When embarking on a new bespoke kitchen design, there are multiple decisions to make. Luckily, with over twenty years under our belts, at Papilio, we can recommend excellent kitchen hardware suppliers with whom we have worked for decades. We choose them carefully and handpick them for their ethos, quality, and design.
Choosing kitchen taps may seem arbitrary, but these essential tools will be used multiple times throughout the day, so picking quality will be paramount. As important as the quality, the finish of any tap will play an integral part in a new handmade kitchen design. Bespoke kitchen designers consider the sink, sink run, splashbacks, and countertop; the tap is no different. With this in mind, let’s consider kitchen tap finishes, how to match them to a bespoke kitchen and the brands that produce the best taps.
Brass Tap by Studio Ore
We chose brass taps by Studio Ore for our Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen in France. The design was a stunning handmade kitchen featuring breathtaking views of the French Alps, wooden barn conversion features, and a contemporary kitchen design. We selected the ultra-modern engineered diamond black Richlite to offer the design a minimal modern look and practical benefits. In striking contrast, we selected a black granite sink and a stunning single-lever mixer tap by Studio Ore, adding a touch of elegance to the kitchen. The solid brass spout swivels to either side of the sink to use the full sink if needed.
Matte Black All-in-One Tap by Zip
For our Fulham Kitchen project in London, we designed a contemporary kitchen for a busy family. Inspired by the Scandinavian kitchen style, it featured clean lines with hand-laid oak veneers and a welcome contrast in the vibrance of the centre cabinets in bold colours. As well as high-end appliances by Bora and Miele, we opted for a matte black all-in-one tap by Zip. The world’s most advanced drinking water system, the all-in-one arc delivers a choice of instant filtered boiling and chilled water with unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up. The matte black finish and the classic-inspired arc worked beautifully in the bespoke kitchen design.
Polished Brass Tap by Lefroy Brooks
We chose a beautifully unique brass tap by Lefroy Brooks for our Bruton Kitchen project in Somerset. 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. Our selection for the tap was to highlight the period features dating back to the 1600s, including original stone mullion windows, ancient oak beams, and original flagstone flooring.
Square Stainless-Steel Tap by Quooker
The Square Stainless-Steel Tap by Quooker was the perfect choice for our Contemporary Kitchen project in Somerset. The handmade kitchen was designed with unpretentiousness and honesty in mind. We used ultra-modern materials such as Fenix for the cupboard fronts in off-white matte, stainless steel for the countertops, and a bespoke seamless sink and integrated splashback. The tap matched these handsomely and brought efficiency to the homeowners with hot and cold water on tap.
When selecting a tap finish for your dream kitchen, consider the overall finish of your chosen materials and the kitchen’s style. Don’t be afraid to contrast materials to make them pop, and if in doubt, create a wish list and let a bespoke kitchen company like Papilio help you make a definitive choice.
