Kitchen sink
The Julien SmartStation sink’s features include a colander bin on the right. Stephens notes that chef sinks like these need special accommodations that have to be addressed early in the design process and coordinated with subcontractors. “It’s important to make sure the countertop fabricator knows about all the accessories that need to slide back and forth, so that the sink cutout is large enough to accommodate them,” she says. “You also need to plan ahead for whatever is going on under the sink relative to drain location, like a water filtration system or water chiller system. Some of these types of sinks store the accessories below the sink when not in use and some don’t.”
Integrated Sinks Integrated sinks are crafted from materials that match the surrounding countertops. The result is a seamless look, as though the whole thing was carved out of one large block of a solid-surface material like quartz. What’s new about this trend are new patterns and colors offered from quartz manufacturers. The counter and sink shown here are composed of quartz from Silestone’s new Loft Series, inspired by and named after historic industrial neighborhoods. The color, called Poblenou, recalls the look of poured-in-place concrete with a bit more polish. It’s a good option for homeowners who like the look of concrete but desire countertops that are smoother and more serene.
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