Kitchen FAQs: Selecting Your Sink Material

Article By: Jennifer Ott, Assoc. AIA + LEED AP

Anyone who has built or renovated a kitchen knows what it can feel like to make so many decisions in a very short amount of time. Educating yourself about your options beforehand can help cut down on some of that stress. Here, we take a look at sinks — specifically the choices you have when it comes to materials.

Cost, functionality and aesthetics should all weigh in when you select your sink material. For instance, you can get a well-priced stainless steel sink, but be aware of how easily it can scratch and show water marks. White fireclay or cast iron sinks are beautiful, but may require some elbow grease to stay bright and white. Integral quartz sinks are becoming increasingly popular, but they can be expensive and aren't necessarily bulletproof. 

Not sure what's right for your kitchen? Read on to learn more about these popular material options for today's kitchen sinks. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen & Bath Designers Mal Corboy Design and Cabinets 

Stainless Steel

By far the most popular material for kitchen sinks, stainless steel sinks are heat and stain resistant and are available in a variety of types, styles and sizes. I recommend going for a brushed or satin finish rather than a mirror finish — water marks and scratches will be less noticeable. Also, look for sinks that have sound-absorbing pads on the bottom. Consumer Reports recently tested stainless steel sinks and found that these pads, rather than sound-absorbing spray or a thicker gauge of steel, performed best in reducing the noise commonly associated with stainless steel sinks.

Prices for stainless steel sinks run the gamut, but you can get a decent quality stainless steel sink for not a lot of money, making it my pick for those on a tight budget.

Cost: $100 to $800 is typical, but prices can go higher depending on gauge, size and mounting type. 

Other by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Jennifer Ott 

Composite Granite

Composite granite sinks are my go-to sink, both for my clients and my own kitchen. They are good-looking, durable and don't show water marks or scratches the way stainless steel sinks do. They come in a variety of neutral hues, but I prefer the darker grays, browns and black because they camouflage food filth the best. This is my own sink pictured here, and I must confess, I don't clean it nearly as often as I probably should because it never looks dirty. Although these sinks are durable, they can crack if mishandled — I've heard stories of sinks being damaged during shipping. Always inspect your composite sink thoroughly before installation to make sure it suffered no trauma during transit.

Cost: $300 to $600 

Eclectic Kitchen by Fairfax Station Design-Build Firms Kingston Design Remodeling 

Fireclay

Manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks. These are the sinks I recommend for anyone who wants a white kitchen sink.

Cost: $400 to $1,000

Contemporary Kitchen by Kohler Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Kohler 

Cast iron

Clad in a tough enamel finish, this is another highly durable sink I recommend for white sink fans. It comes in other colors, too, but I'd suggest avoiding faddish colors for items that you want to keep around for a long time, such as your kitchen sink. Keep in mind that cast iron sinks are heavy, so make sure your cabinets are structurally sound and you provide adequate support for the sink.

Cost: $300 to $900 

Traditional Kitchen by Portland Architects & Designers Whitten Architects 

Natural Stone

If you are putting in natural stone countertops, such as beautiful soapstone, think about installing a sink to match. Some stones are susceptible to stains, though, so get a sample of the stone you are considering and test it out to make sure you are happy with how it stands up to staining. Soapstone is fairly stain resistant, but it is a softer stone, so you either need to be careful with it or be OK with it developing a patina over time.

Cost: Varies depending on the stone but typically starts around $1,000

Contemporary Kitchen by Santa Monica Interior Designers & Decorators Tim Clarke Design 

Quartz

If you're going with a quartz countertop, you have the option of installing a matching quartz sink. One thing to keep in mind with quartz however, is that the darker, more solid-colored quartzes tend to show scratches and dings much more than lighter colors that have more aggregate or patterning to them.

Cost: $800 to $1,200

Contemporary Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Leicht Küchen AG 

Solid Surface 

Like natural stone and quartz, solid surface sinks can be integrated into the countertop for a smooth, streamlined appearance that's super easy to clean. Again, it's best to get a sample of the material you are considering and put it to the test to make sure you are OK with its durability, as some solid surfacing shows scratches.

Cost: Solid surface countertops start at around $50 a square foot; there is typically an additional fabrication and installation charge for an integral sink. 

Mediterranean Kitchen by Santa Ana Interior Designers & Decorators Cindy Smetana Interiors 

Copper

In the market for something different? Copper sinks are big on charm and also happen to be rust-resistant and antimicrobial, making them a great choice for the kitchen. Just be sure to select a high-quality copper sink that is at least 99 percent pure copper — a small amount of zinc may be added for strength. Avoid harsh chemicals with these beauties and instead clean up with a mild soap and water, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Cost: $500 to $1,200 but can go up depending on gauge and any hand-crafted detailing.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Laundry Room

Article By: Shane Inman

We spend countless hours in our laundry rooms, scrubbing out stains, pressing our best and even washing the dog. Shouldn't we make this space as functional and pleasant as possible?

