Those farm style sinks look great, but should you add one?

The first consideration is the style of kitchen. A farm sink belongs in an English or French period type country kitchen,  not a formal kitchen. The country style has a more rustic look than the more formal traditional style. The cabinetry might be pine or an oak that has been distressed. The door panel might have a bead board texture.

You could blend a farm sink with traditional cabinets, as long as the kitchen was somewhat informal. Thinking about contemporary? Don't try it. The sink will seem out of place because of the sleek lines and minimal use of molding in a contemporary kitchen.

Other issues to consider:

• How you use the kitchen. Some choose the sinks because they are large enough for washing big stock pots. They typically are 17-inches deep and 30 to 33-inches wide. They also can be used to give a baby a bath. Most are the size of a double sink without the divider in the middle.

• Functional issues. The sink is not ideal for washing glasses after a dinner party. It's like filling up a whirlpool tub to wash a few glasses.

• Where you would put it. Some home owners add a farm sink in a butler’s pantry because a large ice bucket can fit inside. They then use the sink to chill bottles of wine for large parties. Or, add it as a second sink in one section of the room.

• Your budget. These sinks are priced from $600 to $1,300 or more, so they are not a small budget item. Consider looking for a used one at an estate sale or home demolition sale.

The Practical Side

If you are deciding which material to use, consider the maintenance. Water spots will not show on cast iron and porcelain sinks, while they will on stainless steel. Stone sinks will have seams that may open over time.

There also are installation issues. This type of sink is not as easy to drop into a standard hole in the countertop area. You have to have a cabinet company customize the cabinet because the shape has a little bit of an angle in front.