Dream in Color: Bright & Bold Kitchen Designs

As the colors of summer surround our homes, we’ve got the itch to bring some of that vibrancy to our interior, starting with the most-used room in the home: the kitchen. When done right, a few upgrades could make an incredible difference. Not only will a kitchen refresh breathe new life into the space, it will actually positively impact your mood. Research shows that bright, bold color impacts our emotions and behaviors. Think: more confidence, happier mood, or calmer state of mind.

 

Most people think that adding a dose of color means painting an accent wall or adding dramatic décor, but we believe that the sink is the real place to shine. After all, it’s the kitchen’s centerpiece. Here are a few of our favorite ways to stand out with your sink:

Be Bold with a New Basin

While we love the natural beauty of copper, the shine of stainless steel, and the crispness of white fireclay, we believe it’s time for a pop of color. If you agree, our VIBE Collection of fireclay sinks will have exactly what you’re looking for. This collection features the farmhouse style you love and the fireclay you trust in fresh, unexpected shades. We love how these apron-front styles show off each eye-catching shade, especially when paired with neutral countertops and cabinetry.

 

We selected our top-rated Bradstreet II and Josephine to showcase the most standout shades. Both of these fan favorite sinks now come in:

• Puddle Jump – a deep glossy royal blue that is equally regal and rich.

• Oceanside – a beautiful and breezy matte blue that soothes the senses.

• Candy Apple Red – a vibrant red that is too juicy to ignore.

 

• Tea Kettle – a mysterious, moody gloss black that intrigues even the least-motivated dish washer.

 

Brighten Up your Finishes

 

If a colorful sink isn’t your thing, we get it. Rather than go so big and bold, brighten up your sink’s surrounding fixtures. Sound like a big undertaking? Stick with our All-In-One Kits. We’ve expertly coordinated our traditional white fireclay kitchen sinks and classic copper kitchen sinks in our All-In-One Kits to take the guesswork out of your upgrade. Click here to find your perfect pair for the most standout sink suited for your kitchen. Some of our favorite kits that brighten up any kitchen include:

• Bradstreet II All-In-One Fireclay Sink and Kai Faucet Kit: We love the modern look that it provides. This Pfister faucet is gallery worthy, complete with a gorgeously contemporary matte black finish.

• Courbet All-In-One Farmhouse Sink and Ashfield Faucet Kit: The beautiful bronze faucet, basket strainer drain, and soap dispenser pair perfectly with the natural copper sink.

• Harper All-In-One Fireclay Sink and Zuri Faucet Kit: The high-shine stainless steel looks good at every angle while the industrial spiral spring and docking bridge helps you clean every corner.

 

No matter how you add color to your sink, it’s sure to make an impact that lasts. As the heart of the home, the colorful improvements you make in your kitchen will extend well beyond its walls for brighter everyday life. Go ahead, dream up your standout sink.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite 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.

 

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Bathroom Sink Installation 101

As you scroll through our selection of bathroom sinks, it’s easy to fall in love with one…or more. But before you fall too hard too fast, it’s important to understand what it will take to install your dream sink. If you want to take on all of your bathroom renovations on your own, get to know our sink installation styles before diving in. We offer an array of options to accommodate all types of renovators. So today, we rank our bathroom sinks’ installation intensity, starting with the most DIY-friendly.  

 

Drop-In Sinks

 

Our drop-in bathroom sinks are made for the weekend warriors of all skill levels who don’t want to waste their valuable time completing complicated steps just to upgrade their bathrooms. Designed to fit perfectly into pre-cut countertops, our drop-in sinks are so simple to install that even the most amateur DIYer can get this project done quickly and easily. But just because it’s easy to install by simply fitting into a standard cut countertop doesn’t mean it will look any less elegant once it’s in your countertop. In fact, we designed our line of drop-in sinks to add one-of-a-kind beauty that’s anything but ordinary. 

 

Pro Tip: Our drop-in sinks don’t use mounting hardware. But we recommend using expanding foam and 100% silicone to secure your sink.

 

Undermount Sinks

 

Our undermount bathroom sinks bring the same ease of drop-in along with a high-end, seamless look. Like our drop-in bathroom sinks, our undermount bathroom sinks fit easily into pre-cut countertops. But, instead of dropping the sink in to install, they attach to the granite from below. It takes slightly more skills and a bit more maneuvering to properly adhere, but we promise that it’s possible for rookies. And, no matter what level of expertise you have, everyone will appreciate the additional countertop space and easy clean-up undermounts provide.

 

Pro Tip: Like our drop-in sinks, our undermount sinks don’t include mounting hardware. Before you start your project, talk with the manufacturer of your countertop about which mounting hardware is recommended for your bathroom.

 

 

Vessel Sinks

 

What sets vessel sinks apart is that they actually rest on top of countertops. While this sounds simplest at surface-level (pun intended), this install requires you to drill a hole in your existing countertop. If you’re comfortable wielding a drill, you’ll find our vessel sinks to be incredibly simple to install – and so beautiful to look at once they’re on your countertops.

 

Pro Tip: Though preferred by some, we don’t recommend vessel mounting rings. Instead, drill a 2-3/4” hole to securely hold your sink in place.

 

Still not sure which sink installation is right for you? For many of our sink styles, you might not have to choose. As you browse, you’ll notice that some of our copper sinks have our exclusive Dual-Flex Rim. This feature allows you to install how you want, whether as a drop-in our undermount. No matter how you install, it’s sure to be striking. For all the nitty gritty details on how to install your Sinkology sink of choice, explore our complete installation guide with step-by-step instructions here.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite 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.

 

The post Bathroom Sink Installation 101 appeared first on Sinkology.