Laundry rooms have come a long way from the barren basement rooms so many of us grew up with. Take a few tips from these uber-practical laundry-room additions to help you lighten your load. 

Traditional Laundry Room by Tulsa General Contractors Home Innovations 

Refrigerator. Many homes have a second refrigerator in the garage, but these homeowners put one in the laundry room. Building it into the wall helped save space. 

Tip: If you're not ready to go that far, a mini fridge (no built-in necessary) could still help you store extra beverages. 

Contemporary Laundry Room by Glen Ellyn Kitchen & Bath Designers Drury Design

Sewing station. Anyone who enjoys sewing knows what a pain it is to set up and take down your clunky machine every time you want to make a repair or tackle a project. A special sewing station in your laundry room can help you get your work done with an ironing board and other necessities nearby. 

Tip: Lower the counter height to 30 inches and knock out a cabinet for some knee space. Make sure there's an electrical outlet nearby, and don't forget task lighting to help you thread your needle. 

Traditional Laundry Room by Norwich Architects & Designers Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Dog washing tub. Every friend and neighbor with a pooch will be green with envy when you show them your personal dog washing station. This is a great addition for laundry rooms that have an entrance to the outdoors or a garage. Wash Fido's dirty paws and soiled fur before he comes into the house. 

Tip: Tiling the washing station and your laundry-room floors will make cleanup a cinch.

Eclectic Laundry Room by Green Bay General Contractors Gryboski Builders Inc. 

Raised washer and dryer. Bending down to take heavy loads of clothes out of a washer and dryer isn't good for anyone's back. A platform like this takes the (literal) pain out of washing and drying and has a seamless look. 

Tip: Aim to lift your washer and dryer at least 15 inches for the best fit. 

Traditional Laundry Room by Coppell Interior Designers & Decorators Raedean/So Nice To Come Home To

Drip-drying location. A drip-dry station in this spacious laundry room allows wet garments to dry without making a mess. In lieu of more cabinetry, this cavity was tiled all over for ultimate water protection. 

Tip: A bar from the top provides a spot to hang clothes, and the floor drain guarantees there is no standing water. 

Contemporary Laundry Room by Toronto Photographers Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer 

Floor drain. Even if you don't have a specialized drip-dry spot, a floor drain can be a great idea in your laundry room. Not only does it make everyday cleaning easy, it can also prevent serious damage if your washing machine ever leaks or overflows. 

Contemporary Laundry Room by New Rochelle Closet & Home Storage Designers transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage 

Ironing board. For those short on space, a drawer ironing board can give you the benefits of a built-in board without taking up wall or cabinet space. You'll never have to wrestle with a squeaky freestanding board again. These are easy to retrofit into budget remodels, too. 

Traditional Laundry Room by Dallas Kitchen & Bath Designers Corinne Danicki, CKD

Hampers. Built-in laundry hampers like these can help you keep your laundry space extra tidy with minimal effort. When the clothes are piling up, just make sure the drawers are closed! This homeowner has a hamper for whites, colors and darks — all tucked away and out of sight.

Open vs. Closed Kitchens - Which Style Works Best for You?

Article By: Vanessa Brunner

For centuries the kitchen was strictly a workspace. Often tucked in the back of the house, it had room for just the bare essentials. But a peek at many new kitchens today reveals a very different approach: the open-concept kitchen at the heart of the home. 

"The kitchen was really a closed-off spot for a long time," says John Petrie, president-elect of theNational Kitchen & Bath Association. "Now people want the kitchen to be an active part of the family home." Although open-concept kitchens are by far the more popular choice today, some homeowners are embracing elements of the past — namely a separate, more closed-off layout. Could we be shifting back to the kitchens of yesteryear? 

We asked three kitchen experts for their thoughts on the two kitchen styles, and how you can decide which one is right for you. 

Traditional Kitchen by St. John's Photographers Becki Peckham 

How the Walls Came Down

Twenty years ago the term "cocooning" arose in the home design world. Home life shifted as people spent more time at home. "Home was a safe place, a refuge and where you wanted to be," says Petrie.

The desire for a cocoon fueled the open-concept kitchen, allowing homeowners to spend more time with family and friends while cooking and cleaning. "It also showcased a shift to a more casual lifestyle," says Andrea Dixon of Fiddlehead Design Group. "People weren't afraid to expose reality — i.e., a messy kitchen." 

"When the walls came down, the kitchen became an integral part of the home," says Petrie. Kitchens soon became the center of the house — the room that everything else revolved around. 

