Kitchen sinks and faucets have come a long way since the days of the single rectangle bowl with standard faucets and knobs. Today's kitchens are not just about function; they are also about beauty and design. Depending on your specific needs and style preferences, there are hundreds of models to choose from.

Some kitchens are busier than others and require additional sink space for cooking and cleaning. Others don't see much use and can get by with a much smaller sink area, especially in condos and apartments. Designs cover all needs with sinks that come in single, double or triple bowls, and corner sink units that allow you to save valuable counter space in an already crowded area.

Sinks today are made from many different materials. Of course, there is the standard stainless steel seen in so many homes due to the fact that is the least expensive option, and it's durable, resistant to stains, and easy to keep clean. However, on the higher end of the designer scale there are materials such as fireclay, granite and acrylic that add a decorative touch to the kitchen. Acrylic comes in several colors and even comes with an anti-microbial surface that helps to fight damage caused by mold, mildew and bacteria.

There are many sizes and shapes to choose from as well. Kitchen sinks can be round, oval, square or rectangle and can be configured side-by-side as most are, or in an L or diamond shape, depending on your preference and your space constraints. The most common ways to mount a kitchen sink are either from the bottom up or drop-in. Drop-in sinks are lowered into a pre-cut hole and form a lip around the edges of the counter top. Under mounting a kitchen sink, that is mounting from under the counter, brings the sink top flush with the counter and gives your room a more finished designer look.

Just as kitchen sinks have come a long way, so have the faucets. Today you can find a huge assortment of faucets that fit every taste and need, including goose neck faucets, pot fillers and even hands-free faucets equipped with infrared technology. Faucets come in a wide assortment of styles ranging from Victorian to contemporary and are made from such metals and alloys as chrome, brass, copper, nickel and gold.

With so many choices, shopping for a new kitchen sink and faucets to complete your new kitchen look can be quite an enjoyable experience.