The sink is one of the most visible parts of a kitchen.
So, if you’re building or designing one, the right sink can make or break the look of the entire room.
And that of course affects your sales. Are potential home buyers seeing themselves enjoying their new kitchen for years to come?
So, how can you find the right sink to bring your kitchen design to the next level?
Choosing the Right Sink: What to Look For
The first factor to consider is what mounting style to buy. There are three main types, each of which work best with different design aesthetics.
Mounting Styles
1. Top Mount Sinks
Top mount sinks have a lip that lays on top of the countertop. This is the classic mounting style, so you’ll be able to find lots of design options, colors, and materials.
Best for: It’s very versatile and fits many different design aesthetics, particularly if you’re going for a more traditional and rustic look. However, the lip of the sink takes up some room on the counter.
2. Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks hang below the countertop. This is a modern option that has become very popular because it’s easier to clean and maintain.
Best for: Undermount sinks are a great choice for smaller kitchens where you need to maximize counter space.. They also look great with modern, sleek, minimal and high-end kitchen designs.
3. Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks have an apron that goes past the front edge of the countertop. A farmhouse sink can be top mounted or undermounted.
Best for: Depending on what material you choose, this is a great choice for everything from retro vintage to rustic country kitchens. It also helps maximize space inside the sink because the basin extends to the outer edge of the countertop.
Number of Basins
Once you’ve decided what sink design you’re looking for, you can consider whether to go with a single basin or split basin.
Split basins can be more functional since you can use each side for separate tasks. For example, washing dishes on one side and putting them on a drying rack on the other.
However, if you’re designing a kitchen with a smaller sink, splitting the basin up can make each side too small to use comfortably. For example, a 24 inch kitchen sink is on the smaller side of the standard range. It might be a good idea to go with a single basin in this size.
A single basin kitchen sink will give the homeowner more room in the sink to work. It’s also a design that looks modern and high-end, so many people prefer it even though it’s less versatile than a split basin.
Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose will affect:
- How your sink will look.
- How long it will last.
- How much it costs.
Every kitchen sink material has its own pros and cons.
Fireclay has the clean, classic look of porcelain with superior durability. An apron front fireclay sink is ideal for a rustic farmhouse kitchen. But its price tag matches its high-end quality.
To elevate the look of an entire kitchen without breaking your budget, stainless steel will probably give you the most bang for your buck.
Classic silver stainless is always a safe choice if you want a sink to blend seamlessly into any kitchen design. That 24 inch kitchen sink might feel bigger in a low-profile material like classic stainless.
Stainless is also a perfect choice for multi-family builds. It’s a neutral option that lets each resident choose to organize and decorate their kitchen in their own way.
But today’s stainless also comes in a wide range of color options that can create contrast and help the sink stand out.
For example, black stainless steel is an eye-catching alternative.
Picking a bold, contrasting stainless sink is an inexpensive way to create a high-style kitchen.
Of course, if money is no object and your homeowner doesn’t mind the extra upkeep, you can always splurge on unique materials. For example, a one-of-a-kind copper basin can make a historical rehab project feel authentic.
Making the Sink Look Great: How Your Kitchen Sink Design Affects Cabinets and Countertops
Ultimately, the key to creating a kitchen worthy of designer magazines is making all your furnishings work together.
Undermount sinks need countertops with finished edges that go all the way around the basin. So they work best if you’re using stone countertops like quartz or granite.
Farmhouse and undermount sinks sometimes need custom cabinets to go with them, depending on how deep they are.
If you choose to go with a unique color choice, consider how it will blend or stand out with the rest of your hardware and color palette. For example, a black composite granite basin might look best with a black faucet and cabinet hardware to match.
Are you doing a multifamily build, or redoing several kitchens? A professional wholesaler can find the perfect match for your specs. That way, you know you’re getting the right sink to elevate the aesthetics of your next kitchen design.