MODERN LIVING

As with sinks, a combination of practical and aesthetic considerations will influence your choice of taps. The most common designs are dual- control or single-lever mixer taps. In terms of practicalities, long lever-arm mixer taps are worth considering- they are useful for operating with greasy or full hands, and are easy to use if you are old or disabled. If space is short, wall- mounted taps free up more of the sink area. They have an added advantage, too: the channel behind counter- mounted taps tends to gather water and debris and wall-mounting prevents this. A useful addition to a kitchen is an extending hose, which emerges either from the end of the mixer tap or from the side of the sink, with a spray at the end to help speed washing-up and rinsing. Specialist companies offer various finishes for kitchen taps including nickel and copper in additional to shiny chrome. For those on a more restricted budget, high-street suppliers offer a good range of possibilities. These include good-looking utilitarian models, and some with smooth, undecorated china heads. Pairs of antique taps from salvage companies can be used in conjunction with, for example, a Belfast sinks for a more traditional look.