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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What Makes a “Farmhouse” Sink?

You’ve heard of farmhouse sinks and have most likely seen them on our site or in a friend’s home. But what actually makes a sink considered “farmhouse” style?

The TLDR definition of a farmhouse sink is “a deep sink that has an exposed front-facing side.” Thesaurus may also refer to it as an “apron front” sink – which, in our opinion, is the best description as it literally acts like an apron as you wash.

But you came here for more than just a basic description. Keep reading – we answer the most common questions we get about farmhouse sinks.

Where did this style come from?

Though common in modern kitchens throughout the world today, this sink style originated in European kitchens in the late 17^th century. At that time, there was no running water. So, a deep sink with plenty of room to hold a lot of water was a revolutionary solution.

Is it still in style?

Yes! What was once a humble, practical tool is now a symbol of indulgent luxury, especially when it’s made with a quality material. When you picture a farmhouse sink, you most likely see a crisp white basin. Our distinctly durable fireclay from our INSPIRE collection brings the most classic farmhouse look.

But, it doesn’t stop there. Our VIBE collection of colorful farmhouse sinks transforms the fireclay you trust in an unforgettable shade. Matte gray blends beautifully for a modern, monochromatic look while candy apple red makes a statement you can’t help but notice (and adore).

Fireclay isn’t the only material fit for farmhouse sinks. Hand-hammered stainless steel styles from our FORTIFY collection and gorgeous Copper farmhouse kitchen sinks adds a high-end finish to the classically homestyle shape.

Will a farmhouse sink work in my kitchen?

Short answer – maybe. It really all depends on the size of your kitchen and the people who will use it.

The trick is finding a sink that fits the size of your kitchen. There are many styles available to suit kitchens – and people – large and small, from the small-but-mighty Wilcox II to the extra-wide Harper, so be intentional before installing. Keep in mind, even if you have a smaller kitchen, you can bring in the benefits of a farmhouse sink in your laundry room. Its deep, wide bowl is perfect for handwashing your most delicate pieces and even your pup!

Fair warning: the very tall and very short might find using a farmhouse sink a bit uncomfortable. Given the depth, taller individuals will have to bend over to reach the bottom of the sink while shorter individuals may struggle to get to every corner with ease.

What do I need to know about installing a farmhouse sink?

Some farmhouse sinks can be installed simply, like our QuickFit fireclay sinks from the ELEVATE collection, which are designed to fit seamlessly into existing cabinets and countertops. But, head’s up: you may need to call in the professionals to help install an undermount farmhouse sink. This type of sink will need additional support to hold it in place and may require adjustments to your current countertop and cabinets.

What’s the best part about a farmhouse sink?

 

• The look: Farmhouse sinks bring a rustic charm that’s visually comforting. When made with quality materials, they stand out unlike any other.

 

• The size: They may look good, but there’s more to them than just that. Their deep depth and extra-wide bowl make washing your biggest pots and pans easier.

 

• The long-lasting beauty and strength: When a farmhouse sink is made with quality materials like hand-hammered copper or durable fireclay, it will stay looking beautiful after every day’s use.

…to name a few.

Now that you’re more familiar with farmhouse sink style, we’d love to know: what do you think is the best part of a farmhouse sink? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @Sinkology.

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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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Blueberry Lemon + Rosemary Crumble Pie

Sinkology is proud to present Emily Schuermann, our food-loving guest blogger who runs Food for a Year. Emily is here to share some recipes she has created exclusively for the Sinkology blog that reflect her view of a copper sink: simple, timeless, affordable, and beautifully rustic. 

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I’m always looking for a way to combine the two worlds of seasonal freshness and simplicity. It’s living and cooking within that sweet spot that keeps me happily in the kitchen. This blueberry pie recipe is a perfect balance of those 2 criteria – thanks to these gorgeous, fresh blueberries and a couple of other handy ingredients.

 

The real star of this recipe is the fresh blueberries (for sure) but the added flavors of rosemary and lemon turn this simple pie from traditional to exceptional. The fresh herby citrus adds a wonderful brightness to this comforting summer berry pie.

three steps to blueberry pie heaven

1.

