HELP!! Faucet Finish vs. Cabinet Hardware Finish.

16 years ago

I am in the process of a kitchen remodel and am having a hard time deciding on what finish faucets(kitchen, bar and pot filler) I should use with my stainless steel sinks. My kitchen cabinets are a soft white with a chocolate glaze and have decided on oil rubbed bronze handles for the cabinetry. All of my appliances are covered with panels with the exception of my Wolf Rangetop. I love the look and versatility of the satin nickel but fear that it would clash with the cabinet handles. I have been told that I can also use oil rubbed bronze faucets but am afraid everything would be too monotone with brown colored granite. I have searched through kitchen magazines and have seen both satin nickel and ORB used in both applications. I am getting mixed reviews from plumbers and designers and would love some input. Thank you! :-)

Featured Answer

Buehl

16 years ago

Whatever you do, be sure your hardware isn't painted. Painted finishes eventually wear off on the pulls/knobs used frequently (some ORB finishes on cabinet hardware are painted...check yours.)

As to ORB vs Brushed nickel plumbing fixtures...yes, some here have had problems w/ORB, but I think the majority are happy with it. I also prefer some contrast b/w the countertop & faucet (so all blacks or dark browns wouldn't appeal to me).

Generally, I like to keep things in the same color "family"...e.g., silvers would include SS, pewter, antique iron, nickel. But, this is my personal preference...

Since you have a SS sink, I'd use that as your guide for faucet choice...and I think the nickel would look fine w/SS (I should, that's what I have!) I think you'll be fine with the ORB hardware + nickel faucet.

Check your inspiration pictures...what do you see? Let that be your guide.

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Comments (7)

nkkp
16 years ago
I don't think using the ORB would be too drab but I'm not sure about using them with a stainless sink.
zelmar
16 years ago
We have dark stained cabinets and mostly stainless appliances so my situation isn't the same as yours. But we do have darkened bronze hardware on our cabinets, darkened pendants and satin nickel faucets. It would never occur to me to match the faucets to anything although when the kitchen came together I see they tie in with the stainless steel sinks and the appliances.

I wouldn't get the ORB faucets if you don't want them. I believe some people have had trouble with the wear of the finish. I think the ORB faucets are at risk of being a trend that may look dated in a few years. I really like the fresh clean look of the nickel (or even chrome) and it really surprises me that anybody would have a strong opinion about not using it. I think the ORB would get lost with your granite.

I know the last thing you want to think about is spending extra money but faucets are relatively inexpensive (depending on the make/model) and easy to replace--when compared to appliances, counters or cabinets. If you really hate your choice you can sell it on Craigs List and replace it.
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eastcoastmom
16 years ago
I recently (as in this week!) was asking myself the same exact question - a quick look at all my kitchen magazines convinced me that the satin nickel faucet/stainless sink/ ORB hardware combo is done all the time. I think it's a great look. The faucet will pick up on the sink, your Wolf range, and any other stainless appliances you may have.

Like you I have creamy cabinets with glaze( with a cherry island) , Wolf SS range, paneled fridge and SS undermount sinks. My granite is in the medium brown tones - New Venetian Gold. I'm doing ORB hardware on both perimeter and island, satin nickel faucets and stainless undermount sinks. Lighting will probably have ORB or similar trim. I've also seen ORB faucets matched up to ORB hardware , including mixed with stainless sinks (one like that right on the cover of one of a recent kitchen magazine) - those can be just gorgeous , too. To me, some faucets styles look better in the ORB than others - just personal preference.

In addition to kitchen magazines, you might also want to check out the finished kitchen blog on this site - look at categories and then creamy colored kitchens or ORB. If you want a satin nickel faucet though, I think you'll be reassured by what you see.
eastcoastmom
16 years ago
Here's an old thread that might be of interest:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0323073924141.html
rubyfig
16 years ago
I had the same question with the SS sink (I went with brushed nickel), but I did notice that depending on the manufacturer, the satin nickel either looked great with the SS, or the color was off just enough to look weird (I dunno, maybe I would have been the only one to notice. LOL). But if the Stove isn't clashing with the handles, and the sink isn't clashing, your faucet won't. Is there a chance you can see them together?
eastcoastmom
16 years ago
Uh oh - I hope that isn't the case -now I'm worried. I didn't even think of the satin nickel clashing with the sink itself!