6 Unique Types of Sinks For Bathrooms & Kitchens [INFOGRAPHIC]
Bathroom and kitchen sink designs have entered a new season, combining high-tech fixtures with materials other than porcelain and styles that bring the wash basin up-front and center, as both functional and stylish. Traditional bathroom sink designs included the pedestal basin, the drop-in sink, or the below counter bathroom sink. What you will notice today in kitchen and bath showrooms across the nation is a wider variety of bathroom sink styles, shapes, special sizes and materials for homeowners who are remodeling their bathrooms.
Choosing the Best Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks
The best way to find inspiration for choosing a unique bathroom sink is to visit a reputable kitchen and bath design consultant to see the different materials and styles, along with how different types of bathroom sinks look in a real setting - and not an internet image. To give you an idea of the different types of the sinks that are now available for homeowners who are renovating their bathrooms or kitchens, here is a list of 6 types of unique sinks:
- Console Sinks
- Pedestal Sinks
- Wall-Mount Sinks
- Farmhouse Sinks
- Bar Sinks
- Vessel Sinks
Honorable Mentions
- Undermount Sinks
- Vessel Sinks
- Corner Sinks
- Double Sinks
- Kitchen Island Sinks
- Kitchen Sinks with Drainboards
Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages that come down to your preference. If you are only replacing your bathroom sink, then you may be limited to a certain length and width to fit your current vanity. Also, if you'd like to replace your drop-in sink with a vessel sink, make sure you have the vertical space to suit the height of the sink. Double bathroom sinks are popular if you have space, but keep in mind you'll be losing some countertop real estate in the process. Finally, if you're switching to an undermount sink, the bathroom countertop needs to be a waterproof material such as a solid surface material or stone.
Considerations for Sink Material
Once you've selected a bathroom sink style, you can add more distinction or charm to a bathroom by selecting a different material than the previous sink. Consumer Reports has done extensive testing on bathroom sink materials and their results suggest:
Focus on the material. Our tests showed that the material is more important than the manufacturer. Similar materials performed similarly across brands, so we based our evaluations of sinks entirely on materials.
With this in mind, the list of sink materials today is so diverse that complementing your bathroom finishes is possible - from a sleek and polished look to the warmth of a country cottage bath or the bold colors and clean lines of contemporary bathroom decor.
- Stainless Steel
- Tempered Glass
- Ceramic
- Mixed Resin
- Bronze
- Porcelain
- Natural Stone
- Granite Compote
- Cast Iron
- Fireclay
A ceramic sink is a smooth and extremely hard surface and when completely sealed you don't have to worry about dirt or grime penetrating the surface. But it must be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner and without bristle brushes. Porcelain sinks are now available in vibrant colors as opposed to the white fired clay styles of the past. A porcelain sink needs to be cleaned every day to prevent a build-up of soap scum that can eventually discolor the surface.
For contemporary bathroom sink options, either a natural stone or resin material will offer the softness that these decors demand. Poly-resin blends are nonporous and resistant to scratches, stains, or discoloration. They often simulate the look of stone and the material can be cast in unique designs to create different forms or sizes. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after each use is the only required basic maintenance.
For modern bathrooms with highly polished surfaces, a stainless steel or bronze sinks are no longer relegated to the kitchen only and makes a good option for bathroom sinks. You will have your options of polished or satin finishes, and when you consider bronze as a material you can further distinguish the look by selecting a weathered or matte finish or a patina finish which is hand-rubbed to bring out the lowlights and highlights of the material.
Takeaways
- A new bathroom gives you the opportunity to increase your bathroom's beauty and functioning.
- Research the best bathroom sink materials and styles in person, at a kitchen and bath showroom
- A full-service kitchen and bath consultant can make sure your new sink fits your console
- You can make a dramatic change with the style sink in a new and vibrant material
When you need any sink replaced, speak with the experts at RWC Windows, Doors, and More to discover new design ideas that complement your family's style.
Project Spotlight: Pine Brook, NJ Kitchen Remodel
When we tackle a project at RWC, we go into it with dedicated knowledge and a keen interest in ensuring our client gets precisely what they want in an end result and the materials used. Our showroom allows clients to pick out the materials they want from one place instead of having to rely on multiple vendors. Our goal is to always eliminate the frustration from a remodeling project.
