I think SS farmhouse sinks are very cool, and I love them-- But when you said 'cottage style' and, especially, glazed cabinets, my vote is for the fireclay.

I'm sorry to be so negative and don't want to hurt feelings of those who have them, but SS farmhouse sinks always felt like a shotgun marriage. Cottage = white fireclay.

If you like medium green, go for it instead of the high maintenance marble. The white cabinets/darker countertops are a classic look. Also fyi, someone on this forum has a gorgeous green subway tile backsplash with white cabinets.

agree. cottage style wants a white farmhouse sink. it pushes the look you're going for. a stainless farmhouse sink will push against the cottage look. which might be fine, depending on how many other elements you already have that give you "cottage".

the marble counters is more cottage-y, but marble isn't very practical. i'd consider doing at least some of your counters with wood if you really want to keep the cottage thing going.

I agree with rmkitchen. You've got the modern stainless appliances, so I don't think the stainless sink will look out of place. If you like green, what about soapstone for the counters, or do you find it too dark?

I posted this question on April 3, but there was no response. Since someone else asked about sinks, I thought I would post it again. I dislike stainless steel sinks. I am in the medical field and it reminds me of a hospital. I would like a farmhouse sink for my new kitchen. I saw the Whitehaus fireclay on Ebay and was ready to purchase it,but then saw one by Mitrani made of Titan Quartz. This seller claims that when you put a garbage disposal on the fireclay sinks, and it is tightened too much, hairline cracks can happen around the disposal. The quartz sink is supposed to be much tougher and resistant to stains from hot pots. Any one know anything about this? Thank you!

Personally, I have fireclay. I like the look of stainless, don't get me wrong! RMkitchen's kitchen is beautiful. But a question/concern that comes to mind is external scratches. Could there be a problem with scratches from belt buckles and metal buttons from blue jeans, etc. that could occur from standing at the sink and doing dishes?

Ihave had a stainless steel sink in every home I lived in and hated every one for different reasons. Not all fireclay sinks are the same, so if you go with that you would need to do some research. RMkitchens sink is beautiful, but for me it was personal preference. I have a Shaw's 36 inch fireclay sink- I LOVE IT- I've been using it for 6 months and so far no problems. And yes sometimes there are marks on the outside of my sink from my husbands belt buckles- they clean up real easy with Barkeeper's friend- these marks could possibly scratch stainless steel. I also have stainless apliances and I think the fireclay sink breaks it up nicely.
bluekitobsessed: I believe you ar talking about Hoffman's kitchen- it is lovely isn't it?

In my opinion it's a lot easier to clean any marks or scratches from a high quality fireclay sink (we have an Allia) than from stainless. Stainless is like a scratch magnet :-) Stainless also has a cold feeling... and unless the sink is insulated, doesn't hold the heat like fireclay. Don't get me wrong, I like stainless too... and we have plenty of it... double ovens, rangetop, handles on the frig, and big island hood... just don't like it for a sink. Fireclay has a wonderful feel to it compared to stainless, sort of like the difference between soapstone and granite.

We've been only living in our house for about a week now, but the one thing I keep telling DH is how much I love my white fireclay farmhouse sink. I love the look, but the functionality is even better! I love the single bowl and flat bottom. It's so easy to clean. Time will tell how it holds up, but so far I love mine.

And I agree that white seems more cottage-like to me than SS. Regarding the counters, I say get what you like. I think you could go either way or a combination. People tried to talk me out of marble and I decide to put it just on my island. Very happy I did.

pdxgal, what brand etc did you get?

Everyone, thanks for the input. I am definitely leaning toward the fireclay sink.

Someone mentioned using wood as a countertop.....I have a bungalow house, wood floors, and have opened up the kitchen, dining room and kitchen so when you walk into the house, you are going to immediately see the kitchen. That is why I think granite or marble would be nice....my son mentioned using wood as he thinks it is timeless......thoughts?

I have the 30" Barclay sink. It's a little cheaper than the Shaw. My local plumbing store had one in stock and it was on special so I bought it. Here is a picture shortly after it was installed.