This pie is tasty and equally simple thanks to a few simple steps and handy pantry staples. Start with “BLIND BAKING” a store bought refrigerated pie crust that’s been trimmed and placed into (2) 5-6″ round bakers*.

2.

While the crusts are blind-baking, prepare the blueberry pie filling.

3.

The crumble is secretly my favorite part of this recipe! A simple 2:2:1 ratio of flour to sugar to butter with the added whisper of rosemary and lemon to really draw out those flavors in the blueberry pie filling. The key to a good crumble is not over-working the mixture. Grate cold butter into the flour and sugar and then quickly work into a combination of sand + pea-sized bits. Simple as pie!

Simple Blueberry Pie Homemade

Once the components of this pie are prepared, it’s time to assemble and bake.

Pie is Served

Juicy and flavor-packed, this blueberry pie is a home run. I love the bright additions of rosemary and lemon and a perfect and unexpected addition to the juicy pie filling and crisp, buttery crumble topping.

Blueberry Lemon + Rosemary Crumble Pie

1 sheet of refrigerated or frozen pre-made pie crust, thawed according to package directions

filling

• 3 c fresh blueberries
• 3/4 c sugar (less depending on desired sweetness)
• pinch of salt
• 1/8-1/4 t finely minced fresh rosemary
• zest + juice of 2 lemons (divided)

crumble topping

• 3/4 c AP flour
• 6 T cold butter*
• 3/4 c sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1/8 t finely minced fresh rosemary
• 2 t lemon zest + 1 T lemon juice (from the 2 lemons listed above)

Preheat oven to 475°.

FOR THE CRUST :: Roll out pre-made pie crust dough, as directed by package instructions. Place 2 5-6″ x 2″ baking dishes* on the rolled out dough, and cut a circle in the pie dough 1″ wider than the dish. (as pictured above)

Press the dough into the 2 bakers (crimping the edges), line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Blind bake the pie crust for 15 minutes or according to package instructions. (you may need to cover the crust edges with foil if it begins getting too dark)

FOR THE FILLING ::

While the pie crusts are blind baking, prepare the blueberry pie filling by combining all of the pie filling ingredients in a medium bowl.

FOR THE CRUMBLE ::

Place sugar, flour, salt, rosemary and lemon zest  into another medium bowl. Using a cheese grater, grate cold butter into the bowl. Using your hands, mix to combine (there should be a balance between a sandy texture and pea-sized crumble bits) adding lemon juice if the crumble is too dry.

Once blind baking is complete, reduce the oven temperature to 375° and remove pie crusts from the oven.

Fill each crust halfway with pie filling then sprinkle 2 T of crumble topping over the filling and then add the remaining filling.

Top with crumble topping (may have extra topping).

FOR THE FINAL BAKE ::

Bake pies 30 minutes or until filling is bubbly and crumble topping is lightly golden in color.

*can use 1 9″ pie pan in place of 2 5-6″ bakers.

 

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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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Warm Up Your Guest Bathroom With Color

Many of us here at Sinkology are starting to warm up to the idea of hosting guests again. There’s something about hosting that makes us feel all warm and cozy inside. The fresh life in your space, the opportunity to express your “acts of service” love language – it’s a wonderful change of pace from the mundane. If you agree with us, keep reading. Today’s post will help you create a bathroom ambiance that is guest-approved and certainly appreciated. 

When you do finally welcome guests back into your home, it’s important to create a designated space that is as warm as your welcome. Sure, there are plenty of ways to add actual physical warmth to a bathroom with lush fabrics, high-end heated floors, and steam showers. But seeing warmth will do just as much – if not more – for your guests. It’s science, really. According to color theory, seeing warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange will actually warm our senses. Shades such as these remind us of the warmest things, like a sunny summer day or relaxing evening by the fire. Warmer colors literally give a room a more intimate feel, rather than an impersonal vibe that cool tones can often create. Instead, they bring in a certain sort of coziness, a comforting ambiance. The trick is to add just enough warmth, without overwhelming the senses.

If you’re hesitant, test the temperature with just a few accessories.

From luscious, vibrantly colored towels to delicate flowers decorating the countertops, sometimes the tiniest touch can be enough. Soft yellow towels suit all-white bathrooms well while dramatic red pairs perfectly with dark countertops, gray walls, and platinum fixtures. Yellow orchids make a beautiful year-round addition to any bathroom. Brown thumb? Silk flowers are a fantastic – and realistic-looking – alternative.

