What a whirlwind this last month has been! Design + Travel… 2 of my absolute favorite things, ever! I had the immense pleasure of receiving a private invitation from my favorite plumbing showroom in Southern California, Faucets N Fixtures to tour the factory of Gessi with a first-hand, behind-the-scenes experience of this luxury brand.
More than just faucets and shower trim, Gessi embraces craftsmanship and wellness in the home, all while staying ahead of the design curve. I love their concept of blurring the boundaries between the bedroom and bathroom space to focus on wellness as a whole rather than in one individual space. It’s a beautiful way for these spaces to create dialogue with each other, as Gessi explained it. Let me tell you, what an opportunity it was to witness their creations in the making at their headquarters in Italy!!
What Blew Me Away at Gessi!
Exceptional Quality
Like most designers, I geek out on how things are made for the home. Gessi’s faucets and shower suites were no exception! It all starts with bars of brass that are locally sourced from their backyard. With the factory sitting near the base of the alps, the brass bars are quarried nearby Lake Maggiore. Solid brass construction is a key element in finding quality plumbing fixtures!
As opposed to mass produced faucets and shower heads, a vast array of their creations are hand-assembled. With such elaborate water features that their shower heads offer, careful construction is key. Many of their rain shower heads consists of anywhere from 350-450 components… and I got to see one of these bad boys getting assembled! (Well, just a glimpse of it lol).
Since water around the world is vastly different from region to region, Gessi puts their products to the test by running 3 different types of water through all of their products to ensure their internal and external materials hold up to all water conditions. And similarly, with different countries and regions come different standards for plumbing fixtures and water conversation… with the state of California, USA being one of the most strict. Before a new collection goes to production, Gessi takes the time to review the certifications needed for their different markets.
Lastly, the finishing!! My goodness, I was so excited to see the finish process. Gessi offers several different kinds of finishes. All their items go through a fun chamber of ‘Star Wars galactic battle of lights’ type of process (otherwise known as PVD) to guarantee the finish after being chrome plated. The oh-so-yummy and exquisitely lacquered finishes are all hand applied, making each faucet of this style unique much like a piece of art! So much more stunning in person!!! Another finish that I think would fare well amongst entertainers and active families would be the GHRC, or Gessi High Resistance Coating, that allows for the most easy maintenance finish preventing finger prints and resisting wear. I gotta have it!!!
Thoughtful Functionality
In the kitchen space, one of my favorite Gessi discoveries was the Vita Kitchen Faucet. One faucet with multiple functions including pouring water for regular tap, filtered fresh water, THREE types of bubble water and customizable hot water that can all be controlled with Alexa! It’s unfortunately not on the US market as of yet… but excited for it’s arrival!!
Then we have the bathroom space- It’s very obvious that faucets and shower heads are sources of water that allow us to wash hands, bathe, etc. With Gessi’s focus on wellness, faucets and shower trim serve a greater purpose than just a water source. They highlight the importance of investing in the bathroom as it’s the best living environment in one’s home… a significant space that can offer daily life wellness.
In shower components, a linear spout pouring water emulating a waterfall can offer a massage-like experience on the back and body. Body sprays can provide additional therapy when custom positioned to target sore muscles. A misting effect along with color-changing lights of chromotherapy can enhance the experience of relaxation.
Drool-Worthy Design
I’ve already shared how mouthwateringly gorgeous their finishes are… their designs are very much the same. There’s something about Italian design that just works so well. Like a well-fitted tailored suit, Gessi’s design collections are sophisticated, tastefully unique and very much classic & timeless.
A stand out, the Goccia faucet emulates a single drop of water with a ripple effect represented by a complimentary vessel sink. Their newest collections were some of the most extraordinary design pieces I’ve seen in faucetry. With a name inspired by the classic and ever iconic Jackie Onassis, the Jacqueline Collection embodies luxury by embracing natural bamboo shown off with elegant curves. The Perle Collection offers a contemporary twist utilizing the most gorgeous precious stones for statement pieces alongside unique finishes.
I left Italy filled with endless ideas, rejuvenated and amped for the upcoming design projects on the roster! My phone is overflowing with photographs of the most gorgeous faucets and shower trim from Gessi… and of course the inspirational design goodness that comes with any fantastical trip to Italy! Be on the look out for future blog and Instagram posts as more of the good stuff rolls out!
Gessi, you were everything I hoped this trip would be and more!! Til next time!
Ciao,
Megan
