What Are PVD Finishes and Why Are They Trending?

shower with PVD Finish

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes involve a highly technical process which creates a hard surface coating. But why are these finishes trending? PVD finishes have amazing aesthetic properties and technical characteristics; not only are they beautiful, they are exceptionally durable, sustainable and resistant to corrosion (but more on this later!). 

Say goodbye to rusting hardware and say hello to looks that last a lifetime. 

Let’s take a look at what PVD finishes are, how they work, and some examples of how brands are using these innovative finishes to ensure their products last the test of time. Let’s dive in. 

First, What is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Finish?

In technical terms,  the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish is created through a process in which hardware is subjected to a high voltage charge in order to attract that vaporized metal and deposit it on the surface. This creates a super hard coating.

This coating covers hardware and protects it against the elements – it won’t come off unless it is damaged, chiseled or hammered. 

Let’s take a look at how it works. 

Hardware Without a PVD Finish May Look Like This…

If a designer or project manager selects the wrong finish for a project -such as a beachfront property, for example- the hardware can quickly begin to show surface wear and corrosion. 

Hardware With a PVD Finish May Look Like…

This COCOON Piet Boon Wall Mount Rain Head will maintain the same look and feel without showing wear as a result of its durable PVD finish. 

What Settings Are Best Suited for PVD Finishes? 

PVD finishes are commonly used in kitchen and bathroom spaces. As these areas are used on a daily basis and the hardware is frequently exposed to water, hardware -a faucet with a gold finish, for instance- would lose its finish, whereas a PVD finish product will not fade, scratch or tarnish.

Additionally, while these finishes can be an excellent addition to any space, they are perfect for any setting that exposes hardware to the elements. For instance, spaces that are exposed to:

  • Salt water and/or salty air, such as coastal properties
  • High humidity
  • Strong winds

These elements are a recipe for rust, corrosion and damage. PVD treated hardware is designed specifically to mitigate these challenges.

What Are the Advantages of a PVD Finish?

This coating provides a range of benefits, making it a popular choice amongst interior designers and architects. These benefits include:

  • Corrosion-resistance: PVD finishes are designed to combat challenges such as UV rays, rain, salty air, and humidity.
  • Improved durability: PVD finishes can help to extend the lifespan of a piece by making the material extremely hard and resistant to scratches.
  • Environmentally sustainable: other coating processes are more damaging to the environment and require the use of chemicals, such as powder coating involving cyanides and toxic cleaning solvents.
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Available in a wide range of tapware, accessories and sinks

What Brands Offer PVD Finishes?

Wondering how to get your hands on some pieces with this popular type of finish? COCOON offers PVD finishes on their entire line. Let’s take a look at an example.

COCOON’s  PVD Finishes

We adore this dark gray bathroom sink faucet by COCOON. The JP36 Dark Gray is made from premium materials, this Bathroom Sink Faucet offers great function and value for your home. This fixture is part of COCOON’s John Pawson Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room.

For more examples of PVD finishes, check out our article about what’s new at COCOON.

How Do You Maintain PVD Finishes?

While these finishes are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible. Therefore, owners should be cleaning hardware, especially any pieces that are exposed to salt or wind-driven grit. We recommend wiping with a soft, dry cloth. Additionally, owners can clean hardware pieces with a polish to maintain the finish. 

Working with Specialty Hardware + Plumbing for COCOON Bathrooms  & COCOON Accessories

As the premier dealer and distributor for COCOON in the United States, Specialty Hardware + Plumbing has worked on hundreds of design projects to specify COCOON taps and their matching accessories. We understand the U.S. plumbing standards, and can work with clients to customize their requests. We are here to help make your luxurious bathroom design dreams a reality.

Need finish samples, price quotes or have general questions? Please reach out to us: email  – beverlyhills@byCOCOON.com  

Download: COCOON Sample Finish Guide

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Top Trends for Beverly Hills Bathrooms

luxury bathroom trend with COCOON bath

This year, top trends for Beverly Hills bathrooms transform functional spaces into a soothing spa-like environment. Many of these trends, based on minimalism, strive to create a relaxing experience through natural, high-quality materials and timeless, purposeful pieces. 

In this article, we focus on the trends of PVD finishes as well as concrete tubs and basins. Let’s dive in.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Finishes 

Shown above: the John Pawson Complete Thermostatic Rain Shower Set

What is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Finish?

