The advantage of farmhouse is standing closer to the sink, especially if it is deep. Otherwise, it’s a style decision. Any counter can be damaged. The only chips on my counter edges are nowhere near the sink.

One of the biggest advantages of apron front sinks is the elimination of countertop seams in the front rail. Depending upon your layout and dimensions, this may or may not be relevant.

In my sink replacement business, we do quite a few apron front sinks. These are two of the most popular:

Kohler 3943

Elkay Quartz Luxe shown in Caviar (black)

If you're replacing countertops without replacing your cabinets, you have to use a short apron sink like these. Insist that your sink be strapped, not clipped, in place please.

This sink is available in Silvermist, the "stainless steel" look of composite.

No cheap pencil edges at sinks either please, no matter what you, your designer, or fabricator think. 1/4" roundover minimum; 3/8" preferable.

As @Anne Duke mentioned, the ergonomics of an apron front sink are better because your body is directly against the sink instead of having a strip of counter in front of it. However, note that the stainless steel apron front sinks that are not made well have very thick apron fronts so that the advantage is lessened. I guess it must be harder to manufacture a thinner apron front than a big ol thick one. But there are a number of good quality stainless steel apron front sinks available.

Thank you all for your advise. I am short and had considered the width of the stainless steel sink may make it more diffucult to clean dishes. Is anyone familiar with a quality stainless steel sink with a thin apron front?

Slightly different question, if I may intrude: I've always associated apron-front sinks with traditional, farmhouse styles, but I didn't know until just now that they also existed in stainless steel. How would one look in a mostly-MCM kitchen (slab front cabinets, medium wood stain)?

@Kath - in answer to your question, the Elkays in the photos above is a good brand. Here are two photos I took off the internet to show you differences in SS apron fronts on the market.

Thank everyone for your comments. Joseph, my husband is the cabinet builder, thank you for all of your good info on a continual basis!