I generally have a plan before I share pictures with you but today I’m asking you to help me figure out the plan. I’m stuck. I can’t decide what to do in the area where I’m putting my utility sink. My crafting supplies have been stored away for so long that I can’t visualize how I might want to use a utility sink area.
The main focus is function. What are all the tasks that one might perform in a craft room utility sink area? I have thought of these: Washing hands, paint brushes, and stamps. That is as far as my imagination takes me. Because I don’t have a firm grasp of all the ways I might ever want to use this area I don’t know the best way to set it up. That’s where you come in.
The sink is 30″ wide and I don’t have a ton of space left for countertop. Visually I like the sink centered.
But if I push the sink over to the side it gives me more counter space.
If the sink is on one side I visually like it on the right because it offsets the slanted ceiling.
I have 14″ of space that I can use on the adjoining wall to the right. I think the best use of that space is closed storage.
I could build lower cabinets and have a 14″ deep countertop. What would be the benefit? Might I need more counter space in that area?
I’m not worried about the wall above the sink for now though I’ll probably just do a simple open shelf. Or will I want a way to hang drying fabric? Perhaps I want to dye fabric or make my own paper?
This is why I’m asking for your help. All you active crafters out there:
- What would you do in this space?
- What is the most functional layout?
- How do you (or would you want to) use a utility sink in your crafting space?
The one thing I don’t want to do is look back in a year or two and “wish I had thought of that” and built the space differently. I like to think about all the ways I might ever use a space before I build it so give me your best and most “out there” ideas. I’m ready to build so let’s get this figured out! 😀
Amy C says
I’d go for the centered sink and the counter/storage on the right. For me at least when I’m working, I tend to use both hands so I set things down on both sides to use. I also always, always, always, run out of countertop space!!!
Dawn C. says
Agree with Amy. Centered sink and counter/storage on the right. Storage all the way to the ceiling makes it feel claustrophobic and as if you are just trying to fit in a sink. The additional counters feel more planned to me. And I think you have ample enough storage so far in this room.
rita Loveday says
I would want space on both sides of the sink. Just finished replacing countertops and a 32 year old SS sink. Now have a 30″ wide, 8″ deep si k. Believe me when I say 8″ deep is plenty deep! Do love the width tho! You can expand the countertop space with a SS rack that has rods connected on the end with silicone and folds in fourths for storage. Can use for drying and will accept hot pots. I like the sink centered because if you are using dyes, then splashes will discolor the wall. Also, like the countertop extended on the right side, ever tho it is shallow. Good luck!
Vanessa Watkins-Hussey says
I also agree with Amy. When washing utensils, etc. you will need a space to lay the dirty and an alternate space to lay the clean. I also agree that visually, a centred sink is more appealing, especially if you intend on installing an upper, hanging light fixture. Lower cabinetry with extra counter space will never be something that you will regret! You can always build upper open shelving to store linens, rags and supplies in baskets. It’s also a perfect area for a coffee station in your workshop!
Matt says
I agree with others… centered. Depending on what you will be washing in the sink, you might want that freedom to the left and right to move around. Plus you can use one side for dirty stuff and the other side for clean.
Sharon says
Centered sink!
lISA says
Center sink and storage on the right.
Ange says
Looks like which ever way you decide to go it will be a great work space. I too like the balance and look of the sink in the middle, with the tall storage cabinets. BUT, I would rather have more work area. If I were to put the sink to one side it would have to be on the left, because I’m right handed and that works out better for me. We put a sink in the garage and I had the same options as you do. I decided I wanted the big work area and put the sink on the left hand side. I guess it would really depend on what kind of crafting you will be doing. Good luck on your decision. BTW-I’m really enjoying your project updates, thank you for sharing!
Fred McIntyre says
Center the sink, more counter/no full height cabinets, those shelves seem tight to me, at least the lower one looks to close to the sink, maybe just one shelf in the center of where those two are or make the lower one more shallow than the top. Additionally you can put more open shelving above the cabinets/counter on the right.
mary rigsby says
Centered sink. Something else I might want in this space is a place to brew a cup of coffee or small frig for something cold to drink so you are not running downstairs.
