I had a fancy designer basically tell me anything but chrome. I still like chrome, for what it's worth, but I won't use it because of what he said... I like shiny, so I'm going with a lot of polished nickel (and oil rubbed bronze, too).

Maybe at HD, but everywhere else chrome is right in style (and probably always will be).

Future trend predictions have brushed nickel on it's way out and (believe it or not) shiny brass making a comeback. Personally, I think we're talking way in future here.

I think chrome is in a different category than finishes like oil rubbed bronze and brass. Like you said, it is a classic.

Wow, you'd think she got a commission on selling faucets or something. Don't get something just because it's "in" as you'll surely be sick of it when it's "out" in a few months/years. Get what you love and then it won't matter what is in or out.

Chrome will never be dated. It is the BEST most durable finish around and always cleans up well. As trends come and go, chrome will always have its place. And by the way, stainless steel appliances are starting there way out too.

Agreed, tom. The only thing I read about brass was that it would be the kind of brass that changes, old brass, not the "shiny forever finish" or whatever they call it. True heavy brass.

We are getting chrome, and it looks very different from cheap chrome--there is a world of possibility of "chrome", btw, so it might be good to look at upper end fixtures in chrome and compare that to the HD chrome that looks like thin 70s rental chrome, iykwim :). If you want a chrome-like color with a more upscale mood, look at *polished* nickel. It's beautiful and timeless too. We couldn't justify the cost difference, but if you can, polished nickel sure is beautiful.

What's replacing stainless steel appliances? Back to white or black?

I think chrome is always in, and that polished nickel looks very similar and that one could easily be happy with either. There's nothing like the sweet purity of porcelain (white or biscuit or black) with chrome fixtures. And it's true, some chrome is better than other chrome.

Most things come and go, including stainless steel appliances. Some things are always timeless, like chrome fixtures, wing tip shoes, or penny loafers. Stainless steel appliances may be the "trendy" thing now, but it will eventually be OUT. It is impossible for it to be instyle forever. Just think, you will be looking at a home some years from now and see stainless steel appliances, and say, eeewww, look how dated this kitchen looks.

I hope it's not way, way out! I just bought a chrome faucet (and I guess you could say it's upper end) to go on my new white pedestal sink in my "vintage" bathroom! Heck, what should I care if it's way out any ways? I have lavender wall tile with a black boarder from 1936 and most people think that is way, way out dated!! But I love it and I'm the one who has to live here so that's all that should really matter. So get what makes you happy.

woohoo susulo! which sink did you end up with?

Chrome has never been out... maybe not #1 for a few years but it is definitely classic.

What is out is the shiny brass from the 80s :) (hope it never comes back)

I think that chrome is timeless. I am using polished chrome with white fixtures in one bath with a traditional look and satin chrome with biscuit fixtures in another, more modern bath.

I think that having chrome in your bathroom will make it more timeless than having oil-rubbed bronze which, in a few years will scream "2007".

Hi budge1, I ended up going with the Porcher Lutezia 24" and it's supposed to deliver on Monday...and I'm hoping to have it installed next Saturday. I can't wait! And the faucet I went with is the Porcher Palace Widespread....in chrome :)

So the style authority is a single home depo employee? Hmmm. Don't let her sway you from what you love.

Open a magazine! I agree that chrome is classic--used it all over my new house--every bathroom. I think it looks fresh and modern. But it's true that home depo carries some really cheap looking chrome fixtures, lighting, etc. So look elsewhere. I was really lucky finding chrome vanity lights at CSN stores on-line--some great price on high end stuff.

Going out on a limb, I'm going to guess that stainless appliances will become a new classic choice--just like in professional kitchens. But this is purely speculation.
Good luck--do what you love!

--Lisa ( :

Chrome is as clasic as a navy blazer or a black dress. The silhouette may change but the element will always be in fashion. You may not even be able to find oil rubbed bronze in 10 or 20 yrs but chrome will still be around. Kohler seems to promote all of the finishes including brass. But Chorme is the first mentioned.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler Faucet History

I dunno. I went with chrome because the tub shield I wanted had chrome components. The bathroom that I am remodeling is contemporary, and I don't think the chrome fixtures look out of place. Polished nickel DOES look great, but I went with shiny chrome. It would have only been between a polished nickel, chrome, or satin nickel anyway for me. I say go for what you like--fixtures are not impossible to update if years later the finish is a little dated.

