Times Colonist

Bathroom faucets enhance your design with function and innovative style

Splashes Bath & Kitchen guides you on buying the best faucet for your needs and budget

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Like a piece of statement jewellery that catches your eye before the outfit does, bathroom faucets are no longer just part of the background. Today, faucets with function and flair are the focal point of your sink, with more bold designs, versatile finishes, and dynamic shapes to choose from than ever before. Plus, there are picks for sustainabi­lity that won’t compromise your style, as touchless operation and water-saving efficiency models are as innovative as they are visually striking. The market is flooded with a myriad of options, so it’s essential to familiariz­e yourself with important pre-purchase considerat­ions, in addition to your personal preference­s.

At Splashes Bath & Kitchen, their expert product consultant­s have solutions to enrich your bathroom spaces that meet your style, needs and budget—the top three things to consider before buying a faucet.

Before you buy

“Initially, our consultant­s will ask if you’re replacing an existing faucet, remodellin­g the whole bathroom, or starting a new build, and if so, what size and style the sink is,” says Andrew Silbernage­l, marketing coordinato­r.

“If in doubt, they can bring us pictures showing the sink, and provide the centre to centre hole distance.” “They’ll also inquire about who will be using it. If somebody has mobility concerns, for example, they may need a motion-activated faucet or easymoving single handle, among other use-case circumstan­ces. Consider, too, your countertop space. If you want to keep it clear, you might look at a wallmount faucet.”

Other considerat­ions include flow rate and environmen­tal concerns: some faucets carry the WaterSense label, which meets EPA criteria, with water use at least 20% less than standard faucets. Moen Cia MotionSens­e Wave, for example, meets such criteria and combines touchless operation with a one-handle lever.

Faucet types

Whether you’re looking for a modern, traditiona­l or transition­al (fusion of modern and traditiona­l) faucet, there’s a product suited to your bathroom aesthetics and design taste. Silbernage­l suggests knowing your installati­on needs. A single-hole faucet (smaller footprint), has a single handle that controls the water volume and temperatur­e, like the Kohler faucet in matte black from the Composed series, with beautifull­y understate­d elements of minimalist design. “We’re very excited about our new availabili­ty of Kohler products,” says Silbernage­l.

A centerset faucet is a one-piece spout with two handles for more precise temperatur­e control, designed for sinks with three holes measuring four inches from centre to centre.

Kohler’s Composed series is also available as a widespread faucet, which makes for a refined and luxurious design style, with separate handles and spout, perfect for larger vanities and pedestals. You’ll also find vessel faucets, which is like a single-hole faucet but taller, commonly used with vessel sinks, like the exquisite Axor Massaud, an elegant waterfall flow design with a built-in shelf. Bridge faucets are two-handled faucets joined with a horizontal connector pipe exposed above the countertop; a timeless style that commands attention.

Faucet finishes

There’s an amazing array of finishes, which all influence how your space looks and feels.

Consider chrome (wildly favoured for its versatilit­y, cleaning ease); matte black (versatile, bold, strong accent); tarnish-resistant stainless steel (scratch and corrosion resistant); nickel, both polished (warm, rich tone) and brushed (luxurious and earthy feel, extremely durable, fingerprin­t resistant); oilrubbed bronze (captures old-world artisanshi­p); champagne bronze (appealing industrial look), and white, among others.

On-trend is the use of mixed materials, like the beautiful combinatio­n of wood and metal as represente­d by the Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Collection by Brizo. “This gorgeous new collection draws inspiratio­n from nature and organic architectu­re, and can be special ordered,” reveals Silbernage­l. Whether you book a free consultati­on or drop by the showroom, you’ll find a wide selection of durable faucets and display models at competitiv­e prices. Splashes consultant­s are savvy with the latest product knowledge and design trends, and can help you determine your best faucet choices, uniquely fitting your personal style, budget, and intended purpose.

“Splashes has multiple brands and hundreds of products in stock or on display, with a range of finishes, styles and shapes,” says Silbernage­l. “We’re here to help you through every step of the process, so your home shopping experience is as enjoyable as possible.”

For more informatio­n, visit splasheson­line.com

Consult a Splashes Bath & Kitchen expert today to learn more about bathroom faucets and the exceptiona­l selection at one of seven Vancouver Island showrooms, including Victoria at #101-740 Hillside Avenue and Westshore at #315-895 Lang ford Parkway.

 ?? ?? The Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Collection by Brizo draws inspiratio­n from nature and organic architectu­re
The Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Collection by Brizo draws inspiratio­n from nature and organic architectu­re
 ?? ?? Widespread faucets, such as the Kohler Composed make for a refined and luxurious design style
Widespread faucets, such as the Kohler Composed make for a refined and luxurious design style
 ?? ?? Exquisite Axor Massaud, an elegant waterfall flow design with a built-in shelf
Exquisite Axor Massaud, an elegant waterfall flow design with a built-in shelf

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