Ally says
I would center it as well. The rest will depend on the intended use. If you need the counter space for a project and don’t have it, you’d be moving your project from a counter somewhere else in the room to your sink. If you have enough storage elsewhere or can be inventive with lower storage, then the extended counter top area would be best. Hope that makes sens.
Anna M says
I’d go with centered sink and low cabinets with extra counter space on the side. Like others have said, piles of dirty or died items can go on the left and then there’s plenty of space to lay things out to dry on the right.
Frankie says
I like the sink centered and the added extra counter top to the right. As for cupboards, maybe only lower and then an open shelf above or a hanging line with some cute clips to hang things. You can never really have too much counter space and lower cupboards. Without upper cabinets, the space feels larger.
Jon says
If it was me I’d push the sink to the right and on the left put a full length cabinet on that wall . Just leave 4 to 6 inches from wall and sink
Loren Zachary says
I would have the sink on the right side. The wall storage would look and operate the best with lower and upper cabinets. This give the maximum amount of horizontal space, and this configuration will soften the look of the small area.
Amy says
I’d go with the centered sink and extra counter on the right. Above the extra counter I’d mount a fold out drying rack like this http://jenwoodhouse.com/laundry-rack/
Carrie says
More things you’d do in the sink:
Dampen press cloths for ironing
Soaking stained fabrics
Preshrinking fabrics
Cleaning stencils
Removing disolveable stabilizer
Mixing/cleaning up small batches of plaster and woodputty
Soaking leather
Soaking pine needles, wheat, thin wood for weaving or shaping
Some painting techniques need to rinse off the canvas
Soaking potted plants
Warming thermoplastic for molding
Wet felting
Fill your steamer/iron
Putting on decals
I agree with most posters so far and would go for a centered sink with more counter top. I’ve used a sink right up against a wall and I found it quite confining and hated having dirty and clean things on the same side
Joy@aVintageGreen says
If you are planning to use the sink frequently I would put it in the centre. Washing anything in a corner (left or right) would perhaps cramp your movements.
Joy
Tabitha Cavaness says
I think the sink centered on the wall with the 14″ deep counter top on the right would be a good option. I could see needing the counter space if you were for example washing a bunch of mason jars prior to using them for a project. I would start upper cabinets 18″ to 24″ above the 14″ deep counter top. Also, this would provide closed storage for paper towels, snacks, etc.
mary rigsby says
Maybe a built in drying rack for press cloths, etc to dry.
A built in trash container.
Francesca Garcia says
I like the sink centered with work space on both sides of the sink. I also like the floor to ceiling closed cabinets for storage. You could mount a rack on the wall over the sink/counter that folds up when not in use and then folds down when you need to hang something. You could have a pull out shelf under the counter if you need some temporary work space while you’re at the sink. Again, when not in use, push the shelf back in. Sort of like the old fashioned cutting boards that were put in kitchens back in the day. Look into the fold out hanging rack. That would be a good option for drying things.
My Crappy House says
Say you were hanging wallpaper and using one of those long trays. Now you want to wash it. If the sink is against a wall, that’s going to be difficult. You have to center the sink for flexibility. Do the counter top to the right. Seriously, how much storage do you need in this room? You’re going a little nuts now.
Channah Morris says
Counter space for the win!
While I love symmetry, I don’t think that’s your best choice.
I would go with the sink pushed to the right with the counter space instead of storage. That way you will maximize counter space and leave yourself plenty of space for hanging things to dry and or install some shallow shelves.
Michelle says
Definitely center the sink (most visually pleasing) and wrap the counter top around to the right so you can have upper/lower storage and a counter top separating the upper from lower. I like more counter space than less, since you will possibly have items that need washing on one side, and then need space to lay them out to dry on the other side. Perhaps the storage does not have to be all “closed” so you can hang things to dry inside one of the cabinets and still have your counter space open? Keep above the sink open so you can add sink task lighting. =)
Donna says
I would compare where the other sinks are in your home (kitchen, bath, etc) and decide what you like and dislike about each as far as counter space, position in relationship to storage, etc. Then take your likes/loves or ‘wished’ you had and incorporate into your design. Additionally, if your counter was a little taller than height of sink, ‘a counter insert’ could be made to fit on top of the sink to give an additional 30″ of counter space that would transition smoothly with the adjoining counters. Or if the sink was to one side, it would allow for the ‘insert’ to be hinged and swing up to be attached to wall when sink was in use. So you have the beauty of having a sink but also more counter space when needed.
