Ideas
Kitchen Sink and Tapware Combinations for an Elevated Design Look
In the heart of every home, the kitchen serves as both a practical space and a place to showcase your personal style. With modern kitchen designs leaning towards open-plan living and minimalistic aesthetics, sinks, and tapware have become focal points that contribute significantly to the overall look. Choosing the right sink and tap combination is essential for achieving a cohesive and chic aesthetic that elevates the kitchen’s style and functionality. We're exploring the perfect pairings for kitchen sinks and tapware, focusing on a range of colours, materials, and styles that you're sure to love. Let's dive in!
Discover the full range of Kitchen Sinks and Kitchen Taps & Mixers in our product library.
Image credit: Studio Esar | Elise Scott
1. Dark Toned Kitchen Sinks and Tapware
Kitchen sinks and taps in darker toners, such as matt black, are a much-loved feature within the interior design industry. The deep, inky tones create a bold, sophisticated look that works well in both contemporary and industrial-style kitchens. Pairing matte black taps with sleek, under-mount dark-toned sinks offers a perfect balance of modernity and practicality. Take the kitchen at 86 Talle, for example. We love how the striking black hues stand out against the neutral backdrop of the open-plan space, turning the sink and tapware into a statement.
Known for their durability and resistance to staining, stainless steel sinks are an excellent choice for any kitchen. The clean lines of an under-mount sink combined with matte black taps create a sleek, minimalist look that’s perfect for modern homes.
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Image credit: Evoque Interiors | Kristian van der Beek
2. Brushed Brass Tapware for a Modern Kitchen
For those who prefer a touch of warmth in their kitchen, brushed brass tapware is a standout choice. The rich, golden tones of brass offer a luxurious finish that contrasts beautifully against cooler countertop materials such as marble or quartz. This combination is perfect for so many different types of interior design styles, ranging from modern to coastal.
Brushed brass pairs beautifully with a classic ceramic sink. This sink will seamlessly integrate with the surrounds of the kitchen, allowing the brushed brass to take centre stage. Perfectly achieving this look is HAAUS 4, a modern luxe dream home that balances classic features.
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Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
3. Brushed Brass Kitchen Sink
For those looking to make a bold design statement with brushed brass, why not take it a step further than tapware and opt for a brushed brass kitchen sink? A brushed brass sink offers an unexpected yet luxurious touch to the kitchen. While brass is often seen in tapware and accessories, incorporating it into the sink itself creates a stunning focal point. The warm, golden tones of brushed brass add a sense of opulence and sophistication, instantly elevating the overall look of the kitchen.
This style works particularly well in modern and eclectic interiors, where mixing metals and textures is encouraged.
If you’re still not convinced about brushed brass, then we’ve got you covered. ABI Interiors has your complete guide to why you should consider brushed brass for your next interior design project.
Balmoral Kitchen created by Vienna Rose Interiors on Style Sourcebook.
Modern Kitchen created by GemmaF on Style Sourcebook.
4. Warm Toned Kitchens with Copper Tapware
Copper tapware, with its rich, earthy tones, brings warmth and texture to any kitchen space. This is an ideal option for those looking to add a striking visual interest to their home. We also love the pairing of copper tones with natural materials, such as timber, and a light palette, to create a unique juxtaposition of warmth and coolness that’s very much in line with modern design trends.
When it comes to copper tapware, we love to see these pieces paired with sinks that blend in with the benchtop, like at the Beach Abode. This white sink flows perfectly with the stone, allowing for the copper tapware to create a bold statement. The striking contrast between the smooth, warm hue of the metal and the cool tones works beautifully in homes that favour natural materials and a tactile, earthy design palette.
Image credit: The Beach Abode | Nat Spada
5. Stainless Steel Tapware and Sinks
For the ultimate style meets functionality solution, why not opt for stainless steel tapware? Take this to the next level by creating a seamless pairing with a stainless steel sink, as well. This combination is both practical and aesthetically cohesive, as it creates a clean, streamlined appearance that fits perfectly into any style kitchen.
A pull-down or pull-out stainless steel tap adds a functional touch. Pair this with a deep, single-bowl stainless steel sink to complete the look. The uniformity of the materials highlights the sleek, functional nature of the design while still maintaining a high-end feel.
Gumtree Row Kitchen created by House of Hali Designs on Style Sourcebook.
Curry St - Kitchen Aesthetic created by Amanda Kate Design on Style Sourcebook.
6. Classic Chrome Tapware and Ceramic Sinks
For a timeless and versatile option, chrome tapware paired with a white ceramic sink remains a classic combination that suits various design styles, from traditional to modern. Chrome taps have a reflective, polished finish that complements almost any colour scheme and is easy to maintain.
A white ceramic sink, particularly a double-bowl option, adds a touch of elegance and simplicity to the kitchen. This pairing is an ideal option if you prefer a clean, classic look that won’t go out of style. The bright, reflective nature of the chrome tapware against the crisp white of the ceramic sink creates a fresh, inviting feel, making it perfect for light-filled, airy kitchens often seen in coastal and Hamptons-inspired homes across Australia. Take this stunning home from Jessi Eve, for example. Its blend of Scandinavian and Hampton-style influences is perfectly complemented by the tapware.
Image credit: Jei Studio | Villa Styling
7. Brushed Nickle Tapware for a Modern Kitchen
Brushed nickel tapware offers a subtle, understated alternative to chrome, with its muted, matte finish that feels modern without being too bold. This makes it an incredible option for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens, where clean lines and subtle textures are key.
Brushed nickel tapware is best paired with an understated sink, such as stainless steel. Your sink choice should complement the modern kitchen space in creating a functional. Hall Residence is a stunning example of how understated minimalist tapware and sinks can completely elevate a kitchen.
Discover kitchen splashback ideas that will elevate your space as much as a striking tapware and sink combination.
HALL RESIDENCE - Kitchen/Dining created by Kahli Jayne Designs on Style Sourcebook.
Image credit: Kahli Jayne Designs | Villa Styling
8. Minimalist Monochrome with White Tapware and Sinks
For those who love a minimalist aesthetic, the inclusions of not just white sinks, but white tapware offers a sleek look perfect for any style of kitchen. A striking white palette is both timeless and trendy, providing a neutral base that allows you to experiment with bolder design choices elsewhere in the kitchen, such as splashbacks or cabinetry.
We love how the white tapware at Lumiere Lakes feels cohesive to the laidback kitchen, allowing the textures of the space to stand out.
Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada
When designing your kitchen, the sink and tapware combination can make a significant impact on both style and functionality. Whether you prefer the sleek sophistication of matte black, the warmth of brushed brass, or the timeless appeal of chrome, there’s a pairing to suit every design preference. Start creating your dream kitchen by heading to our mood board tool to visualise a range of different kitchen sink and tapware options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best design for a kitchen sink?
The best kitchen sink design ultimately depends on your lifestyle, the size of your kitchen, and your overall aesthetic preferences. For those who value a sleek, minimalist look, under mount sinks are a popular choice, as they create a seamless transition between the countertop and the sink. They’re ideal for modern or contemporary kitchens and make cleaning the counter much easier.
Farmhouse sinks (also known as apron-front sinks) are perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional or country-inspired style, offering deep basins that are highly functional for washing larger pots and pans.
For smaller kitchens, single-bowl sinks offer a space-saving solution, while double-bowl sinks provide the flexibility to separate washing and rinsing tasks. Materials like stainless steel and composite granite are durable and versatile, suiting both modern and industrial kitchen styles, while ceramic sinks exude a timeless elegance.
What colour sink is best for a kitchen?
When choosing the best colour for your kitchen sink, it’s important to consider your kitchen’s overall palette and design style. Stainless steel is a classic choice that works with almost any style, from modern to coastal, and its neutral tone complements a variety of tapware finishes.
For a more luxurious look, brushed brass or copper sinks can add warmth and sophistication, especially when paired with complementary tapware. These bold colours are perfect for those looking to create a statement in the kitchen. Matte black sinks are ideal for contemporary and minimalist kitchens, adding a striking contrast when paired with lighter countertops.
Alternatively, white ceramic sinks are timeless and versatile, suiting traditional, Hamptons, or farmhouse kitchens where a clean and fresh aesthetic is desired. Ultimately, the best sink colour is one that harmonises with your kitchen's overall design and complements your chosen tapware.
How do I choose kitchen tapware?
Choosing the right kitchen tapware involves considering both functionality and aesthetics. Start by assessing your kitchen sink and overall design style. If you have an undermount sink or a sleek, modern kitchen, opt for minimalist tapware like matte black or brushed nickel for a streamlined look.
For traditional, farmhouse kitchens, or even coastal-style kitchens, brushed brass or chrome taps provide a timeless appeal. Functionality is key, so consider the tap’s features—pull-out or pull-down taps are ideal for flexibility in food prep and cleaning, while touchless taps offer added convenience and hygiene. The height and shape of the tap should also align with the sink size; for example, a high-arc tap works well with deeper sinks, while a low-profile tap suits compact spaces. It’s also important to match or complement your tapware finish with other kitchen hardware, such as cabinet handles and light fixtures, to ensure a cohesive look.
What tapware is on trend?
Currently, matte black and brushed brass tapware is highly on-trend in Australian kitchens, offering a blend of sophistication and warmth. Matte black taps create a bold, modern look, especially when paired with neutral or light countertops and sinks, while brushed brass brings a touch of luxury and elegance, making it ideal for both contemporary and classic kitchen designs.
Mixed metals are also gaining popularity, with homeowners blending different finishes, such as pairing black taps with brass or copper accents, for a more eclectic and personalised style. These trends reflect a growing preference for both functionality and style, with homeowners opting for tapware that not only looks great but also enhances everyday kitchen tasks.
