From sleek undermount sinks to rustic white farmhouse sinks, learn about the top trends in kitchen sinks this year.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or considering replacing your kitchen sink, it’s helpful to stay up to date on the latest kitchen trends. Kitchen upgrades, like a sink replacement, can potentially boost your home’s resale value. So, you should select a kitchen sink that’s currently in style and desirable. You’ll also want to choose a sink that complements your kitchen’s aesthetic and is functional for your space.
Here are 10 of the most popular colors and configurations of kitchen sinks that are currently in style:
1. Stainless Steel Sinks with a Divided Bowl
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) recent report, stainless steel kitchen sinks remain the most popular material. Stainless steel is a tried and true staple in the kitchen—and for good reason. This metal is unlikely to rust and is very easy to clean thanks to its non-porous surface. Though, keep in mind that stainless steel can easily scratch and dent if you’re not careful.
While some interior designers say entry-level drop-in sinks lack elegance, undermount stainless steel sinks are a timeless choice. While stainless steel sinks are known for their metallic silver finish, now stainless steel sinks are made in a variety of colors, including black, brass, and bronze. However, these colored finishes may not last as long as true stainless steel. Stainless steel sinks pair effortlessly with stainless steel appliances, and mix well with other metal finishes, such as brass or copper.
Elevate your kitchen with a hammered stainless steel sink from CopperSmith. Made from 16-gauge stainless steel, our high-end sinks are designed to last for decades.
2. White Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks are the second most popular sink configuration in today’s kitchens, according to the NKBA’s trend report. And white farmhouse sinks are all the rage thanks to the popular modern farmhouse aesthetic. Farmhouse sinks are loved with their deep and wide basins, which make it easy to wash large plates, pots, and pans. They’re a great choice for busy households.
Most white farmhouse sinks are made out of porcelain, fireclay, cast iron, or composites. Porcelain farmhouse sinks are a popular choice, but they are prone to chips and scratches. They also tend to stain more easily than other materials. If you love the look of a white sink but want a more durable, engineered material, opt for a white fireclay or composite sink instead. With daily care and maintenance, white sinks are easy to keep clean. Just always be sure to wash foods like coffee and sauces immediately down the sink to prevent staining.
3. Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Loved for their seamless design, undermount sinks are placed underneath your kitchen countertops. The result is a modern sink that’s tucked neatly below eye level. Undermount sinks are more expensive to install because the countertops must be cut to fit the sink. They also only work with stone, granite, marble, quartz, or concrete countertops because the edges are exposed. Undermount kitchen sinks are a great choice for kitchens with granite countertops because they show off the stone.
Homeowners love them because they make counter cleanup a breeze! Instead of cleaning around a sink rim, you can wipe food and crumbs directly into the sink. Undermount sinks are made in single or double basin variations and many materials, including stainless steel, copper, and brass. They can either blend into your countertops, for example, a dark counter and dark sink, or create contrast with a dark sink and light countertops.
Customers love our array of undermount kitchen sinks in long-lasting materials. Each of our undermount sinks features a deep basin for heavy-duty washing and soaking.
4. Smart Workstation Sinks
Workstation kitchen sinks are a newer design trend—and homeowners are loving them. A workstation sink is designed to keep your kitchen organized, so you can easily prepare meals right over your kitchen sink. Workstation sinks reduce the chances of cross-contamination, keeping your kitchen more sanitary. Customize your workstation sink with optional sink accessories, like a cutting board or drying rack. And, if you need to use your entire sink, you can completely remove all accessories.
These kitchen sinks are made in a variety of configurations and materials. From a roomy farmhouse sink to an efficient single basin sink, there’s an option out there that’s best for your household. Our workstation kitchen sinks are designed with sleek materials and high-end accessories. Customers can choose from configurations in brass, copper, and stainless steel, and customize their entire sink. Our favorite roomy option is the Farmhouse Kitchen Sink in weathered copper.
5. Single Basin Sinks
Single basin kitchen sinks are the most popular style of kitchen sink. They’re also commonly known as a single bowl or single sink. They feature a deep wide basin, but they can be more compact for small kitchens. Single bowl sinks keep things simple. However, one drawback is it’s challenging to wash dishes and prepare food at the same time with a single basin sink. But they can be a great choice for smaller households or less busy kitchens.
Single bowl sinks are made in stainless steel, copper, brass, fireclay, porcelain, cast iron, and granite composites. They’re available in drop-in or undermount sink styles. We love single basin sinks because they’re roomy and very functional. Our single bowl sinks are deep, so you can easily wash your favorite large pots and pans. Some of our customer’s favorite single-bowl sinks include our Kitchen Apron Sink and Undermount Kitchen Sink.
