Kohler Brockway Sink in the Cottage Bathroom!

Once in a while, one of the really awesome benefits of having this blog is that it’s kind of like I have more eyes thrifting for me. This kind of thing is a relatively rare occurrence—I’m not that fancy—but I do feel extra super lucky when I get an email or a tweet or a comment from a reader letting me know that they spotted this or that in a thrift store or on eBay or Craigslist and thought I might be interested.

About a year and a half ago, I wrote about that nice rosewood credenza that a very kind and neighborly reader named Priscilla found and put on hold for me at a thrift store. That was really awesome when that happened. Priscilla has been kind enough to text me every now and then if she see’s something while she’s out and about…and girlfriend just went and did it AGAIN.

KohlerBrockwaySink1

So one day while I was busy working on the living room at my house, Priscilla texted me a picture of this 3-foot wide enameled cast iron double sink over at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, asking if I wanted it since she couldn’t think of a reason to buy it herself. I don’t need it for my house, and it didn’t really fit into the cottage plan either, but come on…that’s a good-looking sink! Originally I was planning on doing some kind of double vanity/double sink situation in the full bath at the cottage, but after thinking it over for a few minutes and looking at a few pictures of this model in use, I started to get really excited about using this instead. The holes accommodate 2 separate faucets, so it has the functionality of double sinks but the simplicity and glamor of a single basin. What’s not to love?

I don’t know how old this particular sink is, but it’s actually still in production! It’s made by Kohler and is called the Brockway—looks like it retails for between about $1,200-$1,600, depending on the source. Mine was only $175! Such a score. It didn’t come with faucets, mounting hardware, or the soap dish that goes in the middle, so that’ll add a few hundred dollars, but that’s OK—it can all be ordered separately from Kohler, which is really nice. I don’t have the budget that would allow for buying this kind of thing new, so it’s exciting to be able to put something so high-quality in this house that will hopefully stay with it for a long, long time.

This sink feels especially meaningful because back in October, Kohler held a small conference for bloggers at their headquarters in Kohler, Wisconsin, which I had the pleasure of attending! Admittedly, I went into the trip knowing next to nothing about Kohler as a company (other than that they made my toilet, which I like…), but I had such an appreciation for them by the time I left. What really struck me was how Kohler has balanced almost 150 years of design innovation (they started by making enameled cast iron bathtubs in 1873!) with a real respect for historic styles and production methods—something that seems really out of the ordinary for such a large, international company.

We got to spend some time in a museum area of one of the Kohler buildings, and while it was interesting to see how much things have changed over almost 150 years in business, it was even more amazing to see how much has stayed the same. They still produce almost everything out of their Wisconsin factories, including so many classic styles that are really nicely suited to historic renovations. It made me so happy to see all that stuff right alongside their sleeker, more modern designs. On the last day, we even got to tour the factories, and I think the highlight for a lot of us was seeing the cast iron goods being made. In my admittedly nerdy sort of way, I like having this sink because I’ve seen firsthand exactly how it was made…coming out of the oven glowing red-hot, hot enough to melt the powdered glass particles that get sprayed on it to form the enameled surface…SO COOL. I wish I could go back, like, once a month.

ANYWAY. Want to take a look at how great this sink looks in a bathroom? Yeah, I do too.

13-hands-on-education-bathroom-0913-xln
From Country Living / Photos by Max Kim-Bee (click photo for link)

I really like this picture because it’s so much of what I can envision for the cottage bathroom! I’ve been thinking a lot about plank walls for the entire upstairs space, including parts of the bathroom that wouldn’t be tiled. The reclaimed wood shelf, the mirror, the sconce situation…it’s all just so nice!

nautical-sinks-metal-lockers-bathroom-0712-dempster14-xl
From House Beautiful / Photo by Alec Hemer (click photo for link)

What’s better than one double sink? TWO DOUBLE SINKS. So much sink action. And oh hey look, more plank walls! And a plank ceiling! And…BRASS. I’m admittedly not a huge fan of the Cannock faucet that’s recommended to go with the sink (maybe I’d like it more in real life?), but I do really like these, and the brass factor just puts it over the top. I’ve never actually seen all-brass traps and supply lines in the real world, but damn. That looks great. Plumbing fantasies.

700_sargisson-robbins-101
From Remodelista / Photo by Sean Slattery (click photo for link)

Hot DAMN, this bathroom. Sooooooo gooooooood. I sort of laughed when I saw this photo because the subway tiles and black hex floor tiles are also things I’ve been mentally tossing around for the cottage bathroom. Although my tiles would be ceramic and these look to be marble, but whatever. Oh, and I see you, skinny beautiful black radiator. And those cabinets. And that gorgeous tub. GUH. But the sink looks amazing, right? Right. It’s such a versatile piece.

Looking at these fancy bathrooms makes going to my bathroom feel kind of like taking a dump in a porta potty on a hot summer day, but I don’t even care.

KohlerBrockwaySink2

So there. Obviously this bathroom has a ways to go before this sink can have its moment to shine, but it feels motivating to have it now, while I still have some time to plan. It makes me so excited to see it come together! Now to just find myself a tub…

About Daniel Kanter

Hi, I'm Daniel, and I love houses! I'm a serial renovator, DIY-er, and dog-cuddler based in Kingston, New York. Follow along as I bring my 1865 Greek Revival back to life and tackle my 30s to varying degrees of success. Welcome!

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104 Comments

  1. 1.26.15
    gretaclark said:

    Alright!!! Now we are talking decorating–love that sink. You are very lucky and you do not waste time buying stuff you like.

  2. 1.26.15
    Ann said:

    Hooray for Priscilla!
    Another great thing about Kohler is their artist residency. They have a long history of supporting art and artists…yay!

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      Yes! I didn’t want to go on and on in the post, but that was really amazing to me, too.

      (For those interested, here’s a short description of the artist residency program!)

  3. 1.26.15
    Kristin said:

    I love the sink. One of the things that sold me on our house was the fact that there were two kitchens with two big cast iron sinks and integral drainboards. In fact, that’s all there was in the kitchens. We salvaged one in the third floor bathroom, and we still have the other one. I just love them, and love all those bathroom photos you posted.

    The picture of the sinks in their original location are in the middle of this post. Having them restored was around $125 – that was about ten years ago, but still, that’s really inexpensive compared to what a giant sink like that would cost now.
    http://www.thirdstoryies.com/2013/03/17/lucky-thirteen-a-love-story-and-bright-bathroom/

    Great find! Can’t wait to see the final product!

    • 1.26.15
      Jennifer I said:

      Wow Kristin!

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      So cool! It looks great in there!

    • 1.27.15
      Kristin said:

      Thanks. I just remembered last night that many years ago I was looking at a potential building for a client and the place had really been trashed. The only thing that hadn’t been screwed with was this gigantic marble sink – it was a similar shape to your Kohler sink – just imagine it stretched out more, and with four or five faucet locations. It was seriously a work of art. I contemplated buying that building just for the sink. I’ve often wondered where that sink ended up – hopefully with someone who appreciated it. Can you imagine the kitchen you could build around something like that?

      Those shiplap planks have got my wheels turning…

    • 1.26.15
      Sara L. said:

      It was so funny, I clicked on over to your site, and as I scrolled down, I kept thinking “I’ve seen this bathroom before. It was on This Old House magazine!” and I was right! I still have that issue, in fact, bought specifically because of that awesome cover. So suffice it to say, I love your bathroom!

    • 1.27.15
      Kristin said:

      Thanks! They got good mileage out of that story and photo shoot. I think it’s been on the cover of some of their bathroom books too.

  4. 1.26.15
    Kristen said:

    The only place I recall seeing brass fixtures and traps was in basic training at Ft. Dix, and needless to say, I’m NOT a fan after having to brasso them with a drill sergeant yelling in the background. But hey, maybe in a more sophisticated setting, you could change my opinion, Daniel!

    • 1.26.15
      Jemma said:

      Funny mental image, Kirsten!

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Oh man, your aversion is understandable! I guess I didn’t really think about the added maintenance of brass fixtures vs. more typical materials. Thanks for bringing that up!