In technical terms,  the PVD  (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish is created through a process in which hardware is subjected to a high voltage charge in order to attract that vaporized metal and deposit it on the surface. This creates a super hard coating.

Advantages of a PVD Finish

This coating provides a range of benefits, making it a popular choice amongst interior designers and architects.

  • Corrosion-Resistance: PVD finishes are designed to combat challenges such as UV rays, rain, salty air, and humidity.
  • Improves Durability: PVD finishes can help to extend the lifespan of a piece by making the material extremely hard and resistant to scratches.
  • Environmentally Sustainable: other coating processes are more damaging to the environment and require the use of chemicals, such as powder coating involving cyanides and toxic cleaning solvents.

Due to these advantages, PVD finishes are popular for designs incorporating elements such as outdoor showers or near an ocean.

COCOON Offers PVD Finishes

Wondering how to get your hands on some pieces with this popular type of finish? COCOON offers PVD finishes on their entire line. Let’s take a look at an example.

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to present this Dark Grey Bathroom Sink Faucet, by COCOON. The JP36 Dark Grey is made from premium materials, this Bathroom Sink Faucet offers great function and value for your home. This fixture is part of COCOON’s John Pawson Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room.

For more examples of PVD finishes, check out our article about what’s new at COCOON.

Concrete Tubs

Concrete tubs have become a significant trend in 2022, especially in Beverly Hills,  for several reasons. For instance, concrete tubs are:

  • Resistant to humidity
  • Versatile
  • Able to be paired with a range of accessories and fixtures
  • Long-lasting and incredibly durable

COCOON concrete tubs and sinks carry additional advantages as well:

  • Up to 80% lighter and more flexible than traditional concrete tubs
  • Little maintenance, as no wax or oil is needed to seal the tub after usage
  • Heat-resistant
  • Will not crack
  • Built to last a lifetime

According to the COCOON Lab Concrete Material Guide, their concrete finishes are made from a special, natural mixture and hand polished. Each tub has its own unique look, with a visual patina and variation in color.

Learn more about COCOON concrete tubs, here.

Concrete Basins and Sinks

Concrete basins and sinks have become increasingly popular amongst designers in Beverly Hills. They have several positive characteristics, including:

  • Each concrete basin is unique: there will never be a solid block of the same finish color, due to the variables within this specialized concrete mix. If you are looking to achieve a more smooth surface, there is an option of “Polished Concrete,”  which gives the treatment an extra polish to smooth out the surface area.
  • Style and textural flow lines: the concrete mix is liquid when being poured into the mold, so textured flow lines are expected and can add to the unique look of the piece.
  • Strength and durability: Each concrete sink is pre-sealed before it is brought into the home. Users can expect the sink to last for decades –likely over 50 years, in fact – with the correct care and maintenance.

Designing a Luxury Bathroom?

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing can assist with pricing, design options, and finish match recommendations. For samples and more – stop by our Beverly Hills showroom or send us an email for more information.

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COCOON John Pawson Accessories (New)

cocoon john pawson

In 2022, top trends for Beverly Hills bathrooms transform functional spaces into a soothing spa-like environment. Many of these trends, based on minimalism, strive to create a relaxing experience through natural, high-quality materials and timeless, purposeful pieces. 

Read more
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How to Combine Modern Luxury with Comfort

luxury and comfort living room with gray details and minimalistic style

For interior designers, combining modern luxury with comfort is essential… But not always an easy feat.

The combination of luxury and comfort allows individuals to imagine themselves in the home; for example, relaxing on the couch beneath a lush blanket, taking a bath in the spa-like bathroom, and cooking their favorite meal in a top-of-the-line kitchen.

However, designers may find it difficult to balance the sophisticated elements they want into a space while still making the home feel warm and inviting.

That’s why we’ve compiled a quick list of tips to help designers accomplish the perfect mix of elevated design, comfort, and functionality (and some brands that epitomize these ideas, but more on that later!)

How to Make a Modern Luxury Interior Design Comfortable and Functional

Let’s Talk Texture: Incorporate High-Quality, Cozy Textiles

Rich fabrics complete a luxurious interior design. By including a variety of high-quality textures, a space can feel cozy without sacrificing sophistication. For some interior designers, texture may take the form of a curated collection of throw pillows and blankets on the couch or in a relaxing reading nook.

