Bathroom Hardware

Since the two most used items in the bath are the faucet and the hardware, they should never be an afterthought. There is a staggering array of looks and price ranges for these two elements to fit any price range or design. Host Joan Kohn visits with John Sullivan of Clark and Barlow for a look at the latest designs and trends in faucets and hardware.

• One of the least expensive ways of adding a personal touch in the bath is with customized or unique hardware.
• Polished brass is no longer a favorite in the bath. The most popular finish right now is the satin or brushed finish, used for nickel, brass and chrome. It not only looks good, but is extremely easy to maintain. Although more expensive than some other finishes, it imparts a distinctive look and is certainly less expensive than replacing major appliances or cabinets.
• Looks from 100 years ago are back in style. Responding to the demand, companies are now producing wonderful reproduction designs for hardware.
• To keep up with the popularity of stone flooring and other natural materials in the bath, stone hardware is now available in a wide variety of styles and colors .
• Whimsical hardware, which comes in a great price range, continues to be popular . Some of the frequently chosen themes include sports, nature, animals, celestial , and jeweled looks.
• Artists have become involved with creating unique pulls for the bath, adding to the variety and finishes available.
• The Euro influence is very strong in faucet design. Hand-held showers are back in favor.
• Other shower options include full body sprays, multi-directional sprays, and the extravagant rain head shower fixture.
• Design for children's baths include not only color and playful themes, but the safety feature of temperature controls.