  5. 1.26.15
    katie said:

    I’m obsessed with that sink! In fact it’s the only sink i know the name of because I’ve wanted out for my house for a while now. Good find, Priscilla! And great buy Daniel – that sink will totally make the whole bathroom

  6. 1.26.15
    bluelaugh said:

    I love it when you are able to find that key piece that is the starting point for the entire room. I get excited about the little things just as you do. I know that the bathroom you are designing will match up to the inspiration photos.

  7. 1.26.15
    Dan said:

    Plank/shiplap walls would look great! They’re easy to clean and more water/mold resistant than sheetrock, very practical for a bathroom. I’m hoping to add high shiplap wainscoting to my own bathroom if I ever get around to renovating it.

    • 1.26.15
      Alli said:

      Another vote for shiplap! So practical for bathrooms, especially if you back prime all the boards. I like to use the off the shelf stuff (Car/Carr siding) rather than having shiplap custom milled since the local places here don’t stock square groove shiplap. The trick is just to install the car siding backwards to get the crisp look of square groove instead of the standard v-groove. You can also use a wedge to install if you want super level reveals (http://tinyurl.com/pffmpq6).

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Thank you, guys! Alli—that’s really helpful! I was just looking at that stuff yesterday. I was worried I’d end up having to mill my own!

    • 1.27.15
      Alli said:

      Oh, and don’t forget you do have to pre-paint all the ship lap to get both sides and all the grooves. Otherwise when shrinks/swells with seasonal humidity you’ll end up seeing the unpainted portions, or having your paint crack along all the joints if you’ve painted after installing. Laying all the boards out and spraying them is annoying but important.
      The shiplap is meant to swell and shrink, so think about where the boards are humidity-wise before you set your groove spacing. Installing mid summer do a small joint (like a nickel); installing midwinter in dry air use a wider space.
      Way too much shiplap info??

  8. 1.26.15
    Joann said:

    Is that sink smiling at us or what? Kuddos to Priscilla!

  9. 1.26.15
    kim said:

    UGH. ENVY. I’ve lusted over that sink so much your post brought me out of lurkerhood just to say so, haha!

    While I’m here, I might as well say: I love reading about your (mis)adventures! Your blog is often a shot of caffeine to my flagging inspiration in my own new/old house undertakings. Keep fighting the good fight, yo!

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      Thank you, Kim!

  10. 1.26.15
    Heather said:

    FYI – that link to the rosewood credenza links to the Kohler website right now – I’m a newish reader so the phrase “that rosewood credenza” had me breathlessly clicking!

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      Whoopsie! Should be all fixed. Thank you! :)

  11. 1.26.15
    zola said:

    Are you about to be buried in snow Daniel ?. Hope all is well on the East Coast!
    Best wishes from Vancouver xx

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      Apparently, yes! Zipping around town trying to get stuff done before it hits. I’m dreading the shoveling already!

  12. 1.26.15
    Renov8or said:

    So envious! That sink is a find at $175. Now all you need is a clawfoot tub with outside painted black.

    Can your second floor bear the weight of a clawfoot tub?

    • 1.26.15
      Daniel said:

      I think the weight wouldn’t be a problem now that the framing has all been so beefed up! As much as I love clawfoot tubs, I’ve sort of been looking for a more modern tub for this house, like probably something 1920s-1940s. The ceiling height is still pretty low in here, so I worry that the few inches you lose from the claw feet would make some people feel cramped in the tub. I also kind of feel like showering in clawfoot tubs isn’t all that comfortable (the wrap-around curtain and all…), so I’m hesitant to make it the only option in the house, you know? But maybe! I found a great looking tub on Craigslist but the person won’t respond to my emails—ugh!

    • 1.26.15
      Tisha said:

      I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one getting no response to emails to CL peeps. Do you want to sell your stuff or what? At least, that’s what I always wonder, especially when I desperately want to buy said item.

