Kitchen Fixtures

Your kitchen fixtures are probably the most utilized products in your house. Because you use the sink and faucets for everything from washing dishes to making morning coffee, the quality can impact your day-to-day tasks in a big way. If you're looking for that just-right addition to your remodel, there are plenty of kitchen fixture styles to consider. Before you make any final purchases, do your research and follow these tips to get started:

What kind of kitchen sink should I get?

As you consider what sink to buy, think about the size you need (and can fit) in your kitchen. Double or triple bowl sinks are great if you tend to procrastinate on washing dishes, while trough sinks are ideal for multiple chefs since they often have two faucets. If you're looking to make your sink into a kitchen focal point, try a farmhouse sink, also called a farm, apron or apron front sink. Though still built-in, these deep sinks have exposed fronts that sometimes extend past the cabinet line, which adds some added dimension and texture to a space. In general, you can have an integrated, drop-in, undermount or tiled-in sink, so think about what works best for your kitchen's look and current layout.

What kitchen fixture material should I use?

Your sink material is often dictated by your style, but it's also important to consider the durability as well. Stainless steel sinks are by far the most popular option because of their price and slick appearance, though scratches are often more noticeable. For an all-white kitchen, try a white fireclay or cast iron sink, which are both extremely durable yet will still complement your clean-lined kitchen. If you're looking for some texture, as well as a little color, try natural stone, quartz, granite or copper instead. You can play around with different kitchen faucets to create a custom look as well.

What kitchen faucet do I need?

Believe it or not, there are many different kinds of kitchen faucets out there. Do you want a single-mount or double-handle faucet? Do you like the look of a standard or a high-arc spout? Would you use a pot filler or a hand spray? A lot of it is based on personal preference, so think about what you would use and have space for. When picking a finish, be sure to choose one that works with your cabinet hardware and light fixtures; after all, a bronze faucet finish might clash with silver cabinet pulls and stainless steel pendants.