Take a bigger step with colorful tile-work.

From patterned Moroccan tile floor to deep burgundy shower tiles, warm-toned tile-work adds a purposeful glow to the typical guest bathroom. Your guests will be transported to a tropical paradise, even in the dead of winter. If a full floor replacement or shower update isn’t in the budget, consider replacing your vanity countertop instead.

Warm up with wood.

If you prefer more neutral tones in your home design style, you can still bring in warmth to your guest bathroom through the wood you choose. Look for woods that have a red undertone like cherry, mahogany, and hickory, which will create a cozy feel without crazy color you’ll tire of relatively quickly…or immediately.

Turn up the heat with wall color.

If you’re ready to make a bold statement that will bring the most heat, it’s time to splash your walls with color. From all-yellow walls to one standout accent wall, this upgrade will wrap your guests with unparalleled warmth.

No matter where you add warmth, always wait to make any purchases until you’ve defined your color palette for the room. As you think through how you’ll welcome your guests, keep your personal taste in mind first and foremost. Yellow may be energizing for some homeowners, but if it drives you crazy, it isn’t the right update for you. Red may be romantic for others, but it could be too intense for you. Remember, you are the one that lives there full-time, even if it is a spare bathroom that isn’t regularly used.

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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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Get to Know the SureFire Sink Material We Know You’ll Love

It’s safe to say that we can all agree that a kitchen sink needs to be equal parts dependable and beautiful. However, more often than not, when homeowners are shopping around for a new kitchen sink, they find they have to choose one or the other. In some cases, homeowners find a sink that fits their personal style perfectly but is easily dented or damaged by everyday use. Or, when they finally find a sink that is resilient enough to withstand whatever their family may throw at it, they see that it stands out like a sore thumb once installed. But with the Sinkology SureFire material, every homeowner can have the best of both worlds. If you’re new to Sinkology and our high-quality sinks, keep reading. We answer some of the top questions we receive from our customers who are curious about our exclusive SureFire sinks.

What makes a sink made with SureFire special?

Sinkology’s exclusive SureFire material is made with extra care at an extra-high heat. Our natural fireclay sinks are fired at 2100° to transform the naturally strong clay into a dense and more durable material. These extreme temperatures seal in strength, resiliency, and beauty unlike any other material on the market.

What does a SureFire sink look like?

As our SureFire material is created, our designers and creators form each sink to perfection. Our skilled craftspeople smooth the surfaces by hand, expertly shape every corner, and carefully inspect to ensure consistency. This handcrafted difference is what sets our designs apart. Each design is made with our customer in mind to fit every home’s design style, from traditional to modern, classic to contemporary. Three of our favorite sinks made with SureFire material include:

• Bradstreet II
  • This sink provides generous space for all of your pots and pans, dishes, and more. With an impressive 30-inch single bowl and an elegant apron-front, clean-up will be a beautiful breeze. Click here to see our current Bradstreet II selection.

• Brooks II
  • We know that sometimes one bowl isn’t enough. That’s why we created this sink with even more functionality to the classic farmhouse style sink. Featuring an impressive 33-inch double bowl, the Brooks II helps you separate soaking from stacking and drying dishes from hand washing. And, with our exclusive All-In-One Kits, you’ll have everything you need for an easy install. Click here to see our current Brooks II selection.

• Wilcox II
  • While we love the extra space the two aforementioned sinks provide, we know that not every kitchen is able to hold an expansive sink. The Wilcox II has a compact, 24-inch single bowl design that is a perfect fit for tiny homes or separate prep areas alike. Click here to see our current Wilcox II selection.

 

The best part is that this beautiful material that will stay that way for years to come. Thanks to the innate durability that comes with the Sinkology SureFire material, you don’t have to worry about it wearing down with every use. You can trust that your sink will look as beautiful as it is strong. We guarantee it. The extra layer of protection we build into every one of our fireclay sinks is backed by our exclusive Sinkology Lifetime Warranty. We promise your sink will not chip, crack, stain, or rust.

How can I get a SureFire sink in my kitchen?

