#HistoryOfHomeElements: Sinks. All About Sinks.

One of the things I love about the work I am lucky enough to do is that every house has something in it that I haven't seen before. The parts of houses—the rooms, the elements, the architecture—all have histories that I love to learn about. Every house is put together with elements that were design favorites of the people who built it. Over the years, when homes are renovated, new owners bring their own tastes and histories into the new design. So much of it is part of the Hamptons' history, and I get to see it all.

In a new series this year, I will be digging deeper into different home elements, so we can all appreciate the things that make our homes unique.

First stop? Sinks! I love the new deep kitchen sinks that you can hide dirty dishes in from one or two meals earlier in your day until you are ready to load that dishwasher. And the unique hand sinks in hallway bathrooms. Love those.

But once I read about the history of the sink, I realized how much past civilizations added to the sink's history. And maybe, in the end, how little they have changed over time.

So, first up is sinks. Who knows, driveways might be next. - Sarah Minardi

Sinks: A History

The history of sinks is a fascinating journey spanning centuries, reflecting advancements in design, culture, and societal norms. From rudimentary vessels to contemporary sleek fixtures, here's a look back at the evolution of the sink, because why not?

The concept of washing and personal hygiene has ancient roots. Look back to Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, where people used basic containers and bowls for washing purposes. They were often made of stone or clay.

Enter those innovators, the Romans and the Greeks who elevated bathing to a communal activity, with grand public bathhouses featuring intricate plumbing systems. Sinks with running water became more common, and aqueducts supplied water to cities, facilitating advancements in sanitation.

Fast forward to the medieval and Renaissance eras when bathroom fixtures became more ornate. Sinks often featured decorative elements and were made of materials like metal and marble. However, widespread access to such luxuries was limited. Yes, the 1% was present even then.\

Moving forward to the 18th century where we saw the emergence of porcelain sinks. Manufacturers like Josiah Wedgwood produced elegant and functional washbasins. As indoor plumbing became more prevalent in the 19th century, sinks evolved with new designs and materials. I guess this is when design started to matter. Rather than utilitarian approaches, they became part of the decor of a room, like they are today.

A 19th century Doulton and Co. Stoneware Sink

In the early 20th century, pedestal sinks gained popularity. These freestanding fixtures with a basin atop a pedestal offered a blend of functionality and aesthetics, becoming a common feature in bathrooms.

Luigi Colani, Double Washbasin for Villeroy and Boch, 1979

All of which leads us to now. With the advent of smart home technology, I've seen sinks equipped with touchless faucets, temperature controls, and integrated lighting. Floating and wall-mounted sinks are showing up. Water-saving faucets and other eco-friendly elements are part of what we care about now as well. Design, function, comfort, and sustainability.

Too much information around sinks? I'm just getting started!