Stainless steel sinks are not just for the kitchen anymore.

Some renovators are using this cool gray metal to bring a rustic, industrial design to the bathroom.

Who's Buying Them?

The trend is catching on in urban areas, where loft buildings create the perfect backdrop for this industrial metal. Others want a unique, cutting edge look for a high end contemporary home.

How to Blend It

Put a stone countertop underneath as a way to add contrast between a natural material and a shiny metal bowl. Or, bring a touch of restaurant chic to the bath with a long stretch of stainless countertop and sink.

Why Stainless?

Stainless steel is considered very durable and easy to maintain, features that make it easy to adapt to the kitchen and bathroom. "Stainless has been a versatile material -- it doesn't chip, it doesn't stain," said Bruce Keclik, director of product development for Just Manufacturing, a sink, faucet and accessories manufacturer in Franklin Park, IL.

The shiny metal also reflects light. Since there typically is lighting over the sink, the metal will add a subtle sparkle to the room when the lighting is on.

"It's a different look for people," Keclik said. "I think the colors have somewhat run their course in the home and people are looking for something different."

How to Design with Stainless?

Those who are considering stainless should realize that it is a unique look and one that fits a contemporary design. While it can be blended into more traditional designs, the look has the clean lines that characterize contemporary.

Begin by deciding just how much stainless you want. Consider:

• A countertop for one sink or two?
• An all stainless countertop and sink?
• A wood, stone or laminate countertop with a stainless sink?
• A polished or brushed stainless sink? Or, a combination of the two?
• A his and her setting -- two separate single bowls placed in separate sections of the bathroom?

Other Tips

When using stainless for the counter and sink, make sure the two pieces are made of the same gauge of stainless steel. Otherwise, the sink and countertop may look different when placed next to each other, said Jim Brunetti, owner of Avenue Metal Manufacturing in Chicago, which makes custom sinks, countertops, walls and other products.

This design can be achieved by dropping a sink into a countertop opening or by having the two pieces welded together. "I really try to talk them into welding it in because it's foolish to have that seam in there," he said. The welding would add $350 to the cost of the sink and counter.