Is minimalism more your style? That doesn’t mean you have to give up cozy textiles in your design. We are partial to minimalist luxury interior design—such as pictured above—by designers such as John Pawson and Piet Boon. The above photo includes designs from Piet Boon and perfectly mixes luxurious comfort with a minimalist touch. Learn more about Piet Boon.

Consider Natural Materials and Colors

Genuine high-quality materials, such as solid wood and natural stone, create sophisticated, warm atmospheres. For example, the Free Standing Soaking Tub by COCOON, pictured above, is made from premium materials and offers great function and value for a luxury home. The Concrete-05 finish is shown above, but the finishes Concrete 01-10 are also available, ranging from lighter to darker shades.

Or, the JP Bath

We also adore the Natural Stone Free Standing Soaking Tub from the John Pawson COCOON Collection. The tub, shown above in Pietra Grigio, is available in many shades, such as natural sand, for those who may love the tub but prefer a lighter finish.

Read on to learn how to make a modern home feel like a luxury hotel.

Make the Bathroom Feel like a Spa

Spa-like bathrooms evoke a sense of luxury and comfort. After all, what could be more comfortable than a bubble bath with lit candles and a chilled glass of white (or red!) wine?

The good news for interior designers: You don’t have to have a large bathroom space to create a sophisticated yet functional spa bathroom. Instead, designers can opt for elements such as:

  • Rich colors
  • Natural materials
  • Customized organization 

Learn more about the advantages of bespoke bathroom design.

Invite Nature Inside

A hint of nature can add life and charm to any space. This touch can be as simple as a vase of flowers on the table, a larger plant (such as birds of paradise) in the corner of the room, or even eucalyptus in the spa.

Other elements may include stones, pieces of driftwood or weathered wood, and sand.

Interested in similar designs for inspiration? Check out our Pinterest.

Maximize Space

Space is a luxury in itself. Interior designers can make a home feel sophisticated through careful consideration of scale.

Without purposeful use of the space, a home can feel overcrowded.

Brands That Perfectly Mix Modern Luxury with Comfort

COCOON

COCOON embodies bespoke, minimalist, luxurious design. The products are versatile, sustainable, and built with the world’s best materials: Unique natural stone, solid surface, and concrete.

Interested in learning more about COCOON? Download our 2022 Lookbook.

In this lookbook, we walk you through the different options from the collections of Piet Boon and John Pawson, to the COCOON Lab, including the bathtubs, basins, taps, and accessories.

Mr. Steam

The Mr. Steam product line is a perfect match for interior designers who want to “think outside the tub” and provide a luxurious spa experience without compromising functionality.

Mr. Steam offers contemporary, technologically advanced products such as steam generators, soothing aromatherapy, and chromatherapy.

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is honored to be the premier U.S. distributor of Mr. Steam, with a flagship showroom located in Beverly Hills, California. It is conveniently located in Los Angeles, just a couple of hours from San Diego, Orange County, and the Santa Barbara area. 

Shop the Mr. Steam collection.

Zucchetti

Zuc­chet­ti is one of the oldest Italian kitchen and bath fittings designer companies. In fact, Zuccheti is still in operation in Italy.

The company designs and manufactures uniquely styled fau­cets in Italy’s Piedmont area using components made either in-house or purchased from European sources.

Shop Zucchetti.

Crosswater London

Crosswater London is the leading supplier of premium products for the bathroom in Europe. Their legacy expands as they bring products with superior quality and unrivaled performance to the U.S.

Shop Crosswater London.

Let’s Talk Modern Luxury Interior Design, Shall We? 

Stop by our showroom in the Los Angeles area! We’re proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, luxurious design.

Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments. Send us an email for more information. 

Read on to learn how to make your client’s house goals become a reality.

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Award-Winning COCOON Bathroom Products

COCOON Bathroom Bath Tub

As an interior designer, your job is to turn your client’s house goals into reality. However, this is often easier said than done. The process of transforming design ideas into a physical space requires innovation, patience, and determination.

Let’s explore some steps interior designers can take to make this process easier as they strive to bring their clients’ ideas to life.

Read more
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Where to Find Inspiration for Your Luxury Kitchen

luxury kitchen in white

Kitchens are often one of the most used spaces in a home. In fact, one might even refer to a kitchen as the “heart” of the home.

Why? This is where individuals cook, eat, and socialize with friends and family. Kitchens can be tricky for designers because they not only have to be aesthetically pleasing but also need to be functional to provide adequate storage, appliance safety, and room to cook.

