You will be using your kitchen faucet every day. So- what’s going to make it great?Here are a few points to think of when shopping for a kitchen faucet.


​Location location location
(Yes I have been watching way too much HGTV!)
If your faucet is not located on an island, make sure to measure how much space you have until any obstruction like your upper cabinets. Where does the faucet land in your sink? There’s nothing more annoying than knocking your dishes against the side of your sink because the faucet doesn’t extend enough.


Functionality
If this is a bar faucet then 1 aerated (regular) spray is fine.The main sink though should have both aerated and vegetable spray. I’m totally into Kohler’s sweep spray which come out as a straight blade. So useful if you’re like me and are obsessed with perfectly rinsing plates before putting them in the dishwasher!


Manipulation
If it’s a pull down faucet, try putting it back up. Does it clip or lock into place with a magnet or does it hang awkwardly. If it’s a chef style faucet with spiral, move it around -does it feel stiff? Are there separate hot and cold handles? Do you prefer a single handle for faster use?


Finish
News flash- You don’t have to match stainless with stainless! It’s not because you went with stainless appliances like 99% of the world that your faucet can’t be a bright chrome or trendy back matte. Shiny finishes like chrome are nice to add glam but show finger prints easier which might bother you. Test this out in the showroom! You’ll notice a brushed finish doesn’t need as much maintenance. Be fun and try polished brass or rose gold for a bold look!


Installation
Pay attention to where the handle is located on the faucet you love. If it’s on the side, will it bang against your backsplash? If so, you can always ask your plumber to turn the faucet so the handle is in the middle facing towards you. You’ll totally get used to handling it this way don’t worry!

So next time you are shopping for your faucet and all of these key elements work out- AND you love the look, you, my friend, have found the one.

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Think of how you want to feel in your new bathroom. Ok now think of when you’re stepping out of the shower or getting out of bed to go to the washroom. Making your bathroom pretty is really fun but you also should think of what you need to really appreciate your space on a daily basis. Here are 5 key elements I like to work with to help bring up the heat.


A Towel Warmer
Try and leave space near your shower or bath for one. Unless you’ve mastered the ‘’hubby throws you a towel from the dryer’’ technique, a towel warmer will definitely come in handy. I like to check out ICO which is a Canadian make and very good quality, especially their Tuzio line which can also help heat the space. 


Heated Floors
Tiles can get very cold and frankly, I even keep my heated floors on in the summer. It’s just not as harsh especially when waking up! Crank the heat up in the winter and if calculated correctly, a heated floor can be used as a main and even only source of heating for a bathroom. It’s uniform and avoids any visible heating units! (Yayy!) My go-to system is Ditra-Heat by Schluter.


Shower Glass
I know I love the simple look of a single glass panel too- just enough to contain the shower. But really, if you are a chilly person, you might want to stick to a fully closed shower. I don’t mean all the way up to the ceiling but go with a standard door on hinges or sliding door. This will keep more humidity in and keep you warm.


Shower Fixtures
If you share your shower with your loverlove (#reallife) you might want to consider having the ability to use two shower fixtures at once. For example a rain shower and hand shower, or shower head and body jets. Nothing is worst than waiting for your turn -in the cold.


A Wall Heater
If you do need an extra boost of heat, try a forced-air heater. Most of them have timers or can be programmed to accommodate your schedule. Stelpro is a good place to look. They are local, made in Quebec, offer a wide range of finishes and can even do custom colors if needed! SO great. You don’t have to limit yourself to a white unit that might stick out too much and distract from the rest of your decor.

You don’t need to have all of these but evaluating all of them is a good idea. What would you appreciate most?

Make sure you don't miss out on great options. As an interior designer, I love to personalize every project. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.