At one time, lavatory and kitchen faucets served a functional purpose — to turn water on and off. But now, they have become works of art that draw attention at first glance.

“The faucets we sell now are not just for washing your hands and shaving, but they’re really pieces of architecture,” said Bill Antonetz, general manager of Moore Supply in Corpus Christi. Texas.

Sleek, contemporary handles and spouts have become eye-pleasing features that add luxury to a room, Antonetz said.

“We’ve sold faucets (with arched spouts) that look like swans, and faucets that look like anything but faucets,” Antonetz said.

Custom finishes — in both single-control or widespread (common three-piece style) designs — bring antique charm to any bathroom.

In high demand for lavatory faucets are: oil-rubbed bronze that appears almost black; weathered copper that turns green as it ages; and Tuscan brass that resembles the color of an old, shiny penny, said John Duke, showroom manager at Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery in Corpus Christi.

“They’ve come a long way from chrome and polished brass,” Duke said. “Everyone is trying to get a more rustic, old-American look.”

Brushed chrome, brushed nickel and Venetian bronze with copper highlights also are popular picks.

Dull gold (French gold) has replaced yellow-tone polished brass. And clear acrylic handles, which eventually turn cloudy because of moisture and debris, are starting to fade out, Duke said.

Kitchen faucets have become works of art. Versatile shiny chrome complements just about any surface or color of sink.

Handles come in numerous styles including scroll, knob, lever, cross handles and wristblade — a style that can be operated with the back of the hand.

Some folks might prefer a modern look with European influenced designs characterized by dramatic curves, streamlined shapes, spouts that allow water to flow in sheets, and mortar-and-pestle influences.

Before dashing off to purchase a new faucet, there are some things to keep in mind.

• Think about the room’s floors, cabinets, walls, countertops and lighting to determine whether a traditional or modern fixture would be best, Duke said. Look at doorknobs, cabinet pulls, hinges and accessories to keep the same motif.


Custom finishes bring antique charm to any bathroom.

• An antique brushed copper faucet will clash with a shiny silver towel rack.
• Just the right faucets can give a kitchen or bathroom a facelift.

“It gives it a totally restored look,” Duke said. “Even if you live in an older house, it can be done. Just make sure it matches.”

The most popular kitchen faucets are made from brushed stainless steel that coordinates with trendy stainless steel appliances. Versatile shiny chrome complements just about any surface or color of sink. And choose biscuit-colored faucets to match cream- or almond-colored appliances.

While the kitchen faucet is used most frequently in the home, Antonetz said that people retreat to the master bathroom to be pampered.

Trends in the bathtub call for showerheads that mimic falling rain and body sprays, which are placed on the sides of the showers

“They’re almost considered like a human car wash,” Antonetz said.

This brushed nickel kitchen faucet has a high-arched spout, scroll lever handles and a handspray.