Trends in Taps

Though a decent, good-looking faucet can be had for a few hundred dollars, it's not unusual for some of the newer and more innovative models — especially those from European manufacturers — to come with price tags that are as eye-popping as the faucets' designs. Indeed, a top-of-the-line kitchen faucet can easily set you back more than $1,000 — and a few even surpass the $2,000 mark. If that seems hard to swallow, consider this: "I use a set of guidelines with my clients called the Decisions Triangle, which consists of quality, concept and cost," says Richard Landon, a certified master kitchen and bath designer in Bellevue, Wash. "If you want quality and good design, you'll have to pay."

Price points will eventually come down as more affordable brands produce knockoffs of the most popular high-end showroom models. "But the quality won't be the same," warns Home Decor Products' Christine Dillon. Pricier fixtures typically have ceramic disk valves, braided metal supply lines and solid brass or stainless steel construction — which means there's nothing to break or replace. "These faucets will literally last a lifetime," Dillon says.

Funny thing is, though — with the next faucet trends right around the corner, you may not need them to.

Photo: Pot Filler by Blanco