Put a little steel in your soul

Stainless steel makes a strong fashion statement in kitchens and bathrooms, says Hester Lacey

Stainless steel has long been a stalwart of the domestic interior; but its role is no longer limited to the humble kitchen sink. Steel splashbacks, plinths, cooker hoods, work surfaces, tables, doors, fascias, taps and bathroom fittings are all increasingly chic additions to stainless steel's repertoire, alongside a handsome range of appliances such as fridges and dishwashers.

Designers have even turned their attention towards that basic kitchen sink. The latest high-end designer sink from German firm Blanco, for example, is the Axis M-60, part of their "A la Carte Elite" collection. It features a main and secondary bowl with a patented prop-up draining rim and multi-functional fitted colander for each bowl, plus a unique safety-glass cutting board which glides smoothly across the main bowl and drainer. Everything and the kitchen sink.

So what is the appeal of steel? On a purely aesthetic level, says Mike Heath, marketing manager of Blanco, "steel will always be a style leader because it can change to suit the environment in which it finds itself". Combining stainless steel units with granite, slate, or marble, is particularly effective, he says. "Customers today prefer natural materials, and it's as though they see stainless steel as one of them; it fits in far better with natural materials than polyester or acrylic." And, he points out, steel is further enhanced by its surroundings. "It reflects back what's around it, while a white sink is just a white sink."

The Blanco range, which includes cooker hoods, worktop systems, tables and back panels as well as sinks, has been developed with input from designers and architects. "Our background is domestic, not catering," says Heath. "There has to be an aesthetic quality, as well as the functional aspect."

Practicality is still important, however. Stainless steel is tough, durable, resists very high temperatures – and is extremely hygienic. "The fact that all hospitals and catering establishments only use stainless steel indicates its practical and hygienic qualities," says Heath.

The TV chef factor has also played its part in popularising steel, says Tim Foley, an experienced kitchen fitter who runs his own consultancy, TFI. TFI offers a full design service for home and professional kitchens, plus an impartial advice service. Tim Foley says that steel offers a huge range of design options; he has found that clients associate stainless steel with style, cleanliness, hygiene – and professionalism. "The customer tends to think they'll turn out a range of culinary delights from a kitchen that looks professional."

Could the rise of steel even lead to the demise of so-called "white goods"? Foley says that he fits few white models these days. In comparison, stainless steel requires very little care. Heath refers to it as "fit-and-forget" and says soapy water is all that's needed to keep it pristine. Foley also recommends a very thin wipe of baby oil to fend off fingermarks and scratches. He found out about this some years ago when a client got in touch for cleaning advice and he consulted a manufacturer on their behalf.

Steel in the kitchen varies enormously in price. Both Heath and Foley emphasise the importance of choosing premium quality steel rather than flimsier gauges. But even so, it's possible to buy a sturdy sink complete with taps for as little as £50. At the other end of the scale you can pay upwards of a thousand pounds. A complete top-to-bottom kitchen refit from Foley costs an average of £15,000 to £25,000.

Steel now has its place in the bathroom, too. Lavabo is a company that imports pieces from the best contemporary Italian bathroom designers. The sinks, taps and wcs they sell would not look out of place in a gallery. A steel bathroom is a very particular look, says Lavabo's Adi Rossi. "People who choose steel tend to go for minimalist style; a very stark, sharp, beautiful look. They tend to have a very clear idea of their design, and be very consistent that only steel will do; it doesn't mix and match well with more traditional styles."

Two of his favourite lines are the Solmet sink unit and the Tenda Dorica range. "We have just discovered Solmet, and they make a really beautiful washbasin with a square bowl; stainless steel as a material lends itself to rectangular and square shapes, and this is absolutely gorgeous. Tenda Dorica also make beautiful steel pieces, and their Lavabolo washbasin has a conical structure supported from the wall; it transforms the bathroom."

A realistic starting budget for a top-quality, designer stainless steel sink would be £300 to £500, says Adi Rossi. "That's a good average, and there are beautiful examples in that price range." For a really individual piece, you can spend several thousand pounds. But your investment will last for years, and will always polish up as good as new.

Blanco: 020-8450 9100, www.blanco.co.uk. Lavabo: 07092 004330, www.lavabo.co.uk. TFI: 07887 727477, www.kitchensfitted.co.uk; for information on kitchen design, visit http://www.kitchen-buyers-guide.com/kitchens.htm