RWC Windows, Doors & More was established in 1959. Since that time, customers have relied on our professional remodeling services, including kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling. Customers rely on us to provide quality window and door installation - and we always make sure to deliver just that. Recently, RWC stepped into a client's outdated home in Pine Brook, NJ to make some incredible changes.
Kitchen Remodeling in Pine Brook, NJ
When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Pinebrook, RWC has got our clients covered with a full selection of cabinetry, flooring, and everything you want to make your kitchen look more like home. The custom project in this Pine Brook, NJ home involved a major kitchen overhaul. The kitchen in this home was outfitted with faded wooden cabinetry, bland beige countertops, and matching tile flooring.
During the remodel, RWC professionals took down the old cabinetry and replaced it with solid white cabinetry. The countertop setup was reconfigured with a new design layout, including a rectangular kitchen island in the center of the space. Natural stone style countertops brought a new layer of texture to the room to highlight the more updated design. The flooring was replaced with a polished stone-style flooring to tie the new natural look together.
Bathroom Remodeling in Pine Brook, NJ
To further upgrade the house, bathroom remodeling in the Pine Brook home took place during this RWC project. An older style vanity and mirror were replaced with a sleek, wider vanity with a squared inset sink and dark granite countertop.
Old faux marble wallpaper was removed and the walls were coated with a fresh coat of caramel paint to complement the honey hue of the new wooden vanity. According to Zillow, funky hues on the walls can be a major sign that a bathroom needs to be remodeled, and this bathroom was definitely suffering from the dated wallpaper.
Window Installation in Pine Brook, NJ
The project on this home involved replacing the outdated wooden windows with updated versions to enhance efficiency and the aesthetic appearance of the home. The living room got a brand new open portrait window with seamless glass to accent the interior and bring some natural light into the space. Paired with matching casement windows on each side, this change really opened up the room and gave it a new look.
Door Installation in Pine Brook, NJ
The front doors in the Pine Brook home were a bit dated. Two wooden panel doors with glass storm doors were removed and replaced with a much more modern set of half-glass French double doors in a rich cherry hue.
Takeaways
The Pine Brook, NJ home received some pretty drastic upgrades during this remodeling project, giving the house an entirely updated appearance. This home received:
- New custom cabinetry and countertops in the kitchen
- New windows in the kitchen and living room to bring in more natural light
- New French half-glass doors to elevate curb appeal
- New bathroom vanity and mirror, as well as a new wall color
If you have a planned remodeling project that you want to ensure turns out just right, reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More to schedule a consultation. Whether your project is commercial or residential, we help you tackle your project with the professional guidance you need and the quality materials necessary.
The Best Home Improvement Gift: A Kitchen Remodel
When you consider home improvement gift ideas such as affordable kitchen remodeling NJ, it's not only a gift that brings a significant return on your investment, it's a gift that will bring satisfaction and joy, every single day. Today as in the past, the kitchen plays an important role in the family. It's usually the one place that everyone is together in the home for meals and has been the gathering place that is full of conversation, hugs, laughter, and love.
Home Improvement Ideas
The best place to start in giving the gift of a new kitchen is to visit an NJ kitchen design showroom to explore the many options you will have in styles, layout, and finishes. At this point, you can consider what type of kitchen layout would be right for your family. HGTV. com offers excellent coverage on the advantages of different kitchen layout styles. You can convert a smaller L-shape or galley kitchen into a horseshoe style to get more functionality, or a larger open space kitchen would be perfect for incorporating an island or peninsula counter.
Next, visit an NJ kitchen design showroom to explore kitchen decor styles from cozy country kitchen to a light and breezy coastal-inspired kitchen. Or maybe this is the perfect opportunity to add dramatic elegance that can change the personality of your entire home.
A Mediterranean-Style Kitchen with natural finishes such as stone, wood, clay and ceramic tiles along with deep, earthy shades offers a calming but elegant atmosphere, while highly polished surfaces and neutral colors can instill efficiency and cleanliness into a kitchen.
Getting from Here to There
You have two options in presenting a new kitchen as a home improvement gift - start early and have the new kitchen project finished by the holiday season or visit an NJ kitchen and bath showroom to have a design presentation created. Obtaining a draft proposal is one of the steps to remodeling a kitchen and can be given as the gift and the work can begin soon after the holiday season is over.
