Compare a nice doorknob with a rickety one, and the first impression of an entire room might be accompanied with a sour design taste that just won’t leave. We understand that the details matter, which is why a streamlined design of a single-handle, or one lever faucet makes such a difference. From the swan-like arches to the angular and innovative, this week’s Top Ten list takes a brief repose while we usher in the latest in minimalist faucet designs.

Top Ten: Streamlined Single Lever Faucets.

Less Gadgets, More Design: Single Lever Kitchen Faucets Spout Off into Every Direction of Streamlined Design.

1. Allora

MANUFACTURER: Delta Faucet
PRICE: $408- 430
Dimensions: 10-7/8″H spout

The elegant, high-arc spout of Allora by Delta Faucet swings 360º for added convenience to its already dramatic shape. Choose to add an optional soap dispenser or vegetable sprayer for ease of use, or match it to a prep sink faucet for a coordinated design.

2. Torrance
MANUFACTURER: Moen
PRICE: $421
Dimensions: 9-5/8″H spout

In a variety of finishes, including this glacier white finish that sets it apart from the silver crowd, the Torrance by Moen is a sleek, sophisticated style. With a basic faucet shape providing its inspiration for this design, the pullout spout and aerated stream make it an ADA compliant faucet that is easy to intall.

3. Evoke
MANUFACTURER: Kohler
PRICE: $617- 847
Dimensions: 11-5/16″H spout

Who can resist staring at a rigid-looking matte black faucet? This modern gem is the Evoke by Kohler, and besides the appeal of its black finish, it also comes in a polished chrome, polished nickel, and vibrant stainless. Available in two sizes and coming with 360º of rotation, the single control, charming design remains “intuitive to use and minimal in its form” says Moen.

4. Essen
MANUFACTURER: Whittington Collection
PRICE: $276- 387
Dimensions; 14-5/8″H spout

A gooseneck kitchen faucet with deck plate & handsprayer, the Essen is an upscale design without the frills. It’s single lever matches the handsprayer, and it is made out of solid brass is shown in its subdued, yet veratile chrome finish.

5. Purus I
MANUFACTURER: BLANCO America
PRICE: $825- 925
Dimensions: 9-1/2″H spout

Said to be inspired by modern architecture, the Purus I faucet of the Siligranit Collection comes in a solid brass pillar base with sidespray in a finish in your choosing: satin nickel, anthracite/chrome, chrome, cafe/chrome, truffle/chrome, or biscotti/chrome (shown). Using colors combined with metal brings a touch of fashion into the typical bathroom collection.

6. Water FountainTap
DESIGNER: Niels van Hoof
PRICE: Available upon request

A design that will hopefully soon be mass-produced and in Home Depots everywhere, we couldn’t resist the appeal of a water fountain and sink combined. With designer Niels van Hoof’s creation of the Water FountainTap, this single lever faucet is refreshing in every way.   Do you know that when people hanging under their water tap to drink some water? As van Hoof describes, “When you put the handle downwards, only the fountain will be activated. When you pull it back and turn it left or right, the normal tap is activated.”

7. Axor Citterio M Single Hole, Tall
DESIGNER: Antonio Citterio
MANUFACTURER: Hansgrohe
PRICE: $686- 986
Dimensions: 13-1/8″H spout

Inspired by modern city life, Antonio Citterio designed the tall and stately version of a single-hole faucet for Hansgrohe as part of the M Collection. “M is for Modernity. M is for Metropolis. M is for Milan.” This urban contemporary piece is ADA compliant and created for vessel type sinks using its cascade no-clog aerator and pop-up assembly.

8. Areco
MANUFACTURER: Signature Hardware
PRICE: $738- 824
Dimensions: 12-5/8″H spout

A touch of wood always works in the favor of metal – even in a sterile site like the kitchen sink. The Areco by Signature Hardware is a tall and lean faucet that requires little to no space. Its single lever controls it all and the solid brass construction uses quarter turn disc valves to add just the right feel of luxe to match its polished chrome or brushed nickel finish.

9. Kross
MANUFACTURER: Isma
PRICE: Available upon request

A Red Dot Design Award winner for 2011, this German-made Kross faucet by Isma takes simplicity in design beyond normal measures. The stream of water is a unique shape, the ergonomic handle and durable ceramic cartridge add functional elements to its design, and this tall faucet completes any contemporary bathroom look in your choice of four finishes: pure chrome, polished nickel, matte black, or angel white.

10. Glance
MANUFACTURER: JADO
PRICE: $804- 966
Dimensions: 5-3/4″H spout

The Glance by JADO is inspired by European minimalism using a slight arch in the faucet and a ceramic disc valve cartridge for maximizing output. The faucet’s full body rotation and 7-7/8″ swing spout makes it the ideal compliment to above counter china and vessels in antique nickel, platinum nickel, polished chrome, & ultrasteel finishes.

Hope you enjoyed our roundup of the Top Ten list of Streamlines Single Lever Faucets!

Top Ten articles publish every Tuesday. Email 3rings@designerpages.com if there’s a category you’d like to see.