Regina says
I have a sink in my craft space. It is centered on the counter with a cabinet above on one side and open shelves connecting to the other wall. Provides great storage, both closed and easily accessible. On the side with the cabinet, I have drawers below the counter. To the other side of the sink is a mini fridge. As my studio is on the 3rd floor, this is very useful for drinks or storage of paints/ dyes…. It’s very handy to have counter on both sides of the sink. If you need more counter space you can build a rolling island or a metro cart with counter top, which would also have shelves for more storage.
John Miller says
Three things making crafting fun and productive for me: space to work, enough light, and finding what I need. While visually the sink should go opposite the slanted ceiling, if you want space to hang something, put a hinged drying rack against the slant ceiling and pull it down from 45 degrees to 60 degrees for space to hang anything.
You can never have enough counter space, so I would move the sink to the left so you can put plenty of recessed light fixtures in the flat ceiling to clearly see your work surface. I like the low counter to the right, but I would put it on wheels to give you the option to reconfigure your space to put the sink in the corner between two counters or setup a counter in front and behind you when you need to. Another option for more counterspace is to put a fold down counter in a cupboard on the wall opposite the sink (assuming there is a doorway on that wall). With a fold down it is out of the way till you need it.
My wife knits and she found clear shallow (5″ deep) square tupperware type plastic boxes for yarn, etc. that stack and let you see the contents. We also use basket drawers which look great, but aren’t as easy to find what you need. I use labels with cool big fonts to organize drawers and containers. If you don’t like seeing the containers, I put hers in wide low sliding door cabinet. Use the space between the studs for storage of paints, brushes, etc. with tall cabinet doors like a medicine cabinet.
Robin Cailloux says
Agree with centered- I would bang my elbows on the wall if it were butted up to the wall. Also worried about splashes on the wall if it were in the corner. Good luck!
Elizabeth baker says
Centered sink, for sure, if for not other reason than to have elbow room on either side. Also, things won’t splash on the side wall. We put a mirror behind our kitchen stove so it’s very easy to clean, and you might think about mirror or a single pane of glass (no tile grout!) behind the sink.
Another idea, though I’m sure not many of you would want do do this because of (its rather inelegant) appearance, is to use a deep, standalone inexpensive laundry-style sink that can be replaced down the road with little effort. I did this because I plan to dye fabrics; also, the depth keeps splashes from cleaning paintbrushes contained.
Elizabeth baker says
P.S. My sink is on the lefthand side. There was no other location for it because the stacked washer and dryer are on the right side of the rather short counter run. I did leave a little space on the left of the sink for a broom and dustpan, but this was easy to do because of the kind of sink we installed (inexpensive laundry-style sink on legs). So, I do have a LITTLE elbow room on the left.
I agree with many of the above comments about putting the deeper lower counter and wall cabinets above on the right wall. One can never have too much storage.
Wanda Arganbright says
Do you see yourself needing the extra counter space to lay things out to dry? Is it possible to use the L shape plan and still have upper cabinets like in a kitchen?
Kathy herriage says
Putt the sink in center. Then customise it 1 level more. By making a custom (countertop material) board to fit each side seperately. This way…when u dont need sink u have more surface. U can use either side seperately
Kathy says
I much prefer some sort of space on each side of any sink , and additional counter space, perhaps on casters as suggested above, on the right, or you can wheel it and put it on the left. Perhaps the tall wall can have pegboard and hooks for drying large things, and the other walls racks, perhaps wire ones positioned directly above the sink to catch drips. Personally, I would love a sink with built-in drainboads, like a salvaged old caste-iron farmer’s sink.
Catriona J says
Centred sink and counter top. Drying things out in the open is always better. Above the sink have a pull down or fold out airer for drip drying over the sink (paper, dyed fabric, etc)
Marilyn B. says
While a centered sink will probably look the best, I’m inclined to put the sink off centered to the left but not completely flush to the left since I’m right handed. This will give you more area to work with on the right. This will be very important as you start laying out your projects. I would also do a combination of floating shelves above the sink and closed cabinets on the right in order to hide all those paints, utensils, stencils, etc. I did this very thing in my craft room and it has worked out very well and I’m still pleased with this lay out after one year of working in my craft room.
