Guest Post ~ Becky From Houzz ~ Salvaged Sinks~

Hello everyone! My name is Becky and I'm a contributor at Houzz, a home design site focused on helping design professionals and homeowners manage the remodeling and decorating process. Thanks so much to Melinda for having me!

Hi Everyone! One of my favorite design moves is re-purposing and reusing salvaged items inside and outside of the house. One of the best items to reuse or track down is a salvaged sink. Whether you're in an older home that still has these fixtures intact, go on a treasure hunt at architectural salvage yards or cruise Craigslist, a vintage sink is often worth saving and can add loads of unique character for a fraction of the price of a new one. These beauties will add patinated style to bathrooms, mudrooms, potting benches and kitchens.

Be warned: Using a salvaged sink may mean you'll have a few tough conversations with your plumber or contractor as they may not have experience working with these pieces or may think that making a salvaged sink work will take a little extra elbow grease (it very well may). Stick to your guns and fight for your salvaged prize. I promise it will be worth it. Here's a little evidence. 

 traditional kitchen design by burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

The homeowner of this antique Cape in Vermont had been dreaming of a renovation for years, and while she dreamt, she amassed a vast collection of antique fixtures. In the case of this large vintage kitchen sink, her architect, Pi Smith, had to design the counters, cabinets, back splash and windows around it, but the results were well worth it. 

 traditional kitchen design by minneapolis interior designer RLH Studio

This large and unique silver sink originally hailed from Germany, but was put into this home in Minnesota many years ago. During a recent major renovation, the architect, interior designer, contractor, carpenter, plumber and the rest of the team worked very hard to save it and make it work in the reconfigured butler's pantry. The stunning result is an absolute showstopper! 

 mediterranean bathroom design by new york architect David Howell Design

Architect David Howell re-purposed this agricultural trough into a sink in a San Miguel, Mexico bathroom. He obtained the sink from a local farmer, and notes that there is even a notched-out section which let the little lambs drink beside the larger sheep. Charming stories like this one turn a sink into a fun conversation piece, as well as tie it to the home’s locale.

There's really no limit to the variety of styles available on the salvage market, whether you're craving a metal trough from an industrial shop or porcelain from a Victorian-era dentist's office. A quick internet search for architectural salvage will help you find sources in your community. Conversely, if you have one you can't use, a lot of these places are willing to buy and/or trade.

Thanks so much to Melinda for letting me stop by Alabaster Rose. I hope if you have a salvaged beauty you'll share it in the comments section! Find more salvaged material ideas from Los Angeles interior designers and more design professionals at Houzz.