Before you buy

'The current trend in kitchen design is for a very linear look,' says John Swain, product manager of Franke UK. 'At the Milan Furniture Fair this year, there wasn't a handle in sight, tiles were often replaced with glass or stainless-steel splashbacks and sinks had minimal, simple lines, low-level profiles, few, if any, drainer channels and sharp, defined edges.'

With such a variety of modern materials, dramatic designs, and space-saving options to choose from, it's important to pick a sink that suits your needs. If space allows, you can opt for anything from a single-bowl sink to a bigger, more industrial size, which can accommodate extra-wide trays from range cookers. 'A two-bowl sink is the best choice,' says Lawrence Pigeon. 'But if you have enough space, think like a professional and get completely separate sinks for dishwashing and food preparation.'

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