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Decorating an entire home from the ground up is quite a challenge. There are thousands of parts and pieces that make up a custom home. It can be overwhelming. In the last house, my breaking point was the day the builder asked what kind of thresholds we wanted. This came just two days after choosing all the door hardware and hinges. Were there really threshold choices? Did anyone care?

While we did learn a lot during the last build, one of the challenges of building again is researching all the new products and materials. Like every other industry, construction technology moves quickly.

We've chosen the kitchen and kitchenette sinks (all stainless steel). But we're holding back on the bathroom and laundry sinks until we have time to find out about all the new innovations.

One fabulous sink alternative that we didn't see in our last build is granite sinks. They are really gorgeous and surprisingly competitive in price.

A granite sink would be a great alternative in many rooms. They are scratch, heat, odor, and stain resistant. They can be undermount or topmount (we much prefer the undermount). And they come in some dramatic colors.

If you're in the market for a new sink and want something that makes a statement, look at some of the new sink alternatives like granite. Also, remember to look for granite remnants as a way to keep costs down.

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.