A lot of new homeowners, renovators, and enthusiasts have trended towards the look and feel of country style kitchens with a contemporary twist. I fondly remember the times I visited my aunt in her rustic home, and as a young child was curious about her granite sink with the deep basin. It was so practical it seemed to swallow the big utensils and added a refined appearance to the backyard kitchen. Only when I grew up did I realize that those features such as its high back and low front that jutted past the front of the cabinetry that surrounded it were reminiscent of farmhouse kitchen sinks. This unique country style elegance is still available today.

Farmhouse kitchen sinks are sometimes referred to as apron-front sinks. A wide range of materials and composites are used to make sinks. Some are carved from single blocks of natural stone like granite, limestone and soapstone, and others are made from composite materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, vitreous china, travertine, marble, onyx, bronze, acrylic, copper and fireclay.

If you are after a more contemporary style of farmhouse kitchen sink, consider the elegance of the Nantucket sink collection, which comes in a double-bowl or single-bowl, round, rectangular and square shapes, and with a beautiful copper finish. Blanco kitchen sinks are also very popular. Make sure to drop-in on a reputable supplier and ask for a discount on kitchen accessories if you decide on a professional installation.

Farmhouse kitchen sinks, along with the other fixtures in your kitchen, form a critical role in your kitchen. These sinks are ideal for heavy-duty kitchen works and are available in several material variations, each with unique properties to offer. That's why it's very important for homeowners to know the right farmhouse kitchen sinks for them.

Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are appropriate for kitchens with contemporary theme. The sleek and glossy texture is very easy to clean and is resistant to corrosion. These are usually available in different stainless steel gauges, which dictate the durability of the material. Some manufacturers also use recycled stainless steel to create their farmhouse kitchen sinks.

The drawbacks to stainless steel farmhouse sinks are the fact that these are pretty noisy - that's why you need to buy the variety with sound absorber pads or undercoatings - and are prone to denting and scraping. A good brand to look at for stainless steel farmhouse sinks is Blanco America.

Since it's pretty hard to find original farmhouse sinks that are in good condition, a fireclay farmhouse sink is a great alternative replacement for the real thing. These sinks are durable, chemical-resistant, and stain-resistant. Unlike stainless steel, fireclay sinks are not vulnerable to scratches. Although these are quite inexpensive, the look it can offer is only generic.