Veerle's blog

In our previous Modern home Design article we talked about the ‘bath tub becoming furniture’. Today we explore the bathroom solutions a bit deeper by looking at faucets. I only focus on brands that pay attention to the design of their products. Most of these are not the cheap ones you pick up at the local hardware store but in return you get lifetime quality. Some brands like Hansgrohe actually give that guarantee on both mechanic and finish. Make your chest wet (no pun intended) for a journey through the land of water.

Grohe

Grohe has years of experience in the field of industrial design and is for example the largest faucet importer in the U.S and the largest manufacturer of thermostatic temperature control valves in the world. They are in the high end of the market and not that cheap but I can vouch for their quality. In our previous house we had faucets from the brand that kept on working in extreme hard conditions where the water had a high amount of chalk. We had them for like 7 years and they are still working today albeit in Geert's parent's house now.

They recently launched 3 new lines called Allure, Lineare and Concetto. They combine great functionality with contemporary design.

Allure

Allure fits best in a modern interior that consists of wood, stone or glass. It is original and highly authentic, offering two different basin mixer shapes for real versatility, as well as a specially developed 28mm cartridge to enhance the compact dimensions. (399 Euro)

Lineare

It's designed for modern people with a preference for design objects. If you crave a minimalist look, but find some shapes just too stark and too rigid, then take a look at Lineare. Here minimalist design is given a sensual appeal and emotional touch, perfectly balanced due to its tempting rounded edges and smooth transitions. Lineare won the reddot design award 2006 and the iF design award 2006 and is now already nominated for the German Design Prize 2007. (199 Euro)

Concetto

Who says stylish, high-performance faucets have to break the bank? Concetto offers a slick design and high-tech features, in one great value product. Its dynamic, forward-leaning body and all-over clean design creates a fresh, modern look that will add a timeless touch to your bathroom. (109 Euro)

Grohe's Euroline

Europlus

Modern yet timeless, the new Europlus is packed with an array of technical features giving you a beautiful, high-performance product that will last for years. The enlarged loop-shaped lever is convenient and comfortable to use. (169 Euro)

Eurodisc

For a cool, self-confident bathroom, choose Eurodisc with its chic, sporty design and dynamic fin-shaped lever. This visually striking product shouts style, distinction and self-assurance with a great price tag to match. (115 Euro)

Eurostyle

Since its launch, Grohe's Eurostyle has been an unparalleled success story. They updated the architect's favourite with a refreshed design. The new Eurostyle features a forward-leaning shape, curved lever and structured contours designed to fit in with the most dynamic architecture. Furthermore, its sleek, modern look is married with a whole host of our unique technologies. (95 Euro)

Eurosmart

Featuring a new solid metal handle and forward-leaning dynamic lines, the new Eurosmart is the perfect addition to all contemporary bathroom settings. (75 Euro)

F1

F1 is designed by the F.A. Porsche design agency that also does some HD's for Lacie. The two handles can be controlled at the same time or independently. The material is unique to F1 (ALU-XT) with a satin, matte aluminum look and 10 better scratch resistant than chrome. (495 Euro)

For the somewhat more retro look you could opt for Arabesk or Atrio that has a connection with the Bauhaus movement. This last one has a timeless feeling to it so I guess you could as well use it in a modern bathroom.

Arabesk

Who says nostalgia is a thing of the past? Its Victorian-style Arabesk offers the refinement and elegance of days gone by. It has all modern-day features such as well. With its authentic cross-head design and pleasing curves, this faucet will add the finishing touch to a traditional bathroom setting, be it in the town or country. (107 Euro)

Atrio

Echoing the pure understated designs of the Bauhaus movement, Atrio is a line of stylish faucets and- fittings guaranteed to bring a restful balance and timeless harmony to your bathroom. A choice of two handle designs – Ypsilon, an elegant and modern interpretation of the classic crosshead, and Jota, a slim, stylish lever – allows this classic design to work with a number of interior styles. (295 Euro)

Hansgrohe

Grohe and Hansgrohe, it can be confusing but they are two different brands all together. Hansgrohe was started in 1901 by Hans Grohe Sr. He had 3 sons, one of which had left in 1934 and started his own company, Grohe.

Axor line

Axor Starck Classic

A philosophy, a principle of life, work and art. This is the principle of Axor Starck Classic, the mixer collection which is based on elementary forms. The rule of Axor Starck Classic is: no decoration, nothing superfluous. What is unnecessary is left out. (from 339 Euro)

Axor Starck

Axor Starck is a collection of bathroom fittings, so slender in its form, so clear in its function, so simple in its effect. Modern, because it is uncompromisingly minimalistic; there are no disruptive elements, no unnecessary decoration. (from 338 Euro)

Axor Starck X

Sculptural, but with uncompromisingly straight lines is how the fitting presents itself. Water gushes out of it in a lavish flood, enabling you to experience the ritual meaning of this element. (448 Euro)

Axor Citterio

Axor Citterio allows you to experience the wealth of water: clear in form, rich in detail, abundant in possibilities – luxury at the second glance. (434 Euro)

Axor Steel

Axor Steel, the collection of fittings made out of Original Stainless Steel relies not only on its inner values, but also captivates through its forms. Only two elements were necessary for that: the circle and the right angle. (374 Euro)

