The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall. In terms of plumbing, using as short a waste pipe as possible from the sink to the drains is not only the most effective but also the cheapest, solution.
There are no real guidelines for whether the sink should be fitted under a window or not, but there is one practical argument for it. Fitting a sink under a window means you can look out of the window when you do the dishes! And it will let natural light on your work, so that they get nice and clean too.
The kitchen sink direction as per Vastu is ideally said to be the north direction in a kitchen built in the south direction. The kitchen sink should be placed in the northeast direction in a kitchen built in the southeast direction.
Although placing your sink in front of a window can make a lot of sense, it's not your only option. Your kitchen sink could be placed in an island, against a wall without a window, or even in a corner (although I don't really recommend that), depending on your kitchen's configuration and your personal preferences.
Sliding windows: Sliders make ideal kitchen windows. They are oriented horizontally and come in custom sizes to fit the width of your kitchen sink. Smooth tracks make sliding windows easy to open with one hand. Double-hung windows: This is the most popular window style in the US.
When it comes to kitchen windows over a sink, casement windows are especially popular as they are easy to open and close, even in hard-to-reach spaces. Choose between a crank that folds away when not in use, or the Easy-Slide Operator that allows you to simply slide to open and close without the effort of cranking.
When your home's windows face the east, it's easier to enjoy natural light and warming sunshine in the earlier hours of the day. Beams of sunlight streaming into a kitchen first thing in the morning can make the room, and its inhabitants, feel cheerier and more peaceful.
Probably the most popular choice is to fit a wall unit or top box above a sink, where there is no window present. The wall units help to continue the lines of the kitchen and encase the sink area nicely. A few lights and plants can also make the sink area more appealing.
Place your dishwasher next to the sink
Of course, it's also the most convenient placement in terms of functionality – we tend to scrape leftovers from dishes, rinse them and load them into the dishwasher. By placing your dishwasher right next to the sink, scraping, rinsing and loading dishes will be much easier.
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular layouts because it's super functional and can be adapted for almost any sized space. As the name implies, an L-shaped layout features cabinetry and appliances along two adjacent walls, creating an obvious triangle path between work zones.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
The sink, main refrigerator, and stove should be in close proximity to each other. You require a minimum of 4 feet between each point to easily maneuver, and equally not more than 9 feet. This allows easy access to get food from the refrigerator to a preparation point, and then into the oven.
As per Feng Shui, the sink should be placed in the northeast corner of the kitchen, and the stove should be placed in the southeast corner.
On a hard, smooth floor, these water droplets can pose a slipping hazard. A well-chosen kitchen rug - one with non-slip backing - can greatly minimize this risk by absorbing the water and providing a secure footing. The rug in front of the sink also plays a role in aesthetics.
Items not recommended to store under the sink
Harsh chemicals, bug spray, paper towels, waxes, carpet shampoo, drain cleaners, polishes and paints. Even some cleaning products, including dishwasher pods and colorful spray bottles, can be dangerous and entice curiosities for paws or tiny fingers.
The valve is actually for the dishwasher and is commonly known as the dishwasher air gap. An air gap's purpose is to prevent drain water from the kitchen sink backing up into the dishwasher, contaminating your cleanly washed dishes. Now that you know what it is, how does it actually work?
If you have space, you should certainly consider including a sink on your island. The reason why many people cite sinks on islands is because of their usage and proximity to the stove and prep area.
Northern exposures: Northern light is indirect, meaning that it is always in shadow and can cause spaces to feel dark and cold. North-facing windows receive the least amount of light of any orientation, but the benefit is that northern light it is diffuse and does not typically need to be controlled for glare.
North-facing windows are the ideal orientation for larger, regularly-used rooms, such as lounge rooms, living and dining areas, and the kitchen. Positioning your windows to the north allows you to receive sun and warmth from sunrise to sunset. It's ideal for receiving more winter sun to keep your home warmer in winter.
South-facing windows receive the most light and are the hottest. North-facing windows receive the least light and are the weakest and coolest. East-facing windows receive light in the morning and are weak and cool. West-facing windows receive light in the afternoon and are strong and hot.
“Sinks are usually in front of a window because there aren't any cabinets above it, making it easy to maneuver around,” said Christopher. “However, the sink can be placed elsewhere and still be very functional and beautiful. For example, a lot of time a sink in an island makes sense even when you have a window .”