I have one other thought on function. My MIL has a soapstone sink that is similar in design and I feel the sharp corners and relatively flat bottom make it difficult to get everything down the drain.

It is gorgeous, but I would have to go for function in this case. As the kids get older they somehow become even more destructive than they were as little kids. When I'm gone most of a weekend at a gymnastics meet with one child, you'd be amazed at the messes that have sat on my countertops for the better part of a couple days. Hey, at least they aren't messing up the sink because the dishes don't make it that far!

Have you seen my sink? I love marble sinks, however, you might want to consider a few things. The bottom on mine is soapstone- I believe that is so that it wouldn't etch/stain when things are poured down it (red wine, for example). The bottom is also sloped toward the drain to allow for proper draining, that a lot of farm sink owners complain about. Those two things alone make it a great sink from the usability standpoint, and the experts here on this forum!

Since I just installed it 2 days ago and am still doing construction around it, I have to say that bugger is strong. I would be more worried about your glassware/dishes with the little ones, unless you only use plastics with them? And sealing it- if I had kids, I would probably be sealing mine more often and with the best sealer there is!

If you are having the sink custom made, you can ask for things to be done differently than just buying if off the shelf. Or, perhaps you have children that are trainable- 'under no circumstances can you use this sink'! LOL!

I am putting a marble farm sink in my kitchen. Here's another picture of a great one which was my inspiration:

Great feedback, thank you. I love the folks on GW!

Oldhousegal, I agree about the glasses breaking. In my current 18 year old kitchen, I have an integrated Corian sink, and have the same problem. So, it's definitely something to consider. I'm so glad you shared tips on the sink's construction, that's helpful; if I go this route, it will be fabricated for us, so I will want to make sure there's a slope toward the drain, etc. Also, very interesting about the soapstone bottom -- will you please post a picture of your sink? I will try to find one, but it would be nice to see here. Thanks :-)

Fori, ha!, yes will have to get used to patina. I tell myself my counters will remind me of the old cafes in Italy. And, yes, I would love to see how those sinks are holding up, they always look beautiful pre-use....a little unrealistic though long-term!

Beagles, I've been following your kitchen reno with such interest. Your cabs look great! I remember this lovely photo, so glad you posted it, that's a gorgeous sink.

I really would like this sink. My husband is great, just will have to train my kids as they get older :-) Reminds me of my Dad telling me in my teens that I wasn't done cleaning the kitchen unless the stove top and counters were spic and span...back then I thought I just had to put the dishes in the dishwasher, LOL!

Oops, Oldhousegal, I just saw your sink in your posting -- very unique and beautiful!! Glad you posted another photo after that first teaser photo :-) Can't wait to see more pics as you finish your project! Good luck!

though its gorgeous, i dont think i would in a heavily used kitchen. i have marble in our master shower...i've had tipped over shampoo stain it for a week (it seems to eventually get wicked out), and something stain it brown, not sure if its leftover resdue from color treated hair or some kind of hair product.

The master vanity has lost its sheen and gets stained from toothpaste(again, only for a time) and from hairspray but I was expecting that and look forward to a more time worn look.

However, i am the type to have plates or residue sitting in my kitchen sink for hours, if not days, and cant imagine what that would do to a marble sink

However, i am the type to have plates or residue sitting in my kitchen sink for hours, if not days, and cant imagine what that would do to a marble sink. - Pence

+1.

I think marble sinks are gorgeous, but my household uses the sink as a storage area between eating and dishwashing, and we're not careful rinsers of what goes in. After an evening there's usually a (slightly diluted) puddle of red wine and dinner remnants marinating under the plates and glasses, and I shudder to think what the bottom of a marble sink would look like after a month of that.

In over 30 years, I have had cheap stainless, pricey plastic and even more expensive composite granite. I am currently planning a kitchen gutting and definitely will have a high grade, double bowl SS undermount (quartz countertop).
Am trying not to be taste specific because in my case, the kitchen could sell the house. Marble stains are nearly impossible to remove.