Kitchen sink ideas often go overlooked when planning a new kitchen. While it’s easy to get preoccupied with your worktops and cabinetry, few elements have the power to make or break your kitchen design like the humble kitchen sink.
Beyond its practical purpose, the kitchen sink also has the potential to be a standout feature that ties your whole space together, and a key element when designing a kitchen.
With endless designs, materials and finishes available, today’s kitchen sinks can be as bespoke as the kitchens they belong to. From timeless Belfast sinks to one-of-a-kind brass basins, here are 12 kitchen sink ideas to inspire your next project.
What key features should you look for when choosing a kitchen sink?
Get the dimensions of your kitchen sink right
“It’s important to look for the correct size when choosing a new sink,” explains Paul Richardson, showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens. “If you are simply replacing your old sink, you can use the same measurements to find a replacement style.
“However, if you are renovating your kitchen, you will need to consider whether you would prefer a larger or smaller option, so ensure you take new measurements.”
Paul Richardson
Paul Richardson is a showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens. In his role, he offers valuable tips on kitchen design, storage and organisation.
Understand key kitchen sink terminology
“Sinks come in two styles, inset or undermount, and have a number of different features; the bowl, the draining board and the taps, all of which are important get right when planning how a sink will fit as a key feature of your kitchen,” explains Paul Richardson regarding choosing a kitchen sink.
Here’s a breakdown of what each of these terms mean:
Inset sink: A sink that is fitted into a cut-out in the worktop, with the rim sitting slightly raised above the surface.
Undermount sink: A sink that is mounted beneath or parallel to the worktop, creating a seamless look with no visible rim. Undermount sinks are often paired with stone or composite worktops.
Bowl: The main basin of the sink where washing and rinsing take place. Sinks can have single, double, or even triple bowls, depending on your needs and space.
Draining board: The flat area adjacent to the bowl, often ridged or grooved, designed to allow water to drain from dishes or washed vegetables back into the sink.
The Real Shaker Kitchen by deVOL, prices start from £12,000 (Image credit: deVOL)
Consider the placement of your kitchen sink
“The placement and location of your sink is vital, not just the aesthetic look and feel of the kitchen, but also to the practicality and function of it,” says Paul Richardson. “For example, whether your sink sits to the left or right of your drainage can impact how it looks and therefore impacts other facets of your kitchen.
“Having the sink sit in the right space and take up the right amount of room on your kitchen top can make all the difference to the overall aesthetic of the room,” Paul continues.
“You should additionally consider the shape and depth of the sink, as there are such a large variety to choose from, meaning you are able to go more bespoke than you think. A shallow sink design will limit its washing capabilities, but you do need to ensure that the depth of your sink doesn’t obstruct the cupboard below.”
12 kitchen sink ideas
1. Opt for a sleek, stainless steel undermount sink
(Image credit: Grohe)
A sleek undermount sink is a popular choice for creating a clean, streamlined finish in your kitchen. Installed beneath the worktop, this style of sink eliminates visible edges, making the entire space feel more open and modern.
“Stainless steel is one of the most common kitchen sink materials, and for good reason,” says Paul Richardson. “These sinks will suit most contemporary kitchens and are easy to clean. However, steel is less scratch resistant than some other materials, meaning you do need to take extra care when scrubbing these types of sink.”
2. You can’t go wrong with a classic Belfast-style sink
(Image credit: Rehome)
If you’re looking to add a timeless feature to your kitchen, a Belfast sink is an enduring favourite. These sinks are a staple of traditional British kitchens, with their deep, wide basins and sturdy ceramic designs. Whether you’re planning a kitchen with a country aesthetic or simply introducing a traditional element to a contemporary space, a Belfast sink will always fit the bill.
“Belfast sinks really look the part,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. “They are sturdy and traditional, and there is just something about them that feels much nicer than a plain stainless steel undermount sink. They seem to elevate the washing up and sink area into a feature rather than just a practical place to wash up.”
