Tile countertops for midcentury bathrooms

50s-tile-in-sink

CERAMIC TILE is a totally appropriate and authentic material for midcentury bathrooms — and for kitchens, too. I’ve had several readers ask about this over the past few months – so this post is long overdue. Q. Why don’t I focus on tile countertops as much as laminate? Hmm. A. I think it’s because my two bathroom vanities both had laminate so I’m stuck in that mindset. Second, we talked about it when we renovated the bathroom, but my husband really hates tile countertops – says it’s too hard to keep the grout clean. Although: Bronwyn and Greg’s vintage original bathroom sink looks pretty darned good. Dig the green and color combination! Also, this must be tile countertop week – because we featured Jane’s new bathroom vanity yesterday, too. Jane, why did you choose tile. Any tips? Heck yeah there is more →

Retro kitchen sinks from Kohler – cast iron, metal framed – my new #1 choice if you are buying new!

I don’t know if these were just recently introduced… or whether I missed them all this time…but these two sinks from Kohler are terrific, authentic choices for a 40s, 50s or 60s kitchen. Both sinks are cast iron. And of course — you MUST get the metal rim.

This selection now becomes my #1 choice for a kitchen sink, if you want white cast iron and don’t want to hunt down or wait for a vintage sink.

kitchen sink with metal rim hudee ring

The double-bowl Kohler Delafield is 32″ wide – and allows you to order up to 5 holes for your faucet, spray and other accoutrements.

hudee ring metal rim kitchen sink
The single-bowl Kohler Bakersfield is almost as wide. UPDATE Nov. 2010: DISCONTINUED.

Link: Kohler.com

Faucet choice

Elkay stainless steel sinks

Classic white sink/counter drainboard sinks: