Next to the refrigerator the kitchen sink is the most used appliance or fixture in the home. Whatever the season or time of day a sink is employed to rinse a dish, wash a bowl of grapes or scrub a pot. It has never been a glamorous fixture but one without which the kitchen could not function.

In the past sinks used to be wash bowls where vegetables and other foods were washed. Water pumps in the kitchen became popular toward the end of the 1800's and this elevated the kitchen sink area to a workstation where small articles of clothing were also washed. However, new style changes during the past 10 years have put the lowly sink into the forefront of the kitchen. Today these crude basins are becoming popular again as a retro styling invades the kitchen. Basins are in and many of the old materials from which they were made are also making a comeback.

1. Apron Sinks

Sometimes called the "farmhouse sink," the apron sink was a deep, rectangular-shaped sink that used to be seen in rural homes many years ago. Rather than sitting in the countertop these sinks formed part of the counter and many had their own drainboard.

Happy homeowners are now discovering this old convenience. They are finding old porcelain types in junk yards or used building supply places and having them re-glazed, and the style is being mimicked with great accuracy in acrylics and fiberglass. For the higher-end buyer manufacturers are making apron sinks from teak, porcelain, copper and natural stones like soapstone and granite. AS they were in the old days the faucets are attached to the countertops rather than the sink.

2. Basin Sinks

The basin sink is the original sink, one that dates back to prehistory. Today, the "vessel" is coming back. It can either sit on top of the counter or in a slightly recessed position which makes the ergonomics of working in the kitchen that much better on the back. This is because traditional sinks are lower and there is more bending over by taller people. So this makes the basin sink a treat in the kitchen.

Because of the unusual style and positioning of basin sinks designers are pulling out all the stops and even looking back to the ancient styling. Materials such as copper, mosaic tile, bronze, glass an exotic wood are used to make the artistic fixtures.

3. Second Sinks

The popularity of the kitchen island has spread the food preparation area away from the walls into the forefront of kitchen activities. So it was only natural that cooktops, dishwashers and even sinks migrated here. Island sinks range from the normal sink to sculptured works of art featuring modernistic faucets.

As these items are front and center the focal point becomes the island itself even when there is no one at this workstation. This would include a garborator so that food preparation is taken away from the main sink area which can now be used for washing pots and other sundries. In addition, this prominence makes the island sink the perfect entertainment area as it can double as a wet bar.

4. Built-In Sinks

These are also called "seamless sinks" because they blend in perfectly with the countertop negating the crevice where the sink meets the counter, a difficult place to clean. Sometimes you can have the sink ordered as part of the countertop, especially with the new engineered products. These sinks can come with built-in drainboards and can be as deep or shallow as you desire. A cement countertop is a good example of a situation where the sink can be molded into the counter, sometimes right on site.

5. Commercial Sinks

With stainless-steel appliances and range hoods promoting a "commercial" look some homeowners are going furhter in this direction by buying their sinks directly from restaurant supply businesses. These sinks come in many lengths and tub size: single, double, triple, quadruple. As well they have their own support system so no cabinet is required just a space to slide them in.

The allure of most commercial sinks is the drainboard and faucets. Although commercial goose-neck faucets are available with other styles they suite the modernistic styling of the restaurant sink. In addition, a high-pressure pot washer completes the setting.

6. Natural Stone Sinks

Although basin and trough sinks feature natural rock this material can be used for making almost any design. In fact some of these sinks are one-of-kind and the manufacturers use sculptors to create them. Materials such as soapstone, onyx and colored glass bring a completely different styling to the kitchen.

7. Faucets and Fixtures

Kitchen fixtures are the crowing touch to any kitchen remodel and designers have not ignored this important fact. Neutral stainless-steel fixtures are even having a renaissance as designers keep the practical with the stylish. However, natural metals like copper, bronze, tin and even gold adorn the specialty sinks further enhancing the work space. Steam cleaning wands, hot water dispensers and power washing sprayers promote a practicality within the design.

For more information of your kitchen sink design contact Renovation Experts.