“Ceramic sinks are also very durable and easy to clean,” explains Paul Richardson. “They have antibacterial properties and are water, heat, scratch and chemical resistant, making this a great option for families who use their kitchen a lot. “
Helen Parker
Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL, has shaped the brand’s iconic, understated style over 13 years. Her passion for kitchen design and storytelling has elevated deVOL to a household name.
Shop Belfast Sinks
Single Bowl Belfast Kitchen Sink
Although this Belfast sink is compact in size, it’s still deep enough to provide plenty of washing up space, even in a smaller kitchens.
Soft Black Ceramic Fireclay Double Belfast Sink
This classic Butler & Rose two bowl design is stain, scratch and heat resistant.
Double Bowl Fluted Front Butler Sink
With an elegant fluted front design, the Balterley Butler sink complements any kitchen design.
3. Splash out on a statement marble sink
The Classic English Kitchen by deVOL, prices start from £30,000 (Image credit: deVOL)
“The virtues of marble sinks are, in my opinion, endless,” says Helen Parker. “They offer pure natural beauty that is both ageless and practical beyond measure. There are two types of people in the world: those who love age, patina, history, and elegance, and those who prefer something more reliably neat, tidy, and practical.
“I am firmly in the first camp and cannot think of anything more beautiful than an aged marble sink. I have one in my kitchen, and it has so far not developed a single scratch, dent, or mark. So, as far as I am concerned, they are also practical — though I do appreciate things with a slightly faded glamour.”
Polished Brass Sink by deVOL, £945 (Image credit: deVOL)
For a sink that exudes warmth and elegance, a metallic finish is an excellent choice. Brass, copper, or zinc sinks bring a timeless appeal to your kitchen, and their natural ability to develop patina over time only adds to their unique charm.
“Our most recent sink to the party is a large 1-metre-wide brass sink,” explains Helen Parker. “Its colour and size are tempered because it is undermounted, so you can just see a glimpse of the sunshine gold brass rather than a full front view.
“A very traditional Victorian sink would have been brass, zinc, or copper, and it is this authenticity and longevity that makes these sinks so appealing. We love the idea of all these sinks aging beautifully and naturally, with any marks that gather over time just adding to their beauty.”
deVOL Brass Basket Waste Strainer & Overflow Kit
If you’re not ready to fully commit to a metallic sink, why not elevate a simple design with brass or copper details, like a strainer or overflow?
5. Choose a granite composite sink for the perfect balance of form and function
Granite composite sink, £194.99 at Tap Warehouse. (Image credit: Tap Warehouse)
Granite composite sinks are a popular choice for modern kitchens, as they offer style and substance in equal measure. Crafted from a blend of granite stone and resin, composite sinks are designed to withstand the demands of daily life, being highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
“For those who have a contemporary kitchen, a sink with a black finish is the ideal way to tie the space together. This shade additionally hides marks whilst maintaining a sleek aesthetic,” explains Paul Richardson.
Dark sinks look particularly impactful when paired with a sleek rose gold or brushed brass tap, as these warm metallic finishes bring a touch of elegance to the design, without feeling overdone.
6. Embrace a fluted design for added interest
(Image credit: Tori Murphy)
For a sink that doubles as a statement piece, consider a fluted front design. Ribbed detailing works particularly well in traditional or modern farmhouse style kitchens or traditional shaker kitchens.
Unlike flat-fronted designs, a fluted sink adds visual interest and dimension. They are also much more forgiving when it comes to minor marks or water spots, making them as practical as they are beautiful. That said, bear in mind that they may be a little more time-consuming to clean than their flat-fronted counterparts.
7. Blend your sink with the surrounding worktop for a seamless transition
(Image credit: GROHE)
Using the same material for both your kitchen sink and surrounding countertops not only minimises visual clutter, but also makes cleaning up a breeze — as there are no awkward ridges or edges for crumbs and spills to get trapped in.
Materials such as marble or natural quartz are excellent choices for this style of sink, as both materials offer a luxurious, high-end finish. The distinctive veining of marble creates a one-of-a-kind look that brings character to bespoke kitchens, while quartz offers a smooth, polished surface with a sleek, uniform appeal.
For an even more polished look, why not extend your choice of material up the wall to create a seamless splashback, too?