    • 1.26.15
      NestFan said:

      Oh yes, 20s-40s tubs are great. I’ve had three. Deeper then modern tubs, so you can take a really deep bath. But not as hard to step into daily to shower in as clawfoot tubs, because they aren’t as deep, and don’t have extra space wasted underneath for the feet. I had a clawfoot, and I found that while cleaning under it was a pain, and I didn’t like the feel of shower curtain closing in on all sides and having to ensure water didn’t pour out the back, what was the biggest drawback (and a real safety concern) was the awkwardness of stepping into and out of it with wet feet – its too high, and in my opinion, clawfoots and showers don’t go together (the tubs certainly weren’t designed with showers in mind.) Now my later 20s-40s tubs, beautiful. No cleaning underneath! The nicest for baths (though I still crave a deeper, shorter soaking tub someday, the kind you sit up in more, like a Japanese soaking tub.) One of mine had only one short side attached to the wall, with the beautiful curved edge detail on the other (open) side, common in long, narrow city apartment bathrooms with all the fixtures lined up in a row on one wall. (It required two shower curtains, since one short side was also open, but they make these L-shaped shower curtain rods that attach to the two walls and are supported at the corner with a slim rod attached to the ceiling.) These tubs work great for taking both showers AND baths.

    • 1.26.15
      Renov8or said:

      Oh, forgot about the shower surround. I’m so with you on that. We had that in our first Manhattan apartment. Like showering in a cocoon of Saran Wrap. And the shower curtain obscures the beauty of the tub.

  13. 1.26.15
    Luna said:

    AAArgh! I want It!! I was going for 2 column sinks for the main bathroom but I was offered the chance to buy a really wide ceramic flat top column sink at the weekend and I snapped it up… but now I want yours :(

  14. 1.26.15
    debbie in toronto said:

    SCORE!….love the sink..love the practicality of two taps but one bowl..cool.
    Please don’t do the clawfoot tub…we had one for years and yes they are very oldy worldy but trust me..showering in them is not fun..the curtains sticks to you…water gets out…and they take up alot of space..AND they weigh a ton..I was always afraid to have a bath in it …worried I’d end up in the dining room thru the ceiling….
    Are you going to keep the brick in the bathroom somehow..that would be so nice.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Yes, the brick is staying! It needs to be repointed so I’m not sure if I’ll end up painting it or just sealing it. The dining room chimney should stay unpainted I think, but the bathroom might be a different story.

      I agree about the clawfoot! Not a good fit for here. I wouldn’t want one unless I had another place to shower, despite how gorgeous they are!

  15. 1.26.15
    Jeanna said:

    What a great friend :) What an amazing find! I think that sink is going to look adorable in your bathroom. I love all things clean, classic……………. they just last.

  16. 1.26.15
    Sarah said:

    That sink. So lovely. Dang, I need a Priscilla in my life! What a hero.

  17. 1.26.15
    Danielle said:

    What a great sink – and what a great friend!

  18. 1.26.15
    Rachel said:

    I agree that I’m not really feeling the recommended faucets. I do like them better in brass but I think that is more the combo of brass with the sink than the actual faucets. That is a wonderful score! Go Priscilla!

  19. 1.26.15
    Suzen said:

    OMG!! I told you about my cast iron problem, remember? Now this! Gads, I might just die. And right at the ReStore, too. My husband is now thanking his lucky stars I didn’t see it before you got it. That is going to be so great looking!!

  20. 1.26.15
    Karyl said:

    You are going to love that sink! I have nearly an exact match–ours is an old art sink, nabbed off the walls from an elementary school that was about to be demoed. It was 7 years ago and my 4 year at the time was taking art lessons over the summer. At cleanup the teacher was bemoaning the loss of her non-profit space and although I was sympathetic, I was making goo-goo eyes at that sink. I casually asked what was going to happen to all the cool fixtures, and she said they were all being scrapped, then asked, “Why, would you like it?”. Why yes, yes I would. Within about 5 min, I had my suburu backed up to the building while her husband disconnected the drain lines and lifted it off the iron cleats and plopped that beast in my car, faucets and all. Best investment of art lessons ever!

    Anyway, it sat in our garage for 6 years until we eventually built our new “old” house and we put this in the boys’ bathroom. We built out the wall a little bit by 6″ so that when mounted it has a shelf behind it. Be sure to add a lot of blocking in your framing (we used 2x6s horizontally between the 16 oc studs, with extra vertical studs below it). Since the cleats have to be installed exactly where the sink needs to be mounted, it will make mounting it a lot easier for you. I didn’t think to grab the iron cleats from the school (and it in any case back then I didn’t carry a screwdriver with me!), however I was able to find 2 cleats at our local salvage re-store for $3 a piece.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      That’s awesome!! It never hurts to ask! So glad it went to a good home.

