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06 December 2001 Tapping into new trends Big demand for stylish but practical kitchens and bathrooms has led to a steady stream of new tap designs. Mixer taps – once mainly installed in kitchens – are now replacing separate hot and cold taps in bathrooms as well, making it easier to control the temperature of running water. And today’s taps are not only safer to operate – they are also built to last, says bathroom and kitchen supplier Norman & Underwood based in St Peters Lane, Leicester. Peter Gledhill, general manager of Norman & Underwood’s Plumbing Division, said: “Chrome is now the first choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. “People no longer want ceramic topped bath taps or enamel coated sink taps. “Chrome taps look good, they are easy to clean and if cared for properly, should last a life time.” Changes in taste have seen sales of gold taps slow to a trickle in recent times. However, for people who like to splash out on gold fittings, new improved versions are now available which are more glamour than glitz. Mr Gledhill added: “The gold taps which were so popular in the ‘80s were inclined to tarnish, but the plating used now is much more hardwearing. “Its durability has even been even tested on the space shuttle.” Today’s taps are easier to turn on and off, with many designs fitted with a small lever. Practical advances in design such as a quarter-turn mechanism and a ceramic disc are also helping prevent the age-old problem of split washers and drips. back to top back to previous page   11-27 Freeschool Lane, Leicester LE1 4FX, England tel: 0116 251 5000 fax: 0116 253 2669 e-mail: [email protected]