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Work surfaces and sinks
Left image: Kitchen worktop with integrated sinks by DuPont™Corian®
Right image: Worktop with pot stand in DuPont™Corian® Glacier White (photo:Eric Laignel)
Right image: Worktop with pot stand in DuPont™Corian® Glacier White (photo:Eric Laignel)
Work surfaces
Whether you want it to make a statement or blend into the background, your choice of worktop will influence the overall look of your kitchen so take time to select the correct material and colour. It should suit your lifestyle and your household, therefore families and keen cooks should look for hardwearing, low-maintenance surfaces.
Mix materials and colours. By choosing more than one material you can effectively create different zones in you kitchen – consider combining a wood-topped island unit with granite surfaces elsewhere for a timeless appeal. And don’t just stick to straight runs. Introduce some curves to soften the look.
Wood
Solid hardwoods work well in both rustic and modern kitchens. They are hard wearing and their look often improves with age. Lighter shade of beach and birch are now being replaced by the richer hues of oak and walnut. Woods such as iroko and teak are ideal for use around the sink area as they are water resistant.
Stainless steel
Chosen for its hygienic qualities and industrial looks, stainless steel will enhance the look of a professional style kitchen.
Solid surfaces and quartz composites
Modern solid surface materials, such as Corian, bring a host of design opportunities to the kitchen as they can be formed into any shape without any obvious joins. Choose pure white for architectural spaces, or inject some colour into a modern kitchen with a bright primary.
Composites, made from a mix of quartz and resin, are incredibly durable. They have the cool looks and touch of natural stone and are available in a range of colours.
Natural stone
Due to its resilience and low-maintenance, granite is a popular choice for a kitchen worktop. Available in a number of shades it works well in both modern and traditional settings and can have either a honed (satin) or polished finish.
Limestone and pale marbles are often chosen for their looks, however they are both susceptible to staining and should be treated with care.
Concrete and glass
Thick cast concrete surfaces are the choice of designers and architects, while glass worktops used in combination with under-mounted sinks will give a light contemporary feel. Glass surfaces – available in a choice of thicknesses and colours – are highly reflective so will bounce light around the kitchen.
Worktop details
Practical details such as routed draining channels next to the sink and integrated pot stands next to hob will add an extra element to your work surface and should be considered prior to ordering.
Choosing a sink
While your choice of work surface is generally led by design preference, there are a number of practical requirements that will help you determine your choice and style of sink.
Main sink
Recent years have seen a shift in the role the kitchen. Once used for little more than food preparation and cooking, it is now the hub of the home. Extra-large appliances have become the preferred choice. In response to this sink manufacturers now offer a vast range of configurations in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want a single bowl, double bowls, a half-bowl or any combination of the aforementioned, there is a model to suit.
Many now come with a range of additional accessories including draining trays, colanders, chopping boards and undermounted waste sorters. Before you make your decision, always check that the size of your sink will be able to cope with your largest pan.
Materials
From stainless steel to modern composites, sinks come in an array of materials and colours. Traditional Belfast sinks, made from glazed fireclay are still a popular choice for rustic settings. Stainless steel, with its inherent anti-bacterial properties, will lend a semi-professional look to the kitchen. Quartz composites and modern solid surface materials, such as Corian, are offered in a rainbow of colours and stone effects.
Mounting options
Sinks can either be built-in, undermounted or integrated. Built-in models feature a rim (and drainer, if chosen) that extends over the edge of the surrounding work surface. With undermounted sinks the bowl is fixed below the worktop. For an integrated sink – where the sink and worktop are made as one piece – choose a solid surface, stainless steel or a quartz composite.
Preparation sinks
For larger kitchens it is worth including a preparation sink. Designed to supplement the main sink, these smaller sink bowls provide an extra area for the rinsing and preparation of fresh produce.
If your kitchen includes a peninsular or island unit with a bar area then consider locating it here. This way other family members can help themselves to drinks without having to enter the main work zone.
Whether you want it to make a statement or blend into the background, your choice of worktop will influence the overall look of your kitchen so take time to select the correct material and colour. It should suit your lifestyle and your household, therefore families and keen cooks should look for hardwearing, low-maintenance surfaces.
Mix materials and colours. By choosing more than one material you can effectively create different zones in you kitchen – consider combining a wood-topped island unit with granite surfaces elsewhere for a timeless appeal. And don’t just stick to straight runs. Introduce some curves to soften the look.
Wood
Solid hardwoods work well in both rustic and modern kitchens. They are hard wearing and their look often improves with age. Lighter shade of beach and birch are now being replaced by the richer hues of oak and walnut. Woods such as iroko and teak are ideal for use around the sink area as they are water resistant.
Stainless steel
Chosen for its hygienic qualities and industrial looks, stainless steel will enhance the look of a professional style kitchen.
Solid surfaces and quartz composites
Modern solid surface materials, such as Corian, bring a host of design opportunities to the kitchen as they can be formed into any shape without any obvious joins. Choose pure white for architectural spaces, or inject some colour into a modern kitchen with a bright primary.
Composites, made from a mix of quartz and resin, are incredibly durable. They have the cool looks and touch of natural stone and are available in a range of colours.
Natural stone
Due to its resilience and low-maintenance, granite is a popular choice for a kitchen worktop. Available in a number of shades it works well in both modern and traditional settings and can have either a honed (satin) or polished finish.
Limestone and pale marbles are often chosen for their looks, however they are both susceptible to staining and should be treated with care.
Concrete and glass
Thick cast concrete surfaces are the choice of designers and architects, while glass worktops used in combination with under-mounted sinks will give a light contemporary feel. Glass surfaces – available in a choice of thicknesses and colours – are highly reflective so will bounce light around the kitchen.
Worktop details
Practical details such as routed draining channels next to the sink and integrated pot stands next to hob will add an extra element to your work surface and should be considered prior to ordering.
Choosing a sink
While your choice of work surface is generally led by design preference, there are a number of practical requirements that will help you determine your choice and style of sink.
Main sink
Recent years have seen a shift in the role the kitchen. Once used for little more than food preparation and cooking, it is now the hub of the home. Extra-large appliances have become the preferred choice. In response to this sink manufacturers now offer a vast range of configurations in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want a single bowl, double bowls, a half-bowl or any combination of the aforementioned, there is a model to suit.
Many now come with a range of additional accessories including draining trays, colanders, chopping boards and undermounted waste sorters. Before you make your decision, always check that the size of your sink will be able to cope with your largest pan.
Materials
From stainless steel to modern composites, sinks come in an array of materials and colours. Traditional Belfast sinks, made from glazed fireclay are still a popular choice for rustic settings. Stainless steel, with its inherent anti-bacterial properties, will lend a semi-professional look to the kitchen. Quartz composites and modern solid surface materials, such as Corian, are offered in a rainbow of colours and stone effects.
Mounting options
Sinks can either be built-in, undermounted or integrated. Built-in models feature a rim (and drainer, if chosen) that extends over the edge of the surrounding work surface. With undermounted sinks the bowl is fixed below the worktop. For an integrated sink – where the sink and worktop are made as one piece – choose a solid surface, stainless steel or a quartz composite.
Preparation sinks
For larger kitchens it is worth including a preparation sink. Designed to supplement the main sink, these smaller sink bowls provide an extra area for the rinsing and preparation of fresh produce.
If your kitchen includes a peninsular or island unit with a bar area then consider locating it here. This way other family members can help themselves to drinks without having to enter the main work zone.
