a pullout. It feels really, really solid. The curved lever is surprisingly super-easy to use--especially when my hands are dirty, I just hook my pinky under it! I also like that the spray button isn't plastic or rubber. Here are a couple of photos:

Laurie- Thanks for the explanation, very clear to me now!

Janefan - Such a beautiful sink and faucet

Thanks all