Sensational Sinks Bring Style Into Your Home

Updating a kitchen or bath will almost always include a new sink. In the past, the choices were very limited: stainless steel, porcelain or perhaps the not-so-successful fiberglass.

Prepare yourself for many new artistic designs and elegant shapes, sizes and styles. This is no longer a quick decision with limited options.

"Consumers have more choices in sink styles than ever before -- many more choices," said Sean Ruck, manager of public relations for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. "Not only are new styles being offered such as wading pool sinks, but classic designs are also being revived or updated as well."

If you have attended any home shows or surfed the Internet for the latest in kitchen and bath ideas, it has become clear just how exciting the new sink choices can be. In fact, this rather mundane item has actually been brought up to a level that can be considered "artwork."

Vessels

Examples of an artistic sink design can be seen in vessels that are handmade from natural stone, marble or glass.

"The vessel sinks are a nod to the old washbasins that used to rest on top of vanities and dressers decades ago," said Ruck.

These large washbasins are now shown placed on a simple table or custom-designed shelf. They appear to have been set there just for your use but are permanently installed into the plumbing like any other sink.

Explore all of the intriguing shapes and styles in this particular category, and you will find sparkling colorful glass, hand-shaped pottery, hand-finished copper and antique bronze bowls. A vessel would be a dramatic choice for a powder room or for creating a modern, updated look in any bathroom.

Retro Pedestals

The pedestal sink is not a new design, but its popularity has grown. It could be due to older homes with small baths needing an updated look, but these sinks are also much more interesting than in the past.

The surrounding space on the sink has been designed to hold shaving cream, soap dispensers and the usual necessities. Pedestal styles in the past were not designed with this in mind.

Consumers have found this sink leaves more space in a powder room or smaller bathroom and keeps the space from feeling too small. Some designs have attached chrome towel bars in a vintage look, and by adding a vintage-style faucet, the look is complete.

Color finishes are available in pedestal sinks, but currently, white is the preferred choice. Pedestal sinks are considered one of the most popular and cost-effective choices for the do-it-yourself project.

Traditional Elegance

If you prefer a traditional look for your bath, there are numerous upscale porcelain sinks available. These can also be classified as "art for your bath" because many have actually been hand-painted by an artist.

For the most elegant option, you could select genuine gold accented designs resembling fine porcelain vases. Many of these are authentic copies of antique porcelain collections.

You will see bright florals with intricate details and classic designs such as the Kohler Imperial Blue dragon design inspired by a vase from the Ming dynasty.

"Sinks with interesting shapes are also available, no longer just squares, rectangles and circles, but now even wave lines and other imaginative options have been introduced," Ruck said.

The new sizes and shapes vary from large ovals to small scalloped interiors with elaborate sculpted rims. These sinks are designed for placement in a marble top vanity or cabinet. Any of these stunning sinks would be perfect for a bathroom designed with a traditional elegant look.

Metal Mania

Metal sinks of every imaginable type of construction are gaining in popularity. Originally, you could only expect to see these in a wet bar or as a kitchen sink, but now you will find homeowners choosing to include copper, brass, stainless steal and pewter in their bathroom designs.

Some of the more intriguing designs include the stand-alone vessels in various shapes such as angular designs and round hammered copper bowls. The standard drop-in sink is also being shown in metal and some are made of highly polished metals to add sparkle to a counter top.

Surprising Sinks

A new sink option, available and becoming more important to our lifestyle, is the floor sink. This sounds a bit unusual, but you can see this new design on Kohler's Web site, or ask your local dealer for a brochure.

Floor sinks are made for those of you wanting the ultimate in care for your pets. Your family's dog can be bathed quickly in this new design, and you could incorporate this into an area near the garage or rear entrance of the home.

Another amazing new style sink is made by Open Kristallux and could be truly the talk of your friends. This washbasin is a sleek design made of glass and chrome finished metal, but the surprising element is that it is also an aquarium. As you gaze down into the sink, you will be given a view of gold fish seemingly swimming inside the sink, but it's actually under and around the glass bowl.

There may be no end to the creativity and artistic elements that can be incorporated into a sink design. Enjoy the search for the perfect sinks for your home and be prepared for the unexpected.