~ In the Kitchen .... Faucets

Several years ago when doing a little remodel in the kitchen, I spent hours and hours looking for just the right faucet. At that time I knew I wanted something as different from chrome as I could get and with an upscale look. We chose the sink and the faucet together of course since the number of holes in the sink dictates the choices you have. I knew without a doubt what I did not want. That old standby, polished chrome, or nickle or anything so silver.

As I researched for ideas, every decorating site had lots of people showing off their fancy faucets like they would a new luxury car. It seemed very important to have a faucet that costs hundreds of dollars, was huge and looked very commercial. That wasn't what I was interested in.

When this oil rubbed bronze faucet was first installed, I was in love with it. It was certainly not that "common looking" chrome that I had grown up with. Maybe it was the memories of having to shine those faucets as a kid, or just wanting to update away from the past in general. But when I first had this faucet, it was just perfect. For a short time. Today, it looks dated to me. So I was looking for something "new."

I remember when you could buy a faucet for about $25 and it lasted for 20 years. You also didn't spend a long time fretting over what it looked like. The purpose of just being a faucet was all what truly matter. Yes, it was many years ago.

I understand $25 is not longer reasonable, but a $300 faucet should last for a very long time, and without having to repair it. This one needed some part or another at least once a year. So the lifetime warranty was nice because they did always send the part that you had to figure out you needed, but why was it made so poorly that it needed to be fixed over and over again? A plumber had recommended the brand. And I fell for one good recommendation I guess.

For the new faucet we returned to Moen. We still have one in the bathroom that has been there for over 20 years and has never even needed anything. It will be replaced soon, but only for a new style not because it is not working. And it will be a Moen or Kohler again.

I love the crisp clean look of the new faucet with a more traditional sink. Yes, I do have to clean and "polish" the faucet often. That's OK, too.

A couple of years ago I realized how much I truly love white and silver while staying at a on vacation at a bed & breakfast, and a nice luxury hotel. Both had used this simple but elegant combo. Catch me in another 7-8 years and we'll see how this love affair holds up. But I have found that things I choose in life now, as opposed to when I was younger, have a more lasting love.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

~ See Y'all Soon