Today this layout has become the go-to kitchen style, particularly for families. The combined layout allows for optimum multitasking — parents can prepare dinner, watch the news and help with homework at the same time. "I'm a huge open-concept-kitchen fan," says Anthony Carrino of Brunelleschi Construction. "I find that the benefits far outweigh those of throwing the kitchen into another room. Ninety-nine percent of our clients ask for an open-concept kitchen." 

Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Lisa Benbow - Garnish Designs 

The Case for a Closed Kitchen

The kitchen is already the most expensive room in the house to remodel, and turning a closed kitchen into an open plan can add to the cost. Tearing down walls means dealing with plumbing, electrical and structural work on a huge scale. Sometimes the added expense means compromising in other areas. 

For homeowners who'd rather invest in other parts of their kitchen — appliances, materials or cabinetry — reworking the layout may not be worth it. "You have to think about what's best for you," says Petrie. When it comes to allocating your kitchen budget, which is more important, he asks, "an efficient, functional kitchen with better appliances? Or an open layout that connects to the rest of your home?" 

Contemporary Kitchen by Bethesda Design-Build Firms CARNEMARK

While most of Dixon's clients ask for open-concept kitchens, some prefer a closed-off space. "There will always be some people who are uncomfortable with letting guests see their 'unmentionables,'" she says. "It's definitely a more formal layout, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference." 

If you want to leave your smells and mess behind when serving meals, a closed layout could be for you.

Contemporary Kitchen by Boucherville Kitchen & Bath Designers Gepetto

"You can get creative with a closed kitchen, too," says Carrino. If space allows, a small booth, fold-down table or rolling bar can make a closed kitchen more of a social space.

Contemporary Kitchen by Los Angeles Photographers Michael Kelley Photography

Cons of a Closed Layout
Of course, a closed-off kitchen's isolation also can be its main downfall. This layout doesn't allow for direct access from the kitchen to the dining table, or vice versa. And it's difficult to interact with friends and family while whipping up meals, since most of the room is reserved for the work triangle.

Modern Kitchen by Brooklyn Architects & Designers General Assembly

Choosing What's Right for You
There's no set formula that can tell you which kitchen layout will work better in your home. Part of having a conversation with a designer is trying to figure out what's best for you. Start with a list of needs and wants, and go from there. "You've got to consider the way you live in your home and the way you use your home," says Carrino. "How do you use your kitchen? How do you foresee using your new kitchen?"

Everyone's needs are different, so don't let yourself sway with trends. "A family with kids that need supervision might decide to do an open-concept plan with a large multifunctional island," says Dixon. "But a couple who loves to entertain might opt for a closed-concept space so they can prep courses ahead of time and not spoil the surprise. It totally depends on your lifestyle."  

5 Tips for Mixing Cabinet Colors

Can’t decide between natural wood and painted kitchen cabinets?  In today’s kitchens, it doesn’t have to be either/or.  Similar to how matched furniture sets have fallen to the wayside, more and more designers are opting to mix rather than match cabinet colors.

Since cabinets are large financial AND design investments, here are a few tips to ensure your color choices look intentional rather than piecemeal. 

1. Choose consistent cabinetry styles (ie. all contemporary, transitional, etc.).  

2.    Painted cabinetry in light colors such as white and cream often mix well with darker wood tones. 

3. When mixing woodgrains, keep tones consistent by using all warm or cool colors, or by pairing a warm or cool color with a neutral color.   

4.     Use different cabinetry colors to designate zones.  For example, use one color for the upper cabinetry and another for the bottom cabinetry.  Or, keep the primary cabinets one color and choose a different color for the kitchen island base cabinets.  

5.     Unify the cabinetry colors by using the same family of cabinetry hardware.

Your Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

Article By: Vanessa Brunner

With so many choices at homeowners' fingertips, picking out a kitchen counter is no easy task. Since this surface area ends up influencing many kitchen palettes, it's important to choose something that looks good to you, will hold up under the kitchen activity of your household and has a price tag that suits your budget. 

We've gathered links to our guides to 15 popular kitchen countertop materials handily in one place to help you find the choice that suits you best. 

Modern Kitchen by Philadelphia General Contractors Kenny Grono

Soapstone Kitchen Counters

Often used in laboratories for its resistance to stains, chemicals and bacteria, soapstone is a durable and natural choice for a kitchen. At $80 to $100 per square foot installed, it might be on the more expensive side, but it can be a lifetime investment. 

Traditional Kitchen by Rehoboth Beach Home Builders Echelon Custom Homes

Granite Kitchen Counters

There are plenty of reasons granite is so popular — this natural stone has plenty of character, with unique grains, colors and customizable finishes. When properly sealed, it's one of the most durable options out there. While it can cost as low as $50 per square foot installed, prices can go up quickly with more exotic slabs and difficult installations.  