      That’s smart to build out the wall for the shelf!! I might steal that idea from you…

  21. 1.26.15
    Alexa F. said:

    Oh, that sink!

    We’re probably about to put an offer on a currently-delisted Folk Victorian built in 1880. Seller decided to fix some termite damage and possible garage roof issue out of pocket and delisted right after we spotted it. It’s got a claw foot tub in the downstairs bathroom, high elevation cistern toilet (with an ugly ass “updated” wood-framed cistern) and an “updated” sink that’s nice; it just doesn’t fit with anything else on the property as it’s super modern style.

    That sink is exactly what I was trying to find as a reference for a someday update if we get the house. I had seen one of the photos of it on Pinterest a few weeks ago and couldn’t find it again – since I apparently didn’t mark it. I kind of hate you a bit for your awesome sourcing friends. Haaaate.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Sorrrrrrryyyyyy! Ha! Good luck with the house—sounds like a really fun project!

  22. 1.26.15

    SO GOOD. And now I’m having flashback visions of glowing sinks and tubs. Dreamy.

  23. 1.26.15
    Kelly said:

    I worked in the Kohler foundry and enamel shop as an engineer for 3 years, and it makes my heart absolutely sing when I see these pieces–old designs like the Brockway especially. There is SO MUCH beautiful craftsmanship behind those pieces, from the carefully calculated iron recipe to the final visual and tactile inspection of every individual piece. I wish I still worked there… maybe I could have met some of my favorite bloggers!

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Aw, thank you so much for commenting, Kelly!! You’re absolutely right…it’s one of those things that I’ll admit I never thought about much before, but seeing the production really drove home how much expertise and love really goes into making these things. That’s very cool that you got to be a part of it! It seemed like a very happy place to work. So many friendly people!

  24. 1.26.15
    Holland VanDieren said:

    Spectacular! And if you can swing a brass U-trap and fittings … holy schmoly.

  25. 1.26.15
    Allison said:

    I cant believe you [Priscilla] found one of these in a ReStore! I had totally seen the Kohler Brockway awhile back via a DesignSponge house tour and decided on it for my (eventual) upstairs bathroom remodel! I am so JEALOUS! I dont have room for a double vanity in my bathroom, but I like the idea of squeezing in two faucets for a little added luxury, while in keeping the historic character of a wall-mounted sink.

    Anywho, cant wait to see what you’ll do with it at the Cottage. It’s going to be the BOMB!

  26. 1.26.15
    Mary said:

    Hi Daniel,
    I love the look of the black hex-floor bathroom–the radiator, the hooks for towels, the “found” cabinet above and, of course, the SINK. I vote for a more functional bath/shower then claw foot and also against brass. Had both and would not do either again. This house is going to be so nice that I think when you put it on the market you will have people bidding UP the price to get it.

    Three cheers for Priscilla!

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Let’s hope, Mary! Wouldn’t that be something?? :)

  27. 1.26.15
    Doorot said:

    That sink is going to look beautiful! I can’t wait to see how you start decorating the place. Am I putting the pressure on? Sooorry ;)

  28. 1.26.15

    I never thought I’d have sink envy, but apparently it is possible. What beautiful lines on that sink! Those brass fixtures looked awesome in the House Beautiful spread but not sure how truly practical that will be for the average homeowner/renter. We had brass in a rental that looked horrendous and I certainly wasn’t going to expend the energy to clean it properly since we were only there short-term.

    Great find though..I keep waiting for our ReStore to get some truly fab items instead of the flesh toned tiles they consistently have in stock.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      That’s a good thing to keep in mind, thank you! I’m definitely not sold on the brass, as much as I love it in the picture. I never even thought about the added hassle of maintenance!

  29. 1.26.15
    Jemma said:

    That last photo is brilliant! No walls, but just imagine….

  30. 1.26.15
    Katrina said:

    Love that sink! I am so glad you didn’t wait on purchasing it. Yay, Pricilla!

