We’ve reached peak gold tap.
There are trends that fade (is millennial pink over?) and then there are trends that manage to stick around long enough they become part of the design identity for that year, or even decade. Essentially, part of the furniture (pun intended). Is gold detailing of those trends? Maybe so — if your homes are anything to go by. A recent report released by Pinterest has highlighted mixed metals as a seriously popular trend among its users, increasing a huge 423 per cent in popularity since last year. And with a focus on golden fixtures and tapwear, we can’t say we’re surprised. Long a staple element at Milan Design Fair and a regular fixture in just about every contemporary-designed home, gilded details have taken over as one of Australia’s favourite trends. From gold-hued taps in a kitchen to copper-packed bathrooms, Australians are partial to the trend — and it certainly isn’t going anywhere.
But it isn’t just on The Block where you’ll find your fair share of golden-hued taps (although its contestants seem to be big fans). Some of our favourite Australian designers (think, Arent and Pyke, who are partial to the trend) are using the shiny colourway to accent neutral bathrooms and marble kitchens. Call it the resurgence of the Art Decoera, but gold is having a serious moment.
Amongst the metals, copper reigns supreme with searches for copper taps up 100 per cent year-on-year. A mix of high-glamour 20s and that warehouse style schtick proving its not going anywhere, it seems Australians can’t get enough the industrial look, but instead of all raw metals and dark wood, it’s about shiny finishes with a bit of oomph.
Gold faucets were just as popular, with searches for the term up 65 per cent since last year. Of course, if recent hotels, commercial projects and restaurants are anything to go by, the trend has seen a steady incline over the past few years, finally cementing itself as one here to stay.
Not sure what to choose? Mixed metals are officially the most popular, with decorators searching a huge 423 per cent for the term. Whether it’s a desire to see all the options, or the need to mix silver, gold, copper and blacks together, we can’t be sure — but one thing is for sure, our magpie tendencies aren’t going anywhere just yet. Scroll down for more of our favourites.