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 DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Greenbrook Design It’s hard to believe that the farmhouse style has only recently become so popular, thanks to its warm colors and romantic charm. It was once a haven for those seeking to escape city life and return to simpler times. Nowadays, farmhouse design is about elegant simplicity in every piece of furniture. Whether you live in a bungalow or a mansion, incorporating modern farmhouse design into your home is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Greenbrook DesignWanting the custom kitchen of your dreams can be overwhelming and isn’t always budget-friendly. However, an easy, cost-effective way to have the kitchen of your dreams is closer to your grasp than you think.
Walker WoodworkingAlthough having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do it all by yourself. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Use these tips to organize like a pro—start with a plan and be deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking