Home Decor – Garden, Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom Decor

As the center of activity in your home, the kitchen needs to be well-equipped for the fuss of everyday life. And as most experts will tell you, no other place sees as much action as your sink. From food preparation to cleanup, it’s easily the busiest item in the house. That’s why kitchen sinks should be on top of your list when shopping for a new kitchen. Besides being the central fixture in your kitchen, it also sets the tone for the rest of your décor theme.

If you’ve looked around, you’ll see that sinks are no longer just a faucet-and-bowl contraption. Your options now range from sleek, simple vessels to elegant bowls of every size, depth, and design. But like any other item, it takes a good eye and a bit of planning to find the right sink for your kitchen. There are more things to look for than good value and good design. Here are some things you should take into account when shopping for a new sink.

Sink materials

Sinks are no longer limited to ceramic and porcelain tiles. Thanks to modern manufacturing, there are now as many sink materials as there are design ideas for kitchens. Some of the most common are:

-Stainless steel. Sturdy, shiny, and stain-resistant, steel sinks are available in every price range—but you get what you pay for. Cheap sinks are usually made of thin metal and make more noise than high-grade ones. Look for those made with 18-gauge steel or higher.

-Enameled cast iron. These sinks have a smooth, sleek finish and come in a wide range of colors. It can handle hot and cold water very well, and the paint is very resistant to chipping. However, it tends to be quite heavy, so make sure your counter can support the weight.

-Quartz. One of the newest sinks in the market, quartz is very durable and offer excellent variety in color and design. The only problem is that it’s easily scratched. If you often use abrasive cleaners or wash sharp objects in the sink, this may not be suitable for you.

-Solid surface. This sink usually comes molded into the countertop, either in a similar or complementary color. Scratches are also fairly common, but because color runs through the material, they can easily be buffed out.

­Location

Your sink should also be compatible with your countertop size and material. Some sinks are pretty bulky and only go with equally heavy counters. If you’re using a laminate or softwood counter, stick to lightweight sinks that don’t involve intrusive installation procedures.

If you do a lot of kitchen work, you may also want to consider a second sink in your kitchen island. Second sinks are surprisingly useful, especially for busy kitchens that see action for most of the day. It may not be as big or feature-packed, but it offers additional working space. Try keeping a consistent look by getting the same kind as your main sink, but in a smaller, lighter version.

Mounts and features

Gone are the days when your sink only had four basic hole mounts. Modern sinks now offer all sorts of features, from additional mounts to built-in cutting boards and soap dispensers. But these features not only add to the price; they also tend to lower the structural quality of the sink. Don’t be tempted to spring for features you’re not sure you will use. Think of what you want your sink to do, and look for one that delivers.

Also, note that most of these features use up water. Some of them are made for saving water in the kitchen, but if not used properly, they’ll simply consume more than they should. For example, a sprayer can help you target stubborn spots, but using it all the time can double your consumption.

A word on water use

While we’re on the subject, it should be noted that water consumption is just as important as choosing the right sink. The size, depth, and construction of your sink can play a bit role in how much water you use and waste. For example, when washing dishes by hand, a small but deep sink will fill up faster (and thus save more water) than a large, shallow one. Also, the more water outlets you have, the more water you’ll end up using for the same tasks.

The same goes for other appliances that use a fixed water source. If you’re using a dishwasher, for example, it’s best to wait until it’s full before running a cycle. Dishwashers use the same amount of water and energy per wash, so it doesn’t make sense to wash just a few pieces when you can do a full load for just as much. Check your local water guidelines to make sure your sink, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances meet environmental standards.

Tags: saving water in the kitchen | saving water in the kitchen | design ideas for kitchens | design ideas for kitchens | water guidelines | water guidelines | kitchen island | kitchen island | kitchen sinks | kitchen sinks

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 2:24 pm and is filed under Bedroom designs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.