Last time, we focused on kitchen sinks. This week, we take a comprehensive look at the sink centre.

In technical parlance, the sink area is often referred to as a “centre” which, in simple terms, means it requires a comprehensive focus so that its appliances, dimensions, lighting, colour and all other attributes blend towards the essential goal of making the area “functional”.

Location

Locate your sink carefully. According to the rules of the “work triangle”, the sink should be between the refrigerator and the cooking area. If not, it should be easily accessible from these two points.

Try to position the sink centre as close as possible to the kitchen window, ideally below the window. This ensures comfortable and effective washing, easy air-drying of utensils and dishes on the drain board and, most important, kitchen hygiene.

Never place the sink in a tight corner where your elbows could graze the walls while washing. See that there is at least nine inches of clear space on each side of the main bowl.

Primary features

Don’t let a large bowl lure you. The sink counter should never be more than 24 inches deep; else you will have to stoop to reach the back, which might soil your clothes from the front.

Sink plumbing has got complicated with the arrival of garbage crushers, water softeners and purifiers, dishwashers and other features. Hire an expert plumber who knows his job.

Don’t forget to get precise waterproofing done over the internal plumbing systems.

Don’t ignore the need for hot water supply at the sink. It ensures sanitary dishwashing and is a boon to the hands during winters. Instant geysers are best for the purpose, but if you can time your dishwashing, opt for one with a capacity of 10 to 15 litres.

Choose your water purifier carefully. Check out the physical and chemical qualities of the tap water, discuss these with your vendor, and select a suitable model. Position the outlet of the water purifier over the drain board. This way, you can fill up your water bottles conveniently.

Faucets (taps) are one of the most hardworking items in the kitchen, so choose a style that is durable and functions easily. Single-lever taps can be operated fast; the ones with turning heads take time to operate, especially with soapy hands.

Taps come in several styles — from the classic Victorian to the minimal modern. The latter makes more sense.

Don’t go for taps with sensors, which flow only if there is movement beneath. The trouble with them is that they get activated even when you are scrubbing dishes. Choose a tap with a built-in aerator that draws air into the flow but still provides a sufficient stream.

Below the sink

Garbage crushers are a boon — for the household and the environment. These are fitted to the waste line beneath the main bowl. Remember to install one with proven market reports.

All cleaning supplies — detergents, soaps and others — should be within easy reach at the back of the sink. Extra stocks could be stored below the sink. Two bins — one each for dry and wet waste — reflect civic sense.

If you have opted for a dishwasher, place it adjacent to the sink.

Over the top

Position the plate rack directly above the sink. It could be easily concealed in a shuttered cabinet that has a void below so that any water inadvertently left on the plates drains out.

If the sink happens to be away from the window, ensure that it gets sufficient light. The ideal technique is to fix at least one 25W compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulb or tube on the underside of the wall cabinet above.

(The author is an interior design consultant, specialising in the design of corporate and residential interiors. As a senior faculty member at a Calcutta institute, she has delivered lectures, guided research and conducted projects in the field of ‘Housing & Interior Design’ for over two decades. She can be contacted at kusumsmail@yahoo.com )