Traditional Kitchen

Copper Kitchen Counters

It certainly isn't common, but a copper countertop is surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. However, it's not for perfectionists — since it's a "living" surface, it reacts to different substances, creating a blend of matte reds, browns and greens. But for those who love the look, the minimum $100-per-square-foot cost is worth it. 

Contemporary Bathroom Countertops

Ocean Palace Supremo Caesarstone »

Engineered Quartz Kitchen Counters

Perfect for the customized home, engineered quartz comes in just about every shade imaginable. This engineered product combines ground quartz, resin and pigments for a tough, nonporous material. Great ecofriendly attributes makes it a safe bet for green homes, too. Get ready to pay up, though, since costs range from $95 to $105 per square foot installed.

Mediterranean Kitchen by New York Architects & Designers David Howell Design

Tile Kitchen Counters
One of the more affordable counter choices (starting at $30 per square foot installed), ceramic or stone tile is incredibly durable, and one of the few DIY countertop options. Maintenance can be difficult with all that grout, but choosing a durable and dark grout can make things easier.

Modern Kitchen by Silver Spring Architects & Designers Gardner Mohr Architects LLC

Ecofriendly Kitchen Counters

A little research is really all that's required today to make your new kitchen ecofriendly. The wide variety of material styles and costs — from salvaged wood to Bio-Glass to bamboo (shown in this photo) — means you can find just the right green countertop material for your home.

Traditional Kitchen by Atlanta Architects & Designers Kemp Hall Studio

  

Zinc Kitchen Counters

You don't see zinc countertops in many modern kitchens, but this metal has a warmth that has made it popular for centuries. Zinc's tone darkens with time, adding patina. Its antimicrobial properties make it a smart choice for a cooking space. This beautiful material typically costs $100 and up per square foot, installed. 

Eclectic Kitchen Countertops

Recycled Paper-Based Kitchen Counters

Recycled paper sounds like the worst possible material for a kitchen countertop, but this ecofriendly choice has surprising durability. When blended with resins and pigments, it has the look and feel of soapstone — but at $40 to $80 per square foot installed, it's a fraction of the cost 

Modern Kitchen by Seattle Architects & Designers BAAN design

Plastic Laminate Kitchen Counters

Although it's sometimes scoffed at by stone lovers, plastic laminate still has a serious fan base. The wide range of customizable edges and finishes means it can work in any design. At $8 to $20 per square foot installed, its affordable price makes it a winner for many. However, it's not the most durable of countertops, so it may not be best for heavy-duty cooks.

Contemporary Kitchen by Austin Tile, Stone & Countertops Dorado Stone Distributors

Recycled Glass and Cement Kitchen Counters

Although it's expensive ($100 to $160 per square foot installed), this unique combination of glass and cement is a surefire way to add character to your kitchen. Ecofriendly, durable and customizable, this countertop material is a top choice for a "forever home." 

Modern Kitchen by Boston Interior Designers & Decorators Melissa Miranda Interior Design

Marble Kitchen Counters

Marble has an unrivaled, classic look that always seems to be in style. For lovers of white kitchens in particular, marble offers more variety than almost any other material. Marble is known more for the patina it develops with use than for its durability. It's a softer stone than granite, and can scratch and stain easily; the cost typically ranges from $70 to $100 per square foot installed. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Wellesley Kitchen & Bath Designers Divine Kitchens LLC

Concrete Kitchen Counters

Pigments, stains and dyes can create concrete counters with color and visual texture. With the right sealer, a concrete counter can be well worth its cost — at least $100 to $150 per square foot installed. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Studio William Hefner

Stainless Steel Kitchen Counters

Professional chefs love stainless steel because it's nonstaining, heat resistant and easy to clean. While it certainly makes fingerprints and scratches stand out, it's a great choice for hardworking kitchens that don't need a perfect look. A price tag of $80 to $90 per square foot installed means it's more affordable than most stone counters, too.

Contemporary Kitchen by Dublin Kitchen & Bath Designers Glenvale Kitchens 

Solid-Surface Kitchen Counters

Is it stone, wood or plastic? This miracle material has the ability to emulate just about any look without the same damage risk or maintenance. Prices range from $50 to $100 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Portland Furniture and Accessories thejoinery.com

Wood Kitchen Counters

For some, wood and countertops just don't seem to mix. But a high-quality wood with the right kind of sealer can make for a beautiful, warm and long-lasting countertop. The price varies substantially depending on the type of wood you choose, but butcher block counters tend to range from $30 to $85 per square foot, for materials only.