Defining High-End Design & Its Impact on Material Selection
Incorporating luxury detailing, such as natural stone accents in handles, adds an artisanal touch that elevates tapware to a statement feature.
INTRODUCTION
In high-end residential and commercial design, aesthetics and performance are no longer considered separate priorities. Clients demand visually stunning interiors that seamlessly combine functionality, durability, and a commitment to health and sustainability. This shift in expectations has elevated the importance of material selection across all design elements, including tapware.
Once viewed as purely functional, tapware has emerged as a key design feature, often serving as a focal point in luxury kitchens and bathrooms. Its materiality not only influences the overall aesthetic but also reflects the project’s broader commitment to quality and innovation.
For architects, designers, and specifiers, this means selecting tapware that harmonises with the broader design narrative while also addressing client expectations for premium materials. Beyond style, there is increasing scrutiny on how these materials contribute to sustainability goals as clients seek assurance that their choices align with environmental and health standards.
Material selection is fundamental to achieving this balance of durability, sustainability, and aesthetic superiority. Highquality materials not only enhance the visual appeal of tapware but also ensure its longevity and resistance to wear in high-use areas. Meanwhile, sustainable and health conscious material choices—such as lead-free alloys or finishes with low environmental impact—are becoming non-negotiable in luxury design.
By understanding the interplay between material properties and high-end design considerations, specifiers can meet the demands of today’s discerning clients while delivering enduring, high-performance tapware solutions.
WHAT DEFINES ‘HIGH-END’ DESIGN?
While luxury traditionally emphasised grandeur and exclusivity, modern high-end design now strikes a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and innovation. As clients demand homes and spaces that are both beautiful and practical, designers are redefining luxury to include elements that cater to the complexities of contemporary lifestyles. This shift reflects the growing desire for designs that not only meet visual expectations but also support the efficiency, convenience, and individuality that today’s fast-paced world demands.
Modern lifestyles, characterised by chronic time stress and an increasing focus on quality, have shaped the perception of high-end design. With about a third of Australians experiencing persistent time pressures, according to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey,1 convenience and efficiency have become essential components of luxury. This is evident in the rising popularity of designer appliances, which offer a seamless blend of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use.
Additionally, the growing availability of customisable options across all product categories empowers clients to create spaces tailored to their unique needs and tastes, making personalisation an integral part of the luxury experience. This emphasis on individuality allows high-end design to reflect not only the functional demands of modern living but also the personal identity and lifestyle of the client.
Sustainability and wellness have also emerged as defining characteristics of modern high-end design. In July 2024, the Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies Unit reported that 96% of Australian consumers engage in sustainable practices, and 42% are willing to pay more for sustainable choices. Meanwhile, research by the American Society of Interior Designers highlighted the increasing importance of health and wellness for homeowners and remodelling clients.
Elements of high-end design
• Functionality
• Convenience
• Aesthetics
• Customisation
• Sustainability
• Health and wellness
EVALUATING MATERIALS FOR HIGH-END PROJECTS
Durability and performance
Stainless steel and brass are ideal choices for highend tapware designs due to their blend of durability, functionality, and premium aesthetics. Stainless steel’s sleek, modern appearance complements contemporary spaces, while its superior resistance to rust ensures longevity in wet environments like kitchens and bathrooms. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, offers exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it a durable and elegant option that withstands frequent use while adding a timeless, sophisticated touch toluxury interiors.
PVD coatings elevate high-end design by offering an array of luxurious finishes. Beyond aesthetics, PVD coatings deliver impressive resistance to scratches and corrosion, ensuring longevity and preserving their refined appearance. Similarly, electroplating provides a premium finish that enhances durability and is well-suited for highend designs, offering a timeless, polished aesthetic.
Sustainability
In high-end projects, materials must align with both environmental and health-conscious standards. One of the most notable advancements in this space is the use of lead-free or low-lead materials. This ensures compliance with health regulations and significantly improves water quality, addressing concerns about lead contamination in drinking.
Stainless steel and brass are leaders in sustainable tapware materials due to their durability and high recyclability, allowing them to be reused and repurposed at the end of their lifecycle, which minimises waste and reduces environmental impact. This makes them ideal choices for sustainable design practices, especially in projects targeting certifications like Green Star and LEED. Additionally, advancements in stainless steel and brass manufacturing are lowering their carbon footprint, further enhancing their environmental credentials.
Coatings also contribute to sustainability, with finishes like PVD standing out for their eco-friendly vacuum deposition process, which reduces waste and harmful emissions compared to traditional painting or powder coating. These durable coatings extend the lifespan of tapware, reducing the need for replacements.
