Whilst the kitchen sink used to have a purely functional purpose, it now forms a vital focal point in modern kitchen design. The sink is really becoming more of a focal point in the kitchen compared to what it used to be, says Brooke Adrienne Murphy, a designer with Nicely Done Kitchens in Washington, D.C. Instead of it just being the area where you clean up, it is now seen as a unique feature. With todays increasing focus on sinks, new trends are emerging in the marketplace. A type of sink increasing greatly in popularity is the vessel sink. Vessel sinks, also known as basin sinks, have become hugely popular in recent years. Vessel sinks sit on top, or slightly recessed of, the worktop, instead of being below worktop level like traditional sinks. As vessel sinks are more visible, they can make a real statement in the kitchen. They are available in a variety of interesting materials, including natural stone, metals, glass and wood so provide a number of options. They can also be easier on the back as, because they are raised above the counter surface, they require less bending. Daniel Hagerman and his partner recently installed a hammered copper kitchen sink in their Chicago apartment. We loved the look of the metal sinks installed on top of the counters in the bathroom at our favourite Mexican restaurant, so we had one made in a larger, deeper size for our kitchen, he says. It looks great and people are surprised by how practical it is. Its art for the kitchen. The cost for a vessel sink can vary considerably and depends on the material from which it constructed but this does mean that a vessel sink can be affordable no matter what your budget.