When you present a kitchen design as a gift, all family members have the chance to discuss alterations and additions to suit the needs of each family member. Expect to discuss the following details with an NJ kitchen design consultant:
- Cabinet styles and wood types
- Type of flooring and lighting fixtures
- Wall colors and backsplash material
- Countertop color and material
- Hardware style and finish
When considering home improvement gift ideas, keep in mind the main factors that you desire in your new kitchen - aside from architectural components and kitchen design trends. Look to making your new kitchen more spacious and more relaxing, with an improved appearance that fits your family's personality. And finally, a successful kitchen remodel should also increase the value of the home.
Affordable Kitchen Remodeling NJ
When you visit kitchen showrooms NJ, you will see a wide range of styles and materials to fit most all budgets. The benefit of working with a kitchen design consultant is discussing how far your money can go and innovative ways to scale the project back without sacrificing your main remodeling needs. For the best return on your investment, many experts agree that spending between 6% and 10% of your home's value is a good rule-of-thumb.
Takeaways
- Changing the kitchen layout is a good way to increase efficiency and comfort
- For a Christmas day surprise, give the gift of a 3-D color drawing of your kitchen design proposal
- A kitchen consultant is critical to offering acceptable trade-offs to stay within budget
- Consider spending between 6% and 10% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel
Always partner with trustworthy and honest kitchen and bath remodeling service providers to avoid second-rate materials or shoddy installations that can cost your family more money down the road. Contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More to begin your journey on giving the gift of a kitchen remodel.
How to Make Sure Your Home is Accessible to Family Members this Holiday Season
Making a home wheelchair accessible means taking a close look at parking and exterior stairs, the home's entryway, kitchen cabinet and table heights, interior access, open space, and a handicap accessible bathroom. This holiday season, you can make sure your home is accessible to all family members by knowing what features are most important for handicap accessible homes.
According to the United States Access Board:
...it is advisable to maximize opportunities for accessibility in alterations. Alteration of multiple elements in a home may provide a cost-effective opportunity to make the entire home fully accessible.
This statement is aimed at helping homeowners understand that it's not enough to simply alter the entrance into the home for wheelchair accessibility but to also consider multiple elements outside and within the home to further assist those in wheelchairs or those that have limited mobility. There are 3 considerations when deciding to alter your home for the holidays:
- Can they get into the house?
- Can they get through the doorways?
- Can they maneuver within the bathroom?
Making a Home Wheelchair Accessible
The first decision to make in creating a home accessible to all family members is to look at the path from curbside to the front door. You will need at least 32" clear to roll a wheelchair from the car and into your home. If all paved surfaces leading to the front door are flat and wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, then you may only need a small, portable ramp to overcome the home's landing. A ramp is the best temporary solution to make your home handicap accessible for the holidays.
Modifying the Home's Entryway
The next consideration to your handicapped guests or family members is determining if your door is wide enough to accommodate modern wheelchairs and electric scooters. This is a good time to partner with a professional window and door replacement service provider to select the right door that will not hamper access. Entrance ways can vary in width from 30", 32", and 36" with the door fully open. But chair sizes vary, so one smart option is to install double 30-inch entry doors to get a 5-foot clear space for all guest to enter.
Another entryway option includes choosing a wider door, such as a 36" or 42" exterior door installation. These wide doors can include decorative glass or stunning sidelights to impart a dramatic beauty and elegance to the home.
Handicap Accessible Bathroom
Finally, your handicapped or elderly guests will appreciate a bathroom that is modified to make it easier to maneuver and operate fixtures. A bathroom is considered usable with a wheelchair if it has a 60" diameter circle of clear space. If your bathroom is limited in space, then consider a bathroom remodel which may address the following:
- Replace the existing door with a pocket door to gain open space.
- Remove base cabinets to provide knee space under lavatory.
- Replace the tub with a walk-in shower unit.
- Enlarge bathroom by borrowing space from an adjacent room.
Takeaways
- Consider a modular, temporary ramp that is easy to install and remove
- Increase your entry door width and curb appeal with double entry door with sidelights.
- You gain more open door space (approx. 2 inches) with pocket doors instead of hinged doors.
- A bathroom remodel can benefit handicapped guests while improving style and function
If you're considering remodeling your home for the holidays, this is the perfect time to create a handicap accessible homes for your guests this season. Contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More for a one-stop solution for remodeling your home's bathroom and kitchen - and installing new doors and windows for the holidays.