Cover Image Credit: Ashley Benson Architecture Vogue Living

In kitchens across Australia, the sink is undoubtedly the centre of activity. It’s an unsung hero and the hardworking hub within the heart of the home, relied upon for so many daily tasks - from filling kettles to soaking pots and rinsing fresh produce.

The right sink adds functionality to a kitchen renovation and is essential to the space’s style direction. With so many sink design options available, the question becomes- how do you choose the best sink for your kitchen renovation?

This month in the B&C Home Journal, we share our round-up of sink configurations and materials for kitchen renovations of all styles and budgets. Enjoy!

 

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

Image via DecorPad

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KITCHEN SINKS

Before we get into the essentials of sink styles and fabrications, it’s important to narrow down your search by asking the following questions:

• What is my kitchen renovation budget?
• How much kitchen counter space is available?
• What sink size suits my needs? Do I handwash a lot of large pots and pans?
• Would I prefer a single or a dual sink bowl?
• What is my kitchen design style?
• What materials feature in my kitchen design?

With those answers in mind, you are one step closer to total sink satisfaction!

 

 

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A) Types of sink

Topmount

Sometimes called ‘inset’ or ‘drop-in’, a top mount sink is dropped into the countertop and the sink ‘lip’ overhangs. This popular configuration is easy to install and replace.

Image Credit: Caroma

 

Image Via Pinterest

Undermount

If your dream kitchen renovation style is sleek and minimal, perhaps an undermount sink is for you. The sink is installed underneath the kitchen counter, so the sink’s rim is hidden, and the countertop seamlessly becomes the sink’s edge.

 

Image via Reece Plumbing

 

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Image Credit: GoodHome

Flushmount

As the name suggests, a flush-mount sink sits level (flush) with the countertop. The sink’s rim is visible but has the same profile height as the counter.

 

Image Credit: Pinterest

Integrated

An integrated configuration is when the sink and countertop are manufactured from one piece of a single material. This eliminates the need for seals and caulked edges, making it a great option for your kitchen renovation.

 

Image Credit: Home Beautiful

 

Image Credit: HabitusLiving

 

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Farmhouse

If your kitchen renovation style is French provincial, modern country, or Hamptons, a farmhouse sink is an appropriate choice! Also known as a butler or apron sink, the anterior is exposed and positioned to jut out from the surrounding cabinetry. Often manufactured in ceramic, the farmhouse sink style is also made from cast iron, natural stone, stainless steel and copper.

 

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Image credit: InStyle

B) Sink Materials

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Stainless steel

Affordable and hardwearing, stainless steel is a popular sink material for kitchen renovations and is available in various finishes, such as copper, gold and gunmetal. It is also hygienic and easy to clean.

Design tip: Choosing a brushed finish will help disguise any scratches that occur over time.

 

Image Credit: Emily Henderson Design

Enamel

Enamel sinks comprise of a heavy cast iron or steel base covered in an enamel finish. They provide a more traditional look compared to stainless steel. Some care is needed to ensure the enamel doesn’t wear out or chip. For example, you should avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on the surface.

Image credit: Pinterest

Ceramic

Ceramic sinks have a timeless appeal and are easy to maintain. Porcelain is a form of ceramic commonly used in sinks because of its low moisture absorbency and ease of cleaning. Fireclay is another ceramic option. It’s a reinforced clay that is incredibly durable and usually more expensive than porcelain or standard ceramic.

 

Image credit: Abey Sinks

Composite

This engineered material is made with a mix of resin and granite or quartz, producing a hard, non-porous surface. It is available in a range of colours and is scratch-resistant and UV-stable (meaning it doesn’t fade in the sun). A granite composite sink gives you the look and feel of a stone sink at a more affordable price.

 

Image via ABI Interiors

 

Image credit: Devol Kitchens UK

Natural stone

A polished stone sink adds a distinctive, high-end look to a kitchen (with a price tag to match!). Marble, soapstone, travertine and onyx are popular options for stone sink finishes, and the range of gorgeous natural colours and organic patterns is endless. Stone requires more maintenance than other materials as it is porous, so the surface must be treated and sealed correctly.

Design tip: Stone sinks are heavy, so extra structural reinforcement is required for installation during your kitchen renovation.

 

Image Credit: Sticks & Stones

 

STILL UNSURE HOW TO SELECT THE BEST KITCHEN SINK FOR YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION? SPEAK WITH A KITCHEN DESIGN EXPERT AT BALNEI & COLINA TODAY.

From design to manufacture and construction, our Sydney-based kitchen renovation experts would love to help transform your home.

Book a kitchen design consultation today at 1300 450 320, send us your project details via this contact form, or book a call to discuss your kitchen project in more detail. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au.

 

Visit us at balneiandcolina.com.au and connect via Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest kitchen design trends.

 

Image credit: EST Living

 

Image credit: DecorPad

 

Balnei & Colina | Kitchen Renovation Sydney

 

Image via Pinterest

 

Image credit: Emily Henderson Design

 

Balnei & Colina | Kitchen Renovation Sydney