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FEBRUA RY 2016 | 41 Plumbing Products W Innovative plumbing technologies and sleek new designs are making a splash for 2016 by STACEY MCLACHLAN When it comes to plumbing fixtures, looks may not be everything, but they certainly matter. "The esthetics of plumbing fixtures are becoming more important to consumers," says Michael Del Guidice, marketing direc- tor for American Standard Brands Canada. "Plumbing pieces are being used as decorative focal points in the home." But even as design elements become more sig- nificant to the consumer, functionality and optimal user experience are improving at a rapid rate, and that means exciting things for the industry and end users alike. Though silver and chrome have long been the finish of choice for a sparkling bathroom, a different metal- lic is making a splash this year. At Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre, gold faucets are trending and more people are becoming interested in adding them to their kitch- ens and bathrooms. The glam finish adds a touch of ele- gance, whether it's used for the minimalist Dornbracht MEM Refinement faucet, or a more traditional Kohler Devonshire Widespread Lavatory Faucet. Rose gold is having a moment, too. "Designers are asking for different finishes," adds Maria Bosco, direc- tor of marketing and training for Grohe Canada. This spring, Grohe will be offering the North American mar- ket its Grandera line (a collection of elegant fixtures that nod to the Art Deco look) in rose gold. "Items for the home take their cue from fashion, and since rose gold has been fashionable in jewellery for many years, Grohe has decided to incorporate the finish in its fix- tures," explains Bosco. "The new 'warm sunset' finish, as we call the rose gold, is a glamorous, chic, glowing finish inspired by nature." In addition to these warming metals, matte black fin- ishes continue to enjoy popularity. "The palette lends itself to both subtle and dramatic variations," says Jason Durkee, media and PR specialist for Masco Canada. However, Donna Church, marketing and commu- nications manager at Kohler Canada, adds that not everyone is going for gold. "Materials used are polished chrome and ceramic disc valves to exceed industry lon- gevity standards," she points out. Chris Salas, interior designer and master bath and kitchen designer, agrees and says, "Chrome is still pop- ular – it gives a bit of sparkle in the bathroom." K E E P I T C L E A N Traditional designs still have their place, but a greater number of homeowners are leaning towards the mod- ern look. "Contemporary designs continue to lead in the Canadian market and our customers are willing to make bold statements with their design choices," notes Church. Kohler's Honesty faucet collection pairs crisp angles and softened corners – its sleek lines create a seamless, easy-to-clean design. "Square collections are immensely popular right now, and more brands are opting to add an angled collection to their roster," says Eva Mitic, marketing and commu- nications co-ordinator for Andrew Sheret Limited and Splashes Bath & Kitchen. She points to Grohe Eurocube or Moen's 90 Degree collection, which offer sharp, sleek lines designed to complement modern decor. "Clean lines are an esthetic that never seem to go out of style," Durkee points out. Homeowners and archi- tects are eschewing fussiness for something stream- lined. That's reflected in fixture choices, too. "I'm seeing a lot of single levers," notes Salas. And in keeping with that minimalist trend, clean, bright, spa-style bathrooms are still in high-demand. "We don't see a lot of requests for heavy, darker colours, just a lot of white," says Salas. T R E N D I N G T E C H N O L O G Y Rapidly developing technology is affecting everything from fixture controls to tiling design. "Integrating tech in our everyday lives is a trend we're seeing in the Canadian market," explains Church. A Fitting Response Honesty faucet from Kohler. Grandera collection in rose gold from Grohe. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KOHLER LTD.; GROHE CANADA INC.

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