HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN SINK

Kitchen renovations can be expensive and time-consuming. But, a few simple switches can refresh the look of your sink, one of the main areas of the kitchen, without tremendous time or effort.

First, clean the slate. Remove the water bottles, drying racks, and cleaning supplies that pile up in and around your sink. Toss any well-used scrubbers or sponges.

Wash the sink and surrounding countertop well. Remove hard water buildup from around the faucets with a vinegar and water solution or an all-purpose cleaner.

Replace only what’s beautiful and necessary. Buy fresh sponges and steel wool, choose dishcloths that match your décor, and select a sleeker drying rack or a drying mat that blends in with its surroundings. Decant hand soap and dish soap into attractive bottles for a unified look.

Photo above supplied by // CALLA LILY DESIGNS

Replacing a leaky, rusted, or dated faucet can refresh the look of your sink and provide the features you need. Upgrade to a taller faucet or a pull out or pull-down model to fill cooking pots and planters with ease. A side-sprayer makes doing dishes a breeze.

There are many styles and finishes, from stately bronze to futuristic chrome. There’s bound to be a perfect match for your kitchen’s aesthetic. Before you buy, however, check under your sink. The number of holes in your countertop (and their locations) will determine what kind of faucet you choose.

Most kitchen sinks have one to three holes. A one-hole faucet can work in a two-hole or three-hole sink. (You just use a deck/base plate to cover any extra holes.) But, it doesn’t work the opposite way. To add holes, you’ll have to drill them, which makes this a job for advanced DIYers or (better yet), the pros.

If you select a faucet that works with your current set-up, it’s fairly easy to switch it out yourself. There are several online tutorials and how-to videos to walk you through it. (Just make sure you select the right faucet type when you search.) The experts at your local hardware and home improvement stores can provide supplies and additional guidance.

Photo below supplied by // Center of Design

You can also replace the sink itself. Measure your current sink and choose one with similar dimensions and drain hole locations so you don’t have to adjust the plumbing or drill extra holes.

Under-mounted sinks and drop-in sinks are easy to install into existing countertops. Undermounted sinks attach to the countertop from below, while you lower a drop-in sink into the countertop from above.

Consider the sink material you want. Stainless steel, fireclay, granite, copper, quartz, and enamel are popular options. You can select a single, double, or triple bowl sink, as long as it works with your current hole configuration and dimensions. (Remember, the hole spacing will have to line up.)

Installation contains many of the same steps as replacing a faucet. Choose the right tutorial and you’ll have it done in an afternoon. L&H