Maximize your kitchen space with these functional, stylish ideas

Years ago, the kitchen served a very utilitarian function - a place to prepare food and clean the dishes. Today, it's truly the nerve center of the house where people eat meals, discuss the day's events, plan calendars, do homework, check e-mail and entertain guests.

With that increased demand on the kitchen, and the trend towards creating flexible living spaces, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize their overall layout and make their kitchens work harder.

Expanded work surfaces, smart appliances and carefully thoughtthrough floor plans are just a few elements that have recently emerged in kitchen trends. But one of the most noticeable differences in today's kitchen is the demand for multiple sinks and various water sources.

According to Katherine Riley of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, many homeowners are using multiple sink areas to increase efficiency and literally spread out the work. However, they don't want to sacrifice the ability to showcase their personal tastes and eye for design.

"Homeowners and designers place a lot of emphasis on a sink's role when planning a kitchen remodel," says Riley. "While convenience and functionality have always been key factors, today's homeowners also want to enhance the room's ambiance and decor they've worked hard to achieve. In fact, the kitchen is one of the best rooms in the house to showcase a home's personality through design."

If you're looking for ideas on how to make your kitchen more functional and stylish, consider integrating these options into your kitchen remodeling plan:

Main sink

An all-purpose station primarily used for clean-up duty, the main sink often features a deeper, single basin to handle dishes and oversized pots and pans. Riley suggests pairing these sinks with a pre-rinse faucet such as the Danze Parma Pre-Rinse or its new The Foodie faucet. These faucets improve functionality of the sink area by allowing users to literally "take the water to the work," but are noticeably fashionable.

In addition to the primary functional faucet, many kitchens feature a water filtration faucet or tap as part of their main sink configuration.

Second sink

Often located in a center island, this sink helps avoid congestion at the main sink and is a great way to increase a kitchen's workflow. Many refer to this sink as a prep sink, which quite literally is one of its primary uses. Homeowners commonly use this extra workspace for cutting vegetables, chilling wine or washing hands before a meal. Choosing a faucet style and finish that complements the room's decor can add an eye-catching decorative piece to an otherwise "ho-hum" island.

Bar sink

Sometimes referred to as a convenience sink or a beverage center, this area is traditionally used for entertaining purposes. It's occasionally located on the center island, but is often placed on a separate countertop in the kitchen or adjacent room (if space allows). Make sure to choose a faucet that matches the other kitchen faucets. Danze offers several types of bar faucets, including high-arc options, small-scale faucets and pull- down faucets. Choose a style that will make this space "entertaining."

Looking for another water source without a full sink? Try incorporating a pot filler faucet at your stovetop. These faucets provide a convenient, safe way to add more water to boiling pots or saute pans.

As you plan your kitchen remodel or look for ways to maximize your work areas, don't be shy about making your sinks, work surfaces and water sources work hard for you.

Visit www.danze.com for more kitchen (and bath) solutions from Danze. Courtesy of StatePoint

STATEPOINT This "right-sized" pull-down faucet is perfect for any kitchen island.

STATEPOINT The Foodie Noir from Danze adds a hard-working, stylish faucet (in Satin Black) to this main kitchen sink.