(PRWEB) June 28, 2013
HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips, as well as special product selections are being introduced.
Traditionally, apron sinks are smooth, wide rectangular sinks made of ceramic or porcelain, with an iconic front-facing bib traditionally associated with farmhouse design. But recently, this type of kitchen sink has gained both popularity and variety, and is now available in a wide range of materials that work with more than just a cottage decor. HomeThangs.com has introduced a guide to these new materials and making them work with a variety of kitchen styles.
Fireclay is perhaps the most traditional choice for a farmhouse sink, and one that has come to the fore as porcelain and other ceramic sinks have fallen somewhat out of favor. Made of fine white clay and glazed and fired at very high heat, fireclay is extremely dense and non-porous, meaning that its very, very durable, and resistant to many of the common problems that plague porcelain like staining, chipping, acid, and heat. With a simple white finish, fireclay apron sinks have a beautiful, clean appearance typically associated with a cottage, farmhouse, or French country style, but simple enough to work with almost any decor.
For something a little more elegant than the traditional white farmhouse sink, look for apron sinks made of copper. These are often artisan made, either with a simple hand-hammered surface or with a more intricate, stylized design on the front panel. These stand in sharp contrast to a plain white apron sink, with a rich natural patina and highly detailed surface thats well suited to a more regal space, rather than the humble farmhouse. As a bonus, copper sinks are easy to clean, and the naturally antiseptic properties of the material means that germs wont last on the surface of the sink for more than an hour.
But apron sinks no longer need to be paired with an old fashioned decor, either a simple one or a more sophisticated style. In fact, stainless steel apron sinks are a highly modern choice, more reminiscent of a restaurant kitchen than one belonging to a turn-of-the-century farm wife. Stainless steel sinks are often also quite a bit less expensive than other materials, but stand up well to rough and frequent use. Adding an apron to a stainless steel sink gives it a more polished, sophisticated appearance, and a simple brushed or satin finish matches well with modern stainless steel appliances.
The most traditional apron sinks have a smooth, slightly curved rectangular surface, but these days many sinks of every type of material are being made with patterned faces. Elaborate floral or other detailing is a great way to make the sink a major focal point of the kitchen, while a simpler trim around the face of the sink can echo molding or other architectural features in the kitchen. A farmhouse sink with a fluted face pairs very well with bead board or plank style walls, while a simple hammered finish on a copper or stainless steel sink will give it a more rustic style that works well with a ranch or cabin themed decor.
Historically, apron sinks are single bowl sinks, designed for soaking and washing large quantities of produce or dishes. These large sinks streamline prep and cleanup in a kitchen that services a large family, which is why theyre still quite common in traditional fireclay sinks as well as in the more culinary oriented stainless steel sinks. But large single bowl sinks tend to fill with water very slowly, and may not be the most efficient choice for a smaller family. Luckily, many apron sinks now come in two (and sometimes even three) bowl varieties, making it easier to sort and separate dishes or food rather than putting them all in a single basin at once.
Its very, very important to keep in mind, though, that farmhouse or apron sinks are not like ordinary drop in or undermount sinks, and cant just be installed into any average sized hole. Farmhouse sinks require custom cabinet work, including a notch cut out in front of the cabinets and counter top to accommodate the front. Also, because apron sinks can be very, very heavy especially filled with water and dishes theyll need extra support underneath to hold the whole thing up.
To see more of these sinks in action, read the full article here, or check out more great sinks from Herbeau, Sierra Copper, Vigo, and Rohl.
HomeThangs.com is not only a home improvement superstore, it also provides expert design tips and a comprehensive shopping guide, taking the ideas from professional interior designers, and offering tips to the consumers on how to pick the products to best suit their needs.