My Dreamy, Drop In Farmhouse Sink

Today’s the day, folks.

The big day when I reveal my small kitchen makeover.

It's an update I’ve waited over 20 years for...and now I'm ready to share it with the world.


If you've been following me for a while then you know that when we first moved into our 1929 beach cottage, the kitchen was basically unusable for a modern family.

So we put an addition on the back of the house and created a new one.

And I got to design the entire room from scratch.


It included a custom hood, built by my handy husband, an atrium style breakfast nook, with wall to wall windows, and a cathedral ceiling for a super spacious feel.

The only thing I didn’t get was an apron front farmhouse sink...like the ones that were suddenly being featured in my favorite design magazines. You remember magazines...😉

At the time those sinks were just coming back into style, but they were also very expensive and difficult to install since they required so much support.

The contractor, my husband and the design associates at Home Depot all told me it was a bad move. And a passing fad. Ha!

So with a ton of other renovations and expenses swirling about, I dropped the fight.

That sink was left out of the plans, but never out of my mind..

For years, I pined for that sink and as the style became more and more popular, and the basic standard in kitchen design, my desire for one grew.

Unfortunately, I love my laminate countertops. I actually chose them on purpose. The look was more reminiscent of my grandmother's kitchen, the one I was trying to emulate...not shiny chef's prep area, but a soft living space.

Anyway, whenever I really thought about it, it seemed silly to spend thousands to replace my beloved laminate countertops with another surface that I didn't really want for the sake of a sink.

Besides, my laminate is over 20 years old and still looks perfect. Well, minus a few teeny tiny chips that I was able to repair.

The solution? I needed a drop in, top mounted, apron front sink, which was impossible to find in cast iron, like my old workhorse model...and trust me I investigated.

Instead, I faked the look by placing a white panel below my existing sink and added a fabric skirt that attached to my cabinet doors.

And I called it a day.

Until recently, when I stumbled upon a very affordable brand called Sinkology that sold fireclay drop in farmhouse style sinks...and they looked good.

So I did the research, dug into the reviews, called the company to inquire about the durability and warranty. 

And bought one.


I was so excited I thought I was going to burst when it arrived. Of course, that excitement stopped with me.

While I saw my long awaited design dreams coming true, Mr. DIY just saw another job on his Honey-Do list and simply uttered one word. October.

Well, that wasn't going to fly. I knew he was busy with a whole host of outdoor projects, but October?

Um. No. It took a little convincing (and perhaps a bit of whining), but he finally gave in and told me to call the contractor.

Which was a kitchen miracle, because it's been decades since a pro has stepped foot in this house. Thankfully, the guy who built the kitchen was available to complete the job he started 24 years ago.

Installing A Sinkology Drop In Farmhouse Sink

The look, the price, the durability (so far) have all far exceeded my high expectations. 10/10 for sure...but let's talk about the install.

The instructions that came with my Quick-Fit sink outlined a relatively simple process.

Cut the counter and top of the cabinet frame, plop in the sink inside, silicone around the edges and bam! Instant fabulous.


To be honest, though, there was slightly more to the job than that.

Installing these retrofitted, drop in sinks in laminate, granite and solid surface countertops is not a complicated process..and frankly, I know my husband could've completed this installation no problem.

However, I wouldn't consider this a beginner or novice DIY. There were definitely some advanced skills involved.

First of all, fireclay sinks are heavy. Two people were needed to lift this 34" sucker.


Second, some precise cutting was involved. Big cuts needed for the overall fit and small notches to get the apron front to seat properly.

It took my highly experienced builder several, very slow passes with a jigsaw to get those cuts done right and without cracking or damaging the very countertops I was trying to preserve.

And that was on laminate. If you want to cut granite, quartz or a solid surface, you'll need a diamond blade and an even slower - possibly professional - hand to avoid cracks or chips.

One slip and yikes.

Additional cabinet cuts also were required behind the sink to accommodate the fixture.

Next, he had to install that brand new Champagne Bronze Faucet and Soap Dispenser, in a tight spot, behind that large sink where it was tough to maneuver. 


And snake the extension hose to the soap bottle on the floor of the cabinet.

The steps were simple, but I wouldn't say it was easy. 

Last but not least, he had to cut a piece of wood to fill the gap that remained between the sink and the cabinet. It was my understanding that the apron front would cover the open area that was exposed once that top cabinet panel was removed, but nope.

At least not in my house.
Although, nothing about this old house surprises me anymore.

Besides, it wasn't really a problem. I found a piece of trim I liked and had my husband work his magic so it fit the space perfectly.

Frankly it was a bonus. I ended up with a lovely accent and a bespoke farmhouse sink. 


But again. None of this was really quick or easy. And I had a pro.

Overall, I think it could be a doable DIY if you follow the instructions, go really slow, be prepared to make a few adjustments, depending on your specific kitchen set up, and have a good buddy to help out.

In the end, it didn't really matter to me who put the sink in. My farmhouse kitchen dream had finally come true.

And it was well worth the wait.


The basin is huge and makes food prep and washing dishes easy and enjoyable.

In fact, I'm having so much fun with it, I won't let anyone else come near it. I told them they haven't had sink training yet, so just leave the scrubbing to me.


The fireclay surface is supposedly stain and chip resistant, with a great warranty if there is an issue, but so far so good. 

However, I bought a large stainless steel sink rack for extra protection. I was going to go with gold, but it didn't match my bronze fixture and drain. Too flashy.

And I think the stainless looks great.

However. I didn't like the chrome hardware on my cabinets once the faucet went in, so I swapped that out with matching Champagne Bronze Hardware...and I adore it. 


Warm and charming.

In my fabulous and finally finished kitchen.

Well, almost finished.
I think a new sink calls for a new sink skirt.

Don't you?

😉

I'll keep you posted.

Is your kitchen dreamy?