• Want a Bathroom That Feels Boutique? Start With This

    Tap1s

    You walk into a hotel bathroom and immediately feel the difference — not just clean and functional, but refined. Every element feels intentional. The good news? You don’t need a five-star suite to get that boutique look at home. It often starts with the smallest details — and none have more visual impact than your tapware.

    If you’ve ever admired the elegance of designer bathrooms, chances are you were unknowingly drawn to the sleek fixtures. Choosing from luxury tapware brands isn’t just about function — it’s a design decision that instantly elevates your space.

    The Power of Tapware in Bathroom Design

    In many homes, bathrooms are an afterthought — built to serve a purpose, but not designed to make a statement. Tapware is one of the easiest ways to shift that dynamic.

    Why? Because taps are used daily, are always visible, and often sit front and centre on your vanity or bath. Choosing high-end fittings can turn a standard bathroom into a personal retreat.

    Boutique Looks Begin with Detail

    When aiming for that boutique hotel aesthetic, the magic lies in consistency and care. Here’s where tapware plays a starring role:

    • Material and finish: Think brushed brass, matte black, or gunmetal — they add depth and character.
    • Shape and silhouette: Modern square edges or soft curved lines help reinforce your chosen style.
    • Quality and craftsmanship: High-end brands don’t just look good — they feel better to use, with smoother operation and longer-lasting finishes.

    Choosing the Right Tapware for Your Look

    Designing a bathroom that feels luxe doesn’t mean you need to rip everything out and start fresh. You just need to choose the right elements to update — and tapware is at the top of that list.

    Here are a few pointers to guide your selection:

    1. Match Your Mood

    Are you going for spa-like calm, sleek and modern, or something more traditional? Let that guide your finish and shape. For example:

    • Matte black works beautifully in minimalist or monochrome bathrooms.
    • Brushed gold brings a warm, elegant tone to natural or earth-toned spaces.
    • Polished chrome offers a timeless look that blends easily with most styles.

    2. Think Beyond the Basin

    To create a cohesive, boutique look, choose matching tapware across your entire space — including your shower, bath spout, and even accessories like robe hooks or towel rails.

    3. Don’t Skimp on Quality

    Boutique doesn’t mean high maintenance. Reputable brands use better materials and finishes that resist corrosion, scratching, and general wear — making your bathroom look better, longer.

    Quick Upgrades That Make a Big Impact

    Not ready for a full bathroom renovation? No problem. Just swapping out old tapware can make your space feel brand new. Pair it with:

    • A stylish mirror or sconce lighting
    • Fresh, fluffy towels in neutral colours
    • A wooden stool or bath tray for texture
    • Simple, clutter-free benchtops

    These small, thoughtful touches layer beautifully with luxury tapware to create a calming, high-end feel.

    You Deserve the Good Stuff

    Your bathroom isn’t just a utility room — it’s where you start and end your day. Choosing beautiful, well-made fittings isn’t about showing off; it’s about creating a space that feels good to be in.

    So if you’re dreaming of a boutique hotel experience at home, don’t overlook the power of great tapware. Start there — and let the rest of your bathroom rise to meet the standard.

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  • Lavello Sinks – big, beautiful, stainless – and affordable

    Stainlesssinkkitchenwide

    I’m in the process of remodeling my own kitchen, and found an enormous variety of prices for very similar items. Some sinks – European brands, mostly – were ridiculously expensive, when the exact same sink (in this case, an enormous 36" stainless steel apron-fron) was 1/2 the price or less from an American vendor. I took a closer look – the metal looked the same, it was the same weight and construction, and was probably built at the same factory by the same people!

    You really do need to shop around, and don’t let your contractor suggest an expensive item when you can find the exact same thing for a fraction of the price. I found my beautiful sink from Matt Roberts’ Lavello Sinks and really couldn’t be happier with the sink or the service. Matt is a commercial contractor and property manager who found a great source for sinks that would otherwise go for $1500; he realized that there was a huge need for affordable but good quality stainless sinks, and I’m sure that his business will thrive. His prices are far better than anything else I’ve found elsewhere, and the shipping was super-fast and very affordable. If every transaction and interaction I had to engage with over the course of this remodel was as pleasant, painless (and, again, affordable) as my interaction with Matt, it sure would make the whole process a lot easier!

    Once my kitchen is done – I’m thinking we’re about eight weeks away – I’ll post pictures of the sink installation and the finished project. Until then, if you’re looking for a pretty and modern stainless sink that works very well with an historic kitchen, check him out, and tell him I sent you!