2012 Kitchen Sink Trends - How to Choose a Kitchen Sink
What Features will Homebuyers Pay More For?
We were recently asked this interior design question, through "Ask Andrea":
"What's the current trend for kitchen sinks - low-divide or regular sink? It's a huge investment especially if new granite countertops will be installed."
And here's what Stanton Homes' on staff interior design expert Andrea has to say:
Thank you for your questions about popular kitchen sink trends.
2012 Kitchen Trends – What Sink Styles are Most Popular?
From all of this evidence, the trend is still most definitely stainless steel. People like the fact that it goes with their appliances.
The second most popular sink style is any type of white.
Personally, I am one who prefers a white sink--Kohler cast iron undermount--I will likely never choose anything else. Is it better than a stainless steel sink? No--it is simply a preference.
In regards to offerings on the market in the low-divide style - there are many stainless steel versions to select from just as there are many manufacturers of stainless steel sinks.
The low divide is simply another option available but I wouldn't call it necessary or revolutionary. On average the bowl depth only seems to differ by an inch from several non-low-divide sinks.
Seeing homeowners laboring daily over budgeting decisions, I believe it would be a hard sell to persuade anyone to pay a substantial sum more for a low divide sink. If it was offered at virtually the same price as a non-low-divide sink, then sure, why not have the extra convenience?
So, stainless steel for most people is still the "must-have" and the low-divide option is a "nice to have" but certainly not a high priority.
What Sink Features Come Standard in a Stanton Home Custom Kitchen?
Stanton Homes offers a choice of a large single bowl (rounded or angular), or two bowls in any one of the following configurations: a 50/50, 60/40 or 40/60, or a 70/30 or 30/70, all in 18 gauge insulated stainless steel. 
What Kitchen Sink Qualities are Most Important to Homebuyers?
The qualities of a kitchen sink deemed most important are firstly, that it be stainless steel--22 out of the last 25 custom kitchens we installed included a stainless steel under-mount sink.
Secondly, that the sink has the correct number of bowls desired by that particular customer.
Of that group of 25 custom homebuyers, 25% selected a large single bowl while 75% chose the 60/40 configuration.
What did the other 3 out of 25 select? Two chose Cast iron in a shiny white enamel finish--one was an undermount and the other was an apron style sink also commonly referred to as a farmhouse sink. The third selection was again white, a large single bowl under-mount composite sink by Swanstone.
What Factors Influence the Willingness to Pay More for a Kitchen Sink?
There are two main factors that influence the decision to pay more for a kitchen sink.
1. Are you a professional chef or avid cooker? If so, you you may have developed certain requirements and beliefs as to what is best.
2. Have you fallen in love with a particular look? If so, you may be willing to pay more because it simply LOOKS the way you want it to.
So, How do you Choose the Right Kitchen Sink?
If you need to purchase a new kitchen sink, then select what suits you best. As long as it looks great with the rest of the kitchen and you like it, then you'll probably have made a good selection.
A stainless steel undermount sink in a 60/40 configuration is most likely the wisest investment for resale.
Remember, there is no such thing as the perfect selection as no matter what you go with, there will always be someone who wants something else. Only spend extra for sink options if it is something that you will enjoy!
Having extra options will not change how your home is viewed if you are planning to sell, however, a manufactured solid surface counter top with an integral bowl, while still very acceptable and preferred in the bathroom, is definitely a style of the past for your kitchen and not favored at all in today's kitchen trends.
Thank you for your question and enjoy selecting your new sink!
Do you have interior design questions? Want to know the hottest 2012 design trends for your Raleigh new home?
Then "Ask Andrea," the on-staff interior design expert for Raleigh new home builder Stanton Homes.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Good timely post, my neighbor will be changing her sink and ill will pass this on to her. Thanks
I have to run...abt to lto loose my internet connection (I'm at Panera and only have 30 mins). I will reblog later. Excellent job.
Thanks for the update Penny. I like the white but we just can seem to keep from scratching it so the stainless works much better for us.
David - you have plenty of company! 90% of our homebuyers are opting for stainless steel. Personally I prefer it for ease of cleaning and for durability.
Debbie - glad you enjoyed.
Michele - hope your neighbor's project goes smoothly!
Hi Penny-always an important element in a kitchen and often the focal point-I personally like a white cast iron/porcelain Kohler undermount sink and lately, I like a farm sink because they are nice to lean on. It's really personal but I agree, stainless steel works well with anything as well as long as it's got the right gauge.
Joanna - you can't go wrong with a good quality white sink either!
I'm a big fan of white kitchens, it just looks very clean to me. As long as you have a good range vent/fan i guess, otherwise you will see ever spot of grease. Looking forward to your 2012 posts!