No bathroom would be complete without a tap, but it’s not simply a utilitarian hardware. Whether you’re creating a smart home, or envisioning your bathroom to be a spa-like sanctuary, the faucet can help to make an impact in your personal space. Here are 10 fancy faucet designs we like.
TOTO NEOREST LW991A
Homeowners with modern yet small bathrooms will love the Neorest LW991A. Activated via sensorcontrolled technologies – there’s no need for handles or levers – a cascade of water will flow out of the Neorest’s sleek and compact spout, with adjustable temperatures thanks to the easy-to-use LED screen. The Shape Memory Alloy function maintains constant water temperature, while the special hygienic glaze for a smooth ceramic surface ensures cleaning is a breeze.
GESSI RETTANGOLO K
Gessi first declared its revolution against the curvy silhouettes of bathroom fittings in the early 2000s, with the minimalist and linear Rettangolo faucets. The Italian brand celebrates this breakthrough with Rettangolo K, an updated silhouette that features more sharp angles, an unconventional yet simple way of activating its handle, and three weathered, industrial-style finishes.
KOHLER ARTIFACT
A hint of vintage in a modern bathroom can create a luxurious and classy atmosphere, and Artifact by Kohler brings together the Edwardian style with modern conveniences seamlessly. The ornamental designs showcase the quality craftsmanship and authenticity from the era, while the Kohler ceramic disc promises longevity that exceeds industry standards. For a personalised design, homeowners can choose between tea, bell and column types of spouts, as well as lever, prong and swing handles.
NUDE BY SYBILLE DE MARGERIE
A visit to a French wine chateau not only gave designer Sybille de Margerie a lesson on winemaking, but ideas for her next bathware collection, too. The image of delicate glass stoppers that sat atop rows of wooden barrels was transformed into a contemporary range of round crystal faucets. With serenity and femininity in mind, she chose a rose-gold finish to mimic the sensuality of skin, and a black matte and pure crystal combination as a modern design for wellness resorts.
FANTINI NICE BY MATTEO THUN & ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ
Luxurious Italian brand Fantini is known for its stunning brassware, but it was its pop-art Balocchi collection from the 1970s that inspired designers Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez to create Nice, a colourful and sleek range that won the Editor’s Award at New York’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2017. Combining the natural transparency of water with a jewel-toned palette, these faucets add a refreshing pop of colour and optical effect to the bathroom.
HANSGROHE AXOR STARCK V
The vortex phenomenon is a fascinating thing to watch, and “it’s a pity we’ve never been able to see the water in the mixer”, says Klaus Grohe, son of the Hansgrohe founder. Axor Starck V fills this gap with a clear crystal glass that reveals the rush of water to the spout. This sophisticated design by Philippe Starck also belies a functionality you would not have expected; the dirt- and scratch-resistant glass body is removable (without the need to close the valve), dishwasher-safe, and can easily be clicked into place. Twelve finishes, such as brushed nickel for the base, are available.
DORNBRACHT VAIA PLATINUM
Years of working with top architects and interior designers have led Dornbracht to attempt to physically capture an evergreen look: The fusion of old and new. The Vaia Platinum strikes a balance by packaging delicate, traditional spouts in a softer, sleeker contour, as well as giving the traditional cross handles a geometric, angular form. This way, Vaia will look right at home in a classical-style powder room, as well as a contemporary bathroom – and, of course, in an eclectic space that mixes the two.
GROHE EURODISC JOY
Inclined at a seven-degree angle and equipped with a joystick, this Red Dot Award winner is
designed for interaction. Its playful yet futuristic looks are combined with high functionality; the adjustable joystick allows for meticulous precision in volume and temperature, while the Grohe Ecojoy water-saving technology encourages a sustainable and responsible consumption of water
GESSI EQUILIBRIO
The serendipitous meeting between CEO Gian Luca Gessi and artist-philosopher Marsel Lesko, who was balancing stones when they met at a Sardinian beach, prompted a collection of sculptural taps that sought to bring the harmonious relationship between man and nature indoors. Named Equilibrio (Italian for equilibrium), the collection features a stone-on-stone silhouette, and was made using pure materials like marble, river stones, and gold. Gessi created 16 handle and 10 base finishings so homeowners can create a stunning scene in the home’s most relaxing room.