8. Match your choice of tap with your kitchen hardware
(Image credit: LochAnna Kitchens)
Matching your taps to your other kitchen hardware is a simple yet impactful way to make a space feel more cohesive. In this stylish set-up by LochAnna Kitchens, the warm brass finish of the tap perfectly complements the hardware, wall sconces, and electrical fixtures, creating a harmonious look that ties the entire kitchen together.
Brass or gold-toned taps add a touch of warmth and sophistication to a kitchen, especially when paired with rich cabinetry colours like this deep burgundy. To take the look further, consider introducing smaller details such as gold-edged dinnerware or metallic light fixtures to echo the tap’s finish.
9. Add a skirt to your kitchen sink to conceal unsightly storage
(Image credit: Tori Murphy)
If you’re worried about your under-sink area looking cluttered, a sink skirt is an easy and budget-friendly way to keep things neat and tidy. Soft, muted tones like creams or greys work well in traditional kitchens, while bold patterns or vibrant colours can inject some much-needed personality to a room, letting your personality shine through in even the smallest details.
For a cohesive look, consider fabrics that tie in with other elements of the room, like your kitchen curtains, seat cushions or tea towels. It’s also a good idea to opt for washable materials like cotton or linen blends to ensure your skirt stays looking fresh and is easy to clean.
The best part? You can switch up the fabric of your sink skirt whenever you feel like refreshing your space, and it’s not as expensive as replacing kitchen doors.
10. Keep things compact with a small basin
(Image credit: Umbra)
If you’re working with a small kitchen, a compact basin is a smart choice. A perfectly proportioned undermount sink teamed with a classic stainless steel tap not only looks the part but also leaves more room on your worktops for prepping and cooking.
Alternatively, a compact circular sink could be the perfect fit for your kitchen, offering a sleek and understated alternative to traditional square designs, which can sometimes feel a bit imposing.
11. ‘Tap’ into your creative side with a bold terrazzo kitchen sink
(Image credit: Tap Warehouse)
If you’re looking to add some personality to your kitchen, try an eye-catching design like this terrazzo sink. With its colourful stone chips and polished finish, terrazzo adds a fresh and creative touch that stands out in any space.
To really let your kitchen sink shine, pair it with neutral cabinetry and walls for a sleek, modern aesthetic. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for striking painted kitchen cabinets in eye-popping shades.
Top tip: If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a bespoke terrazzo sink, you could always tile your kitchen splashback with terrazzo tiles or a similarly bold design.
12. Pair your sink with a hot water tap
(Image credit: Good Home bought to you by B&Q)
When it comes to smart kitchen ideas, you can’t go wrong with a hot water tap. These clever features can deliver boiling water instantly, perfect for making tea, preparing pasta, or speeding up your washing up routine.
While hot water and Quooker tap costs vary depending on the model and brand, they are often considered a worthwhile investment for the time they can save you during the cooking process.
“Boiling water taps have become increasing popular within recent years, being a convenient asset to a modern kitchen,” says Paul Richardson. Though, he also highlights the importance of safety when installing them: “When choosing a boiling water tap, it’s important to ensure you have the correct water pressure and temperature regulation to use it as efficiently as possible. If you’re re-designing your kitchen, be sure to have a firm understanding of the plumbing before you make any decisions.”
Shop boiling water taps
Qettle 4-In-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap
This Qettle tap would make a practical addition to any kitchen, offering the choice between boiling, filtered and regular water at the twist of a handle.
Flode Tre 3 in 1 Boiling Water Tap
This stylish and affordable kitchen tap has a brushed brass finish and provides immediate access to 98°C boiling water.
Quad 4-In-1 Instant Hot & Filtered Water Tap
This rose gold tap delivers instant steaming hot water and fresh-tasting filtered water on demand.
If you’re planning to tackle your kitchen renovation on your own and hoping to take on some of the work on a DIY basis, be sure to read our detailed guide to fitting a kitchen sink to ensure you get it right.
Bear in mind that some kitchen sink designs, such as inset sinks, are easier to install than others. While some designs, such as those integrated into the worktop, will require professional installation.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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