Kitchen Faucet Trends

By Leah Hennen

Today's contemporary faucets have forms pared down to their basic essence. "Minimalism is the new buzzword — it's all about simple lines, chrome and stainless finishes, and a sleek look," says 30-year industry veteran Christine Dillon, the kitchen category manager at Home Decor Products, which operates www.homeclick.com and nine other home improvement websites.

Think sculptural silhouettes, single handles and a noted absence of extraneous ornamentation — which might make these faucets look a bit severe if they weren't so gorgeously rendered. Modern fixtures also emphasize ergonomics with simple, intuitive functionality and convenient placement of controls. Finally, the smooth, often seamless surfaces of these faucets make cleaning them a snap.

Downside: What's cutting edge today won't always be in vogue. Plus, the futuristic style of these faucets may not mesh in a more traditional setting (unless you're consciously going for an eclectic look, which designers say is increasingly popular).

Photo: Trevi Cross by www.brizo.com/wps/portal/brizo/