Choose the things that are hard to change later first.

Finishes are mixed all the time. It comes down to personal preference. Look at the thousands of Houzz photos for ideas.

Depends on the space, the style, the finishes, etc. too general a question to answer accurately.

It’s an entire home.
Traditional style. Nothing trendy.
Kitchen: faucet, lights, drawer & cabinet pulls.
3 Baths: faucets, lights, drawer & cabinet pulls, mirrors.
Butler’s Pantry: faucet, lights, drawer & cabinet pulls.
Laundry: faucet, lights, drawer & cabinet pulls.

For lighting go to a local mid/high end lighting showroom in your area. Visit a few and find the one that seems to have helpful "designers" working there. Make an appointment and bring your floor plans. They will help you come up with a complementary selection for the whole house.

I picked mine on my own, but the lighting showroom was still helpful in suggesting other ideas and my builder ordered the lights through them.