- Had to laugh at this:
“if you want something that stays looking new with minimal effort, honestly, chrome is still hard to beat.”
- Been there. Got lured into the “living finish” hype for a model home once—looked great for about two months, then fingerprints and water spots everywhere.
- Unlacquered brass is high-maintenance if you care about uniformity. I’ve seen homeowners get tired of the upkeep fast.
- Chrome might be boring, but it’s predictable. You know what you’re getting, and it doesn’t become a surprise project every six weeks.
- If I’m honest, sometimes the “patina” just looks like neglect, especially in rentals or busy kitchens. Maybe that’s harsh, but that’s been my experience.
- Bottom line: if you want low-maintenance and can live with “boring,” chrome wins every time.
Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
You’re not being harsh at all—just honest. I’ve seen the same thing happen with “living finishes.” They look amazing in photoshoots or right after install, but real life is messy. Especially in kitchens where people are actually cooking, not just staging for a magazine. Unlacquered brass and bronze can be beautiful, but they’re definitely not for everyone. I’ve had clients who loved the idea of patina until they realized it meant fingerprints, water spots, and a finish that never looks quite the same from week to week.
Chrome might not be the most exciting choice, but there’s something to be said for knowing exactly what you’re getting. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t show every little smudge, and holds up well over time. Sometimes “boring” is just another word for “reliable,” especially if you don’t want to spend your weekends polishing fixtures.
That said, I do think there’s a place for living finishes if you genuinely like the look of a surface that changes and tells a story over time. But it’s definitely not low-maintenance, and it’s not going to suit everyone’s tolerance for imperfection. In busy households or rentals, I’d always steer toward chrome or stainless—less stress, fewer surprises.
It’s easy to get swept up in trends or Instagram inspiration, but at the end of the day, practicality matters. If chrome keeps you sane and your kitchen looking tidy without extra effort, there’s no shame in sticking with it. Sometimes the best design choice is the one that lets you enjoy your space instead of worrying about it.
Sink Fixtures Driving Me Nuts Lately
That’s a fair point about chrome—sometimes the “safe” choice really is the best one for daily life. I’ve always wondered, though, if anyone’s found a middle ground? Like, are there finishes that look a bit warmer than chrome but don’t require constant upkeep? I keep seeing brushed nickel and matte black everywhere, but I’m not sure how they hold up in a busy kitchen.
