I feel like I haven’t really shared much of my decision-making process for the renovation, but don’t worry, I plan on going back and sharing more about that. Right now, however, I’m in the middle of a kitchen faucet conundrum! – and I need your help! With the kitchen just about done (except for counter tops and appliance installation), I need to make a quick decision!
The faucet will be the only thing on the 3′x7′ expanse of the peninsula island, so it will be very visible and noticeable – especially since the kitchen is the first thing you see when you walk in the door. I really want it to stand out, but also blend in seamlessly. And be affordable. With a side sprayer. And only one on/off lever or handle (Husband’s one faucet requirement). And no soap thingie.
Here are my top four options – help!
- The cool, stylized Blanco faucet – I love this because it’s realllllly interesting and different, and has the Victorian-ish neck that would fit right in with the Victorian-ish cottage that is my house. I found a killer deal on it online and it’s definitely the front runner…though at the tippy top of my faucet budget, which I’d love to come well under.
- The modern gooseneck faucet – I love this because it’s more modern than any of my other options, but still classic and refined. I’m a little worried/concerned that it might be TOO modern and slick for the style of the house. But then again it would look very clean in the space.
- The Victorian faucet with a separate on/off lever – This is probably the style I was originally going for when thinking of how this kitchen would look. I love the neck (very similar to option #1), but don’t really love the separate on/off lever (not sure why that bugs me!). But with a product name “New Orleans”, it’s a sure style fit for this part of the country!
The modern – but not – gooseneck faucet - I like this one because it marries the modern and the traditional into one. But, I wonder whether it’s a little boring and blah when compared to the other options?
Help! They’re all so different…but each cool in their own way! It’s time to get this baby ordered!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I say go with the one you love! If it’s going to be such a focal point, do it right the first time!
You can skim somewhere else!
I like how unique the first one is, and as you said, fits with the period of your home. I think you should go for it!
If you’re definitely set on getting one of these, and you enjoy them all equally though for different reasons–as you pointed out, then I would say go with #3
Here’s my decision-making process.
#2: was ruled out because I believe it’s too modern. Given the architecture of the house, the molding on top of your cabinetry, etc. I just don’t think it would work.
#4: was ruled out for several reasons, not the least of which is that personally, I don’t think it has enough style. And, aside from the handle, it reminds me of a physicians office for some reason.
That leaves me with #s 1 and 3. If you’re like me and you tend to multitask in the kitchen, I’m betting on more than one occasion you’ve used your pot to turn off the faucet because you’ve got something else in your hands or the pot is heavy. Faucet number one–depending on the position of the faucet at any given moment may be in your way and preclude you from making that simple motion without potentially having to move the faucet out of the way and risk splashing water everywhere.
So, my selection would be faucet #3 for solid style and ease of use.
All that being said, you might also have AF install foot faucet controls http://www.footfaucet.net/ and another useful option would be running a water line right to the stove top so you could have water on demand http://www.keidel.com/design/select/faucets-k-potfiller.htm
So, lastly, I’ll say this. Check out this news piece http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=5893555
I hope that helps
Eric, I knew you’d come to the rescue! I love your thought process and am so with you on #4 being totally blah! I’ll talk to AF about the foot faucet because I think that’s pretty rad; though I fear he’ll say NO MORE SPENDING! And totally I WISH we could have put in a pasta filler, but alas, it’s yet one more faucet to purchase. It’s definitely on the list for my next renovation.
When are you starting a blog?!
the first one!
Hi Leila! I’m loving watching the renovation on your blog! It’s looking GREAT!!
Faucet #3 is definitely my favorite, but I think you should go with the one you love.
I completely agree with everything Eric said. One other thing – having the lever on the left side of faucet #3 gives a nice balance to the sprayer on the right side. However, I do love faucet #1. Not much help, but you sure make this fun!
Hi – thanks for your comment on my blog earlier!
My vote is for the first faucet. It is really unique and one that I haven’t seen before. It will definitely make a statement in your new kitchen!
I vote for the first. Here’s my thinking: first of all, the first faucet seems to have the greatest clearance and having replaced my kitchen faucet with something higher, I wish I had gone for an every taller faucet because it allows for even the tallest lobster pot to be filled easily and for large platters or baking sheets to get cleaned without a lot of maneuvering.
