Bathroom kitchen and faucet manufacturers keep adapting to consumer demand for functionality, style and design. Learn how manufacturers are responding with innovations that transform the look and aesthetic of kitchen and bathroom faucets, as well as their ease and convenience.
Style and Design
Current design innovations allow consumers in the Buckhead and Atlanta areas to choose from a variety of looks and styles that enhance the feel of a home’s kitchen and bathrooms. Long the go-to material for manufacturers, chrome-plated faucets were functional, durable and clean. Today, however, consumers can choose from a variety of styles, such as antique, contemporary, modern and more. Finishes range from rubber bronze, brushed nickel, stainless steel and more.
In addition to a variety of finishes, design features range from single-handle fixtures to double-handle devices. Gooseneck models allow consumers to place large items in a kitchen sink. Wall-mounted fixtures offer style flexibility, increasing the surface space of the sink and allowing for a cleaner look.
Functionality
Plumbing technologies now feature a number of innovations that improve functionality, such as:
- Motion sensors. Some models turn water on when you move your hands across the motion-detection plate. These types of faucets are no longer just reserved for commercial use.
- Single touch. With just one touch to the fixture, it releases water. If the user’s hands are dirty, one-touch fixtures prevent dirt from transferring onto it.
- Flexible or pull-out devices. Consumers can use the extension “cord” for the water application, pulling the aerator out to bring the source of water closer to a water pitcher, bowl, etc.
- Durable finishes. Special, durable finishes eliminate nicks in the material and resist spots from fingerprints, too.
- Germ-resistant. Sinks lined with antimicrobial materials encourage a germ-free environment.
- Halo-type showerheads. These devices let through a larger circumference of water for bathing.
- Immersion-type showerheads. These feature stronger water force, increasing the pressure, while the multiple-device installation offers more coverage.
- Installation. Innovations in installation let consumers change the style or functionality of the fixtures with a snap-on type installation.
- No-drop fixtures. New ceramic discs replace the old rubber washers that were prone to drips and leaks, allowing for a nearly drip-free experience.
- Commercial-grade stainless steel. Long used in commercial settings, manufacturers are now using this material in residential bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
Future Innovations
In the future, experts expect technology to make its way into bathroom and kitchen design, increasing functionality and safety. For instance, LED lights installed in the fixture will make water look a certain color with temperature changes, so that hot water appears red and cold water looks blue.
Cameras installed in the device can recognize whatever element rests underneath the spout, changing the water output according to need to encourage water conservation. In the future, fixtures may be able to recognize the hands underneath it and deliver just-right warm water for the task.
Installation
With current and future innovations, installation may generally be more complicated for the average homeowner. For optimal results, consider enlisting the help of a reputable plumber familiar with innovations and proper installation steps to discourage leaking and damage from wear and tear.
The plumbing experts at Reliable Heating & Air are happy to help. Just give us a call today!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons