Designing a custom home kitchen is no easy task. Even with a certified kitchen designer and home builder, there is a lot of decisions you’ll have to make based on personal preferences and your lifestyle. The kitchen sink is one of the most used elements in a kitchen. So where should you place it? Here are a few things to consider when trying to determine the placement of the sink.
Plumbing Location
If you’re building a new custom home, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to plumbing. However, if you’re renovating an existing home you may be more limited. Sinks need plumbing, so you’ll need to see what locations are possible given plumbing constraints. Moving plumbing can be costly, so if you’re renovating consider leaving the sink where it is unless the location is problematic.
Appliances
The sink is just one part of the kitchen, and in order for a kitchen to function all of the appliances need to work well together. In home building, we often talk about the “work triangle”, which is when the sink, fridge, and stove are placed in a triangle for optimal use. Also, take into consideration the dishwasher location and trash!
View
Prep and clean up takes up the majority of cooking time, so a kitchen sink with a view is key. The most common place for a kitchen sink is under a nice window looking outside. If that isn’t an option, many people opt for the sink in an island or peninsula so they can communicate with guests or watch young kids.
Main vs. Prep
If you’re creating a large custom home kitchen you may want to consider having more than one sink. Prep sinks are incredibly popular these days. In addition to a main sink, people will install a prep sink near the fridge or on the island so that more than one person can easily work in the space.
Counter Space
Pay attention to the space around the sink as well as the sink itself. Countertop space is important to how a sink functions. You don’t want to feel crowded when you’re trying to do dishes. Many people also need a drying rack so make sure you have room for that near the sink as well.
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