Every detail matters for bespoke kitchen designers like us, and the kitchen tap is no exception. The humble kitchen tap is an essential piece of hardware that you will use several times daily, so it must function well. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t stand out and highlight the overall style of a dream kitchen.
There are numerous modern and classic designs, and we want to introduce some of our favourite brands we work with regularly. But before we reveal our secrets, let’s discuss style and finish. As bespoke kitchen designers, we create unique kitchens with character that are led by our clients’ wishes. We want our designs to shine and the taps to complement the design language.
Kitchen Taps Style and Finish
For classic kitchens, pillar taps with elegant lever or crosshead handles in chrome, nickel, or brass finishes work rather well. We like sleek, minimalist monobloc taps in brushed steel, black, or gunmetal finishes for modern kitchens. Statement taps will have the wow factor, featuring unique spout designs like gooseneck or pull-out spray options. Taps with a textured or aged finish or those incorporating natural materials like copper or pewter are ideal in rustic kitchens. But don’t be afraid of bolder options for a touch of individuality.
Kitchen Tap Functionality
Functionality is a must for any handmade kitchen design. Without it, daily life would be miserable. Consider the flow and reach of the kitchen taps. What are your cooking habits? High spout taps are ideal for filling large pots, while pull-out sprays offer better flexibility for cleaning. For those who wish to be more economical with their water consumption, taps with flow reducers or spray options that minimise water usage. Some taps control the temperature, while others offer touchless or sensor-activated features for a modern and hygienic experience. Sink compatibility will also play a significant part in the choice of taps. Keep in mind the tap configuration. Will you have a ‘single hole’ or a ‘three-hole’ sink? The alignment with the chosen sink needs to work seamlessly.
Our Favourite Kitchen Taps
Designer Gooseneck Taps
We chose the Waterworks gooseneck regulator tap for our Georgian Manor House kitchen project. The contemporary kitchen style had a hint of classicism within the design, so the concept included gorgeous antique brass finish taps to add a golden glow among the oak veneers and opulent Calacatta Oro marble.
We really love Perrin & Rowe’s kitchen accessories, so we chose the bridge sink mixer gooseneck tap with an English Bronze finish for our Mid-Century-Inspired Kitchen in Somerset. Their English brassware has an exacting sense of proportion and elegance, so the tap is ideal for the kitchen design, which features two kitchen islands and American black walnut.
Designer Brass Taps
We selected a pair of beautiful wall-mounted mono mixer brass taps by Studio Ore for our Richlite Kitchen project. The contemporary kitchen needed a good balance between its modern dark stone and diamond-black Richlite cabinet doors and natural oak. We paired the industrial-looking brass taps to create the perfect balance of materials and aesthetics.
We also chose a beautiful brass tap by Lefroy Brooks for our Bruton Kitchen project. A modern take on a classic, the Ten Ten kitchen bridge mixer with levers is a stunning piece of hardware. A real showpiece, the golden brass glowed over a simple Belfast-stye sink amid a magnificent Belgium Blue Limestone worktop complete with million-year-old fossils.
