Our Renovation in Provence: a stone sink!

We figure that our kitchen is so tiny that in order to make it look good, everything in it has to have character and charm (well, maybe not the damn washing machine). I’ve fallen in love with all the shabby chic/farmhouse french kitchens that I’ve seen on pinterest. I’ve particularly fallen for the beautiful stone sinks. Of course, a stone sink costs about 800 euros. Not within the budget.

Choosing a Stone Sink

However, Robin found a place in Pont St Esprit, about an hour and 20 minutes north of us, that makes reconstituted stone sinks. They’re half the price and, in my opinion, just as stunning. We drove all the way there and found a warehouse full of specimens of all shapes and sizes. The sink above has a removable chopping board. There were 2 basin pieces as well. Everything had the lovely natural colours of various types of stone. I gravitate towards the more warm tones while Robin likes the colder tones.

In the end, he won because the sink I liked had the drainer on the wrong side for our kitchen. Once we got it home, I realised that he was right (as usual with anything to do with décor). I love the simplicity.

The Installation

Robin got the sink out of the van and was staring at it on the sidewalk while scratching his head. It isn’t quite as heavy as a stone sink made from one block of stone- but it’s still pretty heavy! Thankfully, our kind elderly neighbour saw him there and ran to get her handy trolley almost tripping over her tortoise that lives in her courtyard. Thank goodness! (the tortoise was alright)

Don’t ask me how he managed to get it on top of the supports he built. I was told to leave the room as he had to concentrate. Next thing I knew- it was mounted! Today he’s plastering the supports to give it a complimentary natural look.

You may have noticed the stamped fleur de lys on the sink. This is not for patriotism, but rather a different kind of pride. It is a sign of quality stone work.

We paid 311 euros for our stone sink. If you’re looking for something similar, I suggest checking out the site of Pierre Brique Realisation where we bought ours. The staff were extremely helpful and even provided service with a smile! (a rarity here in France).

So, we now have a sink in the kitchen. We bought the cheapest taps we could find yesterday so that we have access to water as we wait for the taps we ordered online. We also bought an oven; so tonight, for the first time in 5 weeks, we’re going to be able to actually cook something!!! So excited! What deliciousness should we make?

Oh, getting back to the “everything has to be pretty in a tiny kitchen” subject, we’re contemplating investing in a SMEG fridge. Any thoughts? Worth it?