Let me tell you about this sink!!! Cast iron sinks have been around since the mid 1800’s due to their practicality and durability. They are timeless and prized for their vintage and rugged appeal. I found this particular sink at my favorite salvage store in Wilmington

my mom even commented how she remembers these sinks as a kid in her Chicago apartment. Eventually I hope to install cast iron sinks in all the baths and kitchen. Using quality products is important to me in the redesign of this 1800’s home. High quality doesn’t have to mean high price. You can source products by searching online on marketplace, craigslist, Habitat for Humanity or local thrift and vintage shops.

When I bought this house there was a shower and a stackable laundry in a tiny little space off the sunroom. At one point it might have been a closet.

The house only had two bedrooms so I wanted to turn the sunroom into a third bedroom with a private bath for guests or a short term rental space. The sunroom is a beautiful room that overlooks the backyard with two floor to ceiling windows that casts a golden glow in the morning light. At one point I even used it as an office space, but now that I know what my plans are for the space I’m excited to get this bathroom started.

So I went to work looking for a plumber who could move my washer and dryer to the basement until I find a home for it upstairs. That will be part of the future kitchen remodel, which will be an another project. Since there were already washer/dryer hookups in the basement it was a quick install to move the laundry.

The plumber who was recommended to me was friendly, efficient and affordable. He got the job done installing the new pipes for a toilet and a sink.

Because of a beam below the new bath he had to drill a hole in the floor to allow for the pipes, however it was quite an eye sore but he claimed he was unable to hide the pipes behind the walls. I didn’t think I had an option so I agreed to it.

The space I had to work with was very small and it took some imagination on how I could turn this into an inviting bathroom. The space for the sink needed to be 15 inches in depth or smaller. The vintage sink I found was the perfect size but unfortunately ended up leaking and we couldn’t find a quick fix for it. Sure, I could have easily found something from IKEA or Amazon but I’m only willing to bring in sustainable products that are timeless and durable. That meant my coveted cast iron sink was next in line. Unfortunately, the plumber didn’t think it would work because the faucets were original and also leaked.

I wasn’t willing to take no for an answer. I found a local handyman who rebuilt the faucet and installed the sink for a whopping $400! A little bit of a sticker shock but I was desperate.

With the sink installed I could’t get over the fact that the pipes overshadowed the beauty of the vintage sink but I was willing live with it if I had to. However, when I hired a new contractor; someone who loves historic homes as much as me, he made all my problems disappear. He is the best at his craft and has a keen eye for the details and shares the same passion I do.

by crawling under the house he found a solution and brought in his own plumber who rebuilt the plumbing behind the walls and installed the beautiful chrome pipes. What a show stopper! Quite possibly I might be the only one in history who gets this excited about the little details but it makes a world of difference when it’s done right.

Sadly, I have lost money on this project. A project that was estimated to take a few weeks and ended up taking close to three months. I envy those women who have skilled husbands and brothers and fathers who are able to chip in. Unfortunately I moved across country away from all my family so I’m managing all the renovations by myself, with the help from my son. Ultimately I either need to learn the trades or find someone I can trust.

There were many nights I went to bed frustrated when my handyman wouldn’t show up or would only work few hours. I felt overwhelmed at times and didn’t feel I had the support I needed. I felt I was taken advantage of so it was pure joy when I met my contractor when I was out buying a shed on marketplace. He has been a gem in the rough who has ended up becoming a good friend of mine. I am truly grateful that I met him when I least expected it.

I’m pleased that a we are nearing the finish line and adding the final details to the bathroom so I can start painting. My contractor even installed a pocket door that brings me so much joy. It’s the little things that make my heart sing.