Kavindra’s Favorite Things: Workstation Sinks — It’s More Than a Sink, It’s a Lifestyle

Designers, like parents, have their favorites. And today’s spotlight in Kavindra’s Favorite Things is on something that has completely transformed how I design kitchens: the workstation sink.

In the modern kitchen, function and form are no longer separate ideas—they’re one and the same.

What Is a Workstation Sink?

Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. A workstation sink goes far beyond the basic rinse-and-drain function. It integrates multiple layers of usability right into the sink basin itself. We’re talking custom-fitted cutting boards, drying racks, colanders, and prep trays—all designed to streamline your workflow and eliminate countertop clutter.

It’s where prep, clean-up, and even entertaining intersect in one beautifully designed, highly functional space.

Workstation sinks typically range in size from 18 inches (1.5 ft) to 7 feet, and can be outfitted with single or multiple faucets, depending on the configuration and size. Whether you’re working in a compact city kitchen or a large custom culinary space, there’s a solution that can fit your lifestyle.

Why I Love It

For clients who cook, host, or simply want their kitchen to work smarter—not harder—the workstation sink is a game-changer. It allows you to stay in one spot while slicing, rinsing, and organizing—no more bouncing from island to counter to trash. It’s clean, efficient, and elevated.

The Standard: The Galley

When it comes to workstation sinks, The Galley is the Cadillac, Mercedes, and Ferrari all in one. It’s the original, and in many ways, still the best.

Crafted in Oklahoma and made in the USA, The Galley uses the highest-grade stainless steel for both the sink and its accessories. Its sleek, linear designs offer a modular system of accessories that rest on multi-tiered tracks—allowing for endless configurations and efficiency. Whether you're prepping hors d'oeuvres for a party or school lunches on a busy morning, The Galley transforms your sink into a high-performance workstation.

While integrating any workstation sink is a luxury, The Galley is a premium investment—and one I believe is worth it for clients who value quality, longevity, and thoughtful design.

Cost-Effective Alternatives

If The Galley is out of reach for your project, there are still quality options available:

• Ruvati: I used a Ruvati workstation sink in a project back in 2020. As someone familiar with The Galley, I immediately noticed differences in stainless steel quality, coating, and accessory weight. However, Ruvati has continued to refine its offerings, and today, it delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost.

• Kohler: Known for elegant design and smart engineering, Kohler’s workstation sinks offer versatile accessories with clean lines. Their integrated ledges and optional accessories provide solid functionality in a stylish package.

• Kraus: Kraus offers a wide range of budget-friendly workstation sinks with useful accessories and modern finishes. Their sinks are accessible and ideal for smaller kitchens or secondary prep areas.

• Elkay: With a long-standing reputation in commercial and residential plumbing, Elkay’s workstation options provide reliable performance with thoughtful features at competitive prices.

Details Matter

Choosing a workstation sink is just the beginning. Designing for it takes meticulous planning. This isn’t a typical drop-in or undermount sink—it’s an integrated system.

Wellington Place

• Cabinetry must be properly supported (this is critical for larger sinks).

• Countertops require precise fabrication to ensure the accessories glide smoothly and fit securely.

• Accessory storage must be intentional. Cutting boards, drying racks, bowls, and trays all need dedicated homes when not in use.

At our Wellington Place project, we ensured every component had a place: tray dividers for cutting boards, pull-out drawers for colanders and bowls, and custom shelving for additional kitchen accessories. At KLW Design Studio, we obsess over these details so you don’t have to.

It’s Not Just a Sink—It’s a Lifestyle

A workstation sink is for the homeowner who appreciates design and demands function. It’s for the family that gathers in the kitchen, the couple that cooks together, or the individual who wants a home that works as beautifully as it looks.

If you’re building a new kitchen or reimagining your existing one, this is one of those signature elements that elevates your everyday experience. And once you live with it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Let's Chat about Workstation Sinks!