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.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking