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Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet, VG02011ST by Vigo[/caption]
Before you commit to a design, you need to check your specs of your old kitchen faucet for compatibility. How many holes are available in your sink, and how many does your current faucet use? If you're installing a new kitchen faucet that needs fewer holes than the previous one, you can just cover up the gap. You cannot, however, drill an extra hole into your sink if you're short one. Your kitchen faucet is typically made of brass to minimize risk of lead leaching into your water, but can have many kinds of finishes including chrome, bronze, and stainless steel, and it's up to your particular aesthetics which finish is going to work best for the kitchen's overall look.
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Single Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet, KF-AZ031ORB by Anzzi[/caption]
Remember that even though we're talking faucets on a budget, going too cheap can end up backfiring and making your replace your faucet much sooner than intended. Read brand reviews and get a sense of how long the faucet you want holds up in others' homes. The good news is unless you want to replace your entire faucet, sink, and piping combination, you don't have to replace your entire sink at once. You can mix and match these parts to your liking at a later date and not have to pay a large price immediately and have heavy installation afterwards.
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Chrome Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet, VG02001CH by Vigo[/caption]
Something you may not think about until you're looking at new faucet options is how you want to control your water. One or two handles attached to your faucet is standard, and each has their own kind of benefit. You can get more control with separate hot and cold handles, but using a single handle is easier if you're cooking with your hands full. Typically, you're going to find more one-handle faucets when accounting for affordability because it's cheaper to not make a second handle.
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LED Light Kitchen Faucet Single Handle, S6045CL by Sumerain[/caption]
An important feature of kitchen faucets is whether or not they have a sprayer and what type it is. A pull-out sprayer has a long hose inside it so you can spray bigger items with more ease. In the kitchen, this means you don't need to run water and then grab a separate sink piece to spray your dishes, wasting less time and water. There is also the pull down sprayer type, which is similar but with a key difference. They tend to be taller faucets with a shorter hose within that is good for filling up larger pots and pans, but trading out the longer reach of the pull-out hose. It's largely a personal choice on which is better for your kitchen, along with forgoing a pull sprayer in the faucet entirely.
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Chrome Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, 441646 by Soci[/caption]
An affordable, nice kitchen faucet is closer to reality in your home than you may think when remodeling. Aside from a few stylistic differences between brands, you can get an equally functional and attractive faucet much cheaper than a lot of faucets on the market; it just takes a bit of searching to find one that's to your liking. Faucets are an under-utilized area of decor in the kitchen, whatever style or theme you're aiming for, and it's easy to think cheaper faucets have to sacrifice looks or a decent spray head to be that way. That's far from the truth. None of your guests or family will notice that you spent much less on a brand new faucet than expected unless you tell them about it, but they will notice that quality piece of hardware and un-gunked water pressure the first time they wash their hands. I think that's the true staple of a kitchen....
HighArc Kitchen Faucet 14877001 by Hansgrohe[/caption]
This popular faucet style is known as the 'gooseneck'. As the name would suggest, it has a swooping neck like a goose. Though unlike a goose, it won't attack if you come too close or happen to have a sandwich. Gooseneck faucets are elegant and sleek, and usually mounted to the sink itself, rather behind it or on the wall. Some of them, like the one above, come with an extendable head that you can pull out to direct the flow. Increasingly, the head will attach magnetically back to the faucet when you let it go.
Moveable Parts
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Kitchen Sink Faucet, S7009 CR by Fima Carlo Frattini[/caption]
No, this faucet doesn't have three heads, it just moves. An adjustable faucet might be a good choice if you have a particularly large sink, or if you're planning on washing anything particularly large, filling tall pots, etc. It's also a cool alternative to a retractable head or sprayer.
A Slick Alternative
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Kitchen Sink Faucet US-2610-B by Ramon Soler[/caption]
Gooseneck sound less than golden to you? Classic silver faucet too last-century? Consider something a little more unusual and adventurous, especially if you're going for a contemporary look for your kitchen. In fact, some of these choices barely look like they are part of a sink--more like part of a spaceship. The horizontal handle is pretty slick, too.
All Systems Go
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Kitchen Sink Faucet US-5567Y by Ramon Soler[/caption]
Another style that looks like it could belong on some advanced piece of technology. If you are planning to get a lot of use out of your kitchen sink, a faucet with all the frills might be the way to go. It resembles the sort of sinks you might see in a restaurant kitchen. This style has two different spigots, one for filling up pots and water pitchers, and the other for dish-washing. The second can be pulled free and used as a sprayer, and rests in a cradle when it isn't being used. Another style of faucet I might choose for my kitchen based on looks alone.
One-Touch Technology
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Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Out Spray 980t-dst by Delta[/caption]
While we're talking advanced technology, let's talk touch-activated faucets. Okay, this isn't actually cutting-edge--they've been around for awhile--but it's still pretty cool. Different models have different levels of sensitivity--some will activate with just the touch of a fingertip to the neck, and some need slightly firmer pressure. Some will even activate with proximity, which is great for a prolific cook. I can't count how many times I've needed to wash my hands after handling meat or eggs and been forced to turn on my sink with my elbow. Touch-activated faucets also have automatic shut-offs, which help save water. The drawback is that there's no way to change the temperature with touch alone; that has to be done manually.
All of these styles have one handle--the flow is regulated by moving it up and down, and temperature is adjusted by moving it back and forth. I find one-handled sinks to be more convenient in general, even if you don't have the precise control over hot and cold that you do with a two-handled sink.
Ultimately, choosing a kitchen faucet comes down to two factors: look and function. You want a model that showcases your decor, but that also makes your life in the kitchen as simple as it can be. If you're planning on spending a good deal of time there, consider something a little more luxurious--you won't regret it.
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The bridge faucet is a popular style for vintage and farmhouse sinks. By Kitchen Kraft.[/caption]
One of the most popular old fashioned or 'vintage' style faucets is the bridge style, so named because the handles are joined to the faucet by a low connecting pipe. The 90-degree angles and decorative renderings give it a turn-of-the-century feel. Unlike more modern designs, a lot of traditional faucets have two handles instead of one. It's twice as many levers to deal with, but it also allows for much more precise control over temperature.
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Double Handle Kitchen Faucet, 4202 by Herbeau[/caption]
If you do decide to go the route of the two-handed sink, keep in mind that instillation will require three holes at minimum, for connecting the faucet to a water source. Four, if your faucet also comes with a dish-sprayer. If your sink is lacking, it isn't an automatic deal-breaker--it just means instillation will require another step. Two-handled faucets come in a wide range of options, so if the bridge style doesn't do it for you, don't panic. There are still gooseneck faucets that don't look like they belong in a space ship, as well as some good all-around designs, if you're looking for something that isn't too ostentatious or eye-catching.
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Estelle Collection Wall-Mounted Single Handle Kitchen Faucet 4109 by Herbeau[/caption]
On the other hand, if you are looking for something really distinctive, you could go for one of the many antique reproductions on the market. These kinds of faucets wouldn't look out of place on an episode of Downton Abbey, and would really make your kitchen stand out as unique. And depending on the placement of your sink and the position of the holes, a wall-mounted faucet can be a good way to go. They save counter space, although for colder climates beware that pipes freeze more easily this way.
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Vintage III Bridge Faucet WHKBTCR3-9201 by Whitehaus[/caption]
Color and material are also important factors to consider when you go about investing in a traditional style sink. Certain materials definitely say 'vintage' more than others. Brass and nickel are both commonly used, and many faucets also come with a choice of finish, so you have ultimate control over how the final product looks.
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One-handled sinks can also fit an elegant, vintage kitchen. By Eclectic Kitchen.[/caption]
Don't want to go the two-handled route, and don't feel like dealing with drilling a couple new holes into your sink? No fear. There are traditional style one-handled faucets as well. If you go for decorative rather than sleek, most things will fit into a vintage-style kitchen.
Just like with a contemporary kitchen, there are countless designs to choose from, and dozens of ways to make your new faucet work with your decor. Sinks are such integral parts of any kitchen remodel that it's worth it to spend some time deciding exactly how and how much you are going to be using your sink, as well as figuring out the structural limitations of your space. Then go forth! Let there be water....
Perrin & Rowe Double Handed Bridge Faucet With Sidespray from Rohl[/caption]
Shop Kitchen Faucets by Rohl:
The simplest way to add a spray nozzle to your kitchen faucet is the classic: a spray hose added to an unused hole on your sink, off to one side from your faucet. Obviously this option requires you to have a spare drilling in your sink, but many do (usually covered by a small plate or plug), and it's easily the simplest and most versatile add-on. You simply need to feed the sprayer hose down through the spare attachment hole in your sink and attach the end to the water diverter under your sink; all it takes is a pair of pliers (and maybe a few minutes watching a Youtube video). Even if you don't buy the side sprayer with your faucet, it shouldn't be too hard to find one to match the style, and in just a few minutes you can have a fully flexible spray attachment - no muss, no fuss.
Musi RVF1231ST Pullout Spray Single Handle Kitchen Faucet from Ruvati[/caption]
Shop Kitchen Faucets by Ruvati:
That said, these days it's really easy to find faucets with sprayers built right into the nozzle - both in contemporary and traditional style faucets. On the whole, kitchen faucets are trending smaller and more streamlined, with fewer handles and add-ons, so moving the sprayer from the far side of the sink to the spigot of the faucet is a natural evolutionary step. That said, combining a sink and sprayer can be done in a few different ways. The first - pull out sprayers - essentially turn the whole end of the spigot into a sprayer. When in place, it works just the same as a normal faucet, but the head is attached to a flexible hose concealed within the faucet and can be pulled out from the neck of the faucet and held like a traditional sprayer, usually with a push button to change from a regular flow to a spray.
Citadel RVF1252RB Pullout Spray Single Handle Kitchen Faucet from Ruvati[/caption]
Pull down faucets are similar. They also have spray hoses built into the neck of the faucet, but rather than having the whole head of the faucet be grippable, the sprayer encompasses only the very tip of the spigot. On the one hand, this is a bit more awkward to hold, but the smaller size and modified design of the sprayer allows for a greater variety of faucet designs. Where pull out faucets are restricted to having a long, straight segment in the neck, pull down faucets can have more traditionally curved shapes.
Alori Commercial Style Kitchen Faucet RVF 1209ST from Ruvati[/caption]
Pull out and pull down faucets comprise the vast majority of ways to incorporate a sprayer into the faucet itself, but there is a third option: industrial-inspired, professional grade faucets. These have become popularized in high-end design and are a favorite of cooks who get a lot of use out of their kitchens. Rather than concealing the metal spray hoses within the neck of the faucet, the hoses are the neck of the faucet - usually clipped to a metal hook and wrapped with a simple, flexible metal coil. These types of sprayers are by far the most flexible and easy to use, typically with large metal levers rather than small buttons to activate the sprayer. The coils allow the sprayer to hang free at all times, so it's easy to grab, point, and spray wherever you need it, at any time. The main drawback of these faucets is that they're often much larger than conventional residential faucets, but if you tend to get a lot of use out of your sprayer, or switch between spray and flow a lot, it can be well worth making the switch.
![Faucet Sprayer Aerator [x]](https://homethangs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Faucet-Sprayer-Aerator-x.jpg)
Faucet Sprayer Aerator [x][/caption]Last but not least, if you really want to add spray functionality but you don't have anywhere to put a side sprayer and don't want to upgrade your sink or faucet, you aren't out of luck. Most standard faucets come with aerators - small metal rings covered in a layer of mesh screwed to the tip of the spigot, designed to improve the water pressure. These aerators can be removed and replaced with simple, swiveling spray attachments. These change from regular flow to spray with a twist of the head, and can be angled to spray around the edges of the sink. Without a retractable hose, the range of the sprayer is somewhat limited, but at just a few dollars a piece, this is a great solution until you're ready to upgrade your faucet.
Shop Kitchen Faucets: ...
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The Belle Foret Large Round Copper Kitchen Sink in Oil Rubbed Bronze has rich European colors and artistic texture. I think of copper kitchen sinks as sculpture art. Sculpture art which has been treated so it doesn't oxidize into a mossy green.
[caption id="attachment_2558" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Belle Foret K2KIT Double Bowl Kitchen Sink Weathered Copper "]
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For an extremely antique look, it's the Bates and Bates Round Bar Sink with Clips in Wild Bronze. The color name conjures up images of wild stallions, and this sink is ready for rough riding. It isn't big enough for holiday loads of dishes, but the distinctive deep shape will get that much attention.
[caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kohler Savanyo design on Alcott tile in kitchen sink "]
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A different unique and elegant look can be achieved with decorative tile, like this Kohler Savanyo design on Alcott tile in kitchen sink. The interior is a strong, solid piece, and the exterior is dressed up pretty.
[caption id="attachment_2561" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kohler Deerfield cast iron self rimming kitchen sink in biscuit "]
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Cast iron sinks are another good option. Easy to clean, almost impossible to stain, hard to crack. If you want it to look white like a good old-fashioned sink, you can porcelainize it. Just like my mama has. It's a hard, durable enamel, though I did find out the hard way that it can chip. This model, a Kohler Deerfield cast iron self rimming kitchen sink in biscuit, is just as no-nonsense and homey as it sounds.
Who knew old kitchen sinks would be trendy again? (Is mama's gold shag next?)
Then come the faucets
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Stately bronze with porcelain accents on the handles evokes the old world in this Kohler Antique widespread lavatory faucet in Vibrant Brushed Bronze style.
[caption id="attachment_2568" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kingston Brass English Vintage 8 Widespread lavatory Faucet"]
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There's a much smoother shape to this Kingston Brass English Vintage 8 Widespread lavatory Faucet which may not be as traditional, but the dark finish and separate side handles keep it old-fashioned. Hybrid, anyone?
[caption id="attachment_2569" align="aligncenter" width="264" caption="Kohler ceramic faucet"]
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I haven't seen anything like this unique Kohler ceramic faucet anywhere outside a museum, but I like the idea.
[caption id="attachment_2570" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Danze D457014AC Opulence Pull Out Kitchen Faucet Antique Copper "]
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If you picked the copper sinks above, pair them with copper faucets like this Danze Opulence Pull Out Kitchen Faucet in Antique Copper.
[caption id="attachment_2571" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Danze Opulence Single Handle Bar Faucet in Antique Copper"]
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For a taller spout to fit that big stew pot, or beer stein under, try the Danze Opulence Single Handle Bar Faucet in Antique Copper. That's the joy of bar faucets - you can even dip your head under for a drink or to wash your hair when the shower is busy.
[caption id="attachment_2572" align="aligncenter" width="261" caption="Fusion BEL KVP ATC Mid size Kitchen Faucet Antique Copper "]
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Along with a beautiful finish often comes intricate detailing. This Fusion Mid size Kitchen Faucet in Antique Copper has all that. Now you just need it.
[caption id="attachment_2573" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kingston Brass KS8105DL Concord Wall mount Pot Filler Oil Rubbed Bronze "]
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This Kingston Brass Concord Wall mount Pot Filler in Oil Rubbed Bronze might not look familiar, but that doesn't mean it isn't a traditional look. Or feature. In fact, pot fillers are a bit of an endangered breed. With smaller families, smaller houses, smaller kitchens, no serving maids, and smaller (maybe) portions, there isn't always demand for pot fillers. But if you have the need, plan one into your Old World kitchen and it will look quaint.
[caption id="attachment_2574" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fusion BOR KIT ATC Kitchen Faucet with Diverter Antique Copper "]
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Last and least likely for me to pass up, the Fusion Kitchen Faucet with Diverter in Antique Copper puts some European cathedrals to shame when it comes to architecture. Check out those details on the handle and joins!
You won't go wrong with any of these Old World looks. Customized finishes like these outsell chrome by a lot. A lot of good-looking kitchens, that is.
Modern Side Lever Pull Out Kitchen Faucet From Rohl[/caption]
The biggest obstacle to getting a kitchen faucet that's both beautiful and easy and fun to use is budget, but by budget I don't mean price: I mean having enough money left at the end of a project to afford one. The very most basic kitchen sinks can cost as little as $15, but while these provide the essential functionality, they don't come with a whole lot of style or flair - and you'll probably find that a basic on-off hot-cold control might not be all that you need. So even though it's easy to opt for a bargain model, there are much better looking and more functional models out there - and it's more than worth it to save a spot for one in your budget.
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Highlands Double Handle Bridge Kitchen Faucet With Metal Cross Handles From Cifial[/caption]
For example, a vintage kitchen faucet can really make a French country, cottage, or other period-inspired kitchen. While a basic chrome-and-acrylic-handles model will do the trick, a cross handled bridge faucet with an elegant spout and an antique metal finish can lend oodles of authenticity and style to the kitchen. The right faucet, paired with the right sink, can even become a signature focal point in the room - and easily one of the least expensive ones. Old fashioned faucets are charming and whimsical, and a beautiful finishing touch that shouldn't be overlooked.
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Drako Kitchen Sink Faucet From Ramon Soler[/caption]
The same - or, I suppose, equal and opposite - is true in a modern kitchen. While a basic metal faucet will certainly match a modern decor, there are so many sophisticated, daring modern kitchen faucet designs out there that it's practically a tragedy to pass them up. Stunning pieces from professional designers like Fima Carlo Frattini or Ramon Soler are sleek and elegant, and though they're technically made of the same materials to do the same job, the visual difference is quite striking. Moreover, many modern designs come equipped with unique features that can enhance functionality as well.
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Stainless Steel Pull Down Spray Kitchen Faucet With Dual Spigots From Vigo Industries[/caption]
Increasingly homeowners are tending towards professional style kitchens: restaurant quality ranges and range hoods, jumbo stainless steel kitchen sinks, dual dishwashers, multiple ovens, and the like. With this trend, many manufacturers have given residential kitchen faucets a commercial upgrade, too, equipping them with many features common in restaurant kitchens, like flexible pull-down spigots and built in high-powered spray nozzles, or even multiple faucet heads. These professional kitchen faucets can be a little pricier, but offer some of the finest and most sophisticated functionality of any type of faucet, and are prefect for rounding out a professional kitchen style.
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Arbor Kitchen Sink From Moen[/caption]
Even if your kitchen doesn't have a single obvious, dominant style that's easy to pair with a particular style of kitchen faucet, it's still worth giving the faucet you choose a little thought. After all, the faucet is one of the most oft-used fixtures in the whole kitchen, and one where the difference of even a hundred dollars in initial investment can make a huge difference in the day to day experience of actually using the faucet. Faucets with pull-out sprayers built into the body of the faucet rather than as a separate piece to be installed into your sink are becoming much more common and make dish washing and cleanup easy. Even a simple brushed finish can keep a faucet looking nicer than a basic chrome, which shows fingerprints and water spots.
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Pilar Touch 2O Faucet In Venetian Bronze From Delta[/caption]
In fact, in recent years a whole slew of high-tech faucets have come onto the market. These are simple but attractive, and though they don't conform explicitly to any particular style, they offer a wide range of features designed specifically for a working kitchen. Touch and motion activated faucets with intuitive controls are among the most popular, allowing you to turn the faucet on and off without touching the handles (to avoid spreading messes or contamination when your hands are dirty), but you can also find pedal-activated faucets, ones with fully articulated nozzles, built in LED lights, or even digital touch screen controls that can do everything from control the water temperature to play music.
So while choosing a kitchen faucet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're planning a major kitchen remodel, it should definitely make the list. There's every reason not to skimp on your faucet, both for style and for substance. Still not convinced? As a last note, keep in mind that if you just plan on replacing your faucet later, a newer model - decorative, high tech, or otherwise - might not fit the same holes in your sink or counter top, which could turn a simple replacement into a pretty major job. What's most important to you in terms of a kitchen faucet - functionality, appearance, or price?...
Vestige Double Handle Widespread Faucet With Sprayer From Moen[/caption]
First and foremost, if you aren't replacing your sink and counter tops, you're more or less stuck with the number and spacing of holes available. For example, if you have a single hole sink, you won't be able to upgrade to a widespread faucet, and doing the reverse isn't without its complications. With a few exceptions, you're going to want your new faucet to be a fairly direct replacement for the old one, at least in terms of size and shape. Ensuring the distance between the holes exactly matches your new faucet is crucial to ensuring a good fit, so your faucet selection will be somewhat limited by the size, shape, and style of your existing one.
[caption id="attachment_10082" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Opulence Single Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet With Deck Plate From Danze[/caption]
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That said, the existing faucet holes aren't an ironclad limitation, especially if you're rounding down. If your sink has more holes than your new faucet needs, most manufacturers will supply simple metal deck plates or round hole covers in the same finish as your faucet to cover them up. In the case of the former, these sit beneath the base of the sink and spread out a few inches in either direction to where the handles would be installed on a larger faucet. The small, round covers are generally meant for sinks with more than three holes, but can plug any spare spots you aren't using.
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Highlands Double Handle Bridge Faucet with Metal Cross Handles from Cifial[/caption]
It's also worth noting that the number of holes doesn't necessarily dictate the style of the faucet or even the number or type of handles it has. Single-hole faucets can have either a single lever style handle or more traditional knobs on either side of the base. Widespread faucets always have a three-hole installation, but many faucets with a single handle use the same three hole installation but have a wide metal base. Bridge faucets have a more unusual two-hole installation, though, which makes these a little difficult to pull off without a larger remodel. The good news is that just about any of these configurations is available in a huge range of styles, from highly modern to very traditional.
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Fairmont Single Handle Kitchen Faucet With Soap Pump And Sprayer From Danze[/caption]
It's also worth noting that kitchen sinks can have more than three holes: there are sinks out there that have four, five, or even six openings. In addition to simply covering them up, you can also install a variety of unique accessories into these spaces, like a drinking water tap, soap pump, or a sink sprayer. These days many kitchen faucets come with built in sprayers, which makes the latter a bit less desirable, but having sleek, coordinated taps and soap pumps is a great way to streamline and declutter your counter space.
[caption id="attachment_10079" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Parma Single Handle Professional Style Kitchen Faucet From Danze[/caption]
If you're considering buying a new kitchen faucet, you probably already have a style in mind, so I won't spend much time on that. But one thing worth considering regardless of your style is how high tech you want your faucet to be and what other features you'd like it to have. Faucets with pull-down sprayers are becoming ubiquitous, and many homeowners are even upgrading to professional quality, restaurant style faucets with powerful, flexible spray nozzles, both of which make dish washing and cleanup just that little bit easier. Many manufacturers are also starting to offer touch and motion activated faucets, which allow you to turn the faucet on and off hands-free. This can be great for people who tend to get their hands messy and don't want to dirty their faucet handles, but be aware that you can't adjust the temperature or pressure of the water without touching the handle - the sensors will only turn it on and off.
[caption id="attachment_10080" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Cascada Single Handle Kitchen Faucet In Brushed Nickel With Solid Brass Construction From Ruvati[/caption]
Finally, it's worth considering your faucet in the context of your kitchen as a whole. It can be tempting to fall in love with a really trendy finish, but if it doesn't match the rest of the hardware in your kitchen, it'll never look quite right. So, either stick with something close to your existing hardware or, better yet, replace your cabinet pulls at the same time you replace the faucet to keep that unified look. Some really high quality finishes will be a little more expensive than your basic chrome, but generally speaking a large difference in price between two sinks indicates a difference in construction quality. Barring a big designer name, a higher price usually means the faucet is made of metal and ceramic rather than plastic. If you're buying in person, be sure to pick up the faucets you're considering. The heavier they are, the better; it's often worth spending a little extra for a faucet made of better materials for the simple reason that it'll last you longer.
What are you looking for in a new kitchen faucet, and what type of faucet are you looking to replace?...
Perrin and Rowe Double Handle Bridge Kitchen Faucet U4718X from Rohl[/caption]
In broad strokes, your kitchen almost certainly falls in one of a few stylistic categories - traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse, and so on. Despite being relatively small in size, the right kitchen faucet can do a beautiful job enhancing and bringing out that style. The good news is, most of the cool utility features you might want to have are available on faucets that range from very traditional to very modern, so style is a good place to start narrowing your search.
Soave Series 2-Handle Kitchen Faucet In Oil Rubbed Bronze KF-AZ032ORB from Anzzi[/caption]
If you want to replace your kitchen faucet on it's own and not as part of a more extensive renovation, you need to consider how your current sink and faucet are laid out - specifically how many faucet and accessory holes your current sink has and how many your current faucet uses. It's possible to cover up unused holes (though it's not always attractive), but it's very difficult to add additional holes to your sink and counter where there are none - which means if your current faucet is a post-style with a single integrated handle, you probably won't be upgrading to a three-piece wide-spread faucet.
Stainless Steel Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet With Soap Dispenser VG02019STK2 from Vigo Industries[/caption]
That said, the faucet holes in your kitchen sink do present a fun opportunity to add in some other upgrades. Especially if you have a separate sink sprayer and upgrade to a faucet with an integrated one, you can use that empty space for something cool, like a built-in soap pump or a filtered hot water faucet. Not all faucets come with these kind of add-ons, but it's pretty easy to find faucet sets that do, and if you have the space for them they can really help streamline your counter space.