Trendir is what's new in design. Most of their faucets are chrome and that's what I'm getting.
Donna

Here is a link that might be useful: Trendir

Donna, I love Trendir. A bunch of your older posts linked to it, and I chose so many of my fixtures from there, or got design inspirations. Thanks!

As other have mentioned, chrome is timeless. While I love the look, for that type of finish I do personally prefer the warmer look of polished nickel over chrome.

Oil-rubbed bronze is a trend. It looks great, I LOVE the look of it, but it is a trend.

Chrome can be used everywhere (faucets, knobs, hinges, lights) and it will look just as in place 40 years from now that is did the day it was installed.

ORB? It has a somewhat limited lifespan, design-wise. It is a trend. ORB can be great as an accent piece, but too much of it in the wrong style of house and the owner will likely grow weary after a few years. As an accent it could look great for decades.

Remember, most designers are on the tail end of the fad wave.

ORB was "new and cool" 5 or 6 years ago, the wave crested last year, and it's getting ready to implode. All that now that it's becoming readily available and more affordable.

Remember, once things become readily available to the masses, they are no longer the latest trend.

Oh well.

I always recommend buying what you like. Trend or not. Designer "pro" or "con." It's your house. Make the house look the way you want it to, not the way your neighbors, the big box designers, or the editorial staff at House Beautiful say it should look it should look.

Your goal is to enjoy your house.

Everyone else's goal is to sell product.

Mongo

I liked the look of polished nickel but when I read the faucet manufacturer's finish warranty, they came right out and said that chrome is the most durable and PN requires more care. That and the premium for some of my pieces in PN and I decided to go for chrome, which should be still looking great 30 years from now.

Totally agree.

Chrome is probably the most durable finish out there. It's fairly well standardized as well, in terms of quality, amongst the major manufacturers.

Polished nickel, or any of the other "less common" finishes, can be hit or miss in terms of quality and durability.

Plating and dispersion technologies, especially with the "niche" finishes, have certainly improved over the years.

But chrome is still the tried and true standard.

Once again - to those of you who say that "stainless is out" - what's replacing it? Black? White? Are there other options that I just don't know about?

Retro colors? I saw pink appliances in a showroom recently - and some cherry red ones, but other than that, I can't think of anything to replace stainless with. Black was "in" before stainless - and when I remodeled a home 20 years ago, white was "in".

Or is everyone able to afford those panels that make appliances look like cabinets? Is that what's in?

Chrome is a classic. THE classic. Everything else is a fad. However, how high is the quality of your faucets and how long do they need to last? Some people tire of theirs every few years and change them like their fashion accessories.

I don't. Our new house will have chrome everywhere except for the gooseneck in the kitchen. Best quality of construction I can afford (the innards). Chrome itself is the most durable finish acc. to latest Consumer Reports. But PVD (or is it PDV or some other combination of letters?) matches their short-term testing for resisting chemicals, scratches, etc. What they haven't tested the PVD finish for is endurance in real life homes. So, that remains to be seen.

So, karoloke, what did you decide on? :)

Don't get me wrong though, I have a pang every time I see the polished nickel. If it were a master bath just for DH and myself I would have considered it but this bath is our only upstairs bath and we are planning on a family so we went with the chrome. Rohl mentioned the word "wax" in their care guide for their PN finish and I just couldn't commit to that for the lifetime of the bathroom (and we have hard water too). But it's warm, shiny and beautiful.

I don't know what's in for kitchen appliances. I'm a "white appliance" kinda gal myself. How boring? :)

i have chrome in 3 of the bathrooms and brass in the half bath...and white kitchen appliances...call me boring too!

I would stick to your plan to have chrome, if that's what you want. When we redid (to hold us hold until need cabinets) our floor and counter/sink in our kitchen about 14 years ago, I wanted white subway backsplash, butcherblock look formica and a crayon color blue linoleum, 2 clerks in different stores convinced me I had to go almond ... for resale value ... who said we were selling?! We also recarpeted the LR and gameroom, there again they told me "you don't want that", yes, I do like yellow undertones not pink, green or grey. I've never been happy with the kitchen, other than I got rid of the white with gold star formica, we ripped up the carpet going down our hallway and underneath is the old linoleum...like it alot more than the new fake tile.