Axor Uno

What actually characterises good design? Perhaps that its brilliance is not in overstatement, but rather in restraint. Like Axor Uno. That’s why this mixer collection has been a design classic for such a long time. Just how breathtaking design can be when reduced to the essential is shown by the Axor Uno mixer that completely dispenses with a handle! Hence the name: Zero handle. What is more, it is suitable for use in the most diverse of ambiances. (from 309 Euro)

Axor Uno2

The continuation of a success story: With design contours that are unmistakably Axor Uno, but slimmer, more geometric, more minimalist, Axor Uno2 is another model of versatility. It represents a welcome alternative for contemporary bathroom design – wherever design, architecture and individuality play an important role. Elegant or discreet, purist or extravagant, Bauhaus or post-modern: Axor Uno2 is always a perfect match – and provides new, unusual perspectives for the bathroom. (from 311 Euro)

Axor Terrano

The longing for a sense of security and quality of life finds expression in the Country House Style. Axor Terrano allows you to bring it into your own bathroom. With a design that is as original as it is timeless, Axor Terrano can be interpreted in diverse ways – completely modern or rather traditional. (from 305 Euro)

Axor Carlton

Axor Carlton, the classic mixer collection, has from the beginning dedicated itself to this era of style. Rich in variety and meticulous to the smallest detail, all these beautiful pieces allow you to reminisce and live out your fantasies. Trends come and go – but Axor Carlton will survive and remain: Nostalgic, but classy. (from 355 Euro)

Axor Montreux

Axor Montreux. Authentic to the smallest detail, the Axor Montreux collection enhances every traditional ambiance – and turns the daily visit to the bathroom into a true journey through time. (from 430 Euro)

Axor Massaud

The symbiosis between man, nature and space is the central idea from French designer Jean-Marie Massaud, who made a name for himself in product design as well as with architectural projects. Together with Axor he has redefined the philosophy of the bathroom. The result Axor Massaud. Here the gently curved line of a blade of grass. The natural fall of the water. In between clear, geometrical forms and ingeniously hidden technology. (591 Euro)

Ideal Standard

Alfiere

Alfiere, designed by Studio Baroni & Valeriani is a minimalist collection of chrome mixers and showers. The mixer tap features a unique moveable spout which can be adjusted to different positions. (242,05 Euro without VAT)

Joystick

The Joystick tap works very easy, with one hand movement you control the water pressure and temperature. (148 Euro without VAT)

Vola

Vola is a Danish brand. Although designed during the 1960's these taps remain unchanged from Arne Jacobsen's orginal concept establishing Vola as the much sought after design you see today. Although new products have been added to the range, Vola still stands for timeless design, created by the best designers.

RB1

Pilar tap with fixed sprout.

611K and 613K

Two-handle mixer with fixed sproud.

Dornbracht

Founded in 1950 by Aloys F. Dornbracht. Dornbracht is and remains a functioning family business and stands for Innovative ideas, exciting design, intelligent technology.

Giorno

The sweeping lines of GIORNO owe much to nature and are typical of this Massimo Iosa Ghini design. The interplay of cool Fifties aesthetics are a polarising challenge.

Tara Classic

The simple form of TARA CLASSIC has an inspiring, puristic elegance that emphasises its clarity. There is room to be creative, as levers are available in a variety of materials, whatever the body of your fitting. (363 Euro without VAT)

Meta.02

META.02 has succeeded in minimising an entire range of bathroom fittings. A consistent reduction of form and volume paired with a high level of aesthetic quality, ensure versatility in creating combinations and promise longevity. (295 Euro without VAT)

LULU

The interplay of smooth surfaces and wide radii transforms LULU into a seductive object of comfortable elegance. Simultaneously so ultra-soft and clear-cut, so slim and alert. But there is also emotion in this all-modern, all-graphical look. (445 Euro without VAT)

Hansa

Hansa is a brand that has won several design awards with their products. Hansacanyon and Hansamurano have won several like the red dot award, design plus, and the IF design award.

Hansamurano

There is possibly no other fitting that will stimulate your senses and imagination more than Hansamurano. It is unique. Just like a spring the water pours free and unrestricted over a fine glass bowl and with that receives a totally new sensual dimension. The Hansamurano glass bowl is available in clear, azure or satin-finished glass. (562 Euro without VAT)

Hansacanyon

Water, light, energy, power, design: features that transform Hansacanyon into an avant-garde element in your bathroom. However, the technology adopted here is not merely technology for technology’s sake but rather an essential foundation and concept of the staging. The entire operational technology remains invisible and only the cool chrome of the fitting can be seen. It contains a LED light that changes with the temperature of the water. (1046 Euro without VAT)

Villeroy & Boch

Creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurial vision have been the driving forces behind Villeroy & Boch’s success for over 250 years.

Cult

Cult fittings and accessories. Minimal design, maximum quality. Simply modern – yet timeless. It stands out with striking lines that form a harmonious whole as though almost matter of course. Recognising the signs of the times, reinterpreting modernity: Cult is aesthetics and pragmatism rolled into one.

I can't believe how long this article has gotten. It should give you an idea of what is available for the bathroom and we are not even done yet. Next on the list of things to come is the enormous wide range of showers solutions. Hope you liked what you saw here :)