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 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 valuable 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.