Kohler Bol Single Control Faucet

In sink with style

Colanders: No need to hunt in the cabinets; some sinks have colanders and measuring bowls that fit inside.

Prep bowls: Six sink-accessory prep bowls available through Kohler are double sided, with the deep side for large amounts of ingredients and the shallow side for spices or garnishes. The bowl can be used on a plastic flip tray that can function as a prep or serving tray; flip it over for a cutting surface.

Grids: The metal sink inserts offer protection from surface scratches. They stand on rubberized legs and act as drying racks for pots, pans, dishes and glasses. Stand-alone baskets hold utensils.

Faucets: Many have integrated pull-out sprayers. Some turn on with a back-of-the-hand tap when hands are dirty or sticky. Jessica Schroeder, product manager for kitchen faucets at Kohler, says some faucets have a pause feature.

Soap dispensers: Some are integrated to keep the sink and counter uncluttered. Some sinks and cabinets also have sponge-and-scrubby storage to keep things tidy.

Strainers: You want a good-quality one that holds in the water but easily drains without you having to fish out food gunk with your fingers.

If you haven't looked at kitchen sinks in a few years, you might be surprised. Kim Kubicki of Overland Park, Kan., certainly was when she remodeled her kitchen.

"We had a double-basin cast-iron sink before," says Kubicki, a financial product analyst who is a baking enthusiast. Her husband, Steve Kubicki, does most of the cooking. "That sink had problems."

The drop-in sink's rim picked up grime around the edges. Le Creuset pots chipped the sink surface and led to rust. Cookie sheets had to be turned sideways to be cleaned.

The Kubickis' new sink feels like a luxury car in comparison. It's undermounted, so Kim can wipe the counters with one swoop into the sink. The Blanco sink is Silgranit, an engineered stone of 80% granite and 20% acrylic resin that shouldn't chip or show dirt. And the single basin can accommodate baking sheets laid flat for cleaning.

One of the main perks of a new sink is the selection of accessories, Kubicki says. She has a grid at the bottom that helps protect the sink surface, as well as a wire basket for utensils that require hand-washing. But what she really loves is the walnut cutting board that fits over her sink, extending the work surface.

"We use it all the time," Kubicki says. Another bonus: The cutting board acts as a sink cover. So if the couple are entertaining, guests don't spy a sink full of dirty dishes. The once-humble kitchen sink has evolved into a focal point as kitchens have become more open to the gathering areas of the home.

KOHLER K-16214-4-AF Revival Shower Faucet, Vibrant French Gold ...

Kohler K-16214-4-AF Revival Shower Faucet with Scroll Lever Handles and Standard Showerarm and Flange, Vibrant FrenchBlending European style and early American influences, the Revival shower faucet with scroll lever handles work beautifully with the entire Revival Suite of products for a coordinated bathroom decorSmart ergonomic handles provide on/off water control with only a quarter turn and the showerhead adjusts easilySolid brass construction offers years of durability and reliabilityKohler K-16214-4-AF Revival Shower Faucet with Scroll Lever Handles and Standard Showerarm and Flange, Vibrant French Features:; Lever handles; One-piece ceramic valve resists debris and hard water buildup; Full line of matching accessories complements any decor; Brass construction; Brass valve bodies; 1/2â³ quarter-turn washerless ceramic disc valves; Available with scroll or traditional handle(s); For 8â³ (20.3 cm) centers; Kohler lifetime limited warranty

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