Butler sinks have a timeless style that makes them one of the most iconic kitchen sink ideas, a veritable icon they can be seen in vintage kitchen ideas through to modern kitchen ideas. Originally designed for use by the staff in grand households, they are renowned for their durability, elegant looks and generous size. Characterised by a deep single bowl and crafted from hard wearing fireclay, the design has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1897. 

BY JENNIFER EBERT. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM HOLLY REANEY

Opting for kitchen sink ideas with a difference is a great way to add character to your space. 'Statement sinks are a trend that continues to gain momentum,' says Adrian Bergman, design manager at British Standard. 'More and more clients are focused on finding 'the one' when it comes to their kitchen sinks with vintage and vintage-style pieces, such as this fluted farmhouse design, amongst the most covetable.'

A feature sink like this is an ideal integration to farmhouse kitchen island ideas, where the unusual shape brings personality to a functional countertop.

A versatile choice, copper kitchen sink ideas can sit just as comfortably in rustic  kitchen ideas as they can in a more modern or industrial scheme. As well as its timeless appearance, copper is also naturally antimicrobial, helping to keep it clean and hygienic – essential for the kitchen. Add texture by opting for a design with a hammered finish, like that featured here.

Copper sinks work particularly well with green kitchen ideas or blue kitchen ideas as the warm tones of the copper help to brighten the darker color scheme. 

Concrete has quickly become a popular material in the functional rooms of the home, whether as a countertop material or for kitchen sink ideas, especially in industrial designs. Since the sinks are cast rather than moulded they are available in a range of colours and shapes. However, concrete is naturally porous and therefore will require sealing in order to prolong its life, but, once sealed it is extremely durable, as well as being resistant to heat and stains and will last for decades. 

White apron front kitchen sink ideas provide an under-utilised canvas in the kitchen. While scalloping is a popular way to add a decorative flair, consider illustrative designs for something a little more unique. With beautiful artwork detailing, Shaws of Darwen’s Gallery range features abstract patterns and decorative illustrations baked into the sink as part of the glazing process to bring works of art into your space.

Shape can also make a difference when it comes to kitchen sink ideas. Of course, the classic is the rectangular basin, however, this doesn’t mean that it’s the only option. For supernumerary sinks, such as when the main sink is located in a utility, consider a smaller, circular design. Sunk into the worktop it is practically invisible, while still providing a useful spot to wash hands or rinse a mug.

If you're looking at farmhouse kitchen ideas, then it is worth considering reclaimed kitchen sink ideas – there are many salvage yards, try your local salvage yard for a wide range of materials and styles. Stone sinks are highly durable, and while displaying characterful evidence of age will still be more than up to the practicalities of the job. 

Stainless steel kitchen sink ideas offer a hardwearing and modern look to your kitchen. Easy to maintain, it is a great choice for a family kitchen ideas. With no worries about chipping or cracking, they are low-maintenance, resistant to heat and stains and one of the most affordable options. Stainless steel sinks can be inset into a countertop or can be open-fronted like this design. 

If opting for this classic material, make sure you know how to clean a stainless steel sink to keep it streak-free and shining.

When designing a kitchen island, it is worth considering how you can incorporate amenities into the space, kitchen sink ideas are such a worthwhile addition. 

‘Adding a sink or hob into the mix will boost the functionality of your kitchen island ideas. This will make cooking and cleaning tasks a breeze whilst still allowing you to be part of the conversation,’ says Tom Howley, design director at the eponymous kitchen company.

Marble is a luxurious material and as such can instantly elevate your kitchen’s appearance, especially when used as part of kitchen sink ideas. However, as well as its age-old elegance, it is also almost indestructible so long as you periodically reseal and avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners. If opting for this high-end material, opt for a Belfast or Butler-style or an integrated design to show off its beauty to the best effect. 

If your kitchen countertop ideas are favoring black, teaming a black kitchen sink with them will give you a sleeker, more modern finish than a contrasting white kitchen sink. You can still have a classic feel – as shown in this kitchen above, where a traditional-shaped Butler sink is impactful in a new colorway.

‘We chose a black Belfast sink in this oak Henley kitchen,’ says Meaghan Hunter, Neptune. ‘Not only is this a modern take on a classic, it also blends seamlessly with the work surface and sets off the black-bronze handles beautifully.’

Country kitchen ideas call for faucets in a traditional material. And where you have opted for a traditional range cooker with brass fittings or have chosen cabinet and drawer handles or hardware in the same warm metal hue, a burnished brass will blend perfectly with the metallic finishes. 

‘Brass ages beautifully and its warmth complements the cool color scheme here,’ says Merlin Wright, design director, Plain English, they also pair beautifully with a wide range of kitchen sink ideas.

Easy to maintain, extremely hard- wearing and beautiful to boot, Lundhs' Antique stone surfaces are a wonderful choice for kitchen countertops. So why not go one better with stone kitchen sink ideas for seamless style? 

Many of Lundh's stone surfaces are made from igneous rock formed from the cooling of magma millions of years ago, and quarried in Norway; they are known for their blend of blue and brown crystals, which work especially well with wood grains and other natural earthy materials, or in a black kitchen where some texture is needed as relief.

If you prefer not to make a feature of the sink, an undermounted model, with a drainer carved into the countertop, will discreetly disappear while giving you ample space for the practicalities of cooking, preparing or clearing up after a meal. 

If your kitchen is large enough and you’re a keen cook, then explore double kitchen sink ideas. 

‘Although popular for its luxurious aesthetic, one of the main benefits to a double design is the space to separate items, whether this is clean and dirty dishes, heavy and fragile items or food prep,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director, Kitchen Makers. 

‘However, think about the design of the cabinets under your sink at an early stage as the deep dimensions need to be factored into your plan.'

Marble is admired for its natural beauty, and these spectacular kitchen sinks are made from a single block of Italian Carrara marble. 

Known for its nuances, this material best suits those who like their kitchen to develop character over time as Carrara will mark and age quickly, however, once it has ‘settled in’ it will last a lifetime and offer a luxurious twist to utilitarian farmhouse style.

Traditional kitchen ideas call for timeless, vintage kitchen sink ideas, with this fluted design our favorite front-runner. The width of this kitchen sink design allows for a shallower depth – an ideal design if the person who does the dishes is tall, as deeper kitchen sinks can create discomfort and backache.

Small kitchen ideas dictate the need for a small kitchen sink ideas. To keep the space feeling sleek, have the sink under-mounted or moulded from the same material as your countertop and backsplash ideas. Also, have fluting cut into the countertop material so that you drain dishes without the need for a space-eating rack.  

A countertop-mounted ceramic – or indeed stainless steel – sink is the easiest of the sink styles to install and replace, making it a popular choice amongst renovators. Beware with ceramic sinks that they can be prone to tiny scratches and cracks that can show up stains. If you are going for a rustic appeal, this may not matter to you; however, if you want a streamlined modern look, you may want to choose a tougher material, such as a composite.