Behold the kitchen faucet—no longer just the pretty part of the pipe that brings water to your cups, pots and coffeemakers. Today’s beautifully designed options converge function and fashion to serve as the overachieving accessories your gorgeous kitchens deserve. Today, we’re going to look at a few of the newest options available and talk faucet trends you should consider if a remodel or complete overhaul is in the works.
FAUCET FUNCTION
Why have a faucet that just transfers water when you can have one that pulls down, pulls out, swivels and sprays—all while controlling flow rate for supreme efficiency? Yes, it seems the latest incarnations of faucets are more flexible than your yoga instructor and better at multitasking than, well, you! They’re designed to be your trusty, do-it-all sidekicks for cooking and cleanup.
Behold the high-functioning faucet bestowed top honors at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas: Brizo’s Artesso articulating faucet. This winner of the gold wowed kitchen design aficionados with its “flexibility and finesse,” thanks to the articulating neck that enhances the usability of a spray wand that docks and undocks rather than pulling down. Inspired by the design of an architectural lamp, this industrial chic faucet works hard and looks good while doing it.
PinYou can take Brizo’s Artesso’s functionality a step further with SmartTouch® technology. With SmartTouch®, you can initiate water flow just by touching any part of the faucet or handle. Image credit: brizo.com
The DXV Fresno Culinary Kitchen Faucet is another example of extreme functionality. The spout swivels at 150 degrees, the sprayer pulls down and the overall construction manages water flow rate for best performance and efficiency. Regardless of the task at hand, this faucet is up to it and then some.
PinRenowned kitchen designer Susan Serra created this Scandinavian-inspired kitchen so the “aesthetic, social and functional design elements would blend together for a kitchen that is a joy to work and live in.” The faucet certainly helps to achieve Serra’s design goals. Image credit: dxv.com
FAUCET FORM
Sure, we all love faucets’ functions, but it’s so fun to talk about their fashionable forms, as well. From traditional arches to modern lines, faucet designs take inspiration from architecture, objects and nature to create stunning focal points in kitchens of any style.
If you like a little tradition in the kitchen, consider the ample flourishes of a classic bridge faucet with a spout and side spray. A bridge design gives height and enough decorative details to add a bit of drama, while the generously tall and curved spout provides ample room for large pots to fit underneath. [SB TIP: The bridge design requires two holes in the sink, so bear that in mind when shopping!] The bridge design has a long history in the world of plumbing fixtures—a timelessly appealing configuration that’s perpetually popular with homeowners.
PinThe form of Rohl’s Perrin & Rowe® bridge faucet with side spray adds subtle flare to the fresh colors and open styling of this traditional kitchen. Image credit: Rohlhome.com
In contrast to curlicues and curves, faucet makers also offer cool, contemporary designs with straight lines and angles that give nod to minimalism and modernity. These styles typically originate in the European market before hitting the United States—much like runway fashion trends.
PinIt’s like a robot’s arm! The Karbon® faucet by Kohler is undeniably contemporary in form with its linear pieces joined by pronounced fittings. Image credit: kohler.com
FAUCET FINISH
When it comes to trends in kitchen finishes, there’s no denying that gold is bold and brass is back. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen the cautious resurgence of these warm metallics, as product manufacturers and designers have introduced options other than stainless, bronze, nickel and chrome, while aiming to avoid the tacky brassy tones of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Today’s gold and brass finishes are often antiqued or brushed to keep the look sophisticated and subtle.
While gold is certainly on a roll these days, the standby finishes so many of us have in our homes still remain popular. Nashville-based interior designer Amanda Gates says that her clients continue to request oil-rubbed bronze for their kitchen fixtures over any other finish trends. Brushed finishes—such as nickel and stainless—perform well long term because they aren’t likely to show scratches or stains.
PinDallas interior designer Denise McGaha specified antique gold fixtures for this kitchen remodel. The look is totally on-trend, yet classic enough to remain stylish for many years. Image courtesy of Denise McGaha InteriorsPinPolished chrome is a kitchen finish staple. It’s durable, fashionable and often serves as a nice complement to appliances and other fixtures in the space. The polish on the long, curved neck of this Rohl faucet is simple and kinda sexy—not too shabby a combo for the everyday kitchen faucet. Image credit: rohlhome.com
It’s fascinating that something as simple as a kitchen faucet should conjure so much consideration. If you’re ready to take the deep dive in choosing the right faucet for your family, Consumer Reports has a thorough reference guide you may find helpful. Otherwise, you can find the brands mentioned in today’s article at the businesses listed below with locations throughout the South:
Irene Williams has nearly 20 years’ experience leading marketing and PR for kitchen and bath product manufacturers. She ownsMsg2Mkt, LLC, and has a firm finger on the pulse of the interior design industry, including latest trends for home design. She resides in Nashville, TN, with her husband and furry children.
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