STERLING Ludington® Kitchen Sink Family: 2016
Sterling (a Kohler brand) serves both retail home improvement and builder/new construction channels. Historically, Sterling stainless steel kitchen sinks were exclusively deep-draw formed; resulting in their ubiquitously characteristic bowls with large interior radii.
To expand the brand’s design language, the team set out to introduce a more contemporary aesthetic with tighter geometry — bringing it inline with Kohler’s premium offerings.
I partnered with Marketing, Kitchens Engineering, and CAD Design teams to define bowl configurations and sizes, define key design details (including bowl depth, edge and interior radii, and drain placement), and ensure the new line aligned with both brand and market expectations.
Industrial Design
My most satisfying contribution to this project (apart from the design of the actual sinks) was the design of various sets of silicone mats we decided to offer for this assortment. It was our first foray into silicone as a material for sink mats for this entry-level price point; instead of the more traditional steel wire racks.
It was also an opportunity to inject color and aesthetic elements into the sink basin area.
Design consisted of 2D pattern development, 2D print outs + mockups, 3D CAD, color explorations, design approval + sample reviewing + testing.
The silicone basin mats are easy to handle and maintain; plus they provide sound dampening and protection for one's dishes and glassware when placing into the basin. They are also dishwasher-safe.
PURPOSEFUL + COHESIVE
A thoughtful design process went into the pattern development for the silicone mats as the final design had to be one that was accommodating and slightly forgiving when adjusting it to fit across the span of 4 sink configurations with various bowl widths + depths.
STERLING Kitchen Sink: Video Reel
Kohler Company Designer, Chris Santos, highlights different design considerations
to take when redesigning a kitchen; showcasing the Sterling Ludington Sink.