What Kitchen Fixtures Are Worth the Upgrade? A Designer’s Take

Planning a kitchen refresh?

Beyond finishes and cabinetry, the right fixtures can seriously elevate your space—both in form and function. But which upgrades are worth it, and which ones could you skip? Here's what to consider when deciding which kitchen features deserve a spot on your wishlist.

Pot Fillers: Convenience or Overkill?

Pot fillers have become a bit of a status symbol in designer kitchens—but are they right for you?

Pros:

• Fills large pots directly at the stove—no heavy lifting
• Great for avid cooks or families who boil pasta weekly
• Adds a high-end, built-in look that feels custom

Cons:

• Requires plumbing behind the stove, which adds cost and complexity
• Can be more aesthetic than practical if rarely used
• Repairs or leaks can be tricky to access

Designer’s take: If you cook often and have the layout to support it, a pot filler is one of those “you’ll never go back” features. But if you’re tight on budget or don’t cook large meals regularly, skip it and invest in a more versatile faucet.

Discover the Perfect Addition Above the Stove

Find the right fit for your space- browse our pot fillers.

Built-In Soap Dispensers: Small Upgrade, Big Impact

Soap dispensers are one of the easiest upgrades to incorporate—and one of the most overlooked.

Pros:

• Clears bottle clutter from your counters
• Keeps your sink area looking sleek and intentional
• Most models refill from above the counter

Cons:

• Needs a pre-drilled hole in your sink or countertop
• Cheap models clog easily
• Easy to forget until the install phase

Designer’s take: When thoughtfully integrated (and matched to your faucet finish), soap dispensers give a clean, upscale look. They’re functional, low-cost, and a no-brainer if you’re already replacing your faucet.

Complete Your Sink Setup with a Sleek, Built-In Dispenser

Browse our soap dispensers to keep your counters clean and clutter-free.

Touchless Faucets: Trend or Everyday Luxury?

These smart faucets offer a modern, hygienic edge—especially in busy kitchens.

Pros:

• No need to touch the handle with dirty hands
• Great for households with kids or avid home chefs
• Can help reduce water usage

Cons:

• Higher cost than standard faucets
• Some models can be overly sensitive
• Requires batteries or an electrical connection

Designer’s take: Touchless isn’t just a trend—it’s an upgrade that makes cooking and cleaning feel easier and more modern. Look for models with both touchless and manual functionality for flexibility.

Filtered Water Taps: Wellness Meets Style

If you’re always reaching for bottled or filtered water, this upgrade makes everyday life smoother.

Pros:

• Fresh, clean water on tap
• Encourages hydration (and cuts down on plastic)
• Sleek design blends into modern kitchens

Cons:

• Takes up space under the sink for filters
• Requires a separate faucet hole
• Adds ongoing filter replacement to your routine

Designer’s take: This is a small detail with a big lifestyle payoff. If wellness is part of your home priorities, it’s worth adding—especially during a kitchen reno when plumbing is accessible.

Don’t Forget About Finishes

It’s not just what you install—but how it all works together.

Instead of matching every fixture perfectly, aim for visual balance. For example:

• Pair a brushed gold faucet with matching cabinet hardware or a soap dispenser
• Repeat matte black across your faucet, lighting, and pulls
• Mix metals mindfully by keeping each finish present in at least two places

Designer’s tip: Stick to a maximum of two finishes per room to keep the design intentional and sophisticated.

Bring Your Look Together with Matching Hardware

When to Splurge vs. When to Save

Splurge on:

• A high-quality faucet—it gets daily use
• Smart upgrades like touchless or filtered water taps that align with your lifestyle
• Matching or coordinated hardware that ties the design together

Save on:

• Soap dispensers or add-ons you can upgrade later
• Features that sound cool but don’t suit your routine

Final Thoughts

A beautifully functional kitchen isn’t built on trends—it’s built around you. Think about how you live, cook, and move through your space. Not every upgrade is essential, but the right ones can make your kitchen feel custom, curated, and a joy to use every day.

Need help deciding between styles or finishes? Laurie, JSL Hardware’s in-house designer (and the author of this blog), offers both online and in-home design consultations to support you in making the right selections. 

Laurie Orsino
JSL Hardware In-House Designer