Because the manufacturers these days want you to repurchase they use bottom of the line powder coating which is on your black taps. doesnt matter how good the construction is underneath the black coating it will rust within 3 - 12 months. the black they use is a industrial black which holds moisture (yes it is the same family of blacks on your bullbars that are on the front of your 4wd) this is designed to look good in the showroom but break down over months. Custom powder coating when done properly and with the highest materials on the market which not many use is the best cosmetic coating in the world in my opinion. it will outlast all anodizing and chrome but not raw materials like gold, silver etc etc. regards Bling Custom Coatings and soon to be Bling Home Decor.

Polished chrome is classic, low maintenance and less expensive than nickel. If fingerprints, watermarks or bath products such as toothpaste get on chrome, they are easily removable with soap and water without leaving stains. On the other hand, nickel requires more rigorous upkeep. For example, here are the Care & Maintenance instructions from Newport Brass (they make Restoration Hardware fixtures) "General instructions for cleaning and caring for your faucets and bathroom fittings. Our faucets and bath fittings are made of solid brass and are of the finest quality. To maintain the finish on these items, please do not use any abrasive cleaners, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, detergents, brass or silver polish which will scratch the surface. Clean with a soft damp cloth. Applying a coating of a non-abrasive liquid wax to the clean surface of the product will protect the finish. Brass ProTech, product of Brasstech, Inc., can be used on all types of decorative painted and plated finishes. Simply apply Brass ProTech with a soft cloth and let it dry. Remove by rubbing gently with a soft dry cloth. Brass ProTech does not contain harsh abrasives. We highly recommend using Brass ProTech regularly on items finished in Polished Nickel (15), Satin Nickel (15S), Polished Silver (25) and Satin Silver (25S). Do not allow soap scum or minerals in water to build up on the surface finish of your faucets or bath fittings (including toothpaste). These will gradually wear away the protective coating or finish and diminish the beauty of your products. Living Finishes and Uncoated Finishes 03W, 08W, 25 and 25S are living finishes. 03N is an uncoated finish. Depending on maintenance and use, these finishes will naturally weather and change color. Our warranty does not cover living or uncoated finishes. Finish colors can vary and change in color is unpredictable." I recommend chrome in one of the many classic styles available to complement your carrara bathroom.

Rather than removing the edging, I would add to its width and this wil make the cabinetry look custom and paint it white. I would also keep the corner shelving and replace your accessories - one item/shelf and related to each other. You could add a great fixture instead of the pot light, change the faucet and hardware. Suggest carrarra marble backsplash (don't put the rack back up behind stove) and there are so many pattern choices. It's also interesting how they have laid the tile in the last picture, which I think would work really well with your set up and will save a bit of money on marble. A dark quartz or granite would be complimentary and warm up all of the white. [houzz=]; [houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/6-via-aragon-san-antonio-parade-of-homes-contemporary-kitchen-austin-phvw-vp~1042542];[[houzz=]

This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.