Karen Dixon says
I like the utility sink pushed to the left, and would have closed storage on right wall.
Amy S. says
I also agree, centered sink! As far as the extra storage goes, it looks like you already have plenty of glorious storage in your space. Which is Gorgeous, btw… I would recommend a drying rack above the sink; rinsing paintbrushes is my #1 use for a utility sink. Looking forward to seeing the finished product 🙂
ILEANA says
I will place it in the center with a recessed light above. However, should you decide to install it on the left, then perhaps you can install ceramic tile on the wall, to the left and in the back, to protect it from splashes.
Becky W. says
Centered with a counter top on the right seems best to me. I always need more counter space than I think I’ll need. It also gives you more room to maneuver when cleaning things out. Having the sink right next to the wall might prevent you from rinsing long items from painting or pulling anything out of the water to the right or left. 🙂 Hope this helps!
M Saura says
I would do wall to wall utility sink and either a fold down counter on the left wall or as a slide out shelf integrated into the storage cabinetry on the right wall.
Peggy says
We recently finished a craft, painting, staining , potting, work room in our basement. We had no choice but have the sink against the left side wall but we bought a stainless steel sink with attached drainboard. There is counter top to the right of that. The sink is larger enough for dirty stuff and a basin for suds. Easy pull out hose on the faucet. It makes everything easier.
Not sure what dyeing fabric entails but my guess is lots of space. The space you are doing is everything you take one is beautiful.
JulieW says
I don’t know if this has been said yet but what about having the extended counter with cabinets above. That way you can have the best of both worlds. I wouldn’t make the upper cabinets full length unless I really needed the storage, I would make them the size as an above the fridge cabinet for space for tall projects.
SHERRIE says
I’ll start off with asking a question back. You felt that the closed storage is the best use of the 14” of space on the right. What do you plan to store there?
For me, visually and functionally and if you didn’t need the entire floor to ceiling for storage, I would center the sink and have the 14” space on the right be lower cabinets with the counter top. Whether it’s cooking or crafting I always seem to need to maximize the counter top space.
I’d position the sink in the middle so there is more ease of access to it. If it were to the right, yes, I agree that would look better, but my right elbow might hit the wall on occasion.
I’ll add this too about storage since I’m in the process of cleaning out my parent’s home right now. My mom was a crafter for nearly 60 years. She saved everything. She always said she might need it again. She rarely ever needed the various scraps she saved and she never went back through things to reevaluate. The good news is there’s a bunch of really cool really old stuff.
I would say: really think about what you’ll need to store now and in the future and how much space that will take. Since you’re already leaning towards the best option is the floor to ceiling storage, you may have already figured out what’s best for your crafting endeavors already. But the sink does look better in the center and it’s more functional if you go with the full wall of storage.
It’s fun to think this through. Thanks for asking us!
Katherine says
Wow! You already have so many responses! I like the sink centered and the counter open on the right hand wall. I can see where you would enjoy closed storage but I think you’ll regret not having counter-top. Open shelves on the right would be nice with rods, like curtain rods for drying things over the sink. Can’t wait to see what you decide!
Beth says
Like the option with the sink centered & the closed shelving. What would it look like to have sink far right AND the closed shelving? Lights inside your shelving & above utilitie sink. Plus a drop down iron & iron board. Would also encourage more outlets in this room too… & a music surround sound system.
Sarah Neoteric says
I like my sink centered so that I have elbow room to scrub things if necessary. My current utility sink has wire shelving over it. I thought that was tacky at first, but it’s been very helpful when drying things, even paint brushes.
Delta Moon says
I’m going to swim upstream a bit from the other commenters and suggest that if you do move the sink to one side, move it to the right. When you have a handful of messy whatever to take to the sink it is easier to have the extra space to just plop it on the counter on the left. As it gets washed/rinsed, it’s more organized and takes up less room on the right. And for the sink itself, depth is WAY more important to me (surface design and painted fabric is my craft) than width. Our 24″x24″x14″ has handled everything we’ve ever thrown at it and I am in a studio with 5 artists, all different media.