You also mentioned a brand name and I’m sort of assuming the others are lesser brands or you wouldn’t have mentioned it. When I did my bathroom reno, I debated getting Kohler fixtures or look-alikes that were on Overstock. I went with the Kohler. Months later, I stayed in a hotel that had the Overstock fixtures and they were big (footprint wise) and lighter weight. I think there are certain things where lesser brands are comparable in quality, but when you are going to be giving things a work out, it might be better to go with the brand name.
Again, that’s assuming the others weren’t by major brands.
By the way, Paul Anater from the Kitchen & Residential Design blog says pot fillers are the some of the most underused and overpriced items to put in a kitchen. I see his point…even if your kitchen is massive, it’s rare for the stove to be too, too far from the sink. All that extra plumbing is for a really, really specific situation.
These are all great considerations, Jeannine – thanks!! I went back and checked the spout clearance and neck maneuverability – they all had full range of motion and were generally had the same spout height. That didn’t help narrow it down! I’m not sure why I didn’t mention the brand names on the other faucets…#2 was Danze, #3 was Elements of Design, and #4 was Premier. I found all of them via discount sites (like eFaucets.com, FaucetDirect.com), so I think they’re all just overstocks – all retail for WAY more than I’d ever spend (the Blanco retails for $825!), but I found them all for my budgeted sub-$300 (okay, okay, the Blanco was $330). I read up on customer reviews too, and am pretty confident all four have the weight and quality I expect in this purchase! I hope I made the right choice.
And that is good feedback about the pot fillers – I’d believe it that they’re not used very often unless one is a prolific cook…especially in the pasta/soup/boiling area!
I like #1. Skimp someplace else.
Hey Lady, I love the blog. I spent my entire day catching up on the renovation in between looking busy at work.
I think #3 is the best. The style and balance offer you the set of options, but you didn’t say if it was more or less within your budget than #1… If it is, I’d say buy it!
I LOVE #1. Can’t wait to see how things come along! Thanks so much for the church music advice. Hopefully I’ll get to renovate a home soon after the wedding and then we can share reno tips!
I’m torn! But also so jealous that you get to make this decision.
Alas… I will come in with an unpopular stance. I like #4. And probably only because have a similarly shaped faucet in our kitchen and I LOVE the height. I do love the style of #1 and #3 but I don’t know how I’d live without my tall-ish faucet so I have to at least recommend it to you. I do think there is enough styling on #4 for the look you’re going for since it’s so tall too.
Oh – and why are you so deadset on having a separate sprayer? I hate to add this into the mix but our faucet’s “mouth” (I’m sure there’s an actual term for this – but I’m talking about the area where the water shoots out) pulls down/out and eliminates the need for a separate sprayer but also gives SO much flexibility. I couldn’t live without it.
Enough from the peanut gallery, I know it’ll be GORGeous whatever you decide. Can’t wait to see it!
So many choices and considerations!!! I really appreciate the peanut gallery input – I need affirmation! I checked out the measurements on all the faucets, and the clearance from top of sink to the spout are all generally the same. I thought about the pull-out sprayer, but couldn’t find any in my price range that had the look I wanted – I loved having one in our house in DC, so this will be quite a change!
I say #1 or #3. If the seperate on/off lever is going to drive you batty then splurge for #1. I don’t care for the modern/clean style of #2 and #4 for the house you have. Good choices though!!!
I just stumbled here……….But I agree with 1 or 3! There you have it. A total stranger helping you decide on an object for your home
Gotta go with Kara on the pull out sprayer…love mine. I can swing the nice high faucet far enough so I can set the pot on the counter, pull out the spray and fill, no lifting the pot from the sink. Also a simpler look with handle on the faucet, one hole in the counter, one thing to clean around.
I love the last faucet, but I’m not impartial because mine is similar. I do love it. I agree that the simple gooseneck sillhouette bridges the modern and the traditional. I agonized though over the faucet choice, much to my husband’s annoyance. You’ve got some great options there.!
I LOVE the bridge faucet you selected in your kitchen! I wanted to do one as well, but Husband insisted on a single handle on/off, so the bridge went out the window! Thanks for your input! You’re right, it’s an agonizing decision!