vessel sinks...centuries-old design for today

One of the newer trends in bathroom fixtures is vessel sinks, yet the concept is actually inspired by centuries-old design. Long before there was the luxury of running water, china washbasins were set on countertops or dressers, often with a pitcher alongside.

Today, there is are myriad choices in vessel sinks...ranging from one-of-a-kind handblown glass vessels, to marble, wood, stainless, porcelain, cast iron, frosted glass, and more. And the good news is that a vessel sink can be an affordable option for freshening up the look of a tired powder room in an existing home, just as it is the focal point of a bathroom in new construction. Vessel sinks can sit on just about any countertop...whether a vintage dresser, marble-topped apothecary case, or even an antique Victrola cabinet. And they tend to be the focal point, especially in a small powder room, so the cabinetry that they sit on really becomes secondary.


For those who have a concern that installing a vessel sink may “date” their bathroom, bath designers affirm that the vessel sink style will assuredly be a trend that becomes the standard. “It’s a classic design... now part of the design ethic...and far beyond a fad.”

Wilkinson Builders has noticed that more and more homebuyers are choosing to add this focal point to their bathroom designs; not just choosing vessel sinks for powder rooms, but additionally, incorporating the concept into the design of owner's baths and guest suites as well.

the heart of the home

A home's kitchen is its heart. It’s where the family meets, the guests
gather, and the warmth emanates. Each kitchen should be as unique and as full of personality as each homeowner. The functionality of a kitchen is as important as the beauty, for the kitchen is a room that serves many purposes.

Designing a kitchen is both challenging and rewarding as every homeowner has unique visions and specific needs. In Wilkinson Builders' Carlton SouthGate Masterpiece Home, the kitchen was designed as both a functional family kitchen and an unparalleled entertainment space. With a full 36" Sub-Zero refrigerator, a matching 36" freezer and two refrigerator drawers in the first island there will never be a shortage of space for keeping food and drinks cool.

Similarly, a large 60" Viking range is accompanied by a Wolf warming drawer, a Wolf convection wall oven and a Wolf microwave. And the family will never be caught short by last minute guests, as two quiet Bosch dishwashers hidden behind cabinetry panels allow quick and easy clean-up even during a party!

Design elements in the Carlton kitchen include the impressive limestone hood and recovered farmhouse beams, as well as the gentle terra cotta tiled floor. Attention is drawn to both the ceiling and floor creating a quite comfortable space for laughter and relaxation in between. The cabinetry is arranged in a simple, rhythmic layout of custom-distressed white cabinetry reflecting the relaxed feel of the home. Upper cabinets are highlighted by seeded glass and lighting, providing simple display areas high around the room.

By combining functionality and aesthetics, this kitchen is able to truly reflect the design of the home. Comfort, ease, elegance and a rustic appeal combine to create a unique experience. Two islands and an open floorplan provide welcoming space for every guest at Carlton as well as create a
comfortable space for everyday living.

express yourself

Bathrooms are quiet sanctuaries and fabulous design opportunities. Many homeowners are using these private spaces as outlets for their creativity and personal sense of style. Whether contrasting colored glass against tumbled stone, or mixing Italian tile and elegant counter materials, these creative homeowners are utilizing colors and textures as their palettes, opening up a world of design opportunity.

For a truly unique statement, specialty tubs are hard to beat. Free-standing tubs seem to be a common interest among many homeowners, no matter which way their design sensibility leans. With such a wide array of options on the market, die-hard traditionalists are adding graceful double slipper claw foot tubs while modernists are falling in love with the simplicity and clean lines of non-footed models.

In the Carlton SouthGate Masterpiece Home, our designer chose a Kohler Vintage tub that combines the roomy size of many modern tubs with the classic lines of a traditional tub. One practical bonus of this tub is the pedestal base, making cleaning under the tub a non-issue. Beauty and practicality combined is always an important goal, no matter what the budget.