Whether you’re looking for form or function, the bathroom sink can help you win the battle of the boring bano

Wonderfully creative, this stunning concrete sink rests on an unexpectedly simple river rock pedestal. Mazatlán Stone Art, Vicente Guerreo #215, Centro. 982-1232. Looking for strong clean lines with miles of style? Opt for this concrete counter with a sleek intergrated sink. Virtually indestructible, easy-to-maintain and available in a multitude colors.  Mazatlán Stone Art, Vicente Guerreo #215, Centro. 982-1232. What’s more Mexicana than a brightly colored, hand-painted sink surrounded by beautiful Talavera tiles? $500 pesos and up at Laberinto Decoracion Mexicana, Av. Rafael Buelna # 10, Zona Costera. 669-1274. A copper sink is the perfect solution for a sophisticated yet casual bathroom. $3,000 pesos at The Copper Gallery, Cameron Sabalo #504 #1 Zona Dorada. 913-0029.

Whether you’re looking for form or function, the bathroom sink can help you win the battle of the boring bano

It’s one of the most important items, in what is without a doubt the most important room in your home.

We wash our hands and face in it, we brush our teeth in it and occasionally we accidently drop a contact lens down its drain.

Yet most of us give little thought to this oft-ignored and rarely respected little item called the bathroom sink.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy and fairly inexpensive way to brighten up your bano, a fresh coat of paint and a new sink will do the trick.

As shopping goes, Mazatlán’s sink selection shines. In fact, I believe, Mazatlán offers more sink selections at better prices than the U.S. and Canada. From fun and funky to solid and stately, the choices are both creative and delightful.

But before you rush out the door to start your shopping spree there are a few things you need to consider.

Single or Double? If you’re buying a sink for your master bath, decide if you need and have room for the traditional two sinks commonly seen “back home.” Generally double sinks are designed for two busy professionals rushing out the door at the crack of dawn as they speed toward Starbucks for the daily dose of caffeine. Not the typical lifestyle enjoyed by most gringos here in Mazatlán. However, if you and your honey both insist on primping and pruning at the same time, two sinks is the way to go. Single sinks also leave more space for your sunscreen and all those little bottles of snake oil that keep you looking young and wrinkle-free.

Size it up. We all tend to do a bit of splishing and splashing, so remember when it comes to sinks, bigger really is better. 

Be Picky with Patterns. While a heavily patterned sink is daring and delightful for less-used bathrooms, consider how the pattern will look the morning after a few too many cervezas. Perhaps you’ll find a simple style more soothing.

Form vs. Function. Ask yourself which is more important: Storage or floor space? Pedestal and wall-mounted sinks take up less space, offer a more dramatic look and are generally best-suited for powder and guest bathrooms. Cabinets offer more storage for the myriad of towels, toothbrushes, soaps, lotions, potions and other “stuff” that tends to accumulate and multiply in bathrooms that are used on a daily basis.

With your battle plan in place, it’s time to let the shopping begin. Charge!

Kathy Stephens is a professional shopper and interior designer, and gets paid to spend other people’s money. Contact her at  www.haciendaestilos.com, or 913-3795, (cell) 044-669-127-9700 or (Vonage) 602-476-8096