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Kitchen Sinks 101

Talie Jane Interiors

October 14, 2025

More and more people are adding a bit of flair to their kitchens by installing the latest in kitchen sinks. There are a variety of types, shapes, designs, materials and colors of sinks to choose from, adding character and personality. ¹

Before discussing current kitchen sink trends, let’s first understand the types of kitchen sinks and the standard/typical materials used./

Types of Kitchen Sinks

► Top mount/ Drop-in sinks

Top mount sinks are also called drop in sinks because of the way they are mounted on top of the countertop. The lip around the sink sits on the countertop, making it easy to install and providing more support. One thing to consider about drop-in sinks however, is that food, grime, and debris can easily get caught in the lip making clean-up difficult.

► Undermount sinks

Undermount sinks are installed below the countertop and offer a seamless look, allowing for easy clean-up. Since there is a smooth transition between the sink and countertop, debris can be brushed into the sink without getting caught in a lip or rim. Undermount sinks are available in all materials and colors.

► Apron front sinks ²

Apron front sinks are also called farmhouse sinks. These sinks extend over the edge of the countertop and have an exposed apron in the front. Although mostly used in rustic and farmhouse style kitchens, these sinks are gaining popularity. Another selling point to this type of sink is that it offers a deeper base which can hold multiple pots and pans, cookie trays and oversized serving dishes. Farmhouse sinks generally come in fireclay or cast-iron and therefore are extremely durable and easy to clean.

► Prep sinks

More homeowners are including a prep sink in their kitchens. Prep sinks are used as their name suggests, they are used during meal preparation to wash & cut vegetables, make a drink (also called bar sinks), fill pots and pans, etc. They are generally small, single sinks and are not very deep. Ideally located near the cooking and food storage areas, these sinks make food preparation easier and are best for multiple home cooks so two or more people can easily work together.

Sink Materials ³

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Sink Materials ³

Kitchen Sinks 101 - Talie Jane Interiors

Copper sink in Polished nickel finish, Native trails

► Copper

Copper is one of the most unique sink materials. Copper has a striking color; the changing patina gives it a rustic feel. Despite common belief, copper sinks are not that difficult to clean and only require a daily rinse with mild soap. Copper is extremely well known for its anti-microbial properties and so, with the current pandemic and the need to sanitize surfaces, copper sinks can be a great option. In fact, the Corona Virus can only live on a copper surface for up to 4 hours⁴, making it the most sanitary sink finish option.

► Fireclay

Fireclay sinks are extremely durable and are one of the newest additions to the sink market. The name fireclay is due to the earthen materials’ ability to withstand extremely high heat. Therefore, it’s the heat that molds the clay into a solid material, making it incredibly durable and ideal for kitchen sinks. Hot pots and pans can be placed directly into the sink without any damage. The highly resistant glaze on them makes the sink scratch resistant too. Farmhouse sinks are generally made in fireclay material, making them one of the best sink choices for a hard working kitchen.

► Granite

Granite sinks can be highly durable and non-porous, if made from high quality granite composite. Natural granite sinks are carved from granite stone which gives a seamless look. Granite sinks can also be matched to countertop material creating an integrated sink, which is extremely sleek, and modern.

► Cast-iron

Cast iron sinks are one of the most commonly available and affordable sink options. They are entirely made of iron and typically coated with a porcelain enamel, so as to offer a polished look. Since these are made with iron, they are quite heavy and are known for their incredible durability.

► Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another affordable material for kitchen sinks. An added advantage is that stainless steel is impervious to corrosion and doesn’t let bacteria breed for long. Stainless steel allows Corona Virus to live for up to 72 hours, which is quite similar to other materials aside from copper. Stainless steel sinks are easy to clean, aside from water spots, making them a good choice for families.

What’s New in Kitchen Sinks?

Integrity sink by Silestone

► Seamless/ Integrated sinks

Seamless or Integrated sinks are one of the newest trends in kitchen sinks. These offer a more modern/seamless look. Since the sink and the countertop are made of the same material, it appears to be made from one block of stone. Many countertop manufacturers offer sinks in the same material in order to achieve this look. Try poured concrete for a similar effect: Molds/casts are made to fully integrate both sinks and countertops. How sleek!

► Workstation / Party sinks ⁵

Workstation/Party sinks are very on trend. Workstation sinks come in various sizes, with accessories that can be used to increase functionality. Inserts and accessories like colanders, bins, drying racks, sliding cutting boards, dish racks, storage and serving trays offer myriad of uses. This type of sink can even act as a serving or buffet station. Fun and Functional!

► New in Apron front sinks

Iron ridge, angled farmhouse sink – Kohler

Tailor, Apron Front Sink – Kohler

Apron front sinks, as we discussed earlier, create a rustic farmhouse style interior. But now, these can also be used within other design aesthetics as well. With new shapes and designs, farmhouse sinks have much more versatility.

Major sink manufactures are now coming up with textures and designs for the apron front that make these sinks stand out. Kohler has come up with a new angle for the farmhouse sink, which extends past the edge of the countertop providing a wider sink basin. The new angle gives the sink an edgier, more modern look that compliments a contemporary design. Kohler also has a new, customizable sink called the Tailor. The sink’s apron front is inserted separately and offers different colors, patterns, and designs to compliment a backsplash or countertop. It can add a lot of pizazz to your kitchen if you choose to go bold.

Concrete sink, Native trails

► Concrete ⁶

Concrete is a newer sink material that can offer a unique look to the kitchen. Concrete sinks can be customized into different shapes and sizes and even different colors. Concrete is extremely durable and will last a lifetime, if proper care and cleaning is maintained. Although these sinks can be expensive, they offer a clean, timeless look. Pair concrete sinks with matching poured concrete countertops. It’s a sleek, modern look that can be Industrial, Contemporary and even Rustic Farmhouse.

For help integrating a trendy sink into your kitchen design, contact Talie Jane Interiors at 855.TALIEJANE

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