Kristina Ferrigan, Author at Normandy Remodeling

The new interpretation of a farmhouse sink offers the charm of an apron-front sink with added flexibility, function and style. Rather than using a traditional exposed-front sink, stone front sinks incorporate countertop material to create the apron look, leaving you to choose any sink you want and any material you want to highlight.

“A popular approach is to extend the countertop over the front of the sink, which creates a really fluid design,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “I love this method because if you pick a beautiful countertop, why not highlight it and showcase more of it? Especially when you’re using natural stone. You can also introduce elements like reeded tile for an interesting contrast, or to bring in textures from other areas of the kitchen design.”

Beyond style, countertop apron sinks allow for greater flexibility in sink selection. “Many traditional farmhouse sinks tend to be shallow, but this approach allows you to get any kind of undermount sink, that can be any material such as stainless steel, cast iron, or composite,” Bryan says. “You can get a much deeper sink while still having the beauty of your countertop stone or chosen material.”

Installation of a stone front sink can also be more efficient compared to traditional farmhouse sinks. By removing the false drawer front, the faux apron achieves the look without requiring extensive structural support. “With some apron sinks, extra blocking is needed to support the weight of the sink, which takes up under-sink storage,” Bryan explains. “This method helps preserve valuable storage.”

Customization is another major draw. You can adjust the height and prominence of the apron to suit your style or highlight a particular material. “Do you want a thin apron? Do you want a taller apron? A marble apron?” Bryan notes. “You can customize to your heart’s content.”

Aesthetically, the countertop apron sink acts as a “new age farmhouse sink,” Bryan says. “It can lean modern or traditional depending on edge details, proportions, and materials.”

If you’d to chat about ideas for your kitchen design and what can make yours unique but also functional for your household, set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to develop the perfect solution for your home. For more design tips, check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts, and our photo gallery of past projects.

The backsplash has become a centerpiece of kitchen design, but while a full-height backsplash can make a big statement, it isn’t always necessary. In many cases, a shorter solution — or even no backsplash at all, depending on the area of the kitchen — can fit your design or budget goals.

The key is understanding where protection is truly needed. “Anywhere you have a splash zone, where food debris or water could splatter the nearby wall surface, some type of backsplash is ideal,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “These high-impact areas typically include the range and, to a lesser extent, the sink. Around the range especially, a backsplash helps shield the wall from grease and cooking residue, though how high it extends is often more of a stylistic choice.”

Outside of these zones, however, people have more freedom. For instance, a kitchen sink or range positioned beneath a window may not require a traditional backsplash at all. In these scenarios, what is referred to as a set-on splash, offers a smart compromise.

“A set-on backsplash is similar to the standard splash you’ll see on most bathroom vanities, that have the shorter back piece,” Bryan says. “In a kitchen design when there’s a window behind the sink, you could extend the countertop material for the distance between the counter and the window.”

Efficiently sealing paint or wallpaper against food debris like pasta sauce splatter can be challenging, so a small backsplash is a practical safeguard, according to Bryan. “Set-on splashes provide just enough protection without interrupting sight lines or competing with other design elements like wallpaper,” he says. “Skipping a full backsplash can allow wallpaper or painted finishes to flow more seamlessly and can help with budget as well.”

There are also areas where a backsplash simply isn’t necessary. Walk-in pantries and dry storage zones, for example, are not typically exposed to moisture or splatter. “Ultimately, backsplash decisions come down to your design vision and kitchen’s needs,” Bryan says. “While a continuous backsplash can be visually striking, it’s not a requirement. An edited version can be budget-friendly, beautiful and functional for your space.”

To discuss your vision for your kitchen design and what kind of backsplash would work best for your style and kitchen layout, set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to develop the perfect solution for your home. For more design tips, check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts, and our photo gallery of past projects.