Updated January 2021. When it comes to kitchen renovation inspiration, all the talk seems to focus on trends in cabinets, countertops and the smart appliances that make your family feel like the Jetsons. Everything but the kitchen sink! But we think the sink is one of the most important choices you’ll make – because you’ll probably use it more frequently than any other item in your new kitchen.
Custom kitchen by Merrill Contracting
Homes that were built or remodeled in the 1980s and 1990s often had small, divided sinks in the kitchen. But the way you use your kitchen these days, you may find it’s really hard using a small sink to wash up large roasting pans, skillets, and platters. And that’s the point of remodeling – a custom kitchen should be beautiful, but it should also be a beautiful solution for how you cook and how you use your kitchen on a daily basis.
As a kitchen remodeling contractor, we get to see all the awesome new products that are available, including sinks. From what we’ve seen, there are many new ideas to consider when you need to update your kitchen.
What shape works best?
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
Kitchen renovation lets you think outside the box, literally. There are, for example, very large, very deep sinks with squared-off corners for maximum working area. You may prefer a rounded rectangle with 2 bowls of different sizes or even different depths. Shallow, trough-like sinks are great on an island where you can chop and push food scraps straight into a disposal. Many homeowners love a classic apron-front farmhouse sink that can accommodate a large platter (or a small dog)!
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
How tough does it need to be?
If you’re not worried about juice stains, nicks and scratches, a classic cast iron or porcelain sink might be perfect for your kitchen remodel. If, however, you want to be able to toss hot pots into your sink and drain canned tomatoes or pour out leftover coffee without doing instant sink scrubbing, a stainless steel sink might better fit your priorities. Quartz or granite composite sinks are durable and available in many colors for a real custom look.
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
Don’t forget the accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and racks or baskets that fit on top of the sink to make food prep easier.
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
Is one sink enough?
With a custom kitchen remodel, you can have a main sink plus one or even two auxiliary sinks – perhaps one in a kitchen island to help when entertaining and one set off in a beverage center area of the new kitchen. A prep sink is also great for filling pots or washing veggies.
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
We can work with you to use these extra sinks not just functionally, but also as design elements. For example, a beverage center might be the perfect place to use a beautiful copper or colorful composite sink to add some “wow” without overpowering the counters or backsplash.
Photo courtesy Native Trails
Don’t forget the countertop.
If you have a sink, you need to install it into a countertop. Confused about how to select the right one. Don’t worry we can help you. In the mean time you can learn about selecting the right countertop on our blog.
For more ideas on sinks and other kitchen remodeling ideas, please visit our photo gallery, then give us a call!