Locke Single Handle Kitchen Faucet With Sprayer KF-AZ108 from Anzzi[/caption]
It's easy to lump all kitchen faucets together, especially if you mostly look at lower-end faucets. But while it's true they all share features - some way to control the volume and temperature of the water, a spigot, and maybe some kind of sprayer - where they're located and how you use them can vary a lot from one model to the next. For example, you should consider whether you want your faucet to have one handle or two. Two-handle faucets are generally considered more elegant and take up more space on your sink, which means they give a stronger visual impression and pack a nice stylish punch. But widespread faucets also force you to control the hot and cold water separately. Single handle faucets let you control both the flow and temperature with a single lever, which makes for a more compact faucet but also a simpler and more intuitive control. There's no right or wrong style, just what works better for how you plan to use it.
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Singer Pull Down Single Handle Kitchen Faucet In Polished Chrome KF-AZ041 from Anzzi[/caption]
Similarly, it's becoming very common for faucets in all styles and configurations to feature a pull-down or pull-out sprayer that's integrated into the nozzle of your faucet rather than a separate sink sprayer. Again, the choice between the two is a combination of style and convenience. Side sprayers can help spread out your faucet and increase that stylish impact, but it can be clunky to switch between your normal faucet flow and the sprayer. Integrated pull-out sprayers let you switch easily from one to the other, give you a little more flexibility and control, and create a more streamlined appearance.
Venetian Bronze Pull Down Faucet With Touch 2O 9197T-RB-DST from Soci[/caption]
If you really truly get a lot of regular use out of your kitchen faucet - if you hand wash your dishes, wash a lot of food, get your hands messy while you're cooking, or just have a high volume of cookware passing through your sink, you might want to consider splurging for a luxury quality or even professional grade faucet. Features like touch activation or faucets with multiple spigots can be a lifesaver for people who really put their faucets to work, and are well worth the extra cost to help improve the workflow in your kitchen....
Solid Brushed Stainless Steel Retractable Single Hole Kitchen Faucet AB2038-BSS from Alfi[/caption]
I'm not going to lie, I'm going to lead with a personal favorite. Fully articulated faucets are something of a rarity in the market; you'll maybe find one or two here and there from companies that produce very modern faucets. But I absolutely love the sleek, sci-fi look of these faucets. They're controlled by a single handle on the side, and are designed to bend, twist, and fold at every joint, meaning you can bend and shape it to spray in any part of your sink, or fold it entirely out of the way when you aren't using it.
Single Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet In Brushed Nickel F-012082 from Blossom[/caption]
Lots of kitchen faucet manufacturers are hopping on the professional kitchen bandwagon, producing huge, commercial-grade faucets for use in home kitchens. And while these are actually pretty great for heavy kitchen work, they can be hard to match to anything but an all-stainless-steel aesthetic. Personally, I prefer faucets that do away with all the harsh metal coils and the extra-high-height and opt instead for something a little simpler - like an arm that lets you adjust the height of your faucet, or detach the nozzle for use as a free-moving sprayer. And if it's kind of cute instead of a reminder of your stint as a restaurant dish washer, so much the better.
Metris 2-Spray Prep Kitchen Faucet 04508000 from Hansgrohe[/caption]
Whether you opt for a traditional faucet or a more modern one, most models tend to be a little samey. That's why just about any kitchen faucet that breaks the mold makes for a really great statement piece - and can be really fun to use. Angular spigots, unusual handles, or even interestingly shaped pull-down sprayers all give a faucet a futuristic feel that will help break you out of the ordinary. (Making laser noises when you use the sprayer is optional.)
Spring LED Light Kitchen Faucet S6026CL from Sumerain[/caption]
I remember as a kid at Disneyland, I drank water out of a drinking fountain that had little lights built inside that made the water change color as it flowed. It was a fun little bit of whimsy, and while it's admittedly maybe a little juvenile, it's also a playful touch you can add to your own kitchen faucet. LED lights built into the nozzle of the faucet illuminate when the water starts flowing, harmlessly tinting the water, and even the water in your sink, depending on the strength of the light. Depending on the faucet, you can find LEDs in lots of different colors (or even color-changing, Disneyland-style ones), and if you need a grown-up excuse to get one, many models use a blue-purple-red lighting system to indicate the temperature of the water as an anti-scald measure.
