Kitchen and bathroom fixtures sure have changed over the last few years. No longer utilitarian items, they have become almost, dare I say, art pieces for your home.
With new finishes such as matte black, black stainless, brushed gold, polished gold, champagne bronze, brushed bronze, luxe gold and rose gold to name a few, you almost have too much choice. There are manufacturers who are producing some truly artistic pieces. Faucets, tubs, sinks, shower fixtures and more. You name it, you can literally choose from hundreds of styles. With the current trend toward mixing several finishes in your home, the sky really is the limit.
When you think about it, that could become a problem. Especially if decision making is not one of your skills. I would suggest you start with one stand-out piece such as a gorgeous kitchen faucet that you absolutely love and then choose everything else around that piece. That’s exactly what you would do if you had a beautiful piece of artwork in your home. You would pull your fabrics and paint colours from that one inspiration point.
The reason this topic came up at all is because I attended a seminar recently with my interior decorating colleagues with a distributor who represents Riobel and The House of Rohl. Not only did we learn some very helpful technical information, we were introduced to some of the most beautiful brands I have ever seen. Riobel I was already familiar with as I have used its products for clients many times over the years. I love that they are all Canadian made, even the parts you don’t see.
Perrin and Rowe, manufactured in England and all handcrafted, have some gorgeous products. If you are looking for more traditional styles, this is just the place, but they also have some wonderful contemporary designs. In addition to selling spare parts for your fixture, they also provide matching bathroom cabinet hardware. One stop shopping.
Shaws produces some of the world’s finest kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Founded in 1897 in England they are the original manufacturers of the farmhouse sink. Every sink is handmade and has an impression on the base of the name of the master craftsman who created it. These sinks are made for life. They are definitely an investment, but oh so beautiful.
Victoria & Albert, founded in Shropshire, England, manufacture gorgeous bathtubs and sinks in Cape Town, South Africa. They are made form 50 per cent limestone and 50 per cent resin and are polished by hand. What got me super excited about this brand was the freestanding tub with matching vessel basin that comes in six standard exterior paint finishes, but is also offered in 194 colours in either a matte or gloss finish. To top that off they also sell faucets, accessories and even a collection of unique bathroom furniture.
One other brand that will knock your socks off is Rohl. A collection of absolute luxury kitchen and bath products. Each piece is hand crafted and the detail of these fixtures is what makes them so unique. If you are looking for a traditional exposed wall-mount tub filler with handheld shower, this is the place to look. Of course, they have dozens of other amazing products. Even the basket strainers and soap pumps come in a choice of 18 finishes.
That was a fun tour of some amazing kitchen and bath brands and I hope you have a chance to check them out. Oh my, back to reality.
