Designed for Life: Fireclay Kitchen Renovation
Sinkology is proud to present Kristan Allen, our design expert and guest blogger who runs the @FarmhouseRedefined on Instagram. Kristan is here to share some design ideas and inspiration from her newly renovated kitchen with a fireclay sink.
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There’s nothing more exciting than planning a kitchen renovation or remodel! But let’s face it – planning any type of home project can be a little intimidating too, right? When you’re faced with so many decisions and options, it can be hard to envision how everything will come together – both from a style and functionality perspective!
Our most recent home project was a big one – turning our cement-and-cinder-block basement into a finished living space with a full kitchen. Our goal for this space was to make it 100% about entertaining and family fun. With a theater and plenty of room for other fun games, we considered this space an investment in our future sanity – as the kids get older, I want everyone to hang out here vs. at someone else’s house. Parents, who’s with me?!
All this being said, having an open, functional kitchen was a top priority for me. I wanted a layout that made it easy for people to connect and have a conversation. But I also wanted a kitchen that could keep up with me and my family. I like stylish things, but they also need to be functional. We live here and things need to be built to last because it isn’t just me using them.
When it came time to choose materials for our kitchen, my mind immediately went to the sink. Not only is it centrally located within the space, but it also serves almost like a transition point between cabinets and appliances. We live on our 7th-generation family farm and I’m always looking for ways to weave that heritage into our home. So as the kitchen design started taking shape, a farmhouse sink seemed like the perfect option!
I wanted to stay with bright neutrals in this space because, being a basement, there isn’t a whole lot of natural light. Once I saw Sinkology’s Bradstreet II Fireclay Sink, I knew it was the one! It checked all the boxes for me – farmhouse style, beautifully sleek design, crisp white color and durability. This sink is perfection – its huge, single bowl makes it spacious enough to handle even the biggest, dirtiest dishes. The fireclay material is easy to clean and stands up to even the harshest conditions (my 6 and 7-year-olds are no match for this sink)! And it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee – so I don’t need to worry in the unlikely event that something does happen to it. All of these are big wins in my book!
I found it really easy to design around the Bradstreet sink, too. Don’t let the “farmhouse” name fool you…this sink is versatile and would look great with a variety of décor styles. The white color and streamlined apron front make it the ideal complement to a wide range of color palettes, including the neutral one that I went with! I chose a mix of painted and stained cabinets and the crisp white sink pairs beautifully. It stands out in a subtle way, which is exactly what I was going for!
To complete this set-up, I chose Pfister’s Pasadena Faucet in Tuscan Bronze and the Wren Sink Grid. The faucet is a great transitional style – it’s perfect in my farmhouse kitchen, but would be equally at home in a more modern space…and the functionality is off the charts. This is my first pull-down faucet and I love it! The sink grid is also a must-have accessory in my book. It is made to fit the Bradstreet sink and protects the sink bottom from any scratches or scuffs. My kids tend to be a little rough when they’re placing (translation: throwing) things in the sink. This grid gives me added piece of mind!
We’re
three months in with our new kitchen and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t
change a thing about the design.
Everything came together really well and I’m especially thrilled with my
beautiful farmhouse sink. Who doesn’t
love a piece that has style, functionality and versatility? That’s what I call design for life!
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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper or fireclay sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.