So, you wanted chrome, go with chrome...the salesclerk can buy ORB or BN in her own house!!

Everything in my new bath is chrome - towel holders, faucet, cabinet pulls, parts of light fixture, handheld shower, curtain rod, tie backs and toilet paper holder (ugly but its chrome), shower curtain hooks and faucets. Everything shines up really nice and goes well with the white fixtures.

Chrome is timeless.

Anne

It's come full circle: chrome wasn't 'trendy' at all for a long time, so now its practically cutting edge.

It's also a lot less expensive!

It's all about personal taste. Never go with trends, unless you actually like them.

I've never liked brass or gold finishes. I actually like chrome and brushed nickle about the same. So I bought both. Brushed nickel for MB and chrome for guest bath.

melisande,
Since nobody else is answering your question...actual colors are on the rise. We saw the beginning of this trend in the personal computer industry from some of the super high-end manufacturers such as Falcon Northwest. For $400-$800, they will paint anything you want on your PC case using the same paints and techniques used on high-end cars like the special edition Benzes and Bentlys.

Red is the early favorite, mainly because everything goes with red and it is at the same time fresh, "daring" and yet familiar, but the new trend strives for self determination rather than group-think (pack mentality), so as long as you pick a color you like other than stainless, white or black, it'll be in. I've noticed too that more and more folks are discovering deep, rich aubergine as the "new black." So that would be a good choice as it looks especially nice against the whites and myriad shades of brown already so prevalent in many kitchens.

This, thankfully, is a refreshing new trend, and I must admit that the super dark purples look amazing when you notice as the light catches them that "Oh, that's not black, it's purple."

Another nice thing about this trend is that you can either buy your appliance in a color, but if you already have stainless appliances, you can just have them painted, thereby allowing you to delay having to purchase all new stuff. Just be sure to get a painter that knows how to apply the proper finishes a la automobile paint jobs. Some folks are actually preferring to custom order their appliances primed and have their own custom painting done so as to have really exotic treatments like pearlescent flecking (this is amazing when done in the purple I was describing earlier) or magnetic hologram finishes, which are especially cool. The only real issue with these though is that they are considerably more expensive than just your basic color, bur if you really want to make a statement, it's the way to go.

When you get down to it, though, the nice thing about the new trend for painted appliances is that there really is no limit to what you can do whatever your imagination (or your designer's) is the sole limiting factor to what's possible.

I would imagine it'll be about two years before you start seeing this reflected in the design magazines, as right now only a handful of folks have done it. I only saw this in one celebrity home in Malibu and one in the Hollywood Hills over the course of the last year. But each time I heard lots of oohs and ahs from the other guests at the parties, so I know it's coming. You know how it goes...one celeb does it, then another finds out it's expensive and different so s/he does it. Then it's THE trend, and Selma in Brooklyn is doing it 8 years later.

One thing though, this stuff ain't cheap; you can easily spend a few thousand dollars to get some of the specialty treatments done on just one item if you get it painted by a qualified craftsman. For that reason, I think that by the time the trend trickles down to the masses, most folks will either go with simple colors like red, blue, yellow, green, etc. on several appliances or do the specialty treatments to just one. Anyway, once the early adopters have their new kitchens finished, you'll be able to start seeing it in the magazines, and hopefully by then the paint makers will have figured out a way to get the fancy treatments at a more reasonable price.

Hope this helps...

Cheers.

You can just have them painted, thereby allowing you to delay having to purchase all new stuff.

OR you can REALLY stand out against the pack by not buying into the culture of conspicuous consumption and not dumping 2 year old appliances in the landfill just because "they" say they're out. If you delay long enough, stainless will be back in and you'll be glad you didn't buy all new stuff. :D

melisande,
I forgot to mention this...I created a thread in the Appliance forum for the discussion on what's in in appliances so as not to highjack this one which is about chrome in bathrooms, I think.

And, btw, I forgot to mention that the whole thing with panels on appliances is about as "in" as it ever was...however, because it's the "I don't really have appliances" look, it is incongruous to discuss its stylistic virtues and popularity within the context of a discussion about what's "in" in appliance styles seeing as that style denies the very existence of the appliances.

