Gone are the days of just choosing between gold and nickel faucet finishes.
A plethora of styles abound in bathroom faucets and fixtures, and whether you’re designing around a classic, vintage or contemporary look, customization is in. Due to technological advances, a whole range of options exist for lovers of eco-friendly and smart technology products. In the realm of green plumbing, high-performance flush toilets and low-flow showerheads are two popular options. While motion-activated faucets have been a mainstay of water conservation, touch faucets now have the capability to control temperature and flow.
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If the advent of these advanced options makes you think of a luxurious retreat, that’s no accident. A 2014 report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association cited spa-like bathrooms in a contemporary theme as a popular choice for homeowners.
That trend looks to be continuing into this year. In its 2015 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends report, NKBA lists clean, white contemporary designs as a top contender. Floating vanities are in, as is open shelving. The spa theme is evident in the popularity of amenities and trough sinks. Double-sink vanities continue to be viable options for master bathrooms.
Perhaps the trend that most points to extravagance is the popularity of free-standing tubs. For those who are concerned about space, a semi-inset tub can also be a more compact iteration of this look. In either case, the clean, curving lines lend a softness to any contemporary or traditional look.
The spa vibe continues with the popularity of larger showers, especially those that are of the walk-in variety. Want to evoke the luxury of the free-standing tub without actually committing to one? Deck your shower out with wall-mounted body sprayers. Water pressure can be adjusted to provide everything from a light mist to a body massage. Hand-held or rain showerheads can complete the look.
Faucet finish can be an overwhelming design element to consider, simply because of the wide variety of options that now exist, such as brass, bronze, copper, nickel, chrome, matte black and porcelain. Still, you can’t go wrong if you follow the time-honored tradition of matching your faucets to your light fixtures and cabinetry.
Polished chrome has always been a classic choice for faucets in an either vintage or contemporary look. Nickel has also become popular again. This versatile finish can be polished for elegance, brushed for a classic and soft appeal, or hammered for a more rustic look. While gold can be an obvious choice for luxury, some designers are turning to oil-rubbed bronze to create that personalized look. While more expensive than chrome and brushed nickel, this finish won’t show water spots or fingerprints and is perfect for a variety of themes including traditional, Tuscan and Mediterranean.
Sarah Sole is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
