A sink-ing feeling...

photo: Country Homes and Interiors

With dishwashers a veritable must-have for most people buying or building a home, they have enjoyed a prominent role in our kitchens. In fact, they have done a bit of bullying to the poor old kitchen sink of yesteryear. Indeed, many home-owners select their dishwashers with care, paying attention to detail, and typically justify spending a bit more to get certain features. What's a kitchen sink to do when it no longer enjoys that after dinner fill-up of warm sudsy water, ready to restore the sparkle to our dirty dishes?

above photos: Country Living.com

Well, fortunately, kitchen designers are recognizing the sentimental role our kitchen sink once played, and are giving it its due attention and respect. No longer placed solely in a "butler's pantry" or tucked beneath the kitchen window, sinks are now being placed in oversize kitchen islands, where the cook can rinse the dishes while interacting with his/her family and/or guests. In turn, the folks who design such sinks have sat up and taken notice. Beautiful kitchen sinks are popping up in kitchens everywhere, and the notion that we just buy a $100 stainless steel vessel is losing its sensible footing. One needs to look no further than magazines and their local home building stores to see that farmhouse/apron sinks, copper beauties and soapstone sinks are enjoying a nostalgic resurgence. Sink manufacturers are introducing sinks that appeal to every design aesthetic; and whether you yearn for clean, modern lines - think undermount sink in stainless steel, concrete, or solid surfacing - or vintage style, there is a sink to suit your fancy.

photo: Country Living.com

photo source: Carrie Raphael's kitchen, used with permission

I naturally prefer the vintage variety, especially when paired with a beautiful bridge faucet; and while I like the idea of washing up while being part of the action, I prefer zoning out and daydreaming as I gaze out the window... warm water lulling me into forgetting that I am washing dishes that my cheap (but pretty) dishwasher failed to clean properly.

After all, this is my view...

And this is hers:

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