Style Guide
Kitchens
Decorative Plumbing isn’t just for bathrooms. Choosing the right sinks, faucets, and accessories add utility and value to your kitchen, too.
Faucets
When it comes to your kitchen faucet, think function first. The faucet in your kitchen sink is probably the most used faucet in your home. While they come in a wide array of styles and finishes, itÕs important to choose one that will do the job and withstand constant use. When it comes to functionality, single-lever faucets are easier to operate than their two-handle counterparts. As for quality, look for faucets made from brass with a durable finish like chrome, nickel or bronze. Consult your showroom representative for pro tips about the various valve types.
Sinks
Sink Types
Shape and finish are matters of personal preference, but you’ll want to consider the effect each has on utility and durability. Double sinks became popular for washing dishes however, most people use their dishwashers for that task. A single bowl doesn’t allow for performing two functions at once Ð think food prep on one side and dishwashing on the other, but it does make it possible to wash large pans and baking sheets that may not fit in a divided sink. Consider how you’ll use the sink when choosing the style.
Stainless Sinks
are durable and lightweight making them suitable for under-mount installations. Cast iron sinks with beautiful enameled finishes are also very durable, but can be very heavy and not suitable for under-mounting. Granite and quartz composite sinks have become a popular material and come in a variety of colors. They’re easy to clean, heat resistant, and are the same color throughout. As with your faucet selection, consider how you’ll use your sink and choose accordingly.
Accessories
Pot Fillers are considered by many to be a luxury item adding perceived value to your kitchen design or remodel. But they also have great utility for cooks who may have physical limitations that make it difficult to lift a large pot from the sink to the stovetop. Wall mounted pot fillers are more common than counter mounted versions, but they require a little more planning for installation. When considering a pot filler, look for one that compliments the style of your kitchen and the other faucets and hardware you’ve selected.
Prep And Bar Sinks may not be on the top of a remodeler’s list but ask anyone who has one and they’ll tell you these smaller sinks can get just as much use as their larger counterparts. Their small size make them a great choice for a second sink on your kitch.en’s island or to add convenience in your bar, family room or media room. Add a garbage disposal and accessories like cutting board covers and sink baskets for maximum utility and convenience.
Sink-Top Beverage Dispensers are a great conve.nience in your kitchen. The most typical dispensers provide hot water on demand from a small water heater mounted under the sink – a real time saver for making beverages, soups and sauces. Some dispensers feature a cold water option, too.
Filtration Systems on the sink-top dispenser eliminates the need for faucet mounted filters. Dispensers come in a variety of sizes with various options for controlling temperature. Faucets are sold separately and can be chosen to match the style and finish of the main faucet and other sink-top accessories.
Soap And Lotion Dispensers are another great sink-top convenience. Like beverage dispensers, soap and lotion dispensers are mounted to the countertop and are fed liquid soap or lotion from below but refilled from the top. They come in a variety of styles and finishes to compliment the rest of your kitchen hardware.
Garbage Disposals are a great kitchen convenience. Selecting the model that’s right for you depends on how much use it will get. Disposals range from 1/3 horsepower models for light use up to 1 horsepower for larger households that do a lot of cooking. Newer models feature quieter motors and sound baffles that keep the noise level down. For added safety, convenience and a polished look, consider an Air Switch to control your new garbage disposal. Mounted on the counter top with your other sink-top accessories, the air switch eliminates the need for a toggle switch mounted on the back splash or below the sink.