washing dishes.
unloading dishes.
rinsing hands.
washing dishes again.
The sink can certainly be a place where the word “chore” abounds. But, could some simple changes toward beauty, organization, and the joy of the senses… could they turn our chores into a ritual?
Sometimes it is not the having of the “perfect sink,” but what touches of beauty you surround your sink with.
Be inspired by details at the sink:
bowls of bright fruit, a juicer, a simple shade, a thriving plant, a wall-mounted soap holder with a hefty chunk of soap, beautiful pitchers nearby, and an open window. All of these touches start the day off with cheer. {Martha Stewart}
it is often what is under our sink that enables us to keep the top of our sink free from clutter. here, pull-out storage beneath the sink keeps the daily utilitarian items out of site, but not out of mind. notice the tall neck on the faucet; this is a great choice for making daily “chores” easier – like washing a huge pot. Don’t miss that the dish soap is kept handy by the sink, but has been transferred into a gorgeous dispensing bottle. everyday beauty. {Martha Stewart}
even though this sink does not sit directly beneath a window, it is still bathed in ample light. What a cheerful space this is; the yellow and the blue touches are lighthearted. And notice the soap and hand cream that are kept close by. My best guess would be that they are filled with a delightfully fragranced product; in other words, not Dial. It may seem silly, but these touches of luxury – {which can be purchased on sale or discount; I always get mine from T. J. Maxx} – can immediately elevate the mundane chore into a delightful ritual. {Decor Pad}
And who needs a window? Many of us don’t have the luxury of a sink with a view. But this sink is made bright and sunny with beautiful jars of fruit, plenty of under-counter lighting, and clear containers filled with spices and grains. And just a few open-shelf cabinets add airiness. {Artistic Designs For Living}
Fresh flowers and plants do wonders to keep a space feeling alive. When was the last time you had fresh flowers by your sink?
And a trough of fresh grass right behind the faucet. I LOVE that idea.
a lovely, pure cotton dishtowel is useful, yet pretty.
and those glass subway tiles are just amazing. le sigh. {House Beautiful}
It is the little things. Details like a beautiful soap dispenser, a working and stately faucet, lovely fragrances, and fresh plants kept nearby. All of these details can surround us with beauty and ease as we go about doing our household rituals.
– {darlene}
For more beautiful ritual posts, click here.


…working on a gin bottle…a la Mad Men for a soap dispenser…you encouraged me to keep working on it
…and if you were wondering…I found the bottle (it's a gin dispenser actually…) at Salvation Army…didn't drink a whole bottle just to get a soap dispenser
I can't claim the beauty – there is a photo accompanying my post here that shows me at my sink – my sink in ACTION! But I do have a stained glass mobile hanging from the top of the frame, jars of agates and plants on the windowsill, and drawings and verses taped to the trim that I meditate on while working.
http://turquoisegates.blogspot.com/2009/04/abiding.html
Here's an even messier view of the sink.
http://turquoisegates.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-leaks-through.html
And one featured on High Calling that shows that I do SOMETIMES get them clean!! To answer your question – I DO dream of a different sink area, but the homeyness of mine really delights me, too.
http://www.thehighcalling.org/culture/photoplay-gallery-making-sense-work