Sinks and Faucets Push Boundaries

The kitchen is a hotbed of activity in the household, with a need for work spaces that can accommodate a variety of functions, often in increasingly smaller spaces. So it's no surprise that today's sinks and faucets are evolving along with the kitchen, moving beyond their typical limits with a plethora of accessories and design elements.

People are looking at long-lasting, quality products that will endure in terms of style as well as function. Those are the kind of kitchen products that make us all feel good to be around and at the same time are a smart investment.

There is also a big trend toward expanding the concept of the sink or faucet beyond its current boundaries. Aesthetics, too, continue to play a critical role in sinks and faucets, and there has been an explosion of design. Manufacturers are not only using internal designers, but also seeking outside designers, which helps create products that are different.
Texture and "textural tones" that warm up the kitchen have become quite popular. There is often a lot of technology in today's kitchens, as well as simple, clean lines, and earthy materials like hammered copper or nickel can do a lot to soften the whole look of the space and turn it into a kitchen where everyone wants to spend time.

Stainless continues to have a hold on the market, having been a primary sink material of choice for 50-plus years. It's durable, attractive and neutral in color value. And quite simply it works. Faucets must coordinate with the chosen look and style of the sink and are most often finished in chrome or stainless steel, say manufacturers. There is however, some uptick in using finishes that help personalize the look of the kitchen. Although chrome and stainless steel remain the most popular finishes, we are seeing an increase in demand for specialty antique brass, nickel and copper finishes which allow the homeowner to customize their decor to meet their unique design vision. It's am intriguing use of these finishes to make the easy-to-clean, updated contemporary look warmer, more friendly and inviting. For a long time, walk into a kitchen and all you would see was a wash of stainless steel. Now homeowners are more willing to mix  and match dark with light and cool with warm by incorporating multiple finishes in the same space.


In recent years, there has been more talk about touch technology in faucets- whether hands-free or operated by a simple touch. Touch technologies are increasing in popularity because they bring ease of use, convenience and functionality to the kitchen. They also help save water. Faucets featuring these technologies are very easy to turn on and off, with consumers more likely to turn the water off between tasks. This technology also employs an automatic shutoff feature so the water turns off when it's not needed. See an example of touch technology

While the standard full-size kitchen sink still remains on top, there are many smaller options for those wishing to get creative with their space. There are also plenty of choices for faucet styles and shapes as well as work space configurations to best suit users' needs. With a move toward smaller kitchens, work areas must be adjusted accordingly. Single-handle, single-hole mount faucets can help meet this need, taking up minimal counter space while still allowing for ornate accents.

The size and layout of sinks is also seeing some shifts. Typically we are seeing a primary sink anywhere from 28" to 36" wide and a secondary prep sink, often in a different material. While double bowls are still the most requested, single-bowl configurations are on the rise. The sheet work area of a large single-bowl kitchen sink cannot be denied. Double-bowl designs are trending more toward 60/40 split than the standard 50/50, due to the more flexible work space. Unique shapes allow homeowners to move toward the single bowl without losing the comfort of the double-bowl shape. Homeowners who feel they need that separation in the sink now have more options with multi-level sinks.


Working harder than necessary doesn't top anyone's to do list and work in the kitchen is no exception. Consumers are looking for designs and products that make their jobs easier. They are looking for products that solve everyday problems like keeping the sink clean or organizing frequently used items around the sink. The kitchen is a very demanding environment. It's all about adding hard-working elements that seamlessly integrate into the product design so the space works better and looks better too. Products must be easy to use and faucets with a pull-down design fit the bill, continuing to be a popular choice.