Posted on: July 10, 2008

A Sophisticated Spin on the Spout

Today's bathrooms distinguish luxury with details, from heated floors to water-paneled showers. But one fixture has really made a splash – it’s time to turn on the faucet

By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features

The faucet is a statement piece,” says Kohler Co. interior designer Eric Moore. Many immediately think tub or toilet when it comes to bathroom standouts, but a single faucet selection can shape the entire space. With today’s designs taking a sophisticated turn, it’s easy to see why the faucet is fast becoming the most popular piece.

Born from the boom of boutique hotels that value beautifully detailed living spaces more than motel mode, Kate Townsend, the senior market editor for Domino magazine, points out that, “People realize they can bring this luxury into their own home.” Meanwhile, Christina MacDonald of DRS & Associates, who represents more than a dozen kitchen and bath designers and showrooms, credits a more economical angle. “The more money put into a bathroom, the higher the resale value of the home.” Whether sought by the avid traveler or the savvy investor, the traditional faucet is enjoying a fancy upgrade.

Not all bathrooms are created equally. The spout in the powder room has different appeal than in the master bath. “With the powder room you can make a big statement in a small space and also leave a lasting impression with guests,” says Patti LaPorte brand manager of Moen’s upscale Showhouse line. Not all guests will experience the shower, but they will use the faucet. Start thinking luxurious home feel without all extra square footage.

But in the master bath, a stylish sport is more than just a conversation starter. “When it comes to the masterbath, it’s not about showing off, it’s about having a place that makes you feel special,” LaPorte says. When polling women in cities like Los Angles, Chicago and New York, LaPorte’s team found that, “It’s about what you need to feel complete, pretty and luxurious at the end of the day.” The only one to impress in this space is you. For the public viewing or private showing, here’s how to pick the faucet to suit your fancy.

Before heading out to choose this bathroom centerpiece, focus your faucet choice around three characteristics – spray, style and finish.

Pressure Points

“Faucets have two different types of sprays – aerated flow or laminar flow,” LaPorte says. If a steady, more forceful feel appeals to you, opt for the aerated, a process that infuses air flow into the stream. But LaPorte notes that many people prefer the laminar flow because it doesn’t have added air pressure. “It’s smoother and feels like your hands are under a waterfall.” Calm your worries of weak water pressure, this natural spring-like stream doesn’t mean less force to rinse the suds.

“It’s the same amount of water, just a more luxurious feel,” LaPorte says.

Style Sense

The faucet finally gets some face time in the eyes of designers. THG brings the lifestyle of the rich and famous to the masses. Catering to those who crave an opulent lifestyle, THG combines Bernardaud porcelain with their water flow technology. From the classic Capucine butterfly pattern to a black and gold Marquis style, the bathroom channels a museum quality – guests feel like kings and queens in your Versaille-like loo. Favor something more flashy?

It’s blacktie bathroom when THG and interior designer Jamie Drake don the under-dressed faucet with Lalique jewels and baubles. Rohl gets cozy with Swarovski, adorning their handles with the famous chrystals. But you need not go gaudy for great effects. For Townsend, “simply changing out the handles from a lever to a cross handle can jazz up your entire sink.” The bathroom moves from functional to main attraction. LaPorte adds, “You can design an entire room around your faucet.”

Big Finish

The most talked about trend when it comes to your bathroom sink lies in the final touch. No longer settling for the builder’s choice, homeowners discover that a simple finish switch upgrades the impression instantly. Both Moore and Townsend see that brushed nickel is the ‘of the moment’ popular pick. “Many homes just come with chrome or brass fixtures. People can upgrade from chrome to polished nickel or take brass and switch to a weathered bronze easily.”

Another popular selection? Gun metal finish. And for Townsend, these options appeal to the masses. “More people take an interest in a beautiful finish than gem accented handles.” For those shying away from extreme but not wanting to settle for traditional, find your style preference and focus in the finish.

Eco-Lucious

Even hotter than having a fashion-forward faucet is the eco-friendly faucet. But now you don’t have to choose one or the other. Divas and demonstrators see eye-to-eye with the latest water-conscious designs making big waves in the market.

“A huge part of where designs are headed is luxury with water saving technology,” observes Townsend. Look for a faucet that is WaterSense certified. Partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency, this group awards eco-friendly faucet fixtures with their seal of approval. Reducing up to 1.5 gallons per minute and using 30 percent less water in the flow, LaPorte reassures buyers that comfort isn’t compromised. “It’s the technology in the flow operator that makes the difference to reduce water output, not adjusting the pressure.”

Start looking for the traditionally public faucets to go private. MacDonald’s team sees, “The trend of touch-free faucets for the bathroom save up to 70 percent more water a year. Upscale showrooms pair this technology with a modern sink for a green option with savvy style.”

In today’s world of high pressures and constant stresses, it’s the simple details that restore the soul. As one of the most-used rooms in a house, giving attention to your bathroom makes sense. Forget saving the spa sensation and the decadent delights for vacation: Opt for a faucet that rivals any resort or five-star hotel. Release your inner fancy, not just water the next time you turn on your faucet.

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