Sweeeeet Salvaged Sinks

Joanne Palmisano, author of Salvage Secrets, Transforming Reclaimed Material Into Design Concepts, September 2011, with W.W. Norton (New York * London). Her book is listed in Architectural Digest Magazine, Holiday Gift Giving Guide as well as great reviews from HGTV, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Apartment Therapy and many more. She is a project contributor for DIY NETWORK and a guest blogger for Houzz, Goodwill, Daily Basics, Rejuvenation, and of course, has her own popular blog, http://www.salvagesecretsblog.com. Joanne's design work has won regional and national awards. She also is a stylist for magazines and catalogs, including This Old House Magazine.
Joanne Palmisano, author of Salvage Secrets, Transforming Reclaimed Material... More »
I'm not sure when sinks went from utilitarian to a design feature, but I like it! We spend a lot of time in front of the sink so why not love the way they look too. It is really fun to see how creative people can be with sinks or what they put a sink on. This Ideabook shows a few creative ways salvaged material is used for the sink or sink area.

When thinking sinks, remember their use...looking cool may be awesome for a week, but if it doesn't serve the purpose, or function properly, the look will get old soon! Bigger sinks for kitchens and dual sinks for master baths are always a good plan. Also, when using salvage sinks, double check the size of the plumbing holes to ensure newer fixtures can be attached.
Who doesn't love an old cast iron sink? This bathroom sink with double faucets really make a statement. With no counter space it is great to have usable medicine cabinets above it.
Old farmhouse style sinks with front aprons can work in almost any kitchen, with any style. They can be in an ultra modern space or lend an amazing look to a country kitchen. The built-in drainboard is a feature that always tends to be underestimated. Everyday you dry dishes-how easy to have a built in space to put them to air dry. One feature that may not be able to be added (you'll need to check with your plumber) is a garbage disposal --so it's really important to do some research. Also these sinks can be shallow, so look around for one that is just right for you.
Old stone sinks are harder to find. Most of them are reproductions but they can be deep and really make a statement. This kitchen has an old world feel and the sink adds to the charm. It is a single bowl sink, so that is something to think about if you love having dual sinks in a kitchen.
These cool vintage sinks are coming back in style. The baby blue color is offset nicely with the weave pattern brown wallpaper. The counter space in this bathroom is something to envy. You can't underestimate counter space. See a sink like this you love but not the color? Don't worry you can have them professional painted or re-enameled.
Here is another example of how a salvaged double cast iron sink can look totally different in a cottage style bathroom. With built-in shelving and cabinets on either side, it adds convenience as well as cradling the sink, instead of a free standing look.
Salvaged sinks or pieces for a sink can go from a country cast iron look to a colonial dresser with drop in sink for a more classic space. It is amazing how versatile the looks can be with just the salvaged or vintage elements. When using a dresser, remember you will lose the use of the first (and sometimes the second) drawer depending on the depth of the sink.
This large country dresser has been converted into a vanity, with the door panels opened to allow for towels and other toiletries. The great thing about this piece is the drawers are not affected by the single bowl sink, so they are all usable for storage.
Here is another dresser but this time it is given a "glam" look with silver paint. The white walls and wainscoting, compliment the dresser, allowing it to take center stage in the space. Salvaged dressers or old desks are easy to find at recycle centers or Goodwill shops. With a coat of paint (use water resistant paints) they can go from blah to GLAM!
This sophisticated look comes from a more modern dresser and a bold pattern wallpaper with subtle coloring. The bottom drawer may still be usable or can be cut so the front half of the drawer is still usable. This elegant look can be achieved by keeping the materials strong (like marble and high gloss wood).
Instead of replacing your cabinets you can repurpose them just with some paint. This picture (not sure if that is what they did) gives a great example of cabinetry you would see in a bathroom in a white. It is easy to give it a dark, gloss, rich color. The green glass top can be made from recycled salvaged glass. Glass is a great product for a bathroom because it is non-porous.
This picture is from my book, Salvage Secrets, coming out this August. This cast iron, triple faucet sink salvaged from an old industrial building is a show-stopper in this small kitchen. Not only is it very functional but set into the stainless steel counter and recycled wood cabinets, it plays a key role in the aesthetics of the space.
WHITE! I love it. This large vintage sink, placed on a marble top and cabinetry that looks like furniture is amazing! White on white, with a vintage school house light overhead--this space doesn't need any other design elements, decorations or artwork. The architecture of the space and use of the sink, are enough WOW factor. If there was any color in this space, it would have changed the look entirely. Great job!
A small vintage laundry sink can always be used again in a more modern laundry room. These small sinks can be also used in a bar area of the home, or a mudroom entrance way, or even a gardening room.
Soapstone is a very popular stone in kitchens today and vintage soapstone sinks can be found at architectural salvage shops. Some soapstone companies even sell vintage ones. When using old stone sinks, remember to ensure their seals are secure. It may be worth having them taken apart and resealed.

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