Design Friday: The Kitchen Faucet

This week I really wanted to discuss something that exemplified design's relevance in our daily lives. It's inspiring to study chairs and architecture, but I wanted to highlight something more practical. My attention was brought to my kitchen faucet.


Perhaps one of the most important places in our homes that good design is a requirement is the kitchen. The kitchen is such a busy place, it makes sense to put thought into the items you will be working with all day long. Really think about your needs and try to find something that will meet them. It is rewarding to have something that works just the way you need it to. Remember the mantra, "Form follows function".
I love my kitchen faucet. I never thought I could love a kitchen faucet, but I do, because it meets my needs. Here are some considerations for a kitchen faucet based on my experience (but everyone's needs are different). Let me count the ways...
1.) Handle: Those retro dual handle faucets are cute, but it doesn't make sense to me to have separate hot/cold handles at the kitchen sink. Turning on the water and adjusting the temperature with my wrist is so convenient when my hands have salmonella on them and I need to wash them.
2.) Pull-out Spray vs. Side Spray: Having the spray function pull out is so much more convenient than pulling it across the sink. Also, the sprayer is easily maneuverable (some are like little shower heads!)
3.) Faucet Height: The high goose neck makes handwashing large pans or pots or filling up a pitcher so simple.
4.) With those needs met, I love its clean lines (aka: form).

Good design can should be a part of even the most practical aspects of our lives. We are all worthy of good design in our lives, and since you have to buy something anyway- make sure you love it. You'll be grateful every time you use it