Now, it comes down to choosing the right ones. There are fixtures for over-mounts, under-mounts, vessels, and water-conserving. Which ones to choose? There are also so many different sink style options to choose from that it admittedly can get just a little bit overwhelming.

I have always said that you should be thinking about these pieces as the finishing touches in each space, as the final accessories that pull a whole outfit together. This month I want to focus on plumbing fixtures and what are the on-trend pieces to pick out for your bathroom or kitchen.

When it comes to finishes, chrome will always be on-trend. It is classic and adds bling to your space. You can never go wrong with chrome. For something a little different, why not try a satin nickel or a brass finish for your faucets? When I say brass I don’t mean the shiny, gaudy brass we are used to seeing from the ‘80s. It is all about antiqued brass finishes, a perfect addition to a traditional style bathroom. The satin nickel and chrome work well in modern bathrooms.

We are moving away from the vessel style bowl sinks that were on trend for bathrooms a few years ago. Now, low profile vessels done in rectangular shapes are all the rage. The look is very simple and streamlined. Materials are also changing for sinks; we’re seeing a lot more resin based materials and fibreglass and less porcelain and glass. It looks just like porcelain but more durable. A great company called WET (http://www.wetstyle.ca) carries a large array of bathroom sinks in this look.

Now, with these sinks we are also seeing a change in faucets. Widespread faucets are making a huge comeback and single lever faucets are on their way out. It is more of a traditional look, however, the availability of more clean-lined and modern pieces updates the look. Hansgrohe (see photo on previous page) is a fabulous line that I use in all of my bathroom and kitchen renovations. No matter if the style is modern or traditional they have the look to suit your needs. The high quality construction of these pieces will also ensure that they last. This is something that you must consider when thinking about any renovation; it is all about the quality. Yes, you might be paying more but you won’t need to replace these items year after year.

Kitchens are all about function. If this is a highly used space in your home be sure to pick out the right sink and faucet to suit your daily needs. The trend in sinks is all about the square, clean edged profile and of course the under-mount. Not only is this a clean aesthetic but it also shows off the counter top.

I was recently invited to Toronto for the launch of a new line from Blanco, a manufacturer of stainless sinks and faucets. The models that were launched were amazing: clean, simple, and stylish sinks for the kitchen that were also very functional. My fave was the Ronis Microedge (see Photo A), perfect for small spaces as it offers a cutting board and a two-bowl attachment. No wonder it won the International Product Design Award.

Kitchen faucets are all about function but don’t forget about the form. Yes, the new lines in kitchen faucets out there are amazing and marry both form and function. The look that is on trend is mixing a bit of an industrial edge to the ordinary style. The pull down type faucets with the spring attachment is great because of the ease in which they are to use to clean and wash down the sink. Mainly used in restaurants, this type would fit in perfectly in a modern space to add a little design drama.

Bathrooms are becoming more of an oasis and escape from everyday life and kitchens are more high tech than ever. The spa-like feel is still huge and on trend as is organic modernism for kitchens.

Plumbing fixtures are keeping with the Jones’ by introducing bold new lines that are both functional but also provide the beauty that every space needs. Be sure to do your research and invest in high quality fixtures, ones that will remain timeless and be with you for years to come.

Happy Decorating! 

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Alykhan Velji
Having a successful design career for the last several years, Alykhan Velji has definitely made a name for himself on the Alberta design scene. Coming in as one of the top three finalists for HGTV’s Designer Superstar Challenge in 2006 and then landing a role as a Stylist/Design Assistant on The Style Dept. also was a great boost to his career.
As well as having his own design business, Alykhan Velji Design, Alykhan has been featured in many local and national publications, offering his expertise on design and trends. Finding inspiration in his travels and keeping abreast with the design industry’s new and innovative trends ensures his design esthetic is always fresh, all the while remaining original and timeless. In its fourth year as a design firm, Alykhan Velji Design specializes in both residential and commercial projects.
http://www.alyveljidesigns.com