Wow! Thanks for all of your responses! I think you are all right about going with what you love. I actually like both chrome and nickle so may use chrome in the kids' bathroom and nickle in ours. I haven't really had time to investigate what's out there, but clicked on the links by organic and iamnodiy (thanks for providing!). There are some beautiful things out there. I don't think we'll be able to go really high end. Is there a big difference in quality between high and low end, or is is just a more designer look? Can't believe they're coming out with colorful refrigerators, by the way! One reason I like stainless is because it goes with different color schemes so you're not locked in if you want a change of color.

IMO high end is more or a style issue than quality. I had thirty year old builder quality faucets (70's single handle acryilic knob) that worked just fine in my bathroom before we did the remodel. I don't know what your budget is but anything in the $125 to $200 price range should buy quality and some style. You may find some for less money that suit your style. I like Delta, Kohler, and Moen. They have some nice styles that come with warranties on parts and finishes. If you have to cut cost I would spend less money on the sink faucet than the tub. The sink plumbing is easier to change or repair than the shower/tub area.

I wouldn't listen to anyone at HD when they give you style pointers. Chrome is classic. Nickel is more expensive and considered more "lux", but most people cannot tell the difference unless they are side to side. Chrome is easy to clean, less expensive, and it is easy to find accessories for it. I can't imagine chrome every being "dated". It may not be the "in" thing at one point or another, but it isn't dated either.

ORB, IMO, will be very dated eventually. The finish isn't as durable, it is more expensive, and you often cannot match one ORB to another, making it more difficult to pick out matching pieces (e.g., faucet and lighting, from different manufacturers).

I'm not sure about brushed nickel. Like ORB it can vary widely based on manufacturer. I think it is very utilitarian looking, not pretty or lux at all. I have it on the doorknobs in my mudroom because I needed a white metal in there and thought the brushed finish would be more durable. It is, but it's just sort of "there". I don't get the trend towards brushed nickel throughout a house right now. But that's my opinion.

The only finish is really, really dislike is chrome mixed with polished brass. Yuck.

Get Gel Gloss at HD and buff your chrome faucets. They will stay spot free for weeks.

Yes, the design is what mostly drives up the price. Also many faucets are from Italy, which will raise the cost. The dollar is very weak in Italy and the shipping is very costly.
Donna

I wouldn't consider taking design advice from anyone who works at Home depot frankly. If they were any good they'd work at a better design place :)

But that aside, I also don't take design advice from anyone who leans towards trends. Especially when it comes to basic finishes.

If chrome is out, I'm out I guess since I have it in my kitchen (or will soon) and given the thousand's I've spent on faucets recently (for the entire house) I'm just going to have to stay that way and not try to please any fasionesta's. :) I have Chrome in the kitchen, ORB in the master bath, shiny brass in the powder room and a mix of chrome and nickle in the family bathroom (faucets and fixtures with chrome, towel bars, hooks etc, nickel). Everything is quality and made to last, so if I'm out of fashion, shoot me. I think they're all lovely and it's easier for the plumbers not to put the wrong thing in the wrong room heh heh

Decorator who helped me said she would not have anything but chrome in the bathrooms she used frequently, because it is always classic and always looks clean. She noted that in a guest bath and a powder room, she had used brushed stainless, and did not find it too much trouble but said she had changed out her ORB to brushed stainless as the ORB always showed lime or salt staining from water. JAHO.

I agree with the chrome is classic camp. Also feel that stainless has become as mainstream as white and black. Colors come and go. If you're old enough to remember avocado, gold, and copper appliances you know what I mean.

Just the fact that chrome is more durable and won't tarnish may be the deciding factor for me. The brass fixtures in our last two houses tarnished badly, but my mom's 40 year old chrome fixtures still look great. Thanks for your opinions on quality, iamnodiy and organic. I'm sure I'll find something reasonably priced that I like. Got company right now, so can't look for awhile. Igloo, you sound like someone who really knows what you like. I like that! It's interesting what your decorator had to say, Patricia. Makes me feel better about choosing something way, way out! And yes, natal, I do remember the avacado and harvest gold! I grew up with an avacado refrigerator, toilets and tub. The bathroom almost looks back in style again (if you call it olive instead of avacado! LOL) I don't know why I was even concerned about resale in the first because probably by the time we leave this house, what's in and out will have run full circle. Who knows what will be "in" then!

Thanks for your opinions and information. You all are very helpful!