Are the appliances the only things changing in the photo? Then keep it! It goes beautifully with the rest of the kitchen. Whose sink matches their appliances anyway?

i think it's gorgeous. even as i updated the space, i would keep it. if you love it, keep it. if you don't, salvage.

I think it looks great just like it is -- probably because I just spent several weeks tracking down a very similar vintage sink for our upcoming kitchen remodel! If you decide not to use the sinks, please send them to a salvage yard so that they can be re-used,

i love this kitchen and the sink is a big part of that! keep it, just make it work! and if you don't, please send it my way :)

the shot from this distance; my initial reaction -- i'd keep it.

so, unless the material is a lot flimsier looking in real life or if you perceive a lack of utility from it in your future, i wouldn't change it

I love it!
Why change it?

I say keep the sink. It goes well with the age of the home. However, if the sink is a little too low to use, then I would consider replacing it with apron front farm sink to keep the character of the home. I had a sink like this in an apartment and it was divine to use. Now I have a single 'D' shaped sink in my remodeled kitchen in my condo, which I love too.

Keep it. You'll regret it later if you do get rid of it.

Keep it! I used to have one of them in my old apartment and I really miss it!

It's beautiful and is very appropriate in the space. I think it'd be a mistake to replace it with a soulless new stainless steel kitchen sink & cabinet. New appliances are basically neutral and this piece with it's clean white presence will blend without a problem if the kitchen is accessorized appropriately.

It's a little more effort to work with it than it would be to just replace it with something that matches the new appliances exactly, but it'll be worth it to have such a stylish sink.

Yeah, you're right, maybe it wouldn't look so good. What's your address? I'll take it off your hands. :)

Keep it! All this would need would be an updated stylish faucet. Maybe you could switch out the legs underneath with some more modern shelving or cabinetry...

Since you asked for ways to incorporate it better into an updated design, one option is to update the faucet & fittings with something more contemporary. That could add modern conveniences & functionality the original faucet doesn't offer while maintaining the original cast iron sink.

definitely keep it, just let it stand alone a little- don't try to smush lower cabinets right next to it. i would leave at least 6 inches on the side of it, and some open shelving above it would look great.

Please keep it with the original legs, just change out the fixtures.

yes, absolutely!

i think it's noteworthy to do a redesign that incorporates elements of the original plan.

and look at all that sink space...wowzas!

YES!!

keep it! I think it will be a fine contrast to the modern elements you plan to incorporate. It has clean lines so it won't look too "country" in a sleeker kitchen. keep it. it will work.

You'd be a fool to let it go!

Keep it - change the light fixture instead... with something more classic like a schoolhouse pendant.

And maybe add some closed cabinets above the open shelving that extend up to the ceiling.

Please keep it!

Keep it.

I say if you don't want to use it in the kitchen, move it to one of the bathrooms. It would make a great lavatory. LOVE it.

You would be crazy not to keep it. It looks like a Kohler cast-iron sink. It can be incorporated into a modern kitchen easily.

Keep it for sure. I do agree on changing the faucet if possible, and besides the appliances- I would also see if you could put some type of built in unit above the sink, or open shelving right above the tile line continued on up, and continue tall cabinets above the tile line on the side where the range is. I like the look of the butcher block with the farm sink, and I always like incorporating a bit of marble with that as well where you can.

Thanks for all the comments, pretty unanimous at this point-keep it!!

And we are going to add more open shelving above the sink in the next unit. The sinks are very sturdy and have lots of life to them. We will add new fixtures though, and might close the space below the sink with base cabinets for a more utility.

Personally, I love the vintage look, but since we will be renting it out, so many people prefer everything so modern and get turned off by the sink.

Oh PLEASE keep it! You are so lucky to have a piece like that to begin with!

If you are renting it out and the renters arent appreciative of the sink than maybe take it out and put it in your own home or store for when the time is right. The last thing you need is to love it, keep it, and have a renter destroy it.

KEEEEEEP THE SIIIIINK!!!!!!!

Looks like everyone says keep it, and so do I!

Are you crazy!? Keep it!

I imagine it's hard to put a garbage disposal in one of those. If you're just trying to appeal to renters, consider whether your renters are likely to be the types who would appreciate a vintage design aesthetic - in other words, are they renting from you because it's a darling space or because it's cheap and convenient to something?

If it turns off your renters and it's a kitchen that you personally will never live in, there's no shame in putting in a regular old stainless steel double sink with a disposal for your renters and then selling the beautiful vintage sink on craigslist to someone who would really appreciate it.

Obviously if I were living there I would keep it. But it doesn't sound like that's what your situation is.

I vote yes! It's beautiful, and appears to be in like new condition. It offers many choices: skirt or not to skirt, roll a pair of carts underneath, or just leave it as it is. Left open, the kitchen looks larger, and the legs are lovely.

KEEP IT!!! Personally, my favourite style is pairing vintage with modern and this sink is so beautiful it could work well with an updated kitchen. Please show us the "after" photos when you've finished.
PS I would move into one of your units just because I love the sink!

OH MY GOD IF YOU GET RID OF THAT SINK I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU

Yes!!

