With the growing demand for unique and innovative new designs in home and kitchen décor, retailers aren’t just relying on the modern edge and appeal to help create their new designs. They are turning to sources quite the opposite form what most people would imagine in order to create their newest designs, the past. One of the most unusual, yet highly functional, retro designs for the kitchen is found in the return of the apron front sink. Apron sinks, once found in abundance through farmlands across the nation, are once again taking their place under the spotlight in modern kitchens everywhere.
What Are Apron Front Sinks?
An apron front sink, sometimes referred to as an apron farmhouse sink, is essentially a larger and deeper take on a standard kitchen sink. They were originally used in farmhouse kitchens and could be found nearly everywhere, made from a variety of materials including copper and porcelain. The added size and depth of the apron farmhouse sinks were designed to accommodate not only the size of the cooking pans used during that time, but also the quantity of pans used at once. This volume of cookware was due, in part, to the size of the typical meals prepared back in the day, as well as the tendency for the number of family members being fed greatly outnumbering the average household size today. The apron farmhouse sinks were designed to be durable, functional, and easy to care for, an essential requirement given the sheer quantity of other tasks needing attention on a large farm. The sinks were also known for the visual difference from standard sinks that was created by the fact that the front panel of the sink was exposed instead of being completely sunk behind a counter or cabinet structure. This exposed surface allowed the sink to be slightly wider from front to back, eliminating the need for space typically reserved for the front counter lip.
Why Should I Consider An Apron Kitchen Sink?
One of the primary benefits of choosing a vintage styled apron sink lies in the sheer size of the sink and the volume it is able to hold. Ideal for larger families, or even smaller families with frequent guests, these sinks can accommodate a significantly larger number of pots, pans, and dishes than a standard kitchen sink. Aside from their functional benefit, apron kitchen sinks also provide a unique visual appeal, ideal for vintage or country themed kitchens. Available in a variety of metals and finishes, they blend well with any color scheme. The exposed front panel of the sink also allows the sink’s composition material to take a more prominent place in the kitchen since it is no longer blocked by a cabinet facing.
The other benefit of an apron front sink’s exposed front is credited towards one of the original design elements used in the true farmhouse sinks. Unlike modern sinks which allow the faucets to be incorporated into the back lip of the sink, apron sinks often had faucets that were independent of the sink fixture itself. They were mounted, instead, to the rear counter of the sink and extended forward. This allowed r a much easier replacement process if damage occurred to the sink by eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect the faucet lines. The exposed front also allowed any water that splashed over the front side of the sink to fall directly to the floor, reducing the chance of water collecting on the counter top and causing any damage to the wood.
What Are The Apron Front Sink Options?
The primary decision to make when purchasing an apron front sink is what you would like the sink to be made from. Porcelain apron sinks are easy to clean and available in a variety of colors. They are also the only non-metallic finish available on the market. The metallic finishes, on the other hand, are the most popular choices and include copper and stainless steel. Copper sinks are ideal for kitchen decorated with warm and neutral tones, allowing their orange and gold tones to complement the surrounding décor. Copper is also an ideal metal for kitchen use due to its natural anti-bacterial quality. A copper sink can disinfect itself in a few hours without the need for harsh chemicals that are potentially non-environmentally friendly. Stainless steel, with it’s lustrous silver finish, works best in designs that rely on clean lines, sleek fixtures, and modern surfaces to create a more modern feel. Stainless steel, like porcelain, is easy to clean and maintain and highly durable and long lasting.
The other choice to be made involves the design of the sink itself. Apron front sinks come in two basic styles, a single basin model and a split basin model. While some people find the split basin easier for soaking dishes on one side and then washing and rinsing them on the other, there are some that find it easier to accomplish the entire task in a single basin design. In all honesty, this basically comes down to a matter of personal preference since both models are equally functional.
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