Daniel Boulton, procurement manager at Clearwater, reveals the value of stand-out products that don't necessarily break the bank when it comes to creating a unique design with a high-end look for your clients.
Personalisation takes centre stage in kitchen design nowadays, as homeowners look for ways to make their spaces stand out with custom elements that showcase their individual style. One of the most impactful ways to achieve a bespoke look is through the thoughtful selection of sinks and taps. Traditionally considered a purely functional part of the kitchen, these elements are now seen as design focal points. They're no longer hidden in the background; they can serve as design features, helping to create a kitchen that stands out from the crowd.
Retailers and designers have a unique opportunity to create personalised, high-end looks without the extreme price tags often associated with bespoke kitchens – through careful choices of materials, finishes, and colours for sinks and taps.
Materials are fundamental when it comes to creating a look that stands out for being ‘different’ for all the right reasons. In the past, stainless steel dominated the market due to its durability and easy maintenance. While it remains a popular choice, a wide range of alternative materials are now available, giving consumers greater freedom to customise.
For example, composite granite sinks have surged in popularity due to their natural, tactile quality. Available in a variety of colours, these sinks can be integrated into both contemporary and traditional kitchen styles, adding a layer of sophistication. Similarly, ceramic sinks offer a clean, classic look but can be given a modern twist by pairing them with unexpected tap finishes like matte black or brushed brass. By offering materials that cater to different tastes, retailers can give customers the opportunity to create a kitchen that feels truly personal.
The use of finishes is another simple yet effective way to inject a personalised touch without a substantial cost increase. Where once chrome was the go-to finish for taps, there is now a much broader palette to choose from, including brushed brass, copper, matt black, and even gold. These finishes not only provide visual interest but can also tie the kitchen’s design scheme together.
For instance, a brushed brass tap paired with a matt black sink can create a striking, modern look. Alternatively, a copper tap matched with a ceramic or composite granite sink adds a touch of warmth and vintage charm. These finishes offer flexibility for different design styles, and customers can choose combinations that resonate with their individual tastes.
Finishes also provide the ability to offer an upscale appearance without a premium price tag. Matt black, for example, delivers a high-end, designer look while still being affordable. This opens up the market for retailers to sell taps that feel bespoke at a mid-range price point, appealing to customers who want luxury without breaking the bank.
Colour is becoming a more powerful tool in the quest for personalisation in the kitchen. Sinks and taps, which have traditionally been confined to a fairly limited colour palette, are now available in a broader array of colours that can either blend into the overall kitchen design or become a standout feature.
Neutral tones such as grey, white, and black are still popular for sinks, offering versatility and timeless appeal. However, we’re seeing a growing trend towards more adventurous colour choices in taps, from the rich warmth of brushed copper to the cool, contemporary feel of gunmetal grey. This shift gives homeowners the chance to add subtle colour accents or go bold with a contrasting sink-and-tap combination.
A matt black sink paired with a brushed bronze tap, for instance, creates an unexpected but visually striking contrast that instantly modernises a kitchen. Alternatively, a warm-toned composite granite sink in shades of sand or taupe can complement the soft sheen of brushed brass taps, creating a cohesive, earthy feel that resonates with today’s trends for natural, sustainable design.
As personalisation continues to dominate kitchen design trends, sinks and taps are playing a more central role than ever before. Through the clever use of materials, finishes, and colours, retailers can offer their customers bespoke-looking kitchens without the hefty price tag that typically accompanies custom designs. By investing in high-quality, affordable materials and a diverse range of finishes, retailers can tap into the demand for personalisation, offering something unique while expanding their profit margins in a competitive market.
The sink and tap are no longer just functional; they’re now the keys to creating a kitchen that is truly one of a kind.
