Go for it. You will be cross every day if you don't (I didn't want the recon stone stuff in my last kitchen...got pressured into it...hated it EVERY DAY!!). Current one is going to be stainless...absolutely!

I've a friend with a Blanco sink that looks similar. The big issue is keeping it clean, because it's very hard to get the gunk out of those squared off corners. Personally, I'd go with something with rounded corners, even if they're only slightly rounded. We have an Oliveri Sonetto, which has modestly rounded corners (but is more expensive). http://www.harveynorman.com.au/kitchen-appliances/sinks-taps/oliveri-sonetto-undermount-sink.html That said, I don't think there's anything wrong with the quality of Blancos, it's the straight edge design that looks good in the magazines but is a pain to live with. You might have a look at Abey and some of the mid-range Clark sinks as well (our last house had a very serviceable Clark Monaco).

a second toilet is always a good thing but do you have any plans for other improvements? where's the laundry is it under the house? ....always best to consider whole house improvement before investing in expensive plumber...maybe there's space for an ensuite or??..

Hello Anne Marie, I am very sorry to hear about your husband's condition. Adapting to such a change will be quite a journey for your family. It certainly introduces another layer to the decision making process. It doesn't mean you can't have a great looking home though! The primary appeal of an under mount sink or basin is visual. They look minimally neat and maximise the presentation of the bench top material. In terms of cost, an under mount installation does mean extra cutting and polishing for the stone mason, as Dr Retro pointed out. I also second his comment about the problematic junction underneath where the sink meets the stone. As you pointed out there is also the risk of chipping the edge, but I haven't seen many instances of that happening, particularly if the cut out is chamfered or rounded at the edge. I prefer drop-in style in most situations. They are easier (and cheaper) to install and maintain. There are some good looking designs on the market, particularly from the high end manufacturers, so the money saved on the stone mason can be put towards a great looking vessel to add "wow" in another way. If we factor in that extra layer to your decision making, your husband's condition, there are further benefits to a drop-in type. The first is tactile; there are more edges to feel which helps a vision impaired person orient themselves to the appliance. The built in draining board is also stable compared to the tray types, so there is no chance of it slipping or moving if bumped. The second is tolerance for error. Splashes and spills are more contained and easier to wipe up with a drop-in unit. If hubby has any residual vision then he will appreciate some contrast to help him locate things. A tonal contrast between the sink and bench top will make it easier to find and locate himself to. Hopefully you are getting lots of support to assist with adapting to your husband's condition. There are several online resources as well. For a really good grounding in awareness I recommend having a look at the Liveable Housing Guidelines. Let us know how your journey unfolds.