Add some sass with a sink - By LORI DARVAS • The Indianapolis Star
Looking for a little punch in the powder room? Want something cool in
your kitchen? Consider a vessel sink, a dramatic alternative that offers
an artsy option for homeowners who want something different. Advertisement
Advertisement "Vessel sink" is a term for a basin that sits on top of
the counter or is slightly recessed within the supporting cabinetry.
Such sinks are curious juxtapositions of old and new fashions: Their
shape and setting evoke memories of the old-fashioned pitcher and basin,
but their distinct style adds a contemporary flair.
"It's sort of an updated step back in time," says Diana Chastain, a McCordsville,
Ind., interior designer with Diana Chastain Interiors. Vessel sinks
have been on the market for about 10 years, says Hal Weinstein, owner
of Atlanta-based Xylem, which manufactures several sink styles. The
name is a catchall term for any sink that sits above the countertop,
but the styles have evolved from a standard round basin to a large selection
of shapes and styles. Think squares and rectangles. Think deep basins
that stand 4 to 6 inches above the counters, or shallow bowls that are
hardly deeper than a dinner plate. Think variety.
"It gives a new dynamic to a design that you can do in a bathroom," Weinstein
says. "When you have sinks that can sit above the counter, it makes
for an interesting approach to design." Leslie Bolinger, a Kokomo, Ind.,
has vessel sinks in all of her bathrooms. Bolinger worked with Nancy
Barbee, owner of Cabinetry Ideas in Indianapolis, to select a sink that's
right for each room. For instance, the master bathroom features a milky
opaque glass vessel, while her teenage sons' bathrooms sport utilitarian
stainless steel. "They're gorgeous. They're very beautiful. Whatever
style you're using, you can find sinks that work well with it," Bolinger
says.
Vessel sinks do have a higher price tag, Weinstein says. A vitreous china vessel
sink will run between $220 and $460 at Xylem, while a vitreous china
undermounted sink will range from $75 to $145. Weinstein points out
that vessel sinks must be finished both inside and out, while their
undermounted and drop-in counterparts can remain unfinished on the outside,
which is hidden from view. Other vessel sinks may cost more because
their designs are more intricate or unusual, Weinstein says. In the
Indianapolis area, the popularity of vessel sinks has picked up in the
past five years, says Meredith Baxter, a showroom consultant with Lee
Supply in Carmel, Ind. People are drawn to the multi-dimensional effect,
and find that vessel sinks are akin to adding art to the bathroom or
powder room.
Vessel sinks are available in many different materials. Certainly, ceramic
and glass remain top sellers, Baxter says. But daring customers might
opt for solid rock, granite or marble. The natural materials may feature
a rugged, raw look on the outside. "They can range from looking very
cabin-style rustic to very sleek and contemporary," Baxter says. Still,
vessel sinks remain a niche market in metropolitan Indianapolis. Home
Depot reports interest around the country, but Indianapolis-area store
managers aren't getting many requests yet for vessel sinks, says Jen
King, senior manager for public relations for Home Depot's north division.
"I think we may see more interest down the road as customers learn more
about this style and find options suitable to their decor," King says.
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