Stainless Style

Whether boasting curves and sleek design, color or flowing shapes, today’s kitchen sinks and faucets make a bold design statement. Indeed, the sink has always played a key role in the kitchen; whether it was great grandma’s wash basin, a simple porcelain bowl or a sleek stainless number.

Today, not only has the number of sinks grown, but the role of the sink has also expanded. It is key to the kitchen water station, which may include a stylish faucet with multiple spray options and a host of accessories from soap and lotion dispensers to water purification systems.

According to manufacturers recently surveyed by KBDN, stainless steel remains the hottest style trend in sinks, with oversized, single-basin models also hot. Custom designs are popular when adding water accessories, and manufacturers say that faucets are all about curves.

Of course, personalization remains a key trend, with designers choosing from an ever-growing array of innovative designs, shapes, sizes and materials.

Un-Sink-Able Trend

If you’re waiting for the stainless trend to be over, you may have a long wait, designers agree. “Most design trends indicate that stainless steel is timeless and it is still a designer favorite as it matches perfectly with most high-end kitchen appliances,” says Ann Rottinghaus, marketing communications manager for Elkay Manufacturing Co., in Oak Brook, IL.

Ken Fey, v.p./sales & marketing for Houzer, Inc. in New Brunswick, NJ, agrees. He says: “Stainless is by far the most popular material in use for kitchen sinks today. Its hygienic qualities make it a natural application in a room where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount.”

But, while stainless remains the popular favorite, some manufacturers are seeing increased interest in other sink finishes. “Fireclay sinks have resurfaced as a material for some because of their nostalgic appeal, and this material also has a surface that’s easy to clean,” says Heidi Finch, sales manager, North America, for the residential division of Julien Inc. She adds: “Though not as durable and hygienic as stainless, fireclay sinks have a warm, fresh look that offers a focal point for the traditional kitchen.” Finch adds that other materials, such as copper, cast iron and vitreous china, will continue to be popular as well.

Marc Nover, president of Blanco America in Lumberton, NJ, states, “While stainless steel remains our most popular sink material, we continue to see more and more interest in color.”

Shapes and Sizes

New shapes are definitely jazzing up the kitchen sink market. Nover says: “Cookie cutter, me-too designs are no longer acceptable to discerning, savvy consumers.” He sees sinks with “sculptural shapes, elegant corners and generous dimensions” to be in demand.

Finch also sees this new trend shaping up. “Within the last five years, there has been a shift from kitchen sinks with more rounded corners to sinks that have 90-degree edges,” she says. “These zero-radius corners with more ‘urban edge’ appeal are becoming more popular with the influx of contemporary designs in the kitchen.”

“Sinks for the purpose of entertaining are becoming a sought-after item,” says Naomi Neilson Howard, president and CEO of Native Trails in San Luis Obispo, CA. “Unusually shaped sinks that become the center of conversation are now highly desirable in today’s open kitchen.”

The size of the sink also depends in large part on the size of the kitchen. Someone renovating a small city apartment won’t be opting for an oversized sink. But there is, nevertheless, a noticeable trend toward oversized, single-bowl sinks. Fey explains that double bowls continue to lead in sales but the rate at which single bowls are selling is significant.

Finch notes that the way people use their sinks has evolved, with many opting for large single bowls. “There will always be those who want the double bowl, but the large single-bowl trend will grow because it’s very practical,” she says.