Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tag Sales Story #2

G in CT emailed me with quite possibly one of the most clever re-use projects I've ever seen. Living in an older home, I can relate to G's problems with finding suitable yet modern design that is fitting to the architecture, age, and natural patina these old houses have. G, however, has a home in Connecticut with portions built in 1790 - a good 120 years on my old 'beaut.

So imagine how you might transform a small half bath, renovated in the 1960's to look something like a psychedelic nightmare into a beautiful, modern, yet timeless looking bath? It took vision, research, and an idea that not many people would have ever considered.

G found this very expensive stoneforest.com sink and pedestal combo to be just the look the small half bath needed. Immediately after seeing this picture I thought there was no way that someone could recreate this on a budget. Not even the savviest of shoppers. G proved me wrong.

On a trip to Brimfield, one of the largest antique markets in the country (held in Central Mass.) G happened upon a New York City vendor who sold stone sinks. They were large, the variety you might see in the gourmet kitchen of a multi-million dollar Colorado lodge/home, certainly too big for G's small half bath. But it didn't stop G from asking the vendor if perhaps he had something a bit smaller. Previously overlooked, he showed G the most perfect rectangular stone sink, just big enough to wash your hands. G played the bargain card - unsure of the product even though G knew it was THE sink! Looking to unload it, the vendor gave a very good deal.

Once home with the stone sink, G put it atop a $5 table purchased at the family Dr's estate sale, and then used a piece of old slate picked up from the side of the road to serve as a back splash and faucet base. A plumber, some pipe, and a less than $500 later:

I was simply shocked! It's actually MORE beautiful than the inspiration piece from Stone Forest, and every piece of it has a story. From the base purchased by G's mother at the family Dr's sale, to the bargaining tactics used to score the fantastic stone sink - which, G says has a fossil embedded in the base! How great is that?

This set up is perfect for a 1790's home with modern flare. It's interesting, textural, natural, and sophisticated - all of the things I feel makes good design. So, if you love G's sink, and would like to vote, please leave a comment in the comment field here.

23 comments:

  1. Hey Sweetie, just wanted to drop by and say hi! Love the sinks and bases, Vicky Darnell is busy working on something similiar. Can't wait to see the finished product. Sasha

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  2. I love it! It is even better than the original inspiration!

    I'm saving this for future inspiration...as if I could ever recreate something this amazing, ha!

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  3. I love it!! I would love to do something like that but I am mentally challenged in the decorating department.

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  4. Love it, love it, LOVE it!! Everything about it.

    =)
    Isa

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  5. WOW!!!!

    What a great look. This has to be one of your gretest ideas you've had Artie, to start this post. My sincere applause goes to 'G' and her sink projects.

    'D'

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  6. greatest ideas.......Now if could only come up with a way that these comments have spell check. ;)

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  7. This is absolutely wonderful. I love the look of this stone sink. So perfect for the era of the home.

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  8. Abso-f'in-lutely LOVE it!!That is superb!! What an amazing stone sink...and everything fits together beautifully! Can we see the rest of the bathroom...pretty please???

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  9. This is a great post! I am loving how creative your friends are...Keep them coming! vickydarnell

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  10. It's AWESOME is what it is!!! Beautiful!

    Buffie :)

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  11. Wow! Thanks Artie for the well written article featuring my sink on your blog! Also thank all of you for your very positive comments! I am truly honored.

    G in CT

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  12. Pretty darn cool Artie! I like it better than the inspiration! ~ Robyn

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  13. This tops every bargain I ever got!!!! Wow!!

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  14. Wow this was fantatic... LOVED it!!! Keep them coming Artie... Great job...

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  15. Holy crap, that looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow.

    Justine :o )

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  16. So rustic yet simply sooooooo beautiful!!!! Great job "G in CT"!

    (With the 'green' era, I think 'old is going to be new again'.)

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  17. Incredible! Incredible! Incredible!

    Pat

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  18. Artie, this is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! I can't tell you how much I love it! Some things are just meant to be. I so firmly believe that if one keeps their creative heart open, such great things will happen...so far beyond what one could ever imagine. This is one of those things.. wow a gift from heaven. G in CT you have left me inspired. Cindy

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