    I can imagine bathing my baby in it…or my rambunctious pup. I heart it!

  31. 1.26.15
    RMC said:

    If you do decide to do black hex flooring tile – please don’t use white grout with it….either black or charcoal, something that matches. I see so many people not really consider their grout colour choice. There are a lot of black/darker tile flooring with white grout which just cheapens the look of the tile IMHO (not to mention gets dingy/stained fast). I know you’ve done a lot of black grout with white subway tile so you probably wouldn’t anyways.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Thank you, RMC! It’s funny…I actually think the white grout looks great in the picture up there, but it’s not something I’d choose to do! I feel like it works because of the marble, but it would look awful if those tiles were ceramic. Bad grout/tile combos are a huge pet peeve of mine, too!

  32. 1.26.15
    NestFan said:

    Great sink! One of my pet peeves in house remodeling is the perceived need for two bathroom sinks where the space is so small that it would be better served by one larger sink. (I don’t like standing crammed against a wall when using the sink, which is how many of these end up working – so unnecessary!) I’m not saying your bathroom is that small so two sinks wouldn’t work (I can’t recall the dimensions), but as it is a tiny house, this will likely work much better. That’s a beautiful sink.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Thanks! I agree. I’m so glad this just sort of popped up—it’s not a solution I would have come to on my own, but I think it’ll be great!

  33. 1.26.15

    Wow that sink! I dig this way more than your double-pedestal idea since it allows you/new owner to run low shelving under it if so desired. And I dig that first photo set up because the only thing that feels lacking with this kind of sink is a space to rest items like toothbrushes, water glasses, etc. Drives me nuts that in styled photos no one ever wants to show how the space is actually used. And I think you may have suggested that you are going to put in some medicine cabinets that would give much needed storage above the sink too, which would be great. Maybe I’m just a little obsessed by this because I have none in my current bathroom. Looks like there will be ample space on either side of the sink for a hand towel hook too.

    The black hex floor is certainly very sexy, but in a room this size with a lower ceiling and only one window, you might want a lighter floor just to bounce around as much light as possible. But then again, your use of black at your place is so nicely done, that I’m sure whatever you go with will be stunning.

    Do you think that track in the ceiling in that last photo is how they hang the shower curtain? Cause that’s an interesting idea. (on a side note, omg that house)

  34. 1.26.15
    Diane said:

    It doesn’t get any better than this. Priscilla is a pal and then some.

  35. 1.26.15
    Adrien said:

    That picture with the black hex tiles is the exact picture that somehow, through google’s mysterious magical ways, associated it with the post about your black rubber floor in your apartment and made me an avid follower.

    Looks amazing!

    I guess traditionally that wouldn’t really have been a “double” sink but more one side was hot and the other cold since for some reason they didn’t believe in single spouts.

    Neat.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Aw, memories! I still like that floor. :)

      I actually think this sink was designed as a double sink! But yes, on smaller and older cast iron sinks, separate hot and cold taps are standard. I think it was partly technological, but was also based on the idea that people used to wash up by stopping the drain and filling the sink basin instead of how we typically use sinks today by going right under the running water. It makes more sense that way! We have double taps in our bathroom sink and I’ll admit that I’m still not really a fan, but the sink is too cool to get rid of and it’s not the kind of set up that can be elegantly converted, so I guess I better learn to like it! :)

  36. 1.26.15
    mariane said:

    Wow Daniel that is one very pretty sink, I prefer this over two sinks like a lot! I am in Montreal and a little jealous about all the snow coming to you, we are not suppose to get one little bit, sucks. I know the shovelling kind of sucks but then it is the perfect reason to bundle up in your new living room and fantasize it is a real one!!! Everybody needs a Priscilla, way to go Madame!

  37. 1.26.15
    Randie said:

    This is my dream sink! I can’t believe you scored one for such short money!

  38. 1.26.15
    k said:

    Kohler is awesome with the arts patronage in Wisconsin, just so you know.