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As a foodie, I love these warmer months because grilling takes over my meal-making and planning. What better way to celebrate the onset of “grill season” than with these Hot Honey Shrimp Skewers.

Hot Honey (HH) is pretty much the food trend of the decade and why not add that delicious flavor to some beautiful and simple shrimp skewers. You can either make your own HH by following my simple homemade recipe HERE or use your favorite store bought brand.

Spicy and sweet HH is the perfect partner for shrimp and veggies and is the base for this shrimp skewer marinade. You’ll want to be sure and have some reserved HH on hand for an “after grilling” drizzle.

For the Hot Honey Marinade ::

• Hot Honey
• fresh chives* 
• fresh thyme*
• 4 T oil
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/4 t black pepper

Once the marinade is assembled, it’s just a matter of assembling the skewers with veggies and shrimp, brushing with the HH marinade and then grilling.

The flavors of these grilled fresh veggies and sweet shrimp are the perfect partner to this herby, spicy, sweet Hot Honey marinade. But I think steak, chicken and even lamb would be equally delicious. This recipe is so simple and perfect for an easy grill night!

Hot Honey Shrimp Skewers

Hot Honey Marinade

• 1/2 c Hot Honey
• 1 T fresh chives*
• 3 t fresh thyme
• 6 T oil
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/4 t black pepper
• more s+p to taste
• more Hot Honey for drizzle after grilling

Hot Honey Shrimp Skewers

• 2 lb peeled raw shrimp, U 15-20
• 2 orange bell peppers, cut into 1.5″ pieces
• 40 cherry tomatoes
• 1 red onion, cut into 1″  pieces
• 20, 8″-10″ bamboo skewers, soaked in water 2+ hours

To prepare the Hot Honey marinade, combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl.

Set aside marinade and prepare skewers.

Once the bamboo skewers have soaked in water, assemble the shrimp skewers alternating shrimp and veggies until all the shrimp has been skewered.

Brush the veggies and shrimp (on all sides) with the marinade, season with salt and pepper and cover. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Prepare charcoal or gas grill according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the flame has reached temperature, place the skewers on the hottest portion of the grill.

Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are cooked through and pink.

Serve immediately with extra Hot Honey as garnish.

Serves 8

*I’ve included the herb blossoms because they were in season

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The Most Luxurious Bathtubs

Copper bathtubs are a rare – and beautiful – sight in the bathroom. They are the epitome of luxury, providing unparalleled beauty and high-end comfort unlike any other tub material. But that doesn’t mean that a copper bathtub isn’t fit for you or your bathroom. Trust us on this one, after reading today’s post, we’re sure you’ll see that a copper bathtub is an attainable necessity in every bathroom. At first glance, it’s easy to see that they are special. But what is it about copper bathtubs that set them above all the others? Copper bathtubs bring:

Undeniable Extravagance

In traditional, modern, and antique bathrooms alike, a copper bathtub adds attractive opulence. From the elegant shapes to the rich color, it is simply superior. You’ll find that a copper bathtub pairs well with almost any type of décor you might already have in your bathroom – from a crisp white fireclay sink to matte black hardware. This standout style is a long-term investment that you’ll reap the rewards from for years to come. In fact, a copper bathtub will continue to look better and better over time. Copper has a living finish that evolves with every use. Known as a patina, this coating is naturally protective against corrosion. That means you won’t have to put up with rust or weakening strength. When you have a copper bathtub, you’ll enjoy a subtle shift from light to dark with every passing day. Talk about aging gracefully.

 

A More Indulgent Experience

Of course, your bathtub is more than just an accessory. For some, it’s a restorative daily ritual. If a bath is a part of your regular relaxation routine, you’ve probably put up with tepid water temperatures shortly after settling in. You won’t have to with a copper bathtub. They heat faster and stay hot longer. Plus, their traditionally deeper designs allow you to settle into even more relaxing waters.

Added Therapeutic Relief

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably a bath lover, which means you already know the soothing, healing benefits that come with a warm bath. Typically, the benefits will stop at the soothing water temperature and calming bath salts and soaps you add in a standard bathtub. But a copper tub brings even more benefits, just from the material’s natural qualities. Copper provides naturally therapeutic relief joints, connective tissue, digestive system, and more. Known to reduce inflammation, copper will be extra beneficial for those suffering from conditions including rheumatism, arthritis, and osteoporosis as well as countless gastrointestinal disorders. By direct contact with the skin, your body will absorb this vital trace mineral, allowing you to replenish and relax with the help of the tub alone. 

The Cleanest Clean

You might love the tub as a relaxing retreat, but traditionally, it was the only way to get clean. When it comes to a copper bathtub, you can be confident that you’ll get a bath time ritual that is equally comforting and cleansing. Copper is naturally resistant against bacteria and mold, meaning standard buildup won’t stand a chance. Other bathtub surfaces will hold onto bacteria for days. Copper, on the other hand, eliminates bacteria in only a few hours. Copper is so naturally cleansing that it is actually registered as an antimicrobial with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

With that being said, some care is required to keep your bathtub in tip-top shape. We highly recommend you avoid using abrasive chemicals. Instead, simply clear out any debris – such as soap or bath salts – from your bathtub and wipe down with a soft cloth after every use. Don’t skip this step, especially if you live in hard water areas. Occasionally, it can be beneficial to wash with some mild soap, especially if you’re a regular bather. Aside from simple cleanup, we make it easy for you to protect the copper and boost the tub’s shine with the help of the Sinkology Copper Armor.

With benefits like these, it’s no wonder that copper bathtubs are synonymous with bathroom luxury. Shop our complete selection of copper bathtubs, from classic clawfoot to sets complete with faucet and drain on our website.

 

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite 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.

 

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/the-most-luxurious-bathtubs/