They sit front and centre in our kitchens, often under a window or emerging from a statement island bench. Yet for most of us, it’s a decision far down the list, behind stone benchtops, cabinetry and even the sink itself. For something as visible as any other design element, tapware is rarely treated as the statement piece it could be.
And it’s not just about placement or shape. Finishes are often chosen purely for practicality — to complement surrounding textures rather than to stand out. In recent years, most ‘statement’ taps have been oversized goose-neck ‘vege-sprayers’ that dominate the benchtop or in cult finishes such as matte black.
But statement tapware doesn’t have to be over-the-top. Thoughtful placement, considered proportions, and a sculptural yet minimal design can make it a focal point without overwhelming the space.
Here are three ways to make tapware a considered, design-led choice in your next kitchen.
The hidden factor
If you’re lucky enough to have a butler’s pantry, this is where you can get technical with taps. These spaces are often designed for practicality — a place to clean up efficiently and conceal the mess — but that doesn’t mean style needs to be compromised.
Pull-out spray mixers, once bulky and industrial-looking, have become slimmer and more sculptural. Take the Rogerseller Myhill Sink Mixer: its pull-out spray is seamlessly integrated into a sleek silhouette, balancing function with refined design.
Butler’s pantries are also ideal for instant boiling, chilled or sparkling water taps. These can sometimes appear bulky or detract from the main kitchen aesthetic. Selecting a design-conscious option ensures these taps can sit proudly in the space while maintaining harmony with your kitchen’s overall design.
Front and centre
For most Australians, our taps and sinks sit in the main preparation areas — on large island benches, under windows, or at one end of the bench. Yet despite this visibility, many choose basic, timeless styles that almost disappear into the background.
Collections such as the Rogerseller Eccentric Range prove taps don’t have to be boring. Simple, fluid curves and geometric forms can anchor the kitchen’s design, creating a calm, creative focal point. The Eccentric Hob Sink Mixer and Outlet with Pull-Out Spray, for example, features a short, curved outlet and separate mixer, keeping the design compact yet contemporary. It’s functional, everyday-friendly, yet also makes a style statement.
Make a statement
Tapware can set the tone for the rest of the space. In country-style kitchens, a pot-filler tap above a gas hob is both functional and a bold design statement that complement elements like a tiled splashback. Similarly, industrial kitchens, modern Queenslanders, and minimalist Australian homes all benefit when taps are top-of-mind design choices rather than afterthoughts.
Consider a matte black outlet against a neutral stone splashback, or a chrome mixer to offset a white Kit Kat tiled wall. Thoughtful tapware elevates the room, creating a cohesive, considered and visually striking kitchen.
The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries with your tapware. Even the smallest detail can transform a daily task into an experience that feels thoughtful, stylish and design-led.
Winnings is a lifestyle and luxury destination for the home. For over sixty years Winnings has helped Australians to create their dream homes by offering unbiased advice from our Product Experts, a curated range of the world’s best and exclusive appliance, bathware, furniture and lighting brands, and immersive shopping experiences through our inspiring Showrooms. Visit our 17 Showrooms nationwide or shop online to discover the world’s leading technologies and designs for the entire home.
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