Since I moved into my place in October, there has been one thing that has bothered me about it. No, not the fact that there are hardly any electrical outlets. No, not the heavy traffic outside. It’s my bathroom sink.
The sink’s basin was completely corroded. At some point in the past, a former resident poured something in the sink and let it sit. The problem was that the chemicals they used ate away at the porcelain, leaving it pocked and gross. No matter what I did or how I cleaned the sink, it always looked disgusting.
Here, see for yourself:
This picture doesn’t even show how bad the corrosion was, but it gives some idea. When the management company who was leasing my duplex told me they were going to raise the rent $150 a month from what my friends (the previous tenants) had paid, one of my conditions for moving in was that they replace the sink. It only took 6 months, but finally, the plumbing company called me to schedule an appointment to replace the sink.
But of course, nothing could go smoothly. Over spring break a plumber came out to “assess” the sink. He determined that yes, the sink was completely corroded, probably because someone put draino or something in it for too long. Yeah, I could’ve told you that, so do you have a sink in your truck that you’re going to install? No dice. He said they’d have to schedule another appointment in order to install a sink, and that it would take about 3 weeks to order one. 3 WEEKS?!@!@ I wasn’t going to wait that long.
So I wrote a long email to the management company explaining that this had gone on long enough. The next day, one of their employees came by with a pedestal sink to install in the bathroom! I’ve never been so happy about a sink in my life.
An appointment had been scheduled for another plumber to come and install this new sink.
The plumber didn’t end up leaving my house until 9pm (he got there at 5:30)! There was some confusion about the faucet — the sink that the management company bought didn’t come with a faucet and my old one was ugly and ancient, so I didn’t want it on the nice, new sink. I emailed and called the management company, with no response. So, I called the plumbing company, and they said they weren’t sure. I was so afraid that the plumber would arrive and then have to leave because there was no faucet. Luckily, his supervisor had a faucet on his truck, so he came by and brought it.
The plumber who came to install it was a nice enough guy, but a little strange. He told me he lived in the mountains and that his girlfriend had burned down his bedroom with candles. (Sad, to be sure, but I wasn’t sure why he felt he needed to tell me this info). He also told me that he used to be the supervisor but that he decided to go back to hourly because he could make more. Oh, and that his son was moving to a new school because all of the kids at his old school picked on him. (Again, not sure why he’s telling me this, but that’s ok, whatever he needs to do to pass the time and install the sink).
As he was finishing up, he casually mentioned that he had spent some time in jail. Oh, great, I thought to myself, I’m really glad he didn’t mention this fact at the beginning of the evening. He went on to explain the circumstances of his arrest and that he was innocent, of course. At this point I kept thinking, just get the hell out of my house so that I can admire my new, beautiful sink.
Quite an improvement, no?
I need to paint the bathroom. The wall behind the sink where the old sink was is all unpainted and in need of some serious TLC. I needed to repaint the bathroom anyway, though. My dad said he’d be happy to help me this summer. I think I’m going to find a new blue for the walls. The current color has a bit too much gray in it for my taste.
I’m also thinking of painting my bedroom a completely different color — not sure what yet. I want to figure out what type of duvet I want and then figure out colors. Right now it’s a plain white, which is very clean-looking, but it’s getting a bit boring.
Plus the kitchen… so I guess it’s going to be a painting party this summer!
This whole incident with the sink and the fact that my entire mood changed once it was installed really shows the value and pride I take in knowing my home looks nice. I think it has something to do with my aesthetic sensibilities, and maybe just a bit because I’m a Cancer. Probably a lot to do with the fact that my mom is an amazing decorator and my parents’ house looks like it should be in magazines.
I’m very excited to think of other things I can improve and decorate in this place. Since I moved in, I haven’t given much time or attention to making it look really nice. Sure, I put a few pictures on the wall and bought some new towels, but I have been longing to really make it look nice.
Then I’ll be able to have some people over and truly start enjoying this place!
it’s so beeeeeuuuuteeeefulllll! I’m very envious!
Nice sink Bella! I’m happy to hear that you didn’t let them bully you in to waiting so long for a new one. I am a bit OCD and when I have my own place I like it to look immaculate. I know you are busy but I have to say I really enjoy reading your blog. I check it frequently.
To have a beautifully and accurately decorated bath is everybody’s dream. Having a fashionable sink in the bathroom can be a great investment.
Yikes…your old one was grossssss….love the new one.
Claire x