At the heart of every kitchen design, the sink plays a pivotal role as the primary workplace. Most Americans use the kitchen sink to fulfill multiple tasks as part of their everyday cooking. Indeed, the sink is used as part of:
- Washing ingredients
- Food preparation and cutting
- Washing up dishes and utensils after cooking
- General hand washing between tasks
All things considered, you spend approximately 60% of your kitchen time at the sink. So, it makes sense to consider kitchen sink ideas if you are in the process of redesigning the room. At CopperSmith, we’re proud to have been successfully part of countless kitchen sink projects for both residential and commercial needs. We understand that the right kitchen design must prioritize the sink both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
Indeed, the sink is crucial to maintaining the look and feel of your kitchen. As one of your most commonly used appliances, it is prone to develop premature signs of wear and tear if you go with a low quality model. Additionally, a major element of the sink functions revolves around food preparation and washing, which is why it is essential to consider sink ideas that focus on hygiene enhancement. Finally, as your most frequently used appliance, the sink remains highly visible and accessible. As such, our team at CopperSmith is passionate about collecting gorgeous, new sink inspiration that will wow our customers.
New Sink Ideas For All Budgets
We get it, a kitchen remodel project doesn’t happen for free. Whether you are only changing the sink or transforming the entire decor, you want to ensure that you can stick to your budget. This is why we recommend researching non-only the cost of different sink models, but also the cost of sink installation.
The cost of installation will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the installation process. What should you consider as you prepare for a new sink project?
- The sink configuration - whether you opt for a bar sink, drop-in, or even farmhouse sink, there will be different costs associated with sink installation.
- A change of configuration - If you are switching from a classic drop-in sink to a farmhouse sink, there will be additional preparation work required.
- A change of size - Different sink sizes mean your plumber will need to work longer to make it fit.
- How easy it is to remove your current sink - if you require sink removal as part of the installation process, this will also affect your final cost.
- Adding a new faucet - this is not something you should add to your new kitchen sink project yourself.
It is also worth considering task management as part of your kitchen remodel. If the sink is only one of the many elements that are getting replaced in your kitchen, you want to ensure you share the whole plan with your installers, so they can schedule accordingly. This will avoid expensive or duplicate installation costs.
Kitchen Sink Projects: Operation Clean Sink
As mentioned, you use the sink the most in your kitchen. So, one of the key considerations when looking for a new sink is the maintenance routine. Kitchen sinks need to be kept clean for many reasons:
- You want to avoid watermarks and limescale buildup on a frequently used appliance.
- You want to ensure the ingredients washed in the sink will not be contaminated.
- You want to keep dishes left to dry in the sink safe and hygienic.
Without proper care, sinks can attract grease, grime, and bacteria. So, as you decide to optimize your sink design, you also need to consider how this would affect your routine. The typical sink cleaning and disinfecting routine includes: scrubbing and rinsing the sink, cleaning dish brushes and sponges, and tackling any garbage disposal requirements if necessary.
However, the tools and products you will need to look after your sink will depend on the sink material. For instance, fireclay sinks can sustain a solution of bleach and water. A copper sink, on the other hand, should not come in contact with bleach.
For a simplified cleaning routine, it is helpful to choose a material that you already have prominently in your kitchen. This will ensure that you already have the right cleaning process and products for it. This can be instrumental in keeping your sink in pristine condition for longer!
Kitchen Sink Images: Discover The Most Hygienic Sinks
Hygiene is a priority in the kitchen. Your sink cleaning routine is central to sink maintenance and hygiene risk prevention. However, there are some specific steps you can take in your kitchen to maximize hygiene benefits, such as the choice of sink materials.
Did you know, for instance, that copper has excellent antimicrobial properties? Designing a kitchen decor incorporating a copper sink can effectively help eliminate harmful bacteria that come in contact with the sink surface. This can make food preparation and dish washing a lot safer. So, if hygiene is a big source of concern, you want to focus on copper sink ideas that can elevate your decor while reducing your health risks:
Farmhouse DT - Towelbar Kitchen Sink
This copper double-bowl sink brings a modern touch to the rustic farmhouse design. The clean lines elevate the look of the kitchen while the copper makes germs easier to manage.
This light and contemporary design can work best with other materials with similar hygienic properties, such as wood, for example. Pine and oak countertops or tables, for example, have consistently shown their effectiveness at stopping bacteria from breeding.
Farmhouse SW - Workstation Apron Sink
Perhaps the best feature of this versatile copper sink is the removable drying rack, which lets you keep your ingredients or dishes safe as they dry. Handcrafted and with a delicate natural living finish, copper sinks are unmatched when it comes to reducing the presence or spread of germs and microbes on the surface.
This design is best suited as an eye-catching appliance in a rustic countryside decor. However, it can also make a fantastic show-stopper in an industrial and modern looking kitchen when paired with other copper appliances.
