When it comes to kitchen remodels, where are people putting most of their emphasis? It's not on what you may think.According to "Mastery and Perfection in the Home," a study prepared for Better Homes & Gardens' Special Interest Publications, consumers are demanding a move beyond "aesthetic functionalism." In other words, they want to "wow" themselves, their friends, neighbors and families with their improvements.
In past years, that meant investing most of their remodeling efforts on high-end appliances, cabinets that look like they belong in the living room or countertops that shine, but the latest trend is to put the emphasis on the kitchen sink. These days, people are moving away from the old standbys -- stainless steel and porcelain -- and investing in sinks made of metals that offer distinctive looks.
"People used to shy away from sinks made of metal because they presented a maintenance nightmare. They were hard to keep clean and would tarnish. But not anymore," says Steven Bates, president of Bates & Bates, a sink manufacturer based in Southern California.
His company solved the maintenance problem by creating a new type of metallic sink material. Z-series metal sinks, available in bronze, copper, brass and pewter, are made of a combination of metallics and polymers. The metallic material gives you the look of real metal; the polymers make maintainance easy. All you need to use is a product such as Bar Keeper's Friend, a sponge and water. That will remove any surface tarnish or discoloration off the surface of the sink.
"The Z-metal material is perfect for the kitchen. You get a beautiful sink, something that's easy to maintain and something that will take the wear and tear the most important room in the house gets," says Bates.
Bates & Bates Z-series metal sinks are available for both the kitchen and bath. You can find them at decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms nationwide. Log on to www.batesandbates.com for access to an online catalog and store locator.
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