Kitchen Remodeling - Think Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen remodeling has its favored icons such as cabinets, islands, countertops, lighting and appliances. As for the kitchen sink, however, many kitchen designers treated it as an afterthought. In fact the sink has been moved about the kitchen from its traditional place under the window, out to the island and, for the most part, wherever it fitted in. But recently, following in the footsteps of its bathroom cousin, the kitchen sink no longer is on the wrong end of the saying, “everything but . . .”

Sinks Don't Have to Sink

For decades the basic countertop design has included the recessed sink, one that is dropped into the countertop. This was, and is, achieved by making a large hole in the counter surface and dropping the sink down into it. Granite countertops and plastic composite countertops even include the sink as a seamless part of the structure so you can't tell where the surface ends and the sink begins. Now there are new ideas lifting the sink out of its depression.

Farmhouse Sinks

It was not too long ago that kitchen contractors were ripping out old porcelain-enamel-plated sinks and replacing them with stainless-steel ones. These old sinks were usually chipped and soon shared the same fate as the claw-foot tub - tossed out into landfills. However, just like the renaissance of their bathroom cousins, the farmhouse sink, with its protective apron front, is now being plucked out of antique stores and junkyards to be resurfaced and put into high-end kitchens as show pieces. And just as the deep, old tubs are being reinvented with new materials the new farmhouse sinks are being manufactured in acrylic, fired-clay and even copper.

The Commercial Sink

Many classic kitchens sport the “commercial look” with stainless-steel appliances, backsplashes and racks of hanging implements. To this type of homeowner the kitchen is as much a working part of the home as the sophisticated hobby workshop in the garage. So, when choosing a sink this homeowner goes for a 4-foot, stainless steel, free-standing sink with drain board and high backsplash to hold the faucets. This sink is capable of accepting huge pots and its faucet accessories include heavy-duty pot sprayers. And it goes with any design of countertop and allows a separate draining area away from the counter surface.

Basin Sinks

At first a basin sink looks strangely out of place. Raised above the usual countertop level this style of sink appears as an ornament, but one that can be made of a variety of materials not usually associated with a kitchen sink: glass, metal, soapstone, granite and even wood. These avant-garde vessels are not just for show, either. By their very height they provide a comfortable position for people who find the traditional sinks too low for working. And if you think the sink looks like it just escaped from an art gallery then get ready for the kitchen faucets. Some are block-design with squared-off edges and are mounted on soapstone countertops.

Second Sink

If you have a designer sink as the main feature you can go with a second sink as a food preparation area. This one would contain the garbage disposal and could be in the island or near the cook top. The faucets for this second sink range from the traditional gooseneck style to those mounted in the middle of the sink on an “island.”

Long, narrow bar sinks are also becoming popular. Some are deep to hold quantities of ice for entertaining while others take on a contoured design to hold fruit, vegetables and other cocktail appointments. These are usually positioned in the forefront of the island to better serve your guests.

Sink Accessories

Besides faucets there are many extras that can be added to the sink area:

• Rinse racks and colanders: Rather than being separate entities that hang from racks or are stuffed down in the cabinets these conveniences are shaped to fit perfectly into the prep sinks and only need to be removed for cleaning.
• Cutting Boards: Both wood and plastic cutting boards are made to fit the sink area.
• Water Filtration Systems: These inline and separate systems maintain water purity, filtering out rust, corrosives and lead. Smaller filters fit inside faucets for drinking water-only usage.
• Garbage Disposals: New models have better grinding capabilities along with greater safeguards against injury and foreign objects jamming the mechanisms.
• Hot Water Dispensers: These have been popular for the past two decades. An energy-saving device they flash heat water for hot drinks when needed.
• Pot Fillers: These are a great new convenience for large pots that never fit in the standard sinks. Mounted on the backsplash behind the stove they either telescope or fold out to add water to sauces and soups.

In the modern kitchen, style is catching up with utility and your kitchen designer can help you choose the right sinks to fit in with your dream kitchen. But don't forget the accessories that add the crowning touch of convenience to your creation.

Posted by: TrustedPros

Comments

Suggested Reading For You

The Top Kitchen Trends of 2014

With Thanksgiving and Christmas mere weeks away, chances are your kitchen is soon to become a highly traff...

The Kitchen Contractor Contract; How to Develop a Standard Work Contract Form

Before hiring any kitchen contractor to turn your kitchen renovation plans into a dream come true, protect...

What to Expect From a Good Certified Kitchen Designer

Many homeowners familiar with the term kitchen contractor may find themselves a bit mystified by the role play...