Why We Can't Stop Talking About Modern National Taps (And Why You Will Love Them Too)
Renovating is a ride. It really is. One minute you are looking at inspiration boards, feeling like a design genius, and the next you are standing in a dusty room wondering if you measured the plumbing correctly. We know that feeling. We see it every day at The Blue Space. But there is a turning point in every project. It’s that moment when the dust settles, the painting is done, and the shiny bits go in. The finishing touches.
That is where the magic happens.
We want to talk about one of our absolute favourite brands for that exact moment: Modern National. If you have been looking around for tapware that feels high-end but doesn’t require you to sell your car to afford it, you have probably stumbled across this name. But are they any good? Do they last? And what on earth is the difference between Brushed Brass and Gold?
We are going to break it all down. No fluff. Just the honest truth from our team to you.
So, What Is Modern National?
Think of Modern National as the quiet achiever of the tapware game. They aren't trying to be everything to everyone. They just want to make really, really good taps. Modern National taps are designed with a very specific goal: to bring luxury design trends into Australian homes without the scary price tag. They focus heavily on the construction quality, using solid brass and high-grade cartridges, but they also obsess over the finish.
And that matters.
Because nobody wants a tap that looks great on day one and then starts peeling six months later. We have seen plenty of brands come and go, but Modern National stays in our rotation because they get the basics right. They offer a massive range of taps and spouts that fit almost any vibe you are going for, from Hamptons coastal to moody industrial. It’s reliable gear. Simple as that.
Where Does It Work?
Honestly? Everywhere. We aren't just saying that. Because their range is so broad, you can usually kit out an entire house with the same finish to keep things consistent. Whether you are fixing up a tired laundry, building a new ensuite, or completely gutting a kitchen, there is a shape that fits. We often see customers start with a mixer for the bathroom vanity, fall in love with the colour, and then decide to do the shower and kitchen to match.
It creates a flow. A sense of connection between rooms. And let’s be real, it just looks better.
Let's Break It Down: Room by Room
Navigating a catalogue can be confusing. There are so many options. So, let’s look at how this range actually fits into your home.
The Kitchen Workhorses
The kitchen tap is the most used item in your house. Think about it. You fill the kettle, you rinse veggies, you wash hands, you scrub pots. It takes a beating. Modern National kitchen taps are built to handle that workload while looking pretty sitting on your island bench.
If you do a lot of cooking, we usually point people toward a pull-out sink mixer. Being able to drag the hose out to rinse the corners of the sink is a game-changer. It sounds like a small thing. It isn't. Once you have one, you can't go back. If you prefer a cleaner, more architectural look, the high-arching gooseneck sink mixer is a classic choice. It gives you plenty of clearance for big pots.
For those of you keeping it traditional or replacing old plumbing without changing the pipes, they also do 3 piece sink sets. These are the ones with a separate hot tap, cold tap, and spout. They’ve updated the style, so it doesn't look like your grandma’s kitchen (unless your grandma has great taste, in which case, carry on).
Check out their standard sink mixers if you want something straightforward that just works.
The Bathroom Vanity
This is where you can show off a bit. Your vanity is often the focal point of the bathroom. Modern National has a huge selection of bathroom basin taps to choose from.
Here is how we categorize them:
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The Modern Minimalist: You want basin mixers. Single lever, easy to use, clean lines. They sit on the basin itself. If you want to get really fancy, look at progressive mixers. These are cool—you twist the dial, and it starts cold, then gets warmer the further you turn. Very sleek.
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The Space Saver: If you are tight on counter space, or you just hate cleaning around the base of a tap, go for a wall basin bath mixer set. By mounting the tapware on the wall, you free up the vanity top for your soap and toothbrush. You will need wall top assemblies and a spout to make this happen.
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The Classic: Again, for the retro lovers or specific plumbing setups, bathroom taps (three piece) give you that separate handle control.
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Just the Spout: Maybe you already have mixers you like, or you are mixing and matching. You can grab standalone basin spouts to complete the look.
Bathing and Showering
Nothing ruins a morning like a shower mixer that is stiff or hard to control. We love the feel of shower mixers from Modern National. They have a nice resistance to them. They don't feel flimsy. You can also get combined shower and bath mixers with diverters if you are running a shower over a tub.
Speaking of tubs. If you have a freestanding bath, you need a floor-mounted tap. It’s the law of luxury. Freestanding bath mixers make a massive statement. They look like sculptures rising out of the floor. For built-in baths, you’ll look at bath fillers or dedicated bath tub spouts. Modern National does a waterfall spout that is very popular because, well, who doesn't want a waterfall in their bathroom?