  39. 1.26.15
    Jennifer said:

    love the sink! We just installed the 4ft wide one in our new bathroom. I really disliked the “cannock” faucets that were recommended to go with the sink both for the color and the fact that they contain lead and are not recommended for drinking water (wahhhhhh?!!) anyhow, chicagofaucets.com have a few other options and they were really good to deal with.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      That’s good to know, Jennifer! I’ll be looking into alternatives. The lead thing is super weird!! Do you happen to know what you bought? Do you like them?

  40. 1.26.15
    Kirsty said:

    Are the floors salvageable? I think it would look amazing with just polished floor boards with a dark stain. Though maybe that’s a 2 story house issue?

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      The floors are salvageable, yes! I’m not really sure yet whether I’m keeping them or tiling, though. I debate endlessly both ways!

    • 1.27.15
      Alli said:

      From a bad experience experience I’d recommend against tile, if you do decide you need a more resilient floor in there as a rental. It will just crack when the house flexes and your grout will leak water and rot the floor unless you pull out the wood and do a double layer of concrete board… But then, transitions. I just used Marmoleum with a really removeable adhesive in a similar situation. Made from linseed, sheet good protects the wood from puddles, and someone could come back and refinish the wood down the road if they wanted. Rubber works too, and you might not even need adhesive :)

  41. 1.26.15

    Score! My small kitchen reno was like a puzzle, so I think “the size that fits” was a big determining factor in the sink I chose, especially since I had no brand allegiance. Luckily, the best choice was a Kohler and I really love it. Five years in and it still looks great, so durable and cleans up well. It is great to hear the good things about the company that I never knew. Continued best wishes with the reno, sure it will all be great!

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      That’s great, Jill! They really are such a cool company…I didn’t have brand allegiance before, but I think I do now!

  42. 1.26.15
    Renov8or said:

    I have to give Kohler a thumbs up. Our deep soaking tub was delivered in a snowstorm about this time last year. The Fedex delivery truck struck a tree, and my tub arrived with a small but prominent crack.

    Kohler sent a replacement at no extra cost.

    Almost 100% of my bathroom fixtures for our 1946 home are Kohler. (Not a paid endorsement.) And we are very happy with them.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      That’s great to hear!

  43. 1.26.15

    Damnit, now I have sink envy!

  44. 1.26.15
    Kim said:

    Love the sink. I vote the brass. Just gives it such a richness! Of course, what ever you do will be just delicious!

  45. 1.26.15
    cate said:

    Gorgeous! Love this sink. Love the “plank” idea too. (I’m not entirely sure what it is, but it sounds great. Kind of like bead board (which is super affordable btw) but more interesting.) That last design is by Brooklyn architect Elizabeth Roberts, who is on record saying she prefers hot water radiators above other types of heat. Re the claw foot tub, we have one, and fwiw, we don’t have that sticking-to-you shower curtain problem. I have had that in claw foot showers past. Perhaps the key is to get a sizable shower ring (above) from which it hangs? (Also we use a specially sized curtain just for claw foots, although you can also use three regular overlapping shower curtains.) Not that there’s anything wrong with an early 20th century tile-in tub either. And it might look better with the sink.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Thanks, cate! I think I’m leaning away from the clawfoot for the height issue (low ceilings + high tub…), and I just don’t think it’s aesthetically right for this particular house. As much as I love a clawfoot!

      There are all kinds of ways to execute the “plank” look…the most conventional being using shiplap or tongue-and-groove boards that are pretty inexpensive. Sometimes people use cheap flooring, too. The more modern and cheaper “hack” is ripping plywood or MDF down into the right width, but I feel like it’s probably not the greatest scenario to lose the seal provided by the shiplap rabbet or the tongue-and-groove.

    • 1.30.15
      cate said:

      Thanks for the info!

  46. 1.27.15
    Eileen said:

    love the sink, love the bathroom ideas”¦hate the brass.
    Brass hardware is one of those trends that comes up every few years/decades”¦and then disappears PDQ. Leaving a bunch of dated looking yellow hardware screaming to be replaced.
    I’m old enough to have been through a couple of those waves”¦don’t go there. (please?)

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Ha, no promises!! I know what you mean, though. It might be something I explore for my own house (I love warm metals, and I don’t think I’ll stop any time soon!), but realistically I’m not likely to do it here. I do love it in the picture, though!

