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Home Kitchen Designs

Metal as anything: the best tapware and fixture finishes for an impressive wet area renovation

Move over chrome, the new brushed colourway options are anything but ordinary.

It wasn’t that long ago that metal sinks and tapware came in one colour: chrome. Thankfully, those days are gone, and there’s now an exciting range of brushed finishes that will complement your kitchen, bathroom or laundry perfectly. Made from solid brass or stainless steel, brushed metal finishes hide fingerprints, water spots and smudges due to its textured nature, making it great for high traffic rooms. So, whether you’re in the middle of a full-blown renovation or just looking for an easy update for your wet areas, these on-trend finishes will make the space shine.

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Brushed Gunmetal

With the lustre of chrome and the sophistication of matte black, brushed gun metal is a more subdued option, adding a softer and more natural feel to a space.
With the lustre of chrome and the sophistication of matte black, brushed gun metal is a more subdued option, adding a softer and more natural feel to a space.

Edgy but without the in-your-face boldness of black, brushed gun metal is a great option if you’re after a timeless and subtle finish. It complements most designs styles and colour schemes and is available in both traditional and modern tapware styles. It’s also one of the most durable finishes and doesn’t leave soap scum and watermarks.

Best for: Industrial, Minimalist, Modern and Rustic design styles

Brushed nickel

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Sleek, modern, sophisticated design and practical, this Buildmat brushed nickel finish mixer also has a easy-to-use swivel function, precise temperature and pressure control, is solid, durable and will go the distance.
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Similar to chrome in colour but with a muted, slightly matte appearance, brushed nickel fixtures are a timeless choice that are still very much on trend. As it’s subdued enough not to overpower any textures or patterns, it works in almost any setting (though is best in schemes featuring warm colours due to its natural yellow or white shine) and is a great match for terrazzo tiles.

Best for: Hamptons, Country Style, Scandinavian, and Modern design styles

Brushed brass gold

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Made with quality 304 stainless steel, this brushed brass gold sink by Buildmat has a smooth satin-matte finish that will stand the test of time.

Brushed brass gold fixtures instantly adds a muted sense of luxury, elegance and warmth to a space. It’s usually reserved for more traditional and heritage style homes but more modern designs have seen this finish showing up in contemporary spaces, making a striking statement when used in an all-white space with timber accents. Unlike raw or living brass fixtures, brushed brass gold will not patina with time so it will stay looking as good as it did on install day.

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Best for: Contemporary, Traditional, Modern, Boho-luxe and Hamptons design styles

Brushed stainless steel

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Low-quality stainless-steel sinks can be noisy when doing the washing up, so invest in a thicker steel with good sound insulation. Buildmat sinks are made from 1.5mm thick stainless steel rather than 0.8mm that many other manufacturers use.

A no-fuss all-rounder that’s durable, hygienic, easy to clean, and features a muted, matte finish that suits cool tones (think blues, greens). It’s rust-resistant and a master at disguising fingerprints, making it a good choice for high traffic households. However not all stainless-steel is created equal, with inexpensive options using a lower gauge, or thinner, type of stainless steel which can flex so be sure to invest in quality craftsmanship.

Best for: Modern and Industrial design styles

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Brushed copper

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Use brushed copper mixers, sinks, dishracks, drainboards and sink strainers for an understated yet edgy aesthetic.

Like brass gold, brushed copper will light up a room with its soft, rosy glow. It pairs beautifully with natural textures (particularly travertine tiles), a neutral palette, and shines where there’s ample light. It’s also excellent at highlighting subtle undertones in muted, warm colours. Luxe without being too showy.

Best for: Industrial, Contemporary, Traditional, Rustic, and Modern Farmhouse design styles

Brought to you by Buildmat. Discover the full range here and bring your renovation dreams to life.

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