Specialty and Tech
It’s not just about looking pretty. Sometimes you have specific needs. We really appreciate that this brand caters to them. For example, they have a solid range of accessible taps that feature longer levers. These are brilliant for anyone with dexterity issues or arthritis, but they are designed so well they don't look "medical". They just look like elegant taps.
We are also seeing a huge shift towards health-conscious renovations. Lead-free taps are becoming a priority for young families. Modern National is right across this. And for the commercial spaces or the germ-conscious, they produce electronic sensor taps. No touching required. Just wave and wash.
Oh, and don't forget hob mixers if you are mounting directly onto the bath edge or a shelf. It’s a specific look, but when it works, it works beautifully.
The Colour Palette (This Is The Fun Part)
Okay, let’s talk finishes. This is usually where the arguments start between partners. "Is it gold? Or is it brass?" We can help settle this.
Chrome
The classic. Chrome taps are shiny, durable, and match everything. You can't go wrong. If you want something that hides fingerprints better, look at stainless steel tapware.
Black and White
Black taps created a storm a few years ago and they aren't going anywhere. They are bold. They frame the space. Especially black kitchen taps and mixers against a white splashback. Stunning. On the flip side, white tapware is super fresh and clean, great for a Scandi vibe.
The Metallics
This is where Modern National shines. If you want warmth, look at brushed brass taps or gold taps. They add instant luxury. For something a bit softer and more subtle, champagne taps are incredible. They sit somewhere between gold and rose gold.
The Moody Ones
If black is too harsh but chrome is too boring, go for gunmetal tapware. It’s a dark grey metallic. It looks tough but sophisticated. Brushed nickel tapware is similar but lighter—it warms up the room without dominating it. Finally, for an earthy, organic feel, check out bronze taps.
Why We Actually Recommend Them (The Benefits)
We see a lot of products. We reject a lot of products. Here is why Modern National makes the cut for us.
1. The Build Quality is Legit
You pick these up and they feel heavy. That is a good sign. It means solid brass construction. They aren't plastic toys coated in silver paint. They use high-quality ceramic cartridges, which basically means the handle action stays smooth for years and they don't drip. Drip. Drip.
2. The Warranty
Modern National backs their gear. Most of their bathroom taps and mixers come with comprehensive warranties. This gives you peace of mind. If something goes wrong, you aren't left stranded. We handle the service side of things, so we know they are responsive and helpful with spare parts.
3. Design Consistency
We mentioned this earlier, but it is worth repeating. Being able to get a shower mixer, a kitchen tap, and a toilet roll holder that all match perfectly is a huge benefit. It makes your home feel considered. It stops things from looking like a patchwork of different sales.
4. Price vs. Value
Are they the cheapest taps on the market? No. And you don't want the cheapest taps. But they are also not the most expensive. They sit in that sweet spot where you are paying for quality materials and good design, not just a fancy logo. You get a lot of tap for your money.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Before you rush to checkout, we have a few bits of practical advice. We want your renovation to go smoothly.
Check Your Pressure
Some of these taps, especially the big rain shower heads or the waterfall spouts, need decent water pressure to work properly. If you have an old gravity-fed system, talk to your plumber first. You might need a pump.
Rough-In Matters
If you are choosing wall-mounted taps, your plumber needs to install the "rough-in" (the plumbing bit behind the wall) before you tile. You cannot decide to switch from a basin mixer to a wall mixer after the tiles are on. Well, you can, but it will involve a sledgehammer and tears.
Cleaning is Key
We love matte black and brushed brass, but they do need care. Don't use harsh chemicals or scourers. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth are all you need. If you use bleach, you will ruin the finish. Trust us on this one.
Measurements
Check the reach of the spout. You want the water to land near the waste (the drain hole), not on the back edge of the basin and not splashing over the front. It’s a game of angles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing tapware is one of the best parts of a renovation. It’s the jewellery of the home. It’s the thing you touch every single day. Modern National tapware offers a fantastic way to elevate your space without complicating things. It’s reliable, stylish, and built to handle real Australian life.
If you are still stuck on which finish to choose, or you just want to ask a human being if a gooseneck mixer will fit your sink, give us a shout. We love chatting about this stuff. Seriously. We can help you build a cart that matches perfectly.
Go on. Get those finishing touches sorted.
