Fixtures: Hot and Cold Running Style

But not everyone wants futuristic Star Trek; they prefer traveling back in time — a visual refuge in their home from the hectic world outside. They want faucets that look old-fashioned. "What's old is new again," says Randy Whitworth, manager of the Lange Plumbing Supply showroom in Tulare, Calif. "We're seeing a lot of interest in faucets with the brushed nickel or pewter look."

Finishes like pewter and weathered copper not only look old, they are better at hiding water spots and fingerprints than shiny finishes. They also match cabinet and door handles more easily.

Faucet design enhances this "old" look. Some modern faucet spouts look like old-fashioned spigots. Others have ornate lines reminiscent of plumbing fixtures from the early 20th century. You can even find faucets with spouts made to look like old-fashioned hand pumps.