If you do decide to put shelves above the sink put them a tad higher than you normally would because you will probably be leaning closely into the sink to wash brushes, make sure stuff is completely clean, and scrape that last little fleck of paint off the stencil and you want to be able to do that without whacking your head. The deeper sink contains the splashes, is deep enough to put paint containers in to rinse them out and sort of corrals your fabrics when rinsing them out. Ours has a push-button stream/spray pull out high rise faucet that works beautifully for a variety of uses.
You can add hooks, racks, shelves, towel bars, whatever you need for your particular work, on the walls around the sink. The extra counter space would be nice but not necessary unless you are actually doing the work at the sink. The same with extra storage. Cleaning supplies, rags, soap, that sort of thing is all that’s necessary to have room for unless you are doing the actual work at the sink. No sense in walking all the way across the room to get supplies you will then take back to the work station. Put things within reach of the area where they will actually be used.
janice says
Center sink looks great; maybe the faucet off set? I think the counter on the right will give you place for things to dry, etc. I like the idea of open paper towel roll over to left of sink and under cabinet pull out trash storage. You could incorporate a drying rack in the upper cabinets or lower ones. Lots of light and maybe tile on back wall? Can’t wait to see your design. It all looks good.
Beth says
OK, I’m drawing outside the lines. Put the sink in the corner, at an angle. Allow maximum counter on both sides. Put some sort of open or gridded shelving above the sink with hooks and clips for brushes, paper, fabrics, sponges to dry. Impervious surface on the counter AND walls for the inevitable splashes. Or, own the crafty and put a surface that will collect the history of your creativity.
Maybe closed storage below. But, when your hands are a gooey mess, you don’t want to open cabinets. You want to grab what you need. I would have buckets, cups, big sponges, maybe drying silkscreens, various tools, pottery wheel trimming pans, garbage can, mop, hanging paintbrushes, liquid soaps, hand lotion, paint trays, dish towels, scrapers, maybe a spot for a rollout stool when you have a lot to do at the sink.
Eska says
I’m going to go against the grain and chose the sink on the right. Granted I am a left-handed person so that is where I would set my things down. If you are right handed I would chose the sink on the left. I need a larger counter space for things like washing brushes, paint trays, screen printing screens, skeins of yarn that have been dyed and yarn items that need to be finished and blocked. If you chose centered I like the L shape countertop to maximize space on both sides.
As far as the rest of the space, I vote for good lights with a peg board/shelf above the sink for small bits and pieces unless you plan on using drawer space. A pegboard can hold drying items like the paintbrushes. On the right some closed cabinets.
Peter B says
You’ve received a lot of useful recommendations, and forgive me for not studying each of them…I’m a new subscriber so I may be a little late posting this. Just some immediate reactions: 1) I ‘m adamant advising you against butting either side of the sink against a wall. Doesn’t seem like a bad idea on paper, but in use it will frequently be very annoying; 2) you’ll never come up with the ideal plan. There may actually be no such thing in a utility space unless you’re doing large scale repetitive tasks, which you are not; 3) The full height cabinets however is a great idea that will pay you back; 4) the most important thing is water resistance and drainage. Besides the obvious (surface materials, caulk, etc.), an undermount sink will also save you time and mess. Btw, I’m a serious hobbyist and my skill level, like tens of thousands of others, is beyond yours, but you have the potential to reach a bigger audience. I really like your presentation…your honesty, trial-and-error exposes, and desire to do things right are a breath of fresh air compared to many over-opinionated and under-experienced bloggers. I just recommended your site to my daughter. She has a great job with Disney, but she seems to want to do what you do.
alberta says
I’d go with centered sink and counter space on the right. You can have low cabinets with extra counter space on the side.
Michelle says
Centred sink, if only to give yourself elbow room when you are using it. Food for thought, you are including additional storage in a room/space already brimming with tons of storage, is it really needed? The other thought, if you add more counter space, does it just become a spot for piling stuff. I did like the one suggestion of adding an area for coffee/tea prep, but that could be a moveable cart. I love this whole project, by the way. What you have done with this space is amazing. It makes me want to try my hand at something similar. Thank you for sharing.