Modernity is meant to be fleeting–when we call a kitchen faucet modern, it means that it speaks to the styles and tastes of that particular point in time. But of course, today’s modern kitchen faucet is tomorrow’s traditional kitchen faucet. And even further down the road, it becomes a vintage or antique kitchen faucet. But while the passage of time inevitably inflects the terminology of decor differently, it doesn’t mean that an artfully crafted modern style kitchen faucet becomes less appealing over time. We have other words for fixtures and styles that don’t age gracefully–outmoded, retro or dated.

Therein lies the challenge of selecting a modern kitchen faucet. Many of today’s kitchen faucets have the favor of fleeting fads and flavor of the week hype. But in order to make a truly astute selection for your functional kitchen decor, you have to be tuned into what’s tasteful now while simultaneously looking forward to what will be classic ten years from now. (After all, if you choose a quality kitchen faucet, it’ll last you that long.) We know picking winners for the long run can be tough–so that’s why we’ve rounded up a few quintessentially modern kitchen faucets that we think will stand the test of time.

Grohe K4 Main Sink Dual Spray Pull-Out – 32071

This Grohe pull-out sprayer kitchen faucet looks unconventional but we think it won’t lose its charm anytime soon. In fact, we think quite the opposite–the single lever handle has a functional simplicity that belies its conspicuous boldness. The entire fixture is dedicated to ease of use, which not only justifies its slightly unexpected appearance, but informs it. The locking dual spray control and flexible pull-out sprayer makes so much sense that anyone who uses this faucet will realize that this is how water taps were meant to be made. No more ugly hand sprayer taking up extra space on the counter–just one, elegantly modern faucet that gets the job done with style.

Harrington Brass Scenic Scenic Single Hole Bar Faucet – 23-100

Here’s another modern kitchen faucet that we knew would raise eyebrows. With its hot and cold water flow controls located near the spigot, rather than nestled at the base, this Harrington faucet is undeniably unusual–but in a good way. Again, usability trumps conventionality, and with its clean design and polished chrome finish, this faucet will remain as appealing as it is today a few years down the road.

Zucchetti Sink Isy Wall Mount Kitchen Sink Mixer – ZP1620.1900

We had to include a wall-mount kitchen faucet in this list. And when it comes to modern design, Zuchetti always delivers. But it’s more than the look that makes this Zuchetti kitchen faucet a winner. With a built-in aerator, this faucet is designed to save thousands of gallons of water a year. And as households continue to trend greener, an eco-friendly kitchen faucet that saves on monthly bills is going to be a perfect fit.

Italbrass Bandini Pyramide Single Hole, Single Lever Kitchen Faucet – U957120

Italbrass is the importer that brings kitchen and bath fixtures from the Old World to American shores. For that, we owe the company a debt of gratitude. In spite of Italy’s infinitely deeper roots in history, Italian kitchen and bath designers are often hip to the latest trends long before American designers hop on the wagon. In fact, many times, Italian’s are the ones setting the trends. That’s why we picked this Bandini kitchen faucet for our modern fixtures list. It looks beautiful now and you better believe it’ll look great ten years from now, too.

Blanco BlancoprecisionSingle Lever Kitchen Faucet with Metal Side Spray – 440672 (157-061)

You don’t see enough ribbon style spouts in older kitchens, and we think that’s a shame. We love this Blanco kitchen faucet because it’s wonderfully modern and pragmatically functional. It’s intriguing in presence yet sensible in its design and it’s sure to make any kitchen look more contemporary.

We hope these pictures and have given you some inspiration for making your kitchen more modern. There’s plenty more where those came from, so be sure to check out the rest of our kitchen faucets for sale.