Should Your Sink Match The Appliances In Your Kitchen? It Depends

Does your sink need to match the other appliances in your kitchen? It's a question for the ages, and as it turns out, the answer is, "It depends." From backsplashes to countertops to appliances to hardware, a kitchen renovation entails many decisions. Choosing a sink may not be at the top of homeowners' minds during a renovation, but the wrong choice can throw off your kitchen's entire aesthetic — and there's no single rule of thumb to help guide your decision.

Keep in mind, though, that although matching appliances and other finishes in the kitchen was once a must, that rule is relaxing. Part of that change is about practicality; appliances break and are often replaced at different times. Also, some designers are now suggesting a more deliberately collected look. Add to this the current trend for mixing metals in home decor, and you can reasonably conclude that what the sink matches — or does not match — is up to you.

It may be worth considering whether the sink is visible when not in use. If you do not have an apron front sink, you probably can't see it most of the time. The faucet is more likely to be in view, but you probably want to match the faucet to your cabinet hardware rather than the large appliances. If you want your sink to be a focal point, you may not want it to match anything. 

The question of whether you want your sink to match your appliances is really one about mixing metals (or other finishes), which is more than just trendy — designers like Nate Berkus consider mixed metals a must. However, there are some general rules to follow to make the space feel cohesive and intentional. For instance, designers often recommend sticking to two to three metals in a space, and since your large appliances are likely to dominate the room, it makes sense to start with them.

Once you've chosen your large appliances you can think about hardware, lighting fixtures, and your sink and faucet. Sinks come in many materials, from copper to fireclay to granite. Stainless steel sinks are the most popular, and they're a safe choice, especially in a kitchen with stainless appliances. Matte black fixtures and hardware also tend to read as classic, or even neutral, and go with just about any design aesthetic. You can even forgo metal entirely and choose a granite or quartz sink. 

Whatever aesthetic you decide on, it's the shiny finishes you need to be careful with. Juxtaposing a shiny chrome faucet next to brushed nickel cabinet hardware, for example, may not achieve the look you're going for and could feel disjointed. In other words, if you want shiny fixtures, go for those across the board, even if you're mixing metals. Need more help deciding which finishes are right for your space? Check out our guide to mistakes to avoid when mixing metals to make sure you get the balance just right.