Arctic Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet With Touch2O Technology 9159T-AR-DST from Soci[/caption]
Then again, sometimes the most "fun" you can have in the kitchen is having a tool that makes your job just a little bit easier, whether it's that perfectly seasoned cast iron pan, or a faucet you can use when your hands are gross without leaving a huge mess behind. Touch activated faucets have been making the rounds for a few years now, but they still have that rare, futuristic feel to them that makes them a little bit of a novelty. And, if you're someone who spends a lot of time with your hands covered in bread dough or chicken juice, being able to set the temperature and flow of your water and turn it on and off with a light bump on the spigot can really be a novel experience.
Using a kitchen faucet is almost always a chore, but just because you're doing housework doesn't mean you can't have a little fun - and sometimes all you need is a pretty, playful faucet to brighten up your day....
Bridgeford Double Handle Kitchen Faucet From Grohe[/caption]
I don't have anything against stainless steel - sinks, faucets, and appliances can all look great in steel, but in a traditional kitchen - especially one done in a French country style - it draws attention to itself as being entirely too modern. Stainless steel faucets look great with stainless steel sinks, but less stunning with more traditional fireclay or copper sinks. As well, the minimalist shapes of industrial-style kitchen faucets are at odds with the lush and ornamental style of a French country kitchen. Instead, you want to opt for something like this Bridgeford Faucet from Grohe which has both a more lustrous finish and a more detailed, ornamental design.
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Double Handle Bridge Kitchen Faucet From Rohl's Perrin and Rowe Collection[/caption]
One of the biggest differences between traditional faucets and more modern ones is the shape of the neck. While modern faucets have a simple U or J bend to them, traditional faucets are more elaborately shaped, both curvier and more angular, with more ornamentation at every bend. Something like this Bridge Faucet from Rohl gives you the same depth as a modern faucet, but it takes a more scenic route to get there, giving you a more appealing silhouette that immediately invokes a French country design.
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New Horizon Single Handle Faucet From Whitehaus[/caption]
Secondly, traditional kitchen faucet handles are often quite different from the modern single-lever style. Cross style handles are, of course, the most traditional, but certainly not the only option. This is definitely something to pay attention to, as it can effect the way you use your kitchen faucet. For example, while cross and lever style handles are very traditional, if you're used to having a single handle control both the hot/cold and the volume of water, you might be better off with a faucet like this New Horizon Faucet from Whitehaus, which allows you the same control as a modern faucet, but with a beautiful, classic ornamental handle.
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De Dion Wall Mounted Kitchen Faucet With Sprayer From Herbeau[/caption]
Because French country kitchen faucets are much more ornate than modern designs, they can actually work very well as a centerpiece for your kitchen. Maybe most notably, Herbeau has an entire line of kitchen faucets based on authentic 19th century French designs which not only have beautiful finishes and detailing, but also stunning ash wood handles. I particularly like their De Dion collection (including this De Dion Wall Mount), the handles of which are based on the gear shift of the 1904 DeDion-Bouton automobile. With a completely unique style and historical flair, these faucets are not merely a traditional French choice, but act as a stunning focal point for a French country kitchen.
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Marielle Kitchen Faucet From Price Pfister[/caption]
Now, culinary-style kitchen faucets aren't in-vogue for no reason. While they might not be the prettiest faucets you can find, they definitely get the job done, and are often more intuitive and more usable than more conventional models. With flexible necks, pull down hoses, adjustable sprayers, and a whole host of other features, restaurant style kitchen faucets are definitely more versatile. But choosing the right faucet can have an impact on on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. In a French country kitchen - or with any traditional style - a gadget-laden faucet will stand out like a sore thumb. Something like this Marielle Faucet from Price Pfister might not have all the same features, but it blends much better with a traditional style, and competes a country style kitchen.
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Prince Single Handle Pull Out Kitchen Faucet From Danze[/caption]
If you like the look but don't want to lose the functionality of modern faucets, don't worry. It's a little harder to find models with the same features, but not impossible.The most popular (and, I think, important) feature is the pull-down faucet with an integrated sprayer. Many French country kitchen faucets come with separate sprayers, but for full modern functionality, look for something like this Prince Faucet from Danze, with an extending, flexible hose and adjustable sprayer. Not only do you get a more seamless look on your counter top, and greater functionality with your faucet, but also the same great look you want from a traditional faucet.
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Are you planning a French country kitchen remodel? What kitchen faucet style do you like the best?
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