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.
Walker Woodworking Too much clutter can detract from your home’s wellness and leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed if it sticks around long enough. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect the entire family. It’s important to set about decluttering in an eco-friendly way to ensure that you aren’t throwing out things that could be put to good use elsewhere. With so many landfills already overflowing, it’s imperative for us all to do our part and keep recycling.
Keep reading for some great tips from Greenbook Design on how to declutter your home in an eco-friendly way.
Greenbrook DesignWarmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.
Greenbrook DesignColor. It is what gives our world variety and speaks a language all its own. It is a versatile element that is used in various professions such as art, entertainment, and even cooking. Interior designers thrive on color to express their client’s personality and tell their story. Color is also the common thread that ties other elements, like texture and pattern. Woven together, they create a sense of unity and influence the mood. It is fairly common knowledge that each color implies a mood, such as blue is calm, green represents growth, and yellow expresses happiness. The colors you select for your home can have an effect on the atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are looking to add a little comfort with color.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.
Walker Woodworking Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.
Walker Woodworking