Uniquely  Yours

By Betsy Buckman

In today’s harried world, the homeowner not only requires but demands a place of security and tranquility. Memories of grandmother’s kitchen and bath have greatly influenced the trends of today, recalling the warm and cozy feelings of bygone days.

Because of the throwaway era, discriminating owners demand a return to the quality of yesteryear. Faucets made of cast brass and ceramic disc cartridges are common buzzwords these days. Names like Hansgrohe, Franz Veigener, and Fusion provide that high quality standard. No matter what the style, from Hansgrohe’s sleek European to retro look, Franz Viegener’s unique style of traditional faucets, to Fusion’s artsy style, the homeowner will find one to put the finishing touch in their home. For the rustic look, solid bronze bowls, sinks, faucets, and door hardware are finding a niche in the market. The discerning homeowner can find these handcrafted items through Rocky Mountain Hardware – forged in their Idaho facility.

In both the kitchen and bath, satin nickel faucets and accessories are still a mainstay. Oil rubbed bronze has come on strong in the last year and will continue to do so for some time. Kitchens are gaining in the old world look. Furniture style islands are increasing in popularity. Some companies such as Kaco come complete with a butcherblock top. If butcher block is not your style, put a granite or stone top on the island to match your countertops. Pullout head spray faucets from Hansgrohe, Rohl, and Cucina; pot fillers from Cucina, Rohl, and Deltana for the stove; and under counter filter faucets from Lancaster provide diverse functions to ease the cook’s workload. Apron front sinks, whether fire clay, copper, or stainless steel, blend the old with the new. 

Combining textures and different materials in natural tones has seen a huge increase in popularity. Wood furniture with granite or marble tops from Kaco, Bayco, and Strasser are popping up not only in powder rooms but in master suites as well. Add an Oceana glass vessel on top of the granite, with a tall vessel or wall mounted Rohl tuscan brass faucet, and create an unique design all your own. Put Stone Forest’s rough hewn natural vessel bowl on top of their Madera wood pedestal and polished granite countertop to create a provincial atmosphere. Mount the Zen granite vessel on top of their classic iron pedestal to produce an uncluttered, tranquil aura within the bath area.

Nostalgia is staging a big comeback for the claw foot and slipper tub. You can remain true to yesteryear with a cast iron or copper tub or give it the retro look with a tub made of acrylic. Add a telephone style faucet (with hand shower) and shower enclosure with a sunflower rain head to complete your era look. Some acrylic models of freestanding tubs come equipped with jets (either air or water) to increase your relaxation experience. 
The bath has increasingly become a place to relax away the stresses of the day. Luxuriate in a deep soaking tub or ease those tense muscles in a hydrotherapeutic air jet or water jet tub. Calm or re-energize your senses with chromotherapy. Step out onto the tile floor warmed to perfection by the floor warming system. Wrap yourself up in the towel you’ve pulled off the towel warmer.

Today’s homeowner, whether building new or remodeling to create that dream home, has the best of both worlds, the world of yesteryear with the world of today’s modern technology. There is a myriad of choices available, inspiring your imagination and sparking your own sense of creativity. Create a world within the home that is uniquely yours.

Betsy Buckman is with Raleigh Contractor Sales and Service, Inc. located at 2011 Raleigh Boulevard in Raleigh (one block off Yonkers Road). They may be reached at 1-800-641-9088 or you may visit their website at <www.ralconsales.com>.