Whether you’re giving your home a makeover or undergoing a full kitchen renovation, the tapware you choose will have a significant impact on the overall design. Tapware is available in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes.
Brushed brass is a modern trend that suits a broad range of interior design styles. It’s also easy to maintain – just a wipe down with a cloth every now and then is all it takes.
Style
Often overshadowed by bigger ticket items like vanities and bathtubs, tapware plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. With many types, designs and finishes on the market it can be hard to know what will suit your space. Luckily, Mico Bathrooms has broken down the Four S’s to help you decide what tapware will suit your bathroom: style, shape, sheen and size.
There’s a sense of simplicity to modern design so sleek tapware that matches this aesthetic works well. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, black and chrome. There’s also a ruggedness to industrial interior design so tapware that fits with this aesthetic, including gooseneck mixers in the kitchen and curved wall spouts in the bathroom, is a winner.
For a minimalist aesthetic, matte white tapware works best. It combines with neutral colours and natural stone surfaces. It can even work in a darker bathroom if used sparingly.
Water Efficiency
Tapware comes in a variety of styles, finishes and shapes. It is important to consider which suits your home’s style. Taps with rounded contours and arches are more traditional whereas those with straight lines and defined edges have a contemporary feel.
The quality of your tapware is also crucial to the water efficiency of your household. We all know how expensive water can be, so why waste it? Switching to WELS 3 Star rated showerheads, fixing leaky taps and using water-saving aerators can significantly reduce your household water consumption.
Aside from the environmental benefits of saving water, there are financial benefits as well. Choosing energy efficient taps will help reduce your water and power bills. In addition, reducing demand for heated water will lower costs for your local council for water treatment and pumping. This is especially relevant in Australia where we are prone to droughts and water shortages.
Ergonomics
Many people will not realise it, but tapware is an important part of a home’s ergonomics. From mixer taps with separate hot and cold knobs to single-handled designs, there is an array of styles that can have a significant impact on how well your body handles the work of hand washing.
Ergonomics is the process of designing products, workspaces and systems to fit the people who use them. The goal is to maximise quality, quantity and productivity while reducing fatigue, stress and injury. It draws from disciplines such as psychology, industrial engineering, computer science, physical therapy and biomechanics.
Physical ergonomics focuses on human anatomical, anthropometric and physiological characteristics as they relate to the physical aspects of work. This includes working postures, manual handling operations, repetitive movements, heat stress, musculoskeletal disorders and workplace layout.
Maintenance
Depending on the type of tapware you choose, its outer coating or finish may start to deteriorate and lose its aesthetic appeal over time. This is due to the fact that the finishes and coatings of most products have a limited lifespan.
Regular cleaning is a great way to keep your tapware looking beautiful. You should use a non-abrasive sponge and a gentle cleaning solution that doesn’t contain acid, citrus, bleach, or vinegar. You should also avoid using scouring pads and metal scourers, as these can damage the tapware’s surface.
Brass tapware has a very durable finish, making it easy to maintain. However, it’s important to regularly clean your brass tapware to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Regular polishing can also help maintain the shine of your brass tapware. If you notice any major issues with your tapware, such as tarnishing or limescale build-up, it’s best to contact a plumber for professional help.