Sinks are an increasingly important element of kitchen design, it has been claimed and are not always found in isolation.Top kitchen designers told US news site Imperial Valley News that there was increasing demand for multiple sinks, with the unit (or units) providing a centrepiece around which surfaces were planned.Jeff Pratt, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, told the site that sinks were at a premium with some homeowners requiring multiple sinks for efficiency and others prioritising sink-surrounding countertops. Homeowners and designers place a lot of emphasis on a sinks role when planning a kitchen remodel, said Mr Pratt.Imperial Valley News affirmed the new importance of kitchens that the resurgent demand for sink-oriented designs was revealing.Today, [the kitchen] is truly the nerve centre of the house where families eat meals, discuss the days happenings, plan calendars, check e-mail and even entertain, said the site.Modern-looking sinks from brands like Franke, Astracast and Carron Phoenix are often a hit with people revamping kitchens, thanks to a style that merges in easily with other appliances and surfaces.