1. Jas Design Build
Soapstone counter top and trough-like sink by Jas Design Build in Seattle. Its patinated finish works really well with the primrose yellow cupboard doors. A lot of Irish kitchen and stone supplies don't like to recommend the material as much of the stone is imported from Mexico and this increases it price point. It is a very popular finish in North American kitchens. Closer to home Blacklion Stone in Co Carlow can supply the stone to order and can fabricate a sink similar to this pictured. Expect to pay upwards of €4,000 for something similar. Jasdesignbuild.com; Blacklionstone.com
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2. Alveus Monarch Kombino
Showed at Eurocuchina earlier this year the Alveus Monarch Kombino 50 under-mount sink will bring a sense of lustre to your kitchen. Pictured in gold the square-shaped sink has been set into a striated emperador marble counter with the kitchen units a deep tourmaline green giving an overall jewel effect. Made of high-grade stainless steel which is coated with the colour finish you're advised not to use bleach or any scourers on the sink. The sink, which costs €590 at The Kitchen Sink, is also available in bronze, copper or anthracite. It also comes in a half-bowl version that comes in two sizes; which cost €350 and €590. The matching L neck Alveus Laguna cost €340. Thekitchensink.ie
3. Neptune
Furniture firm Neptune designs traditional style kitchens in fashion colours and here shows how a classic Belfast or butler sink more typically found in the scullery or utility room of big houses can be centre stage in the kitchen. The larger versions are great for washing large pots and pans and in many households are the first place small children are bathed. Neptune's Suffolk style cabinetry is pictured here in a cactus green that is incredibly restful. The 70cm sink cabinet costs €1,800 and features a Belfast sink called Farmhouse from Villeroy & Boch. A single bowl costs €420, a double bowl €560. Neptune.com; Vileroy-boch.co.uk
4. Barazza
This ergonomic design in a high-grade, vintage stainless steel finish is by Italian firm Barazza. Available from Showtime Essential Kitchen Products in Santry, D17, it very cleverly factors in a draining channel that sits to the rear of the tap, an idea that can cut down on counter space in a small kitchen. Pictured is the sink, €674, with a 90cm accessory channel, €470, that you can customise this to your own needs. Some of the accessories that you can put into it include, left to right, a draining rack (€152), a utensil holder (€125), a small glass drainer (€69) and a knife holder (€130). Other accessories available include a couple of colander sizes, a bottle holder (€125), a larger glass drainer (large €79) and a chopping board holder (€288). The matt black tap, also pictured, costs €695 and all can be seen in the new showrooms opening next week. Sho.ie; Barazzasrl.it/en/
5. Noel Dempsey
A concrete sink is the epitome of cool. You can go old school and search for a horse trough or some other water carrier that could be repurposed as a kitchen sink or you can go for a sleek contemporary approach as per this design from Noel Dempsey's Pure range. The sink, €1,800, is made with a recessed lip around the edge to allow accessories such as the walnut drainer and chopping board, pictured, €499, to sit into it. The warm-coloured wood also provides a nice point of contrast. This is a high maintenance option. To keep these surfaces looking like new and to protect from staining the company recommends sealing it once every 12 months. The draining board is also available with oak or beech options. Noeldempsey.com
6. Hillesjon, Ikea
This simple one-and-a-half bowl Hillesjon sink from Ikea is an affordable and hard-working option. It comes in two sizes, small, 58cm by 46cm (€110) and large, 75cm by 46cm (€130) and can be teamed with a mixer tap in a range of finishes. A basic stainless steel look Almaren costs €80 or you can add a fashion element by opting for the Nyvattnet, a cooler-looking mixer that comes in on trend gold or blackened nickel, €110. The flat-bottomed Grundvattnet colander, €3, is a useful addition that can be used as a dish drier for glasses, if worktop space is tight, or to rinse vegetables or drain pasta or potatoes. Ikea.com/ie/
7. Franke
We've had black counters, black bathrooms and black walls but a black kitchen sink is pretty novel, especially as the perception is that it will be very hard to keep clean. This square shaped sink in onyx is a Franke KBG 11050 and can be ordered from The Panelling Centre, Noyeks or Cash and Carry Kitchens and costs about €469. The Alessi cookware, also pictured, is the new Edo range by Patricia Urquiola. Featuring leather handles it lands into Brown Thomas later this month. Kal.ie; Alessi.com; Brownthomas.com
8. Schock
German-based designer sink company Schock is bringing colour to this hard working kitchen essential. Its new Millennial range features sinks in navy, grey and a rose pink that has also become the colour of that generation. They are made from Cristadur, a granite-like material that has a sleek finish you need for such an oft-cleaned device. A second Golden range, pictured, is not yet available in Ireland. Prices for either range are not yet finalized as KKS, based in Cherry Orchard, D10, is taking on the distribution of the brand at the end of September. Kks.ie
