The standard rectangular sink with two equal-sized curvy bowls is still around but there are many more stylish options available that not only offer a trendier look, but are even more functional.

One example is the large single bowl sink. This style has come on strong in recent years as more and more homeowners use a dishwasher for small items and dishes, and the sink for large pots, pans and cookie sheets. A large single bowl also allows you to place all your dirty dishes inside and off of the counter until you can get to them. For many, once they experience this style of sink there's no going back to two bowls. German sink manufacturer Blanco, has a wide range of single bowl sinks in both premium stainless steel and Silgranit. Silgranit, made of 80 percent natural granite, is a durable composite material and the company has more than 150 models available in 7 colours. So a single bowl sink can become a design focal point in the kitchen.

There are also sinks with larger main bowls and smaller secondary bowls and they come in different size configurations and many interesting styles. Some are described as 1.5 or 1 ½ bowl sinks (a large bowl with a secondary bowl about half the size of the main bowl) or a 1.75 bowl sink configuration (which is a large main bowl and secondary bowl that is ¾ the size of the main one).

For a unique and elegant look, there is a new round sink available this spring. Made in Germany by Blanco, the Ronis features Blanco's fine MicroEdge sink rim which allows the sink to be topmounted to any countertop material and creates an expensive flushmount look. It can also be undermounted to a solid surface or stone countertop. Unlike other round sinks available which are small and tend to be used only as bar sinks, the Ronis is 21" in diameter, large enough to be a main sink or a useful and generous-sized island or entertainment sink. The Ronis comes with elegant accessories including a black satin glass cutting board and black bridge with colander and bowl that can go from sink to counter or table for serving. The sink has a stepped ledge on the inside of the bowl so that the accessory bridge can be placed inside the sink.

If round is not your style, then look at some of the highly contemporary square sinks available for a more commercial look. Or, for those who love the look of quality stainless steel, European-style drainboard sinks are a hot design this year. Blanco has just introduced several new drainboard sink models to their SteelArt line of premium handcrafted stainless steel sinks and also to their Silgranit line for those who love colour and natural materials. More information is available online at www.blancocanada.com.

There's no need to be limited to two-bowl thinking anymore. Investigate the many style options available today to create your own distinctive look in the kitchen.