21st July 2023 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Francone Bespoke Taps is a company specialising in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We offer an online platform that gives customers direct access to a stunning collection of artisan-crafted brassware. With a strong focus on customisation, we give our customers the option to personalise their fixtures according to their preferences. Our extensive range includes a variety of designs and finishes, that combine the old classic style of British design with modern technology. You can find Francone Bespoke Taps in high-end homes internationally as well as in the bathrooms and changing rooms of a number of renowned corporate clients. What are the origins of the brand? Francone Bespoke Taps was born out of passion, curiosity, and respect for skilled craftsmanship. I grew up in the Piemonte region of Northern Italy, surrounded by talented artisans and their workshops. When I moved to London, I loved the traditional British style. This inspired me to create Francone Bespoke Taps, with the goal of combining the best of both worlds. I’m proud to say that our products reflect both sides, the art of Italian craftsmanship and the charm of British design. Francone Bespoke Taps Francone Bespoke Taps How do your products and services enhance interior design projects? We create solid brass products by bringing craftsmanship and quality together. I believe our products add a special touch to homes. Our brand is customisable, which means that clients can work together with artisans and designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that match their vision. Our solid brass products, especially when unlacquered, become really special pieces as they develop a natural patina over time. When clients use Francone Bespoke Taps in their projects, they can have a luxurious and bespoke product that enhances the space. Francone Bespoke Taps What value does your specialist sector add to the industry? In our industry, we provide fittings that combine modern technology with tradition. The inner parts of our fittings have the latest innovative features, while the outer design has a classic look that reminds people of older times, like what you would see in homes back in the days. What makes us different is that we stand apart by prioritizing local resources, allowing us to offer customisations for both large orders and individual needs. We take pride in our commitment to personalisation, ensuring every customer receives tailored products that meet their unique requirements. We are proud to offer products that are not only trustworthy and dependable but also have a traditional and timeless look. Francone Bespoke Taps Francone Bespoke Taps How do you work with interior designers? Usually, interior designers come to us with a clear idea of what they want, and we just need to give them samples of finishes and then help them choose the best design for a space. Sometimes, they might ask us to create a unique concept for their client, which means we have to make a custom solution. We love being able to personalise and customise a design and give them flexibility in different areas, such as adapting products for floor or deck installation and adjusting spout sizes to meet their specific needs. Francone Bespoke Taps What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year? In the past year, we had a fantastic opportunity to work on a special project for a client in Saudi Arabia. It was really exciting because we had to create a vanity area with special thermostatic taps that had touch systems. We adapted our thermostatic shower panel to be deck mounted, which matched the basin taps. We also made custom soap holders and designed huge brass mirrors that were fixed to the ceiling. These mirrors were challenging to make due to their size and it’s not something we would usually offer. We can pretty much create anything in solid brass for clients. The most challenging part was installing three outdoor taps for three large stone sinks. It took some time as we had to figure out the exact measurements for the drainage, but the team drilled into the stone to make fully functional sinks. This project showed us how committed we are to providing clients with extraordinary solutions. We were so proud of our work that we decided to enter this exceptional project into the KBB category for this year’s SBID awards. Francone Bespoke Taps What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests? The demand for unlacquered brass has been rising, as it seems to be a trend among clients. What sets unlacquered brass apart is its ability to develop a natural patina over time, making it difficult to stock in a store or shop. At Francone Bespoke Taps, we offer an advantage and a key reason why our clients choose us for this finish. We provide a made-to-order service, which ensures that our products are delivered polished and shiny, that will age beautifully overtime. Francone Bespoke Taps How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I feel 70s and 80s decor is making a comeback, as well as vibrant colours. We are currently developing tap styles that go with these aesthetics, by designing taps with shapes similar to these eras. It’s exciting to see these trends popping up again. Thermostatic solutions are also gaining popularity, not just for showers but also for basin and bath taps. Thermostatic options are reliable which makes them popular. Francone Bespoke Taps Is there anything new you are excited to be working on? We are excited to be to working on solutions for thermostatic basin and bath taps, and we’re making good progress. We’re always committed to product development, it’s an ongoing thing. We’re always exploring opportunities to expand our product range and identifying new solutions to add to our site. We’re hoping to add a collection in Stainless Steel next year which is exciting. What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you? Being a part of the SBID community within the interior design space is fantastic. It provides us with a great opportunity to stay connected with the trends and updates in the industry. We appreciate being an accredited partner alongside other great brands and the sense of community and connections that come with it. Paolo Francone, CEO and Founder of Francone Bespoke Taps About Francone Bespoke Taps Francone Bespoke Taps is a company specializing in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We take pride in offering a seamless online platform that grants customers direct access to a stunning collection of artisan-crafted brassware. With a strong focus on customization, we empower customers to personalize their fixtures according to their unique preferences. Our extensive range encompasses a variety of designs, finishes, and functionalities, ensuring that each customer can find the perfect fit for their space. With a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, Francone Bespoke Taps delivers exquisite, personalized fixtures that elevate the aesthetic and functionality of kitchens and bathrooms alike. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.