Tapware On Trend
Brushed black and metallic tapware finishes are making a big splash in the contemporary home – and PVD coating provides exceptional durability.
NZ Plumber magazine article
Published: June 2025 | Author: Voda Plumbingware
When it comes to bathroom and kitchen designs, black tapware has become more than a fleeting trend. It is now a defining feature in many homes, offering clean lines, a moody tone, and striking contrast. As a go-to for homeowners seeking to add a modern edge to kitchens and bathrooms, black tapware continues to hold its ground as a versatile design choice that works across a variety of design styles.
Brushed appeal
While matte black has long been the black finish of choice, many designers and homeowners are now turning to brushed finishes for an added layer of sophistication. Brushed tapware offers amore textured, understated look compared to high-gloss or polished chrome, and has quickly become a staple in both contemporary and classic spaces
Industry trends are increasingly favouring finishes like brushed stainless and brushed brass, which offer a refined aesthetic that complements a wide range of palettes and materials. For those seeking something more distinctive, brushed copper delivers rich, warm tones that bring character to any setting. These finishes provide an elegant alternative to the polished chrome that once dominated bathrooms and kitchens, and their rising popularity suggests they’re not going anywhere soon.
PVD durability
A new addition to this movement is Brushed Black PVD, a finish that merges the design appeal of black, with the texture and depth of a brushed surface. Unlike matte black finishes, which can be prone to showing fingerprints and signs of wear, Brushed Black PVD is specifically engineered to resist everyday marks and scratches. This is thanks to the Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) process, which bonds the finish to the metal at a molecular level, creating a surface that is both visually stunning and exceptionally durable.The PVD process begins by brushing the metal to create a fine, textured pattern, followed by applying the coloured coating in a vacuum-sealed environment. The result is a long-lasting finish that enhances both functionality and appearance.
Complementary finishes
For many homeowners, design uniformity across the home is a key priority. A single colour theme, such as brushed brass, can bring cohesion and visual flow from one space to another. However, there’s also a growing appetite for combining complementary finishes. Pairing matte black tapware with brushed copper or brass allows for subtle contrast without overwhelming the design. As brushed finishes continue to gain momentum, they’re redefining what we expect from tapware.
No longer just a functional fixture, tapware has become an integral design element—one that can unify a room’s aesthetic, introduce contrast, or simply elevate the everyday experience of using a space.