Design Notes
We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Faucet Finishes
When it comes to finishes, there are many elegant ones to choose from, including:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Brass
- Oil-rubbed Bronze
- Stainless Steel
- Matte Black
Each one has its own benefits and beauty that make it attractive. Brass has become a popular choice and remains a favorite among homeowners and interior designers. It is easy to clean, plus it adds a fun pop to the space, especially when paired with white or wood. Pairing your brass faucet with matching hardware instantly creates a stunning and amazing look. If you don’t like shiny metal but don’t want the warm tones of brass, oil-rubbed bronze might be just what you are looking for since it has a more traditional feel. One significant benefit of this finish is that it resists water spots and fingerprints easily. This is a lovely finish choice that can make any space beautiful, and it comes with matching hardware. One con is that it is a little pricier than many other finishes. When looking for a finish that is different and stands out, copper is your go-to choice, as it is bold. It naturally adds a luxurious feel to any space and is a great option for those who enjoy a steampunk bathroom or even a farmhouse look. Black faucet finishes are another trend that has been popular for some time, as they can be paired with a wide range of styles and materials. It also adds a touch of class and contrast to any space. When seeking a modern look, this is the finish you will want. Before finalizing your selection, be sure to consult with your designer and take the time to browse other items you need, such as light fixtures and hardware, to ensure you can find something that will work or at least complement it.
Faucet Durability
For homeowners, durability is a crucial aspect of almost any feature in the home; after all, we don’t want to spend money on something only to replace it every few years. It is recommended that you replace your faucet every ten years or so due to mineral buildup from the water, but with good maintenance, that time can be extended. The material you select can also affect durability, and it seems that brass is at the top of the list. They are a material that is long-lasting and has less chance of rust or leakage. Their price is a little higher, but the durability makes them worth the investment. Remember that replacing a faucet is not too difficult, which means you can opt for another material that may not last as long but provides the look you want. Some faucets come with a warranty, which may cover an exchange after several years, so this is also an option. Be sure to discuss this with your designer; their years of experience can greatly benefit you when making your final choice.
Facet Styles
Manufacturers have expanded their design styles for faucets to include farmhouse, modern, minimalist, and even vintage styles now. This means the options have become so large that it can be difficult to know which direction to go. Before making your final selection, take some time to assess your needs in each facet, as this can help narrow down which one will work best for you. Consider whether you prefer a single handle or multiple handles, and whether you want a handle that requires turning or simply pulling out. Consider the height and reach of the faucet as well. The color finish you select also plays a role in representing your style, as certain tones work better than others. A matte black finish pairs well with a modern style, as it is elegant and sleek in appearance. In contrast, oil-rubbed bronze is better suited for an old-world style, such as Tuscan or Mediterranean, where it can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Polished nickel consistently delivers a smooth, shiny look and can complement a range of styles, including modern, contemporary, and traditional. Investing some time into what you want out of a faucet will help narrow down your choices when shopping and save you time.
Best Faucet For Kitchen
The kitchen is where we do just about everything, from washing our hands before dinner to doing the dishes, so there are certain needs that ought to be thought of before purchasing a faucet. Some features, like a pull-down sprayer, are a great addition since they can be used to rinse out the sink or the veggies before cutting them. Having two faucets is an added benefit when you have a longer sink, such as the Galley Workstation, as it increases the usability for multiple cooks. The faucet handle is a crucial aspect here, as our hands can become dirty or oily from working with food, making it difficult to turn a knob or even a cross-handle. There are now options for a touchless version, which is great for everyone, including children and those with arthritis. Since the sink tends to be in a more open space, you can also opt for a higher faucet, creating a dramatic look in this area.
Best Faucet For Bathroom
There are several popular options, but what matters most is your personal style. There are a few things to consider, however, when purchasing a faucet for the bathroom. Is this for a master bathroom with a double sink? Will children be using it? What color is your countertop? Is there a particular height you are looking to have? These will help you determine which one is right for you. For children, it is essential to have a faucet that turns on and off easily, so they don’t struggle when washing their hands or brushing their teeth. Lever handles work well since they take minimal pressure to turn them on and off. Cross handles are attractive as they possess a certain charm and work well with traditional and even farmhouse design styles. Certain finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze, tend not to show water spots, making them a great choice for guest bathrooms.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Walker Woodworking