Kitchen and bathroom faucets have come into their own in recent years thanks to advances in technology, innovative finishes and reimagined style. Modern product lines are designed to match your decor, and the once-overlooked fixture has become a major design element in today's kitchens and bathrooms.
The faucet goes back to the drawing board
A faucet's primary function is to deliver fresh water on demand. Recent innovations in functionality have enhanced the faucet significantly. Gone are the days when you were required to twist a knob or two to turn on the water. Today, simply touching the faucet base or spout, or waving your hand in close proximity to the fixture, activates the flow of water from the faucet.
Traditional fixtures get a makeover
Kitchen and bathroom faucet styles have been transformed from the mundane and utilitarian fixtures of the past into beautifully crafted precision instruments. Popular finishes include stainless steel, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, though the traditional chrome and gold finishes have survived.
The wide range of kitchen and bathroom faucet styles guarantees you will find one suited to your needs, from modern-art inspired designs to updates on the classic fixture. The basic faucet features to consider include high or low arc, pullout or pull-down sprayers and single or double handles.
Consider mounting style in your overall scheme
The manner in which your faucet is mounted to your sink or countertop can have a profound effect on your kitchen's appearance. Traditional single-mount faucets are one-piece designs that attach to the sink or basin. The handles and faucet are one component.
The sleek look of a solid-surface countertop equipped with an undermount sink is extremely popular in modern kitchen design, and faucet styles have kept in step. The modern "deck" approach has the faucet installed directly into the countertop, as if both components were one.
Widely spread faucet applications are typically used in bathrooms to add a touch of old-fashioned elegance. This traditional style has retained its popularity through the years.
Keeping clean is so much easier
Another exciting innovation is the promise of less cleaning. Moen's Spot Resist finish wards off fingerprints and water spots to maintain your faucet's brilliance. Moen also has introduced antimicrobial technology into its finishes with the Microban product line, which adds another layer of protection by inhibiting mold and mildew growth.
While some of the newer faucets are easy to install, others can be quite complicated. Homeowners who don't have a moderate skill set in home repairs — especially in plumbing — should hire a professional plumber to install the faucet. This will satisfy manufacturer requirements and maintain the fixture warranty, as well as ensure proper and damage-free installation.
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