Hard as stone

topic of the articles

By Shelanne Jennings-Augustine of Dockside Magazine

Finding the perfect fixtures for your kitchen or bath remodel can be hard to do.

“There are many options on the market that look great. But it can be hard to tell how well they’ll operate and how long they’ll last,” says Rick Cooke, manager of The Water Closet in Orillia.

That’s why, when it comes to finding beautiful, strong fixtures for your home, Rick says your best bet is to go back to the basics.

“Some of the best fixtures today feature natural elements,” says Rick. “Steel, stone and brass all look beautiful in your home, but they also pack some significant strength that will save you money in the long run.”

Start with steel

Stainless steel is no stranger to industrial and architectural industry, but bath and kitchen retailers are also using it in many of their residential fixtures.

The reason, Rick says, is clear: “They’re corrosion resistant, extremely durable and hygienic.”

What many may not realize is that stainless steel has a surface that is very difficult for bacteria to stick to, making it very easy to keep clean.

“If you’re updating your kitchen, try a stainless steel sink that’s both beautiful and practical,” says Rick. “Like the Quatrus R15 stainless steel apron front kitchen sink by Blanco. Its contemporary design has 15mm radius corners that make it very easy to clean. For a matching fixture, check out the Culina faucet by Blanco. It also made of stainless steel and has an interesting coil arch neck and maneuverable wand with push button flow selector.”

To add some texture, depth and durability to the bathroom, consider adding a sink made of stone or concrete.

“Take the Native Trails Americana Vanity,” says Rick. “It uses reclaimed wood for a rustic, textured look, and is topped with a gorgeous concrete sink.”

Although concrete is a rather unconventional material for fixtures, Native Trails has designed their concrete sinks to be sustainable, light weight, and stain, scratch and crack resistance.

“On top of that, they have a one-of-a-kind colouration that looks great with any style.”

If you’re not keen on concrete, look for vanities that feature limestone instead. Grey limestone has a low porosity, is extremely durable, and is generally low maintenance.

“Look for pieces that combine stainless steel and limestone like the UNIK Stone vanity,” says Rick. “This vanity is artisan crafted to be both strong, ecologically responsible and incredibly beautiful.”

If you’re looking to update your fixtures and add a splash of colour to your space, consider fixtures made of solid brass. Not only does brass come in a number of finishes, it’s also extremely durable.

“It’s impervious to the elements and resistant to corrosion,” says Rick.

For a modern take on a brass fixture, check out the Vero widespread lavatory faucet in champagne bronze by Delta.

“This industrial designed faucet features sharp design lines details which look great in bright brass.”

High efficiency

To complete your bathroom renovation, why not add strength to your toilet too? Although high efficiency and power aren’t often seen synonymously, the latest low-flow toilets offer more suction than ever before.

“Now you can use as little as 4.1 litres of water, without having to flush twice.”

For high quality design and a modern style, Rick suggests the American Standard Boulevard one piece Toilet.

“The dual flush feature is great for saving water and maximizing conservation.”

Before you begin your project, stop into your local plumbing fixture expert and see the products for yourself.

“At The Water Closet, we’re always here to show you the latest products and answer your questions. Our goal is to get you the best looking fixtures that will look great for years to come.”

thewatercloset@desco.ca
www.WaterCloset.ca