Recessed Farmhouse SB - Kitchen Sink
Simplicity at its best. Nothing beats a single bowl sink in a bright farmhouse kitchen decor. Using copper ensures that your simple design doesn’t affect your day-to-day health. Underneath its simple look and feel, this recessed copper sink works hard to keep on top of possible surface contamination while providing all the functions you need.
That being said, other sink materials are also safe to use with a proper cleaning routine. Copper has unique antibacterial features that can make it an amazing choice for a family kitchen, for example.
Kitchen Sink Gallery: Explore The Last Kitchen Sink Trends
Real estate professionals are the first to advise their clients on the benefits of kitchen remodeling. Indeed, your kitchen could potentially make or break the deal. So, it is worth approaching kitchen sink projects cautiously to ensure you can make a choice that will add value to your property.
We get it; there are hundreds of different options when it comes to sinks. So, at CopperSmith, we’ve been looking at the latest kitchen sink ideas and trends for 2023. Head over here to discover our gallery of the most popular kitchen sinks at the moment.
The key to making new sink ideas work in your kitchen is to consider how to integrate them seamlessly into your design.
Colorwise, stainless sinks remain a favorite in the kitchen. They pair easily with most kitchen appliances, as it is a frequently used color scheme. Stainless sinks are durable and part of a traditional kitchen decor. They are also ideal for both contemporary or rustic settings, making it a versatile color scheme. This is also the most popular material due to its affordability and accessibility for the household.
In a small kitchen, the single basin sink is still the most commonly chosen configuration. With no divider, they are space-saving and highly functional. However, if you are going to remodel your kitchen and introduce a new feature, you may want to turn your single sink into an apron farmhouse sink, which comes with a front wall. These are roomier, but they can also optimize your space with an integrated towel rail.
For a seamless look and feel, you should look for undermount kitchen sinks, which can add value to a kitchen remodel. In comparison, other sink designs can negatively affect the appearance of the kitchen.
Hopefully, these few ideas can give you inspiration for your new sink. Ideally, you want to combine the new sink with your decor for a harmonious and elegant finish. This is especially important to make less trendy choices fit and ensure a positive first impression.
At CopperSmith, we are proud to work with a 3D configurator tool that enables us to display your kitchen model. This helps our clients visualize the project and ensure their kitchen sink matches the rest of the decor.
Monochromatic Sink Ideas
As mentioned above, stainless steel along with nickel are the most commonly selected colors for a kitchen sink. However, more and more interior designers are looking at new sink inspiration to transform the traditional kitchen look.
At CopperSmith, our sinks can be fully customized to a variety of finishes, including colors. This can become part of your remodeling project, enabling you to match the sink to the rest of your decor.
Black Kitchen Sinks
Black sinks are growing in popularity as a statement sink. They are best suited in a modern and minimalist decor. But they can also be part of a vibrantly colorful kitchen and provide a neutral focal point against brighter appliances, for example.
Typically, the material of choice when working with black sinks will be black stainless steel for its affordability. Bear in mind that on black stainless steel, scratches are likely to be more noticeable. Over time, the black coating wears off, revealing the silver color underneath. However, if you are looking to frequently change the look and feel of your kitchen, stainless steel appliances are cheaper and easier to replace.
White Kitchen Sinks
Another top choice for a monochromatic visual is the white sink, which can be made out of a variety of materials. White sinks are a popular option for a farmhouse kitchen style, injecting some brightness and lightness to the rustic decor.
Bear in mind, however, that white sinks are prone to staining. They require care and daily maintenance. Their materials can also make them less durable and more likely to develop cracks than other materials such as copper, for example.
The iconic white statement in the kitchen adds a reflective surface for natural light and works best with natural color schemes and materials, such as wood and granite.
Sink Inspo: Choosing The Best Configuration
The majority of kitchen redesign projects tend to focus on two popular sink configurations:
- Undermount sink
- Top mount sink
You can refer to this small guide we created for kitchen sink images comparing both configurations.
The undermount sink is one of the most popular styles for a smooth finish. This configuration can help turn your kitchen into an unmissable selling point when your property is on the market.
On the other hand, the drop-in sink design may be less trendy in terms of decor choice. This may be best suited for a vintage kitchen look.
However, it remains important to visualize your entire kitchen before making up your mind. Other configurations, such as the farmhouse front apron sink, can also elevate your decor and establish a functional and elegant rustic atmosphere.
Food For Thought: Custom Kitchen Sinks
A kitchen sink project can be part of a bigger redesign work. We believe that when your appliances and decorative elements are part of the same design plan, your kitchen can fully meet your needs and tastes. A custom kitchen remodel must not approach the sink as a second thought. Your kitchen sink will complement your worktops, table, kitchen cabinets, and range hood to represent your personal style and add value.
That’s where our 3D configurator tool can make a difference to help you imagine your next sink and kitchen. We encourage you to explore our vast range of kitchen sinks for inspiration and reach out to our team for a free, no obligation, quote.
