Have you considered dual metal/ceramic handles such as these ? http://guide.alibaba.com/sport/images/shop/79/09/24/0/3-78-inches-ceramic-kitchen-cabinet-handles-pulls-knobs-dresser-pull-drawer-pulls-furniture-handle-knob-hardware-white_632390.jpg The metal can be a variety of types/colours/finishes also as Slavka says Iron (dull would be a great choice coupled with a plain white to pick up the counter top and offset the monotony of the drawer/cupboard fronts.

Not sure if you will save money going without handles but they are something else that needs cleaning! Modern no handles gives a clean simple aesthetic and will be my next choice Neryl ;))

@mwenn, I sort of do agree with you that hiding everything away till it's needed seems a little fake but when you live in a home as I do at present, with a very tiny kitchen and everything is out because there's nowhere to put it away, consequently, I have a very limited prep area, so in my new kitchen, I can't wait till everything is in a draw or in a cupboard, so that I can enjoy the freedom of having a clear work area. That doesn't mean I won't enjoy a cooking day where everything is brought out for it but most everyday cooking in my opinion, doesn't require all the big gun machines to be taking up bench space. I'm afraid you might think my new kitchen will be one of these "fake" kitchens but I can assure you it won't be but remember most of the photo's that get shown on Houzz, have been professionally prepared for the photo, with nothing out of place, "minimalist" with a perfect vase of flowers and so on like the photo above!!

The plumber is correct, the faceplates and handles are connected to the mixer body, so you will need to change the mixer body, - often difficult. this is why we recommend to get good quality mixers when they are in the wall.You might be able to access the tap from behind and avoid damaging tiles?