You can browse our complete collection of sinks made with our exclusive SureFire material on our website. Click here to find the sink with the strength and style your kitchen deserves.

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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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Why Laundry Room Sinks Just Make Sense

The days of washing every item of clothing by hand are, thankfully, long gone. But that doesn’t mean that a sink in the laundry room is unnecessary or outdated. In fact, a utility sink is a helpful addition in all laundry rooms and for households of every size. Today, we share our top three reasons why a sink in the laundry room simply makes sense.

A laundry room sink allows you to conveniently take care of your most needy clothes.

Stain treatment can be quite a chore, especially when the crucial first step of soaking requires a trip up the stairs to get to your kitchen sink. Having a sink in the laundry room allows you to take care of those stuck-on stains right by your washing machine, as well as take care of things like rinsing swimsuits to rid them of excess chlorine or salt water or hand washing delicate items. Initially, installation can seem like a chore. But, in the long run, installing a sink in the laundry room will save you time and energy.

 

You can easily keep up with regular washing machine maintenance.

It seems counterintuitive, but experienced homeowners know the required cleanup that comes with washing machine maintenance. It might be your appliance that cleans your clothes, but, over time, pieces like detergent and fabric softener dispensers can get dingy. A sink in the laundry room encourages routine clean-up without the hassle of traveling to another room in the house. A laundry room sink helps you easily rinse attachments and wipe down surfaces, which will make a world of a difference in improving the longevity of your washing machine and the overall cleanliness of your laundry room.

 

Prevent excess mess in your washing machine and in your kitchen.

When you install a sink in your laundry room, you can prevent excess buildup in your washing machine before it becomes a problem. With a faucet and large basin at hand, you can rinse off mud, pet hair, and other everyday messes before placing dirty clothing items into the machine. Of course, this isn’t to say you should send just anything down your drain. Your laundry room sink shouldn’t be seen as a dumping ground for things like toxic chemicals to paint. Always adhere to proper disposal protocols of hazardous materials and install a quality strainer to keep clogs out of pipes.

Now that it’s clear that you can’t possibly do without a sink in your laundry room, it’s time to consider what sink style you should install in your laundry room.

Let’s start with the best material for a sturdy utility sink.

Our favorite material for a utility sink is industrial-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is a fantastic, functional option for utility sinks. But we at Sinkology believe that beauty should come along with function. Our Graham Drop-In Crafted Stainless Steel Sink, available in both Brushed and Polished stainless steel, features an impressive 18-gauge stainless steel and artistic hand-hammered finish. This Sinkology-exclusive design brings the best benefits of stainless steel with unparalleled allure. It will withstand everything you throw into the basin with its natural resistance against stains, corrosion, and bacteria to continue looking beautiful day after day. After all, your laundry room deserves to be a soothing space, not an afterthought. We at Sinkology believe that just because this sink is in the laundry room doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be beautiful.

Not only should your laundry room sink look good every day, it should be functional for everyday use. The Sinkology Graham Drop-In Crafted Stainless Steel Sink comes with sound-dampening pads, which are installed out of sight on the outside of the sink to minimize excess noise that is common with stainless steel. 

Now, let’s shift gears to the best shape for a laundry room sink.

Our most-recommended sink shape for a laundry room is the farmhouse sink. Now, there’s a reason this sink style is also referred to as an “apron front” style. It will literally act like an apron to repel against splashes and debris. This is a necessary benefit when it comes to modern laundry care with a charming vintage look.

We love how the Bradstreet II brings the elegant charm of farmhouse style with the durable, easy-cleaning qualities of fireclay. Plus, its 30-inch bowl is wide enough for whatever you want to throw at it.  This farmhouse favorite is available in classic white for the most authentic country look as well as Tea Kettle Gloss Black, which will mask stains in a modern finish.

Lastly, when it comes to a laundry room sink, a large basin is a must-have. Some prefer a single basin for deep soaking, while others prefer a dual-sink alternative for separate functions. No matter the style you prefer, our Sinkology sinks have a functional depth for the simplest laundry room care.

Do you have a sink in your laundry room? We would love to hear your top three reasons why a sink in the laundry room simply makes sense. Share with us on Instagram @Sinkology.

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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 Why Laundry Room Sinks Just Make Sense appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/laundry-room-sinks/