The Kitchen sink has always played a key role in the kitchen, whether it was grandma’s washbasin, a simple porcelain bowl, or a sleek stainless model. Boasting curves and sleek design, the color of flowing shapes, today’s kitchen sinks, and faucets make a bold design statement. Single-Bowl sinks are making a comeback, while high-arc faucets and stainless stand strong.
According to most manufacturers, stainless steel remains the hottest style trend in sinks, with oversized single basin models also popular. Custom designs are hot when adding water accessories and manufacturers say that faucets are all about curves.
Personalization remains a key trend also, with designers choosing from an ever-increasing array of innovative designs, shapes, sizes, and materials.
The Stainless Steel Trend
If you are waiting for the stainless trend to be over, you may have a long wait. Most design trends indicate that stainless steel is timeless and it is still a designer favorite as it matches perfectly with most high-end kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is by far the most popular material in use for kitchen sinks today. Its hygienic qualities make it a natural application in a room where hygiene and cleanliness are most important.
While stainless steel remains the popular favorite, some manufacturers are seeing increased interest in other sink finishes. Fireclay sinks have resurfaced as a material for some because of their nostalgic appeal, and this material also has a surface that’s easy to clean. Though not as durable and hygienic as stainless, fireclay sinks have a warm, fresh look that offers a focal point for the traditional kitchen. Other materials, such as copper, cast iron and vitreous china will continue to be popular also. There is also more and more interest in color.
Shapes and Sizes
New shapes are definitely jazzing up the kitchen sink market. Cookie-cutter designs are no longer acceptable to today’s discerning, savvy customers. Sinks with sculptural shapes, elegant corners, and generous dimensions are in demand. In the past five years, there has been a shift from kitchen sinks with more rounded corners to sinks that have 90-degree edges and corners. These square corner models are becoming more popular with the increase of contemporary designs in the kitchen.
Sinks for the purpose of entertaining are becoming a sought-after item. Unusually shaped sinks that become the center of conversation are now highly desirable in today’s open kitchen.
The size of the sink also depends on the size of the kitchen. Someone renovating a small city apartment won’t be opting for an oversized sink, but there is a noticeable trend toward oversized, single-bowl designs. Double bowl sinks continue to be the most popular, but sales of the single bowl models are significant. The way that people use their sinks has evolved, with many choosing the large single bowls because they are very practical also.
More Is Better
While the size of the kitchen sink has grown in the past few years, there is also an increase in the number of sinks within the kitchen. It is common to see two or more sinks in today’s large kitchen. Small prep sinks are very handy, as are dedicated bar sinks located away from the main prep area or on an island. Another example of a second sink is a long trough-shaped sink that can be filled with ice and drinks or cold appetizers.
The kitchen sink is also being impacted by the growing interest in outdoor kitchens. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly sought after as consumers look for ways to extend the space in which they entertain. Although once considered a luxury, outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular and just as important to the home as the main kitchen. While most popular in the milder regions of North America, the trend has been building all over the continent.
The kitchen has evolved from simply a place to cook, to a sophisticated work and play area and that also impacts the water station. What you do in the kitchen constantly changes, so the form constantly changes, shifting toward multiple sinks and dedicated workstations. The second sink isn’t just a small bar sink on the island anymore, it is becoming a highly usable work center.
Integrated Sinks
Integrated sinks are also a hot-ticket item. The sink has evolved into a full-fledged food staging area. Doing food prep over a sink designed for that talk makes cleanup easy, saves counter space, promotes hygienic practices, and gives you more work options.
Integrated work surfaces are also considered part of the overall design trend. Sinks with integrated work surfaces serve as landing pads for heavy pots and pans. The landing pad makes it easier for the homeowner to not have to bend near the sink to clean or pick up heavy pots and pans.
Consumers and the designers they hire are no longer choosing the kitchen sink as an afterthought. The consumer who is interested in having “the best” high-end appliances for their home has become more particular about the kitchen sink. Most homeowners spend at least five hours a week using their sink or sinks for preparation and cleanup. If you compare this to the time spent in front of the range or refrigerator, it makes sense that some consumers are taking the time to educate themselves about the options.
