The faucet as the centerpiece of the kitchen

Faucet, sink and accessories as one powerful whole

At Franke, the faucet is central to kitchen design. Not just as a functional element, but as a defining part of the overall look. A coherent whole is created around the faucet in which sink, accessories and finish reinforce each other.

That premise translates into a clear design vision. Faucet, sink and accessories are not developed separately, but as parts of one family. Proportions are carefully chosen, finishes fit seamlessly and colors are coordinated. This creates a powerful centerpiece in the kitchen that is both practical and visually correct.

Because the faucet is used intensively every day, it must offer more than just reliability. The design must fit into the overall look of the kitchen while supporting comfort and ease of use. It is precisely in this part of the kitchen that everything comes together: form, material and technology.

Color as the new standard

Color plays an important role in this approach. Whereas chrome and classic stainless steel were the standard for a long time, there is now more choice. Color is no longer a detail, but a conscious design solution within the working area around the faucet. This becomes apparent with Franke's Fragranite sinks. For the Swiss manufacturer, material choice is not an afterthought, but a conscious choice within the overall concept around the faucet, sink and worktop. This composite material consists largely of natural quartz, supplemented by a strong resin. The result is a hard and dense surface that is resistant to scratches, impacts and intensive daily use. The color is through and through in the material and therefore retains its depth and appearance.

The Fragranite sinks are available in various trend colors. With this, the manufacturer shows that colorfastness and design freedom can go hand in hand. The sink can subtly blend into the design or play an outspoken role within the kitchen layout, instead of being filled in as a closing item. Even the faucet can be finished in exactly the same color. 

Within that same color thinking, Franke's boiling water faucets are also available in multiple finishes. In doing so, the company underlines that consistency in the working area around the faucet is a conscious design choice. In addition to stainless steel and chrome, there are finishes such as Black, Anthracite, Copper and Gold. Anthracite is often called Gun Metal in practice, making it easier to choose a sink in exactly the same color. That all of this can be combined in the kitchen without any shade difference is more than worthy of praise. It reinforces the idea of one cohesive whole.

Freedom of choice like never before

For Franke, the strength lies not only in uniformity, but precisely in freedom of choice. The concept of Mix & Match offers room to consciously combine materials and colors. A dark sink with a faucet in Gun Metal. Or a light sink combined with a faucet in Gold for a softer contrast. This flexibility gives designers and kitchen consultants more latitude. The working area around the faucet can be constructed ton-sur-ton or, on the contrary, become a subtle eye-catcher within the overall design. It's up to each person to choose which suits them best personally.

Healthy water from the tap 

In addition to appearance, functionality plays a clear role for Franke. The multifunctional 6-in-1 faucet delivers cold, hot, boiling, chilled, sparkling and filtered water from a single spout. Increasingly, the focus is on the quality of drinking water. And maybe for once it's good not to focus on just the boiling water part. Franke must have thought so too, because they also give a lot of attention in their communication to using the best healthy water.

This is because the integrated filtration system reduces unwanted substances and ensures a pure taste. Consider the reduction of pesticides, chlorine residues and other contaminants that can be found in tap water, among other things. Thus, the faucet becomes not only a practical tool, but also a conscious choice for healthier water in everyday use.

In doing so, filtered water from the tap contributes to a more sustainable household. Less dependence on bottled water means less use of PET bottles and less transportation. The comfort of instant chilled or sparkling water from the tap thus goes hand in hand with a positive contribution to the environment.

According to Ron de Rijk, Commercial Manager Netherlands at Franke Home Solutions, the developments at Franke are logical: “The sink and the faucet are perhaps the most used parts of the kitchen. Then it is only right that they are consciously considered. It's about daily comfort, health and sustainability but also about how everything comes together in the design.”