Is Your Kitchen Sink A Disaster and Your Faucet a Drip?

Part Four: How to Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices You’ll Never Regret

Sinks and faucets don’t seem too complicated. I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that comes from that spigot, right? Well, not exactly. If you’ve ever tried to keep a sink stain free or wash a big pot, you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others. So, what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you? Whatever you pick it should be comfortable and functional.

Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your dream kitchen remodel.

Choosing a Kitchen Sink

When does a bowl count?  First and foremost think about functionality when choosing a kitchen sink. Do you want a single basin or double basin (or more)?  As most people don’t wash dishes by hand anymore, but still hand wash pots and pans, a single basin will work better and look sleeker. But what if you still want some separation for dirty dishes and food prep, then consider choosing a kitchen sink with a divider that is half the height of the bowl. This will still give you the added ease of washing those big pots, but also the separation for keeping cooties out of your food.

Do you prefer the top or bottom?  Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop (top-mount) or installed underneath the counter (under-mount). At KTJ Design Co, we always try to under-mount sinks because it is cleaner and makes your counter look more seamless, especially with solid surface countertops.  But, top-mounted sinks might be your only option if you want an apron or farm style sink. I guess you could say you will probably want to be on the bottom with this one.

Porcelain Enameled Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, or Sill Quartz?  I like a stainless steel sink – there I said it! The common complaint about stainless steel is that it scratches and is noisy. First, you need to be mindful of the gauge and want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel sink. It will not sound hollow and be easy to clean. When it scratches, just scrub it up with Bar Tenders Friend non-abrasive cleanser and you are good to go. My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink. Quartz sinks are stain resistant, scratch resistant, hygienic, and extremely durable.  Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic, the slip is molded so the color is all the way through the sink. Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what come to mind when we think of kitchen sinks. Porcelain sinks have an appealing finish and less prone to water spots. The downside is that porcelain sinks can chip, rust and stain.  Don’t make the mistake of getting a porcelain steel sink – there is a big difference.

No matter what sink you choose – don’t use abrasive cleansers on them, ever.

Choosing a Kitchen Faucet

Single lever, pull-down, hands free? A modern kitchen should have a modern faucet. A traditional sink can have a more ornate faucet (you don’t have to go all Victorian unless you live in a Victorian Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look just as nice in a traditional setting.  You could go bonkers, trying to pick just the right faucet, but let’s break down the important things when it comes to a kitchen faucet.

You want to keep your counter as clean and uncluttered as possible, and the best way to do this is with a single lever faucet. Pull-down spray faucets are best because they generally have a long neck and multiple spray options. Heck, you can even get one that is hands-free (you still have to wash the dishes, but you just wave your hand in front of the faucet and it comes on).

Do you want to be way cool? Pick a wall-mount faucet for an even more clutter-free deck (that’s the plumber lingo for the countertop) and I think it looks way cool. Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find and the choices are limited (and oh ya – more expensive). This Dornbracht faucet is super modern and sleek (I bet done of your neighbors would have this!)

Or if you want to have a really unique faucet (and not be like all your friends), in a traditional setting, consider a bridge faucet. It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet and it has a really long spout – great for filling and washing those big pots. (It seems like I have a thing for big pots?). The Artesso from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen with an apron sink.

Let me know what you are struggling with when picking your sink and faucet. And if you need some more help with your kitchen remodel, check out our ReFAB Clinic here.

This is the fourth part in a series of blogs on How to Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices You’ll Never Regret. If you missed the first three blogs, check them out here

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