BHG
Choosing a Kitchen Sink & Faucet
This past week I’ve been making more decisions for my kitchen renovation. After settling on a new layout, I had to choose countertops, tile, a range hood, the sink and faucet, and a cabinet color. I’m relieved to keep the flooring, appliances, and most cabinets, otherwise the options would have been overwhelming.
Even with a relatively straightforward update, the process isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are still plenty of choices to make, so I focused first on the sink and faucet—two features that make a big impact on both function and style.
Let’s talk about the sink and faucet selections going into this kitchen makeover.
Although I had researched sinks and faucets extensively for my previous kitchen and thought I knew what I liked, this house called for fresh consideration. Some previous preferences translated well, but the end result will have its own personality rather than being a repeat of my last kitchen.
This is not a home where we want to over-invest, so we’re choosing quality that fits our budget. We’re also keeping existing appliances, which reduces the number of decisions and keeps costs down—an enjoyable design challenge when working within limits.
I love a white sink. I appreciate copper and stainless steel, but a large undermount cast-iron sink with a porcelain finish feels right for my kitchen. My previous house had a deep fireclay sink that was beautiful, but I prefer the look and finish of cast iron, so I’m returning to that material.
I also prefer a single basin sink. I find wide, single bowls more practical and visually simple. While double-bowl sinks can be useful for separating tasks or accommodating a garbage disposal, I’m comfortable with a single large bowl—it suits my workflow and aesthetic.
Funny enough, when we moved into this house there was no garbage disposal. I assumed I’d install one immediately, yet three and a half years later we still don’t have one—and it’s become no big deal. We may add one in the future, but it’s not a requirement right now.
BHG
After weighing options, I wanted an exposed apron-front sink but not an oversized farmhouse model. I didn’t want a bulky appearance or the expense of modifying cabinetry to fit a large farmhouse sink. Fortunately I found a sink with a modest apron front, a 9-inch depth, and compatibility with a traditional cabinet—offering the farmhouse look without the extra cost or fuss.
Kohler Whitehaven
I love charming faucets. Bridge faucets are especially appealing to me for their character and classic style, though they often require multiple holes in the sink area. Because I also plan to keep a water-filter faucet, a bridge faucet would add too many fittings behind the sink. Still, I adore the look of nickel and classic bridge designs.
via Joni Cote de Texas
Ultimately I chose a faucet very similar to the one I had before—this time a more budget-friendly brand that still offers quality. It feels good to bring a familiar, loved element into the new kitchen; at first I worried it might be too formal for the house, but now I see it as a fun and stylish focal point.
Danze Faucet
It’s satisfying to have these decisions behind me. Lately we’ve been clearing work zones, removing what we’ll replace, finalizing budgets, and placing orders for the flooring and kitchen items. The hardwood project is moving forward—carpet removal is scheduled and the new flooring has been ordered and should arrive soon.
I’ll cover countertop choices (no, not wood this time, and not marble) and the range hood in future updates. For now, I’m happy with the sink and faucet selections and how they balance style, function, and budget.
Hope you had a great holiday and are enjoying some summer weather—finally some sun here!
To catch up on recent house projects, here are posts that summarize the progress:
Let the Projects Begin!
Good-bye Kitchen
Subway Tile and Two-Toned Cabinets