Updated hardware greatly enhances the beauty and function of a bathroom while adding value to your home. New faucets are an easy way to give a bathroom a quick makeover.  The design options are countless from ultra modern to traditional.   

The first thing to remember when choosing new faucets is that all metal in a bathroom should be the same.  This is not the room for mixing brass with chrome.  If you're going to change the light fixtures and door handles as well as the faucets, then you can choose a new color and texture for all the metals.  But if you're only changing the faucets, stay with the color and texture of metal predominant in the room.  If your lighting, cabinet hardware and door handles are shiny chrome, choose shiny new faucets in an updated style.   

If you'd like a total change,  consider the trend toward brushed chrome or nickel. This soft, silver metal upgrades a bathroom instantly and gives an elegant look to either a full bath or  powder room.  Matte or semi-matte finishes resist stains and spotting and are easy to clean, which accounts of much of their modern appeal.  

Some of the darker, oil-rubbed metals are also popular, blending well with Tuscan or Old World decor. Casual cabin and cottage interiors also provide a pleasing backdrop for the dark brown tones of charred looking metal. 

When choosing the shape of a faucet, study other shapes in the room -- the counter space, the mirror, the lighting fixtures, as well as the sink or tub itself.   Plain, smooth shapes can be complimented with equally smooth curves to the faucets and handles.  Or, severe and smooth lines can be set off by more ornate or intricate designs.  You can mix the shapes in a bathroom if you pay attention to scale and do not mix more than two or three styles.     

The trend toward lavish baths provides an opportunity to explore innovative and high-style faucets.  Many famous interior and industrial designers are creating special-edition faucets that can be used with a variety of interiors. Genuine crystal handles, either modern or vintage,  are an option that adds instant elegance and blends well with glass and mirrored surfaces.   

An ultra-contemporary look can be achieved with flat-spout faucets and square handles, rather than traditional round tubing and knobs.  A water-fall faucet is attached to the wall and provides a steady stream of water similar to an outdoor fountain on a garden wall.