Like a grand fireplace in a study, or a wall of windows in a living room, the bathroom sink sets the tone of the bathroom. A generic fixture can blend into the background to the point we barely notice it, which is fine, but I am always delighted when I see a bathroom or powder room sink which has a unique design or is of exceptional quality.
Whether we like formal or funky, exotic or traditional-we all need to wash our hands. It is important that the sink holds water and keeps it off our clothes and floor, but otherwise there is a lot of freedom for the design.
I personally like to keep the bathroom and its sinks consistent with the rest of the home and probably would not design a cutting edge sink for the bathroom in a period house. Quality of workmanship and attention to detail is important since this fixture is as functional as they get. My rule of thumb is: keep the sink consistent with the room it is in.
When choosing a sink, whether it is free standing or part of a vanity, we take into consideration the materials that surround it. If the sink does not have a backsplash, water resistant materials should line the surrounding walls. In a children's bath, we take that a step further and make sure the floor can handle the occasional drenching.
I consider the faucets to be part of the sink, and they must be sized and designed to work with that sink. When the design of the room, the sink, the mirrors and other fixtures work together, you know the architect has done his job.
Bathroom SinksTo see photos associated with this article, please go to: http://blog.crisparchitects.com/2010/09/the-personality-of-a-bathroom-sink/
http://www.crisparchitects.com/ James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.