National Tiles X Meir

When it comes to transforming a space, it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest impact. For Meir, tapware is more than a utility - it’s the finishing touch that elevates kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries into design statements.

We sat down with Michael Kinvig, Head of Sales and Marketing at Meir, to uncover the brand’s remarkable story: one that began in a suburban garage and has grown into a global design success.

A Visionary Beginning

Ten years ago, founders Rick and Irma saw an opportunity that no one else in the bathroom industry imagined possible - selling tapware online. At a time when chrome was king and most customers wanted to physically touch a tap before purchase, Meir launched with one bold idea: black tapware.

“It was visionary,” says Michael. “Rick came from a finance and marketing background, so he didn’t follow the industry playbook. He asked, why launch chrome when everyone already does chrome? Black was daring, distinctive - and it worked.”

The gamble paid off. Within a year, Meir turned over $1 million, and the family immersed themselves in building the business full-time. From packing orders at night to managing customer service during the day, the family values of determination, authenticity, and innovation became the foundation of Meir’s DNA.

From Local Startup to Global Player

Social media became Meir’s launchpad. Through striking visuals and a strong brand identity, Meir quickly caught international attention. What started as posts on Instagram grew into enquiries from overseas, leading to distribution in the UK, South Africa, and eventually 26 countries worldwide.

“Why should Australia only be about importing?” Michael reflects. “We wanted to flip the model and show that Australian design could be exported globally. And it’s worked - being a global player strengthens us at home too.”

A Palette of Signature Colours

What began with black has since evolved into a refined collection of seven signature finishes, including brushed brass, champagne, shadow (gunmetal), chrome, and the brand’s newest addition - Lustre Bronze, developed in collaboration with designer Darren Palmer.

That partnership, paired with the launch of Meir’s lifetime guarantee, almost doubled the business in just 18 months. “It was a game-changer,” Michael says. “It proved that when you have a beautiful, well-made product and tell the story well, customers respond.”

Each colour is carefully researched, with influences drawn from European trends but adapted to Australian tastes. “Australians want authenticity and longevity in their finishes,” Michael explains. “It’s not about fleeting fashion, it’s about creating something timeless.”

Beyond the Bathroom

Meir’s expansion is driven by consumer demand for continuity. Homeowners don’t just want standout tapware - they want a coordinated design language that flows across every room.

That’s why Meir has extended its offering to include matching cabinet handles, shower hardware, and soon door furniture. Even lighting is on the horizon. “It’s all about creating cohesion,” says Michael. “People want their signature finishes carried seamlessly through the home.”

 

Partnerships That Elevate Design

For Meir, collaboration is everything. Working with National Tiles allows customers to see how surfaces and tapware interact - the way light bounces across textures, the way tones and metals complement one another.

“Ninety-five percent of our sales come from renovations,” Michael notes. “If the tiles are coming off the wall, the taps are next. When we curate displays with tiles, it helps customers visualise the complete look and that’s when the magic happens.”

Tapware as Jewellery

So, what sets Meir apart? Michael sums it up simply: “A tap should feel like jewellery for the home.”

With premium cartridges, flawless finishes, and a genuine lifetime guarantee, Meir taps don’t just look beautiful, they perform beautifully, too. Whether it’s the ease of washing dishes with a kitchen mixer or the elegance of a statement bathroom piece, Meir proves that tapware is no longer just functional hardware. It’s a design moment.

Looking Ahead

With compliance shifts like lead-free brass on the horizon and continued innovation in colour and form, Meir shows no signs of slowing down. Global collaborations, new product categories, and a continued focus on consumer-driven design are all part of the journey.