Everything but the kitchen sink? Aw, heck. Why not include  that, too? Although it’s hardly the sexiest subject that comes to mind when thinking of renovating, it’s actually got quite a history and a big future.

First came the discovery of fire, then the invention of the wheel. And with the advent of running water, mankind was blessed with the kitchen sink. I kid, but really the kitchen sink is one of the most significant household fixtures we’ve got. Yet, it’s often overlooked, left as-is, and is rarely updated like its neighbors — cabinets, counter-tops, stoves, and refrigerators get all glammed out and gussied up.

Most people think two is better than one when it comes to, oh, just about everything. But what about kitchen sinks? Single or double basin? Back in the farmhouse days so many different tasks were completed with ease thanks to the lowly sink — not just washing the dishes, but hand-cleaning delicate clothing, canning preserves, scrubbing vegetables, and even bathing babies. Currently most of us have dishwashers and while the sink itself has shifted roles a bit, it’s still used many times a day.

Did you know there’s a big brouhaha over whether the single or double basin is better? Not that you can expect it’s going to be on the docket for the Presidential debates of 2016, but it’s a hot topic.

Before dishwashers became commonplace, the double-bowl sink was a must for ease of soaping and scrubbing on one side, then rinsing (and sometimes drip-drying) on the other. These days, it’s hardly necessary and yet manufacturers keep on making them. However, there have been some modifications and now there’s often one large side and then a smaller one to house the garbage disposal.

It’s also interesting to note that sinks installed directly into the counter-top (totally standard now, but that wasn’t always the case) completely changed the structural integrity of the set up, causing the sink to recede away from you and therefore making it necessary bend at the waist and strain the back.

Reasons for going back in time to the days of the single-basin, apron-front farmhouse sink are more than just channeling your inner retro-lovin‘ hipster. Here are a few things I like about them:

• Ergonomic and economical — you won’t break your back, or the bank. However, there is often a bit of extra cutting required to install a farmhouse style sink rather than the standard drop in sink.
• Looks great. Clean lines ensure classic sinks will never go out of style and they look fab in traditional and contemporary kitchens. They’re perfect for historical accuracy when it comes to homeowners wanting an older feel but not an old sink. Just how many babies were bathed in those?

• So many choices. Take your pick of materials from porcelain in different colors, stainless steel, cast iron, and even copper.
• Fun to accessorize. When a sink’s got some personality, you can build on that and make it a focal point. Hang your pretty cookware above the sink, instead of over the stove. A word to the wise: If you use cast iron pots, consider putting a metal drying/draining rack in the bottom, no matter what material your sink is made from, to protect against scrapes.
• Drain action. With the single basin sink, you’re more likely to find a new one with rear-placement drainage. Bet you thought all sinks had drains smack in the middle, huh? This makes for more room underneath the sink, so you can hide a larger trash can.

I rest my case. But tell me, which do you prefer, single or double basin sinks?