Creating a kitchen that grows with your family through the years is key. You don’t want to limit yourself early on when you know your needs will be changing and evolving. When selecting the perfect sink, you want it to be functional but you also want it to complement your countertops.
If you don’t spend some time thinking about this, you could make the mistake of choosing a sink and countertop that don’t flow well together. Just like the kitchen forms the centerpiece of your home, the sink should form the centerpiece of your kitchen.
Follow these tips to make sure your kitchen sink provides optimal functionality while matching your existing or new countertops.
Size Matters
Kitchen sink sizes are all different, varying by basin width, height and depth. Don’t forget to account for the faucets, which are usually sold separately. You will need additional space for those fixtures. Your sink works best with a small buffer zone around it, with the exception of apron-mounted models designed to extend past the counter’s edge.
This will allow for more space to accommodate soap dispensers and sponges, while ensuring sink placement will not weaken the countertop. Some sinks require extra bracing or mounting hardware to handle the weight.
Think About Shape
Most sinks come in either square or circular shapes, and the one you settle on will have a visual impact on the appearance of your counters. Kitchen islands typically look better in combination with sinks featuring similar length-to-width ratios. In the event you have longer counters that run along the walls, you get away with some degree of irregularity provided the installation is done properly.
You will spend less to install standard shaped sinks such as rectangles and squares, at least from a natural stone perspective. You will spend more on irregular shapes that require precision cutting in order to accommodate the countertop.
Choose Materials and Colors
Most homeowners prefer stainless steel sink models because they are modern, clean, and visually appealing. Just about any stone will pair well with stainless steel, but if you go with other sink materials, like bronze or ceramic, you will have to do a little more research into which countertop color this would match. You may even want to consult with a designer. But as an example, black granite and oiled bronze hardware complement each other well.
Consider Fixture Compatibility
Sink faucets come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials. Choose a faucet with the appropriate amount and size of holes, keeping in mind that not all basins will form a perfect match for your chosen fixtures. Choosing the right sink faucet entails determining styles that offer a visual contrast.
In effect, you want to choose a sink faucet with a color that complements your countertop, backsplashes and tiling. Bronze or black fixtures pair well with light marble countertops, as well as backsplashes with hints of white, gray, and black.
Factor in Functional Characteristics
Your sink should align with your functional requirements. If you’re going for easy maintenance, choose a sink with a low-rise rim where you can simply sweep dirt and crumbs into the sink. If you want to keep your noise level down, try sinks with hidden sound absorbers that will reduce the amount of noise that comes from washing dishes.
Contact Granite Guy
Need assistance in choosing the ideal sink for your natural stone countertop? Our stone fabricators in Framingham can help. Just contact us at 508-460-7900.