There are a huge variety of sink choices available today including inset, sit-on or undermounted and they come in several materials such as stainless steel, ceramic or granite. The choice of design is endless and can have a major influence on the final look of the kitchen. Inset kitchen sinks can be installed in any worktop however under mounted and Belfast sinks need a solid surface such as Corian, granite, quartz, stainless steel or hardwood sink areas.

The role of the Kitchen sink has changed since the advent of the dishwasher to more of a multi purpose food preparation centre. A drainer is now expected to become a chopping board and food waste is more often removed by food waste disposal units mounted in the sink, than by the bin. A noticeable change in design has been larger bowls to accommodate oven racks, as most other items are washed in the dishwasher. If you entertain a lot then it is worth considering a larger main bowl and a smaller bowl for rinsing, preparing vegetables and a waste disposal unit.

This can be as part of the main sink or even separate in an appropriate area, perhaps in the vicinity of the hob. Inset sinks are set into a hole cut in any worktop material.

Kitchen sinks come in a multitude of different styles, with and without drainers and with multiple or single bowls. They are made from stainless steel, ceramic and granite, which is a mix of crushed stone and acrylic resin. All of these materials are hard wearing and your choice should be based on the aesthetics of the design and the arrangements of bowls and drainers available in each material.

There are a number of corner shapes available in all of the above materials and they can be a great space saver as well as a feature in the design. They can fit across a diagonal corner or are L-shaped with the bowl on one side and the drainer on the other. Round bowls can also be a nice feature but are not as practical as other styles. A Sit-on sink replaces a section of worktop and are available in stainless steel in a range of.

Under mounted styles are set under a hole cut in any solid surface worktop other than laminate. They are available in stainless steel, Corian and ceramic and in a range of bowl and drainer arrangements. The worktop fabricator needs the sink, or at least a template to ensure that the hole is accurate. The drainer grooves are formed into the solid surface.

Taps are also a difficult choice as they too are finished in a wide range of materials from granite effect to chrome, steel, gold and bronze. The colour of the tap can be to match the sink or contrast it and can also be chosen to match the handles and appliances.In general don't try to include different metallic finishes. Ceramic disc tap valves are essential and are the longest lasting, easiest to change and to use. The handle will be easy to rotate and will only need a slight movement to regulate the water flow.