We’re back with our next article in the Kitchen Redesign series. We’ve covered “everything but the kitchen sink”; can you guess today’s topic?
Balance Form & Function
While the look of a sink and the budget are extremely important elements, one of the first things to consider when choosing your kitchen sink is the layout of your kitchen and the way you typically use your sink (or would like to.) If you have a large family and your sink accumulates a lot of dishes, you’ll want a large, deep basin. If you don’t have the extra time to maintain a special surface, opt for an easier-to-care-for material. If you boil a lot of pasta or cook a lot of soups, consider a mounted spigot, called a pot-filler faucet, near the stove in addition to your main sink/faucet.
Mounting options include drop-in, undermount, and farmhouse-style. You can typically choose between single and double-sink configurations, and some manufacturers even offer a triple-sink layout.
Deciding how your sink will be used will have an impact on the materials you will be able to choose from, and we can tell you that there are a lot of materials from which to choose.
Stainless Steel
- Relatively inexpensive, durable, and easy to clean
- Brushed satin finishes can hide some scratches and water spots
- Pay attention to the gauge (thickness) of the steel; higher quality stainless steel sinks are made of 18 to 16 gauge to prevent dents and scratches. (Also note that the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel.)
Copper
- They require little maintenance because they’re made of durable metal that doesn’t rust or tarnish.
- Copper’s anti-microbial properties kill bacteria and viruses.
- They are handcrafted, taking on a beautiful patina over time. Be sure to research this, however, to make sure you like the look
Granite or Quartz Composite
- These are super-durable and can easily withstand hot pans
- Scratch-resistant and low-maintenance due to the combo of 80% quartz and 20% resin
- Available in multiple colors to suit your style
Cast Iron
- Cast iron sinks provide a hard and durable surface since they are made up of cast iron coated in porcelain enamel. They won’t chip, crack or burn.
- The smooth, glass-like finish is super-easy to clean.
- These sinks are very heavy, so consider that when “weighing” your installation options ;)
Fireclay
- Fireclay is an alternative to cast iron; it is similar in appearance and has a smooth, glazed surface. Be sure to research the differences when choosing between the two.
- Very durable; resists chips and scratches
- Typically used in farmhouse-style sinks.
Our best advice? Go big, pay special attention to functionality, and choose what you love!
Faucets
High-quality faucets are just what you need to complement your sink — they bring beauty and function! They are available in a wide range of styles; one popular and very useful feature is the touchless faucet.
Don’t forget to integrate a pot-filler faucet as we mentioned above; these are mounted high on your kitchen backsplash behind the stovetop to provide water to fill those extra-large pots for pasta and soups.
The Kitchen Redesign Series from AHT Interiors
Did you miss any of our other articles in this series?
Kitchen Redesign: Layout & Lighting
Kitchen Redesign: Flooring Options
Kitchen Redesign: Cabinets & Hardware
As always, the team at AHT Interiors is here to assist, guide, and work with you to achieve the perfect kitchen or any other space within your home. Give us a call to schedule your consultation: (770) 887-7612
Images by AHT Interiors, Coppersmith Creations, House of Rohl, Krause, and Kohler.
