gmnicholas/iStock
Looking to change your kitchen’s look this year? You might want to start with the sink.
Forget the kitchen island and cabinets. Instead, the spot where you do everything from cleaning your dishes to washing your kid’s muddy hands is quickly becoming a focal point of the kitchen.
It’s all part of a larger trend to incorporate bolder looks in a space that, for decades, has been dominated by neutral—almost sterile—design schemes. Finally, homeowners are slowly starting to mix things up—with colorful kitchen islands, vibrant appliances, and now, wow-worthy washbasins.
“An unusual sink has the power to transform the appearance of the entire kitchen,” says Fay Friedman, director of marketing at QualityBath in New Jersey. “It can serve as a focal point and an unexpected thing of beauty in a fixture that’s more commonly chosen for its practical purposes rather than aesthetic purposes.”
Ready for an upgrade? Let these bold new options sink in.
1. Sinks made from unusual materials
Photo by Merri Interiors, Inc
Tired of the standard stainless steel or porcelain? Try a sink made out of granite, quartz, or copper. And if that’s not bold enough for you, there’s also soapstone, natural stone, slate, or even wood.
What’s more: Many of these materials can be as functional as they are fun to look at.
“In addition to their striking appearance, many specialty sink materials are highly practical,” Friedman says. “Copper is antibacterial and long-lasting; granite and quartz composite are quiet, easy to clean, and rock-hard; slate is virtually bulletproof; and natural stone can be seamlessly integrated into the countertop.”
Every material has its advantages and disadvantages, though, so it’s important to do your research and work with a professional before jumping in.
2. Sinks in vibrant colors
Photo by Topnotch Design Studio
We’re not knocking white porcelain and stainless-steel sinks—they look clean and still work with pretty much every color and design scheme out there. But designers are already adding color to ranges, cabinets, and islands—and now they’re not afraid to throw in the kitchen sink as well. And we are here for it.
“This year, color is everywhere,” says Anna Gibson, associate kitchen and bath designer and owner of AKG Design Studio in Reston, VA.
She cites the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, where multiple brands showcased sinks in vibrant colors such as aqua and hot red. You might be surprised by how easily these bold hues can pair with today’s kitchen designs. For instance, try adding a teal sink to a shabby chic/farm-style kitchen design, Gibson suggests.
“It adds just the perfect pop of color and twist on a traditional look,” she says.
3. Hammered sinks
Photo by Camilla Banks Interior Design
If a show-stopping look is top-of-list for you, consider a hammered sink, available in stainless steel or copper.
“They’re usually used in kitchens with a rustic look, but they can be used in contemporary designs as well,” Friedman says.
And they don’t just look good. Hammered sinks stand up to wear and tear well because they’ll conceal damage.
“Bumps and nicks blend into the texture of the sink,” she explains.
But take note: If you choose hammered copper, know that it can develop a patina over time and won’t react well to harsh chemicals or cleaners. Use a copper wax, furniture polish, or beeswax to keep your sink shimmering.
4. Rimless sinks
Rimless sinks make a sleek design statement, but they’re also supremely functional: They integrate directly into the counter, so you can wipe food and crumbs right in. They take up less space, and they’re sanitary: Because the sink is flush with the counter, there are no crevices for germs or mold to breed, Gibson explains.
Until recently, rimless sinks were available only if you had a molded countertop like Corian or cultured marble. But brands such as TopZero are changing that, Gibson says. They now have a seamless-edge sink that can be installed on any solid surface, including engineered quartz, wood butcher block, and porcelain slab.
5. Multipurpose sinks
Photo by Pacific Coast Kitchen & Bath
You probably use your sink only for the basics. But it can now do so much more, Gibson says.
Brands such as Kohler now offer complete workstations with built-in colanders, cutting boards, and drying racks. Blanco even makes a sink with a built-in knife block and utensil holder.
“Sinks are no longer just sinks—they are a cooking center,” Gibson says. “These are fantastic for small or large kitchens, since they add counter space for small kitchens and consolidate all the work to one space for larger ones.”
The post Soak It Up! 5 Spectacular New Ways to Update Your Kitchen Sink appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.