Maybe the Grohe Atrio? I have the same pet peeve in that the spout of the faucet does not extend very far from the edge of most sinks. Not only are they messy, I constantly am touching the sink while washing my hands. I think Grohe has a similar design to the Dornbracht Meta which is another favorite.

Good luck!

That might be good, although I did find something in the meantime that is easy on the budget and would work for my child. Here's a link to a Delta faucet that might work. I'm not sure about Delta faucets in general, but it does have the ceramic cartridge and is well rated. It might be worth trying.

Collins Faucet

If you look at some of the faucet websites (like faucetdirect), they let you sort by spout length (and height, which can make a difference too). You aren't the only one!

If you do find that kitchen faucets might work better, also look at laundry/utility faucets and bar faucets. The big difference is that they don't have the popup drain plug and you might want that. (If you are starting new--sounds like you are--you can get drains that you just push directly on to plug the sink. And do kids really need to plug sinks? What good ever came of that? :) )

For what it's worth, I recently installed a Delta in my kids' bathroom and so far so good--it seems like a good sturdy product and their popup assembly is really nice compared to the old stick method. (I did have to take it apart to install it as apparently '50s sinks have smaller holes than newer ones.)

Thanks, Fori. Sounds promising. And I agree, no need for a plug for child's bathroom. In fact, one reason I'm looking for a single handle for the faucet is that my child obsessively pushes on the current two handles to make sure that the faucet is really off. (This is based on a number of times I've found the faucet still running and reminded the child to make sure to turn off the faucet when finished.) As a result, the faucet assembly, which is one piece with the handles, has loosened somewhat, and the handle on one side has been pushed so hard that it almost points directly backward when turned off.

how about one of those faucets with the sensor that turns the water on and off, no handle needed.

here's an example of one, they all seem to plug into an electrical outlet.

touchless faucet

May not be up your alley since you are remodeling but they do make faucet extenders.

http://m.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=23064386

since you are thinking the touch less route, what about a commercial style that uses a sensor and shuts off after a bit?

Fori, I had to laugh. My 5 yo was smitten that we got such a 'cool' button style drain in our new bathroom. It is on an antique sink with no overflow. After he discovered it I was thinking that I should have just went with no plug and just rate strainer style drain. Someday I am certain he's going to stop it and keep the water on. :/

We put a Delta Addison single handle faucet in DH's bathroom. My goal was to minimize mess. Also wanted a high arch and a water stream that went well into the center of the bowl. It started out with a single handle and I decreased the mess even more by installing a Tapmaster. We have them on all the sinks in the house (starting with the kitchen in 2002). It's not electric or battery operated. It's tied into the plumbing underneath the sink. A plate is attached to the toekick. Just gently pressing on the plate with one's toe activates the water. Also, consider installing the faucet at the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position so your child can reach it better. This one is installed on an extra tall vanity (husband's bathroom) and my 7 and 9 year old grandbabies don't have a hard time reaching the faucet or usinng the Tapmaster. I like the fact that there is so much room for hands and arms to get under the height of the Addison. And installing it to the side, helps a LOT with the ordeal of trying to clean between the sink and backsplash.

Sloyder, Thanks for the link. It's pretty economical, too.

Kats, Yeah, I probably won't use those but it's fascinating that they exist. It's amazing how much you folks can research!

Monicakm, I'll add that one onto the list. I love Tapmaster and have always wanted one in the kitchen. My child is actually adult age now, but still a child mentally, so I can imagine my child kicking the front of the cabinet repeatedly without actually hitting the Tapmaster. I'd love to try it someday though.

I have the same pet peeve about faucets that are too short and too low. It isn't that easy to find taller and longer faucets. I picked the Zuchetti Jingle for my son's bathroom. Simple lines, easy to use and clean.

Zucchetti-Kos- Jingle · More Info

Chispa, That looks really nice!