Aesthetic considerations
Colours play a critical role in achieving a luxury aesthetic, with finishes such as Chrome, Gun Metal, Matte Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Gold standing out for their sophistication and elegance. These finishes not only exude exclusivity but also complement various design styles, from contemporary minimalism to ornate traditional interiors. Dual-tone finishes can further enhance the visual appeal, adding depth and contrast that elevate the tapware’s presence in the space.
Incorporating luxury detailing, such as natural stone accents in handles, adds an artisanal touch that elevates tapware to a statement feature. Natural stone can be paired with sleek metallic finishes for a striking contrast that blends modernity with timeless elegance. This creative flexibility allows designers to specify tapware that aligns seamlessly with other design elements, such as cabinetry, lighting, and other surfaces.
WHY MATERIALS AND FINISHES MATTER
For tapware in luxury spaces, where both visual impact and practical use are critical, the materials selected can define the success of a project. One of the key challenges in high-end spaces is achieving the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
Whether the goal is to evoke modern minimalism or timeless elegance, the right materials can elevate tapware from a purely functional element to a defining design feature that enhances the character of the space.
High-end tapware materials and finishes
Table 1. Tapware materials
Material Key features
Stainless steel • Sleek, modern aesthetic
• Highly resistant to rust and corrosion
• Ease to clean, non-porous
Brass • Traditional aesthetic
• Durable
• Develops patina over time
Table 2. Finishing processes
Finishing process Description Key features
Electroplating Electroplating involves using an Enhances tapware by improving
electric charge to deposit a smooth, durability, corrosion resistance,
corrosion-resistant coating and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
PVD Thin metallic film is deposited in a Long-lasting, resistant to abrasions
vacuum chamber using evaporated and corrosion, sleek metallic finishes
metals like titanium or zirconium. for high-end designs.
One of the key challenges in high-end spaces is achieving the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
WHERE DESIGN MEETS FUNCTIONALITY
Serenity Collection by Nero Tapware
The Serenity Collection by Nero Tapware redefines luxury by blending natural marble with precision engineered performance. Featuring five exquisite marble options paired with sleek metal finishes, this collection offers a perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Five marble options
Each marble in the Serenity Collection showcases unique veining, depth, and texture:
• Carrara – A classic white marble with soft grey veining, evoking timeless sophistication.
• Verde Alpi – A striking deep green marble with delicate white veins, ideal for a bold, natural statement.
• Marquina Black – A rich black marble featuring dramatic white veining for a luxurious and contemporary look.
• Arabescato Corchia – An elegant white marble with bold, flowing veins that create a refined and intricate visual effect.
• Rome Travertine – A warm-toned, natural stone with characteristic textures, adding depth and organic charm.
Shaped over millions of years, these natural stones enhance the Serenity Collection, transforming tapware into sculptural elements that elevate any interior.
Versatile design combinations
The Serenity Collection is designed for customisation, allowing architects and designers to create bespoke tapware solutions that seamlessly integrate into diverse interior styles. The five marble options can be paired with six premium metal finishes, carefully selected to complement the stone’s natural beauty:
• Chrome – A high-gloss finish for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
• Matte Black – A bold, modern finish that contrasts beautifully with organic textures.
• Brushed Nickel – A soft, understated metallic finish that complements warm and cool tones.
• Brushed Gold – A rich, opulent finish that enhances the warmth of the stone.
• Gun Metal – A deep, industrial-inspired finish for a modern, edgy look.
• Brushed Bronze – A warm, vintage-inspired tone that pairs beautifully with earthy marble textures.
This diverse range of materials and finishes allows for endless design possibilities, from sleek minimalist bathrooms to classic luxury suites.
An immersive design experience
Beyond aesthetics, the Serenity Collection is engineered for durability and performance. The collection is primarily made from brass, with each tapware piece incorporating PVD coatings to enhance longevity. The collection also features water-saving technology, aligning with WELS ratings to provide sustainability without compromising luxury.
From Serenity Infinity Shower Systems to mixer taps and basin sets, every piece in the collection is meticulously crafted to provide a sensory experience that blends touch,sight, and function. Whether it’s the cool, smooth surface of marble handles or the refined finish of a brushed metal spout, the Serenity Collection elevates everyday bathroom rituals into moments of calm and elegance.
By seamlessly integrating natural stone with advanced engineering, Nero Tapware presents a collection that embodies timeless craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury.