6. Self-Rimming Composite Sinks
Self-rimming sinks, also popularly known as drop-in sinks, are built into the countertop, so they have a rim surrounding the entire countertop. While some people say that self-rimming sinks are aesthetically outdated, others say that they’re still in style. Many trending sink styles, like farmhouse sinks, are self-rim and don’t look outdated. Plus, self-rimming sinks can look stunning in modern kitchens. Some experts say self-rimming sinks don’t add much to your home resale value, so keep that in mind if you want this sink style.
Self-rimming kitchen sinks are more flexible and work with all types of countertops: wood, laminate, tile, granite—you name it. They’re also much easier than undermount sinks to replace later on. You’ll find drop-in sinks in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, copper, fireclay, and more.
7. Vessel Prep and Bar Sinks
One new emerging trend in the world of kitchen sinks is bar and prep sinks. These sinks are designed to be installed in addition to your regular kitchen sink. They’re great for food prep and making or holding drinks. While some bar sinks are made in traditional square and circular shapes, others are a complete art form—designed in unique patterns and materials. Bar sinks are a smart choice for homeowners who love to entertain, plus they make any kitchen look more high-end.
Bar and prep sinks are available in a variety of metals, like copper, stainless steel, and brass. Our designer bar sinks dress up any food prep area with luxurious finishes and high-quality materials. No matter the décor and architectural style of your kitchen, we have an array of options. Customers favor our Round Bar Sink, Workstation Bar, and Square Bar Sink.
8. Sustainable Copper Sinks
Known for their distinctive reddish-brown hue, copper kitchen sinks are visually interesting and functional. People want copper because it’s beautiful, timeless, and presents value. When people walk into your home and see copper, they know you paid top dollar. And while copper may seem expensive, it’s an investment that will last for decades. Copper sinks develop a unique patina that changes over time and adds value to the sink.
Another reason to love copper? Not only is it a beautiful material, but copper has antibacterial properties. So it’s a great material to have in the kitchen where you’re preparing and cooking foods. Copper is one of our top-selling kitchen sink materials—customers love its rich hue and durability. From deep farmhouse sinks to flexible double basin sinks, discover our expansive selection of stunning copper kitchen sinks.
9. Integrated Sinks
An integrated kitchen sink is a bowl that’s integrated into the countertop—so the sink is made of the same material as the countertop, and it’s stunning. These sinks have no rims or edges to clean around, which is a homeowner’s dream. Integrated sinks are often made from polymer materials, concrete, stainless steel, or quartz and granite composites.
While these sinks are beautiful, they can be very expensive, hard to replace, and can stain or scratch. If you ever decide to renovate or replace an integrated sink, then a complete remodel must be done. You can remove these sinks without replacing the entire countertop. And depending on the countertop material you choose, the sink may scratch. If you choose a material like quartz or granite sink, sealants can be applied to help prevent scratching. But these sealants will need to be redone annually.
10. Double Drop-in Kitchen Sinks
Last, but certainly not least, are double kitchen sinks, also known as double basin sinks or double sinks. These kitchen sinks are the fourth most popular sink configuration. And while they’ve been around for some time, they’re not outdated. In fact, they’re still trending in today’s kitchens. Double kitchen sinks feature two basins, which can be the same size or two different sizes.
Double basin sinks were designed before dishwashers were a mainstay in the kitchen. They make it easy to multitask because you can prep on one side of the sink while washing dirty dishes on the other. Though, some people find double sinks inconvenient if they’re trying to soak large dishes or baking pans. Double kitchen sinks aren’t a very compact design, so they’re better for large kitchens that have counter space to spare.
We design double basin sinks with low and high dividers, so you can find the best style for your kitchen. Our Apron Kitchen Sink features two deep basins that can be customized in the finishes and textures you love. If you plan on multitasking in your kitchen, then our Farmhouse Kitchen Sink with a low sink divider may be best for you.
Incorporate Today’s Kitchen Sink Trends in Your Remodel
A kitchen sink should be durable and functional, yet stylish and luxurious. Before choosing a sink for your kitchen remodel, make sure you choose a material and configuration that you’ll use and love for years to come. High-end kitchen sinks are an investment that your household will enjoy for many years.
Do you have questions about one of the sink styles above? Reach out to the CopperSmith team today and we’ll help you find the best sink for your kitchen. Interior designers and contractors from around the world rely on our kitchen products because they’re sustainable, high-quality, and endlessly customizable.