This long list of requirements may leave interior designers feeling overwhelmed and lacking inspiration. Flipping through your favorite magazine or scrolling through Pinterest will only go so far when you’re lacking inspiration as an interior designer.

Sometimes, there is simply too much to look at. So, how can designers focus their creative minds and recharge their batteries?

We suggest the following:

  • Flipping through your favorite coffee table design book
  • Taking a trip to a museum
  • Seeking out the work of fellow designers
  • Drawing inspiration from your favorite brands, and
  • Visiting a local showroom

Read on as we discuss each of these recommendations in detail.

Read Your Favorite Coffee Table Design Book (or Buy a New One!)

Whether you’ve flipped through your favorite coffee table design book a hundred times or used it as a decor item (yet to look at the first page…), it’s time to read—again.

Consider spending time with each design; try to find an element that interests you or that you haven’t noticed before.

Anne Mueller, Principal at Briar Design, states, “For inspiration, I often turn to print publications… There is nothing more beautiful than a wonderfully curated coffee table book filled with stylish shots from talented photographers.” 

Looking for some new coffee table books about interior design? We compiled a list of some of the best books for minimalist design, including our favorites like The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker and John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum by Alison Morris.

Take a Walk Around a Museum

A museum can serve as a place to recharge and get the creative juices flowing. 

Why? Museums are bursting with inspiration. After all, you can’t spell “museum” without “muse!”

Additionally, taking a stroll around a museum allows designers to connect to other artists and other forms of art that may fuel their next project.

Seek out the Work of Fellow Designers

Whether you are a fellow designer or are working on your own home, interior designers can be a great source of inspiration. Some of our favorites include Piet Boon and John Pawson.

Draw Brands that Inspire Luxury Kitchens

Your favorite brands and the details you choose to fill a space with say a lot about you and your preferences. By taking a look at pieces from these brands, you might find one that evokes some inspiration for your next project.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.

The Bulthaup Brand

The Bulthaup Brand provides incredible, uncompromised quality for kitchen and living spaces. Additionally, this brand prioritizes high ethical standards while working with premium materials as well as values craftsmanship and design.

According to their website, Bulthaup “[wonders] whether our concept of ‘the kitchen’ is enough to meet people’s wants and needs, now and in the future. We continually investigate this question as we manufacture our products with a passion for detail and a love of authentic materials, to create kitchen and living space systems that enrich lives now and tomorrow.”

Check out more of The Bulthaup Brand’s projects.

MGS

According to their site, “​​MGS stainless steel fixtures merge Italian luxury and style with the innovative precision of Swiss engineering, creating slim silhouettes and simple shapes that represent the perfect harmony of aesthetics and technology.”

MGS uses high-quality stainless steel materials to create sleek, functional designs. These pieces are durable, efficient, and bring a touch of refinement to any kitchen space.  

Read on to view some MGS kitchen faucets.

Designer Doorware

Designer Doorware “was born out of Joseph Di Benedetto’s vision to provide architects and designers the products they were truly looking for. Since inception, our focus has been on providing high-quality innovative designs in hardware with quality at the core of our offerings.”

This brand offers excellent choices for kitchen cabinet pulls and refrigerator door handles.

Check out their site for examples of Designer Doorware projects.

Studio Piet Boon

Every Piet Boon kitchen is designed with “a passion for natural materials, keen technical insights, and an eye for detail. Each kitchen concept is ‘tailored to taste’, being unique in form and proportion, material, texture, color, finish, and appearance.” 

For example, we love the COCOON Piet Boon Deck Mount Swivel Spout (PBSET11).

The PBSET11 is made from premium materials and offers great function and value for a home. This fixture is part of COCOON’s Piet Boon Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room!

Moreover, this piece is available in four finishes:

  • Gold (shown above)
  • Black
  • Brushed inox, and
  • Copper

Find more Piet Boon kitchen products.

HydroTap by Zipwater

Take it from Zipwater: “Ultra-modern. Boho-chic. Contemporary classic. Whatever your taste, there’s a HydroTap to match, with a stunning selection of tap styles, finishes, and dispensing options to choose from! Browse the range below to find the perfect HydroTap for your home or office.”

These products are made from premium materials and built to last. 

Check out more HydroTap by Zipwater products.

Visit Our Showroom for Unmatched Luxury Kitchen Inspiration

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, luxurious design. Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments.

For samples and more, stop by our Los Angeles showroom.

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