Whether you're completely remodeling your kitchen or just giving it an update, chances are the sink is on the list of items to be replaced. Since the sink is the focal point of the kitchen, having the right one can mean the difference between a fully functional space or one that makes cooking a chore. Here are some tips to choosing the best sink for your kitchen:

How to Select the Best Sink for Your Kitchen

Basin Size

How many basins does your kitchen need and where should they be located?

• A large, single basin – like a farmhouse one – makes it easy to clean up big pots and pans and prepare large quantities of food but doing two separate tasks at once is more difficult. New sink accessories and add-ons have made multitasking simpler.
• Two different sized basins are ideal for performing separate tasks, such as prepping and cleaning, but smaller basins mean less room for larger dishes. A smaller sink is often placed in the island, where it is more practical.
• Two equal sized basins used to be the standard and are great for people who love design symmetry. Modern kitchens tend to lean more toward different sized basins –large, single basins are becoming increasingly popular as well.

Sink Shape

Farmhouse sinks, with their large basins and distinctive apron fronts have been a trend for quite some time. People like the accessibility and (if choosing ceramic or porcelain) wealth of color options. A bold centerpiece to any kitchen, there's no getting around the fact that farmhouse sinks make quite a statement.

Many homeowners choose a sink with rounded sides because it's easier to clean. Some manufacturers have started blending the best of both worlds by keeping crisp, angular corners at the countertop, but rounding the bottom ones for easy clean-up.

Variety of Materials

Stainless steel sinks are durable, and clean-up is a breeze. Even if scratched, the marks can be buffed out. This material also complements a wide range of kitchen styles.

Porcelain is the traditional material and a great choice for people who want to add color to the room. The downside to porcelain is if it gets chipped or metal pans are left in it, the resulting black marks can be difficult to remove.

Granite composite and natural stone sinks are gaining in popularity. Granite works well in areas with hard water, as it is more resilient. Conversely, while natural stone sinks blend nicely with countertops, they require more maintenance and are easily scratched and chip.

With so many options, it's plain to see that no matter your style, there is way to have everything and the kitchen sink! For more kitchen design tips, give these blog posts a read:

• Top 10 Elements of Every Designer's Dream Kitchen
• Kitchen Design Trends of 2018
• Design Hacks to Maximize Your Kitchen Space