  47. 1.27.15
    Larita said:

    Ugh. Jealous. Haven’t even started my house yet, still in the planning stages, but this is the sink I’ve been planning to put in at least one if not both of my bathrooms. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  48. 1.27.15

    I saw in the latest House and Home magazine that the editor had her existing plumbing stuffs dipped to be brass coated. I’m not sure what the process or the cost is and whether you can do that to taps as well as pipes, but sharing just in case.

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Holy moly, that’s pretty fancy! I also have no idea how that would work, but what a lavish thing to do!

  49. 1.27.15
    dirtfag said:

    its so funny!! i do the same thing!! i will find one specific item like a light fixture certain size door or window and plan my whole design off of that!!! it drives my boyfriend crazy!!! it happened when i too was looking at what kohler had to offer and i became obsessed with the bellwether tub they make, well i got it and LOVE IT!! its really simple and blends into a older home remodel perfectly!! you should check it out i think it will work well with that sink. unless you find a clawfoot tub !

    • 1.27.15
      Daniel said:

      Isn’t it exciting to have *that thing* as your jumping off point? It’s totally re-energized my excitement for this bathroom. I feel like I have a direction now!

      That is a nice tub! I think I need a tub that’s finished on two sides, though. Ideally I find a really great vintage one that’s in good shape and is cheap…should be easy. HA!

  50. 1.27.15
    Kristin said:

    Daniel –

    Flip to page 90 in February’s Dwell Magazine.

    I was just soaking in my claw foot slipper tub (so you know my vote, ahem), reading through the issue and there it was.

  51. 1.28.15
    Andrea said:

    Hooray for your find! that said, to quote Tina Fey, I need stuff and prep time to make me look like a human female, and the beauteous Kohler seems to have no ledges/storage area. Do be kind to your eventual buyer and build some in, somewhere near said sink?

  52. 1.28.15
    Giordi Y. said:

    This gorgeous specimen of a sink inspired me to go junking the other day and I found a porcelain sink with an integrated drainboard and a high backsplash. The same day!! So obviously I bought it and it will go in my someday-master bath. It makes me giddy to look at it. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • 1.28.15
      Daniel said:

      Wow, awesome find!! Yay!! :)

  53. 2.5.15

    This comment has nothing to do with the bathroom floor – promise.

    I just thought you’d like what’s going on with the shiplap & the sink.

    http://www.remodelista.com/posts/steal-this-look-a-tiny-utilitarian-bathroom-jenny-wolf-interiors

    • 2.5.15
      Daniel said:

      I do, I do! :)

  54. 2.11.15
    Amanda said:

    Love your blog! I’m using this sink for a client’s renovation right now and found some better looking faucets…
    http://www.chicagofaucets.com/catalog/catalog.php?part_number=225-ABCP

  55. 2.13.15
    gracie said:

    Beautiful brass! I’d have no problem scrubbing any of those bathrooms on my weekends.. he he.

  56. 10.11.15
    stefan said:

    LUCKY YOU!!!!
    we have just discovered this sink and its a real cracker. Unfortunately Kohler are in the States so i have been looking for one of these in the UK. not a lot goig second hand and the UK new price is way more than the US price. A really expensive top of the range product that none but the wealthiest can afford i fear!!
    If any of your readers have one to sell in the UK then we are looking!!

  57. 12.27.15
    Colette said:

    Hi Daniel! I’m new to your blog and could not find a follow-up to this post. Have you done the bathroom and did you ever end up using the sink? I’d love to see pics of the finished space!

    • 12.28.15
      Daniel said:

      I haven’t yet! This progress on this project in general had to slow dramatically in the past year for a few reasons, but I’m still working on it and still intending to use the sink, so stay tuned!

  58. 2.16.21
    Rebecca said:

    I loved this so much that I purchased the Kohler sink to recreate your look. I’m trying to find the same or very similar shelf and brackets. Could you direct me to where you found those? Thanks!

  59. 7.3.21
    LeeAnn said:

    Thank you so much for writing all about the sink. I am so ecstatic because I too was just lucky enough to find one. I googled to learn about it and up popped your article.
    Beautiful,