Tapware: current trends, custom colours and achieving consistency in your design

1. Desirable tones

According to Sandra Hayman, Marketing Manager at tapware supplier Felton, chrome continues to reign supreme in the world of fittings. “Chrome’s timeless and functional finish seamlessly integrates with various interior design styles,” says Hayman. “Imagine a chrome kitchen sink mixer paired with a white marble benchtop, glossy white tiles and white cabinetry. This setup exudes minimalist elegance, but you can add interest and seasonal changes with contrasting black accessories and textures.”

Hayman remarks that while chrome is still Felton’s biggest seller, they are seeing a steady increase in other colours.

Black tapware remains a favourite for those seeking a bold and contemporary look. “When styling matte black fixtures in bathrooms, incorporating matching accessories, such as a black-framed mirror, enhances the overall aesthetic,” says Hayman. “Gold accessories can also complement black tapware, providing a striking contrast in a light-filled, white-tiled bathroom.”

According to Hayman, brushed nickel tapware, with its warmer tone, is perfect for pairing with light wooden cabinetry. “Neutral-toned accessories create an inviting space, and adding plants to the benchtop introduces an organic touch, making the kitchen or bathroom feel even more welcoming.”

Hayman continues, “For those looking to make more of a statement, brushed bronze tapware is an ideal choice and is growing in popularity. Style it with black accessories, including a black-framed mirror and wall sconces, to create a sophisticated and modern atmosphere with a pop of colour.”

2. Combination finishes

Felton’s colour combination finishes in its Tate collection allow designers to really explore their creativity. “Because we colour finish and assemble in New Zealand, you can also really push the boundaries with the ability to custom colour each component of the tapware in the Tate range. This allows designers to create a room down to the smallest detail,” says Hayman.

This flexibility opens up possibilities for customising tapware to suit specific design themes and personal preferences.

3. Popular forms

The sink mixer remains a focal point in the kitchen, with homeowners often opting for bold and distinctive designs or practical functionality like a pull-down mixer. According to Hayman, “For homeowners and designers, their kitchen fittings are a key part of the design.”

In contrast, the laundry tends to be more utilitarian, with basic taps sufficing for most needs. “The laundry is usually more out of sight, out of mind, with homeowners’ favouring budget-friendly taps that still reflect the same colour tones as the kitchen and bathrooms.”

Rainheads and rain columns are still popular, especially when equipped with a diverter – which offers both a luxurious rain shower experience and a versatile hand-held option that is more water efficient. “Tall Basin Mixers paired with a vessel are also gaining traction, providing a sleek and modern look to bathroom vanities,” says Hayman.

Achieving consistency in design

Achieving colour consistency across various tapware and accessories in the home is crucial for a cohesive look and is still prevalent in design circles. Standardising colours can be challenging, especially with the rise of coloured tapware. Felton addresses this challenge with its in-house advanced PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technology.

“Recent trends for coloured tapware are problematic due to the variance within production lines. We aim to provide the end users with a standardised and consistent colour across their tapware and accessories, such as the same brushed bronze tone across the shower, basin tapware, toilet roll holder and robe hook,” says Hayman.

What is PVD coloured tapware?

The PVD process uses an airtight chamber to create a vacuum, where an inert gas such as nitrogen acts as a medium. Negatively charged tap bodies attract positively charged metallic particles, producing a robust and consistent coating. PVD colour finishing technology produces a strong and durable coating.

PVD requires less energy and fewer chemicals than traditional coating methods, reducing its overall environmental impact. “Felton’s recent investment in the largest PVD machine in the country ensures that our products maintain a consistent colour and finish, giving designers the flexibility to mix and match different styles from various ranges,” says Hayman.

“Different colours take different amounts of time in the PVD chamber, with brushed gold or brushed nickel only taking about 20 minutes to coat once under the vacuum. Darker finishes such as black or brushed gunmetal can take up to two hours.”

As tapware trends evolve, the emphasis on colours and consistency throughout the home remains popular. By embracing new technology to meet these trends, homeowners and specifiers can create stunning, cohesive spaces that reflect their unique preferences.

View the extensive range of Felton products on ArchiPro today.