(BPT) – Years ago, the kitchen served a very utilitarian function — a place to prepare food and clean the dishes. Today, it’s truly the nerve center of the house where people eat meals, discuss the day’s events, plan calendars, do homework, check e-mail and entertain guests.

With that increased demand on the kitchen, and the trend towards creating flexible living spaces, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize their overall layout and make their kitchens work harder.

Expanded work surfaces, smart appliances and carefully thought-through floor plans are just a few elements that have recently emerged in kitchen trends. But one of the most noticeable differences in today’s kitchen is the demand for multiple sinks and various water sources.

According to Katherine Riley of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, many homeowners are using multiple sink areas to increase efficiency and literally spread out the work. However, they don’t want to sacrifice the ability to showcase their personal tastes and eye for design.

“Homeowners and designers place a lot of emphasis on a sink’s role when planning a kitchen remodel,” says Riley. “While convenience and functionality have always been key factors, today’s homeowners also want to enhance the room’s ambiance and decor they’ve worked hard to achieve. In fact, the kitchen is one of the best rooms in the house to showcase a home’s personality through design.”