For many years, the kitchen sink acted as little more than a double compartment water appliance, strategically placed between the prep center and the cooking center. In fact, this is still the case in many homes.

Good planners make sure the dishwasher is adjacent to the sink. A single waste receptacle might be placed under the sink or a “twin bin” double container to the side, with a stack of drawers nearby. This is a very well-planned water appliance center.
However, I challenge designers today to expand their planning beyond the water appliance function of the sink, focusing on organizing the space into a complete workstation.

Growing Impostance

There are several key reasons why the sink and its surrounding cabinetry and counter surfaces have become so much more important to the cook.

In the past, one primary sink was enough. Sometimes a secondary sink (considered very luxurious) was placed by the refrigerator. Today, the food/meal preparation function is often separated from the clean-up function of the water source appliance to accommodate multiple cooks working together, as well as the specialized nature of modern kitchens. A key first question is, “How does the cook work in the space, as well as how many people share the joy…and the chore…of meal preparation and clean-up?”

When cooking is a group event, consider the following:

• The preparation sink is typically part of the public kitchen area – but there is a “twist” about how the cook prefers to interface with his/her guests around this important area. For instance, the cook(s) might enjoy everyone gathering around the sink work area, helping in meal preparation. Therefore, the kitchen is serving as a social center.
  
  In this scenario, clear work space behind and on both sides of the sink, easy access to the faucet and a casual seating area for one or two people might all be part of the sink preparation center. I mentioned chairs; you might think, “This isn’t the breakfast area, is it?” No, it is a spot for someone to visit or help the cook rather than having a snack or meal.
  
  Rather than electrical outlets carefully positioned just for the cook on his/her side of the workstation, plugs need to be accessible from several sides of the work area. If possible, the faucet might be positioned in a corner or the side of the sink so it is accessible by more than one person. For this type of cook, a sink on an island or peninsula is a great solution. Cabinetry should be accessible from several sides of the island or peninsula. A continuous 36"-high counter height should be specified so family and friends have easy access to the sink.
  
• If the preparation sink will also serve as an entertaining area, perhaps a new and unique shape or configuration for the appliance might add an attractive design detail.
  
  Elkay Manufacturing Co. recently introduced new shapes in both 16- and 18-gauge stainless steel to its popular Mystic Collection. Such soft, curved sinks are an example of what is new and innovative. This is a great way to add “the bling factor” to a kitchen plan. In addition to the “bling,” these shapes maximize the usable interior space of the sink.