Design Notes
Though not as glamorous as a new Wolf Range, a sink is a heavily used kitchen asset that needs careful consideration.
The sink is the most essential appliance in your kitchen!
If you think about it, your kitchen sink handles a lot of chores. In fact, it is the most used appliance in your kitchen. It can even be argued that when you’re remodeling the kitchen, selecting your kitchen sink is one of the most essential choices you’ll make. It’s a decision that will affect your daily life for many years to come! We are here to help you navigate the many options available for kitchen sinks.
Manufacturers offer sinks made using various materials and in several different styles to fit every need. Materials used for a kitchen sink include:
- stainless steel
- porcelain over cast iron
- soapstone
- man-made materials.
Kitchen sink types and styles are available to fit every need. From multi-bowl sinks to undermounts, farmhouse sinks, and more, sinks are among the lowest-priced components of a kitchen remodel. However, some high-end models can carry four-digit price tags. Fortunately, several well-made, affordable models are on the market.
Choosing The Right Kitchen Sink
When choosing your kitchen sink, consider the size of the room, how you’ll use your new sink, and finally, your aesthetic choices. For example, large multi-basin models can overpower a smaller kitchen.
For kitchens less than 150 square feet, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, an industry trade group, suggests a standard 21” single bowl sink. You can consider adding a double or triple bowl model if your kitchen is larger. Whatever size and configuration you choose, you must select your desired type of mounting. This is both an aesthetic and a practical decision. You’ll also need to specify the number of holes you’ll need in the countertop sink deck. This depends on your faucet and chosen accessories, like spray hoses, soap dispensers, or garbage disposal air switches. Finally, you’ll need to decide on a color. A colored sink can be a dramatic accent, but remember, you’ll typically pay 30% more for any color other than white.
Mounting Options Defined
Under-mount or over-mount? This simply refers to the top edge of the sink. Will the rim sit on top of your countertops, or will it be attached and glued in from underneath (under-mount)? Most homeowners today choose to use an undermount sink due to its aesthetics.
However, there are 2 instances where you must choose an overmount sink or a farm-style sink. If you choose laminate or wood tops, overmount sinks will prevent water damage.
Choosing Your Kitchen Sink Style
Once you’ve chosen a kitchen sink type, it’s time to consider the shape and style of your new sink. Let’s look at a few options.
- Farmhouse Sink: Most are large, single-basin sinks, but they are also available as double basins. They sport a distinctive apron front, which provides a wonderful old-world vibe. Ensure you’re comfortable with this design statement since you’ll be living with it for a long time.
Available in different materials, porcelain or ceramic sinks offer a wide range of color choices to fit any décor. Read about some of the benefits it brings to the kitchen here.
- Standard under-mount sink: Standard under-mount sinks come in various materials and design options, including single, double, and triple bowls. Many new models feature angular corners near where the sink joins the countertop but offer rounded corners near the bottom, where most of the cleanup happens. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern look, this style might not be right for you.
Upgrade options:
- Built-In Drainboard: Great for draining dishes and drying washed vegetables, this is a wider sink that can take up a lot of counter space.
- Workstation: Sinks have improved greatly in the last few years with the introduction of the Galley workstation. A ‘workstation’ usually has accessories available that fit with the sink, such as cutting boards and built-in strainers. Several brands offer these additional accessories, and some of these sinks can be up to seven feet wide. See examples of this amazing workstation here.
Choosing Your Kitchen Sink Material
Kitchen sinks are available in various materials. Your choice depends on your needs, personal style, and budget.
Sink Materials include:
- Stainless Steel: Classic, easy-to-clean stainless steel can be formed into any shape, is nearly indestructible, and looks great in any environment. Stainless steel can scratch, but if the sink is brushed stainless steel, it can usually be buffed out. Many manufacturers offer a wire tray placed at the bottom of the sink to prevent scratching.
- Porcelain: The traditional kitchen sink material, porcelain, looks authentic in a kitchen with a vintage style. If you love color, the choices are practically endless. Unfortunately, porcelain can chip, and metal pans can leave scuffs, making them difficult to clean.
- Granite Composite: Made using granite particles and polymers, these sinks resist scratches and chips. Granite sinks are a good choice if you have hard water. They don’t show spots. Be careful, though; lighter colors can stain and may require special maintenance.
- Natural Stone: Soapstone is the most common choice, and a natural stone sink can exactly match your countertop, giving your kitchen an authentic period look. However, natural stone sinks can be costly and are prone to scratches and chips.
Greenbrook DesignFresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone enjoys returning to a well-organized, spacious kitchen after a long day. It’s even better if your kitchen includes a nicely organized pantry!
Walker Woodworking Have you ever found yourself in utter disarray, scavenging through the depths of your kitchen cabinets, relentlessly searching for that specific spice or measuring cup that you so desperately need, only to realize that you have no idea where it could be? If so, you’re not alone. An unorganized kitchen can be a source of immense frustration and consume a great deal of your time. However, with some simple yet practical tips, you can transform your cluttered and dysfunctional kitchen into a functional and efficient space. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips for organizing your kitchen cabinets so that you can enjoy the benefits of a tidy and well-organized kitchen.
While each home is unique, there are several common elements that designers use to craft the core of the story, such as color, texture, and pattern. Combining these things in various ways allows the client’s story of home to be told exactly the way that represents them best. Another element that is popular and fun to use is layers. Utilizing layers in your interior design is a great way to add depth to the room. It is where you mix and match items to create a blended design that results in a stunning final space for you and your family to enjoy. It involves selecting contrasting colors to create visual interest, allowing the room to make a statement to everyone entering. It utilizes a myriad of items, such as wallpaper, artwork, accent pieces, and rugs, to bring charm and character to each section of your home. There are multiple ways to incorporate layers throughout your home. Let’s talk about them.
Walker Woodworking Each year, new design trends are announced with the intention of highlighting what many homeowners and interior designers have enjoyed using or even a new way to use a traditional material or method. Another bonus to trend announcements is how it can become the spark needed to create the perfect space for someone. When it comes to refreshing your space or designing a brand new one, lighting plays a vital role in the process. Sufficient lighting should be a top priority in any area of the home, as it can help minimize eye strain and even reduce stress and accidents. As they are a key component in interior design, it is worth exploring the latest lighting trends announced for 2023. The lineup features a wide variety of sizes and styles that can be used throughout your home. We will unpack some of the top ones here in this blog.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking