Are you planning a new kitchen or renovating the old one, but not sure where to begin?
The sink area is one of the main focal points of the kitchen – both functionally and aesthetically – and should be given due consideration.
The sink area is one of the main focal points of this room – both functionally and aesthetically – and should be given due consideration. We would like to share tips on the hottest trends for 2014 with you!
Style and Design
Faucet finish was once overlooked, but new technology and appreciation for functional, yet good-looking designs have made the kitchen faucet an important feature in kitchen décor.
No longer is your kitchen tap just for utility purposes, it also needs to complement the overall style and design of your kitchen, and it can even become a focal feature in the room.
The sink area provides an opportunity to add new design elements to your kitchen space. Chrome or stainless steel finishes still reign supreme, but you can choose whether it has a matte or shiny finish.
There are various shapes of taps available. High arches are trending, such as the Sielo Montella Sink Mixer for example, but make sure that the mixer’s arch is not too low or too high for your basin – a common mistake.
No longer is your kitchen tap just for utility purposes, it also needs to complement the overall style and design of your kitchen.
Very large basins require faucets with a higher and wider arch, so that you can reach all parts of the sink. Pullout faucets, with a retractable spray nozzle are especially practical for very large sinks, as they allow you to easily clean all sides of the sink. Mixers with smaller, narrower arches are perfect for smaller kitchen sinks – if the arch is too high and wide for smaller sinks, then the water will most certainly splash over the sides, she says.
Natural, organic shapes are making a splash right now. Reed-shaped taps, such as the Isca Veritas Basin Mixer for example, boasts soft, organic-inspired design lines for an elegant kitchen feature, that hints at nature, while remaining positively modern.
It is important to choose a faucet that complements the rest of your kitchen design – contemporary kitchens generally are better suited to more angular shapes. While more traditional styles are better suited to rounded faucet designs.
When it comes to water efficiency, there are taps available that allow you to switch between water flow settings, as well as kitchen faucets that boast an auto-shut-off feature that is operated via built-in sensors.
Transitional kitchen styles are becoming popular as well. Mixing and matching styles and finishes is a great way of adding individuality and interest to a space – as long as it all blends together in a seamless fashion.
Eco-Friendly Considerations
Is going green important to you? Being environmentally friendly is on-trend right now.
The latest buzzword in taps is water efficiency and this does not mean you have to compromise on style, an eco-friendly design does not only help the environment, but it will also save you money on your water bill.
Modern low-flow kitchen faucets allow you to conserve water and be more sustainable. A simple low-flow aerator can reduce the kitchen faucet flow by as much as 25 percent. Although aerators are commonly built into new kitchen faucets, they can also be added to older taps.
When it comes to water efficiency, there are taps available that allow you to switch between water flow settings, as well as kitchen faucets that boast an auto-shut-off feature that is operated via built-in sensors, such as the CAE Sensor Mixer for example. These work by turning the tap off when nobody is near it, or when a set amount of water is released, which ultimately reduces water wastage.
Quality and Functionality
Look for quality, integrity and durability.
Functionality should come first. Are you interested in installing a pull-out spray for example? This is a type of kitchen faucet that was inspired by the practicality of industrial kitchen faucets. 
Pull-out kitchen faucets comprise a spray nozzle that can be pulled out and used, and then when you are finished, they retract back into the arch of the faucet. They are popular right now – they allow you to quickly and conveniently wash vegetables or rinse your dishes, fill large pots or reach the sides of a large kitchen sink for easy cleaning.
Another important practical consideration is to check how the faucet will be mounted.
Find out where your taps will be fitted – will they be fitted into a purpose-made hole in the kitchen sink, or on the kitchen counter, or will they be wall-mounted? There are different models that cater for each. Wall-mounted kitchen faucets are a great space-saving solution for smaller areas, while counter-mounted faucets are great for under-counter mounted sinks.
A kitchen tap is one of those fittings that are used often and so it is exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Consider kitchen mixers featuring physical vapour deposition or PVD – this state-of-the-art technology resists tarnish, scratches and corrosion and keeps taps looking good for longer. Make sure that you buy from a reputable retailer and that the brand you choose is well-known to ensure that spare parts are available if it ever needs repairing.
Look for quality, integrity and durability and buy the best taps that you can afford!
SOURCE: www.property24.com
