The latest high-visibility fixtures bring high-tech functionality and timeless finesse to kitchen and bathroom spaces.

There are many elements that go into making a stylish, functional kitchen or bathroom, but two features that set the tone as soon as you walk into the space are tapware and tiles. Both lines are constantly evolving to keep up with international design trends and increasingly sophisticated technology.

In terms of taps, organic and smooth-flowing shapes are currently sharing the limelight with squarer, chunkier fixtures. At the edgier (and more expensive) end of the market, designers are experimenting with concepts such as remote-control or hands-free operation, and built-in LED lights (red for hot, blue for cold) to indicate water temperature.

For tiles, the dominant trend is metallics, from glossy titanium finishes to ceramics with a hint of metallic glaze.

Style for tiles

Tiles have never been more glamorous, says Kate Lane, Indoor Product Specialist at Amber Tiles. On a recent buying trip to Italy, she was wowed by head-turning metallic finishes. "I was most impressed by stunning feature tiles that created a decorative ‘wallpaper' effect," she says. "In mosaics, metallic effects were mixed with glass and stone for added texture."

New developments in photo-transfer technology allow manufacturers to print images onto smooth or textured tiles, emulating the look and feel of materials such as marble and stone. "High-definition printing ensures every tile has a different grain and look," says Tania Gillies, National Merchandiser , Beaumont Tiles, "so the tiles are incredibly close in appearance and feel to the real material."

Also turning heads are extra-large tiles. "At the moment, 80x80cm tiles have overtaken 60x60cm tiles to become the most popular large-format size," says Tina Di Lorenzo, Marketing Manager of Di Lorenzo Tiles. "We sell a few 120x120cm tiles, though, and they look amazing in large, open spaces." (see below)

On the flip side, there's also a shift towards the artistry of handcrafted and heritage-style tiles, says Deb Lavis, Managing Director of Eco Tile Factory. "Traditionally crafted tiles are beautiful and decorative," she says. "They bring character and integrity to your home."

Trends on tap

No matter what style of kitchen you have, there's tapware to complement it, says Ross Cass, Managing Director of Cass Brothers. "Pull-out gooseneck taps are very popular because of their practicality," he says, "but we're also seeing a return to traditional-style taps, such as those from Perrin & Rowe."

When it comes to bathroom tapware, the biggest design trend is a softening of lines and shapes, says Darcy Shaw, National Tapware Buyer for Beaumont Tiles. "This is a natural continuation from the shift towards organically shaped baths and basins," he says.

Tapware with a high Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating plays a part in ensuring that new buildings meet sustainability requirements, says Peta Fray, Tradelink's National Category & Marketing Manager. "Most tapware on the market is five-star rated, which provides an excellent flow for teeth-cleaning and filling the sink for shaving," she says. "However, six-star products are becoming more prevalent."

Filtering through

Taps that deliver filtered boiling and chilled water are now increasingly common in luxury kitchens.

As well as the great convenience of being able to make yourself a cup of tea at the press of a button, there are environmental benefits to plumbing in this type of system.

Australian company Billi, the manufacturer of Billi Home instant boiling/chilled water systems, claims these multifunctional systems give you boiling water with 95 per cent fewer carbon emissions than using a kettle. This is due in part to software in the unit that monitors your water usage and can predict your routine, so you have hot and cold water when you need it.

"Our system typically creates only 4.9g of CO2 per cup of boiling water, compared with up to 120g of CO2 per cup for boiling the kettle," says Dan Lindsay, Director of Billi.

Australian company Billi, manufacturer of Billi Home instant boiling/chilled water systems, claims these multifunctional systems give you boiling water with 95 per cent fewer carbon emissions than using a kettle. This is down in part to software in the unit that monitors your water usage and can predict your routine, so you have hot and cold water only when you need it.

"Our system typically creates only 4.9g of CO2 per cup of boiling water, compared with up to 120g of CO2 per cup for boiling the kettle," says the Director of Billi, Dan Lindsay.

Scaling up

For a striking and seamless wall or floor, go for large-format tiles, up to 120x120cm, suggests Tina Di Lorenzo of Di Lorenzo Tiles. "Replica stone tiles are very fashionable right now and in a large format they look just like real stone," she says. Generously scaled ceramics also frame mosaics beautifully, according to Kate Lane from Amber Tiles. "Large tiles provide a streamlined, simple backdrop that allows feature tiles to stand out," she says.

Looking for more indoor inspiration? Check out our Indoor section.