It is a key character-defining element in this space. Please do not close it in underneath in order to attempt to increase storage; skirting is more flexible and the historically appropriate option.

Have you thought about trying to find the other kitchen elements in an architectural salvage yard?

Historically appropriate cabinetry, a stove...?

A very desirable class of renter will pay more for an apartment, and feel more committed to it, if it has character, and is not just outfitted with the cheapest and most generic appliances and cabinetry as most places are...

YES

KEEP IT! I understand you're renting it out but if I were a prospective tenant and I saw that sink, I'd throw my hands up and say, "who needs a garbage disposal? Not I!"

yes, lose the shelf above it. open shelving above it.

I say toss it. In fact, give me your address, and I'll come pick it up and take care of it for you...

Keep it!!! And do not close it off underneath with a cabinet. Those legs are beautiful. People are paying thousands now for this style of sink. Skirting would be a much better choice.

Definitely keep it! People pay tons of money to buy those sinks or reproductions for their modern kitchens. It looks like it's in great shape from your picture and it's form is very beautiful. I've seen a lot of great sinks like this curtained, but it and the area around it are in such good shape, you could leave it open and it will look great.

I don't think it will be hard at all to incorporate it into a remodel. I see new kitchens in magazines allt he time with vintage sinks and modern appliances.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16863012@N06/4420553518/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hbapro/4032229131/

And if you decide to get rid of them, let me know cuz I'll take one!

YES! S the S!

YES! S the S!

YES! S the S!

YES! S the S!

I would keep it but, build some custom cabinets around the bottom.

HELLO! You'd be crazy if you didn't keep it. And dumb.

Yeah, updating is needed and I think you definitely need to keep it! Awesome sink!!!!

absolutely keep it!

absolutely do not mess it up with a skirt, yuck!

absolutely do not put stuff under it!

absolutely send it to me if you make the mistake of removing it!

and btw

that shelf thing is absolutely not working for me. take it down, absolutely!

i think it's unanimous, keep the sink! My husband and I just purchased an old cast iron sink (but with a metal base) from a salvage yard to use in our kitchen renovation. http://bit.ly/cnbFAD

There are people like me out there who will buy old to put in their new kitchen!

OMG!!! You should absolutely keep the sink!
I love these big sinks, they're so convenient.
To incorporate it into the kitchen updates, you could maybe build a table or a shelf with a working surface on top just about an inch lower than the upper edge of the sink and shape one end around the rounded corners of the sink.

You could also build storage beneath the sink and match the color of the door(s) with the kitchen updates (or use a complementary color to accentuate the sink).

We have a rental property ourselves and made sure to keep the antique cast iron sink as part of the upgrades. It took a little extra work to keep it in, but it never fails to get appreciative comments from prospective tenants and visitors. I'd also avoid trying to build in more cabinetry underneath - that open space could hold a small trash can, temporary shelving, or serve any other number of uses. Its rare to find a kitchen anymore that hasn't taken up every inch of wall space with cabinetry, so it'd be a nice change to see some open space!

I also look at our vintage sink as a bellweather for prospective tenants. Anyone who complains about the vintage sink isn't going to be a good tenant for the property. Its a historic home (100 yrs old) with some upgrades - anyone expecting something fully modern is going to be thoroughly disappointed and difficult to deal with!

NEVER get rid of this sink, and never again think about getting rid of this sink!

I say get rid of it... Definitely. I mean, I'll save you the effort of tossing it and just come take it off your hands. ;)

I would KILL for that sink. I miss the beautiful ancient kitchens of New Orleans - these are commonplace there. I have a hard time understanding why everyone needs to rip out all these lovely things. Just build in some nice cabinets underneath.

I would move into this unit just for the sink. Please, please keep it. You could always sew some funky fabric 'curtains' and attach it to the sink with Velcro to hide things underneath, or use the space as open storage.

Just don't get rid of it, please!!

If you want to put something under the sink, buy a dog.

Yes! And if not...I'll buy it!!!! haha

What kind of question is that!!! Of course you should keep it!!!
Look at the size and design of that thing... It'll add all the character and style you need in your new stainless steel kitchen

Keep! Its fantastic. If you must build a surround for hidden shelving then do that but keep it. It will look great with stainless appliances

Yes. Fab.

what if you take the legs off(store them in the basement) and build the top part into the cabinetry for a farm sink look without the price tag!

One of my favorite kitchens had two overly-large double sinks in it---so there was plenty of room for all five teenagers to wash the dishes (no dishwasher). I've wanted two double-sinks since then. You'd be crazy to let this sink go, and I bet you can find a way to make it look great and still be practical.

Garbage disposal:

If your city has a composting program like San Francisco - You'll find that you rarely ever use a disposal.

KEEP IT.

The only thing I would recommend is moving it down the wall and put counter space to the side of it, but based on the photo, have no idea what's on the other side of it.

Keep the sink, if you don't want it I do.

I love it! Keep it.

its perfect keep it all..i would do similar wood shelves as is but take it all the way up the wall keep it white, then great for pretty teapots, colorful kitchen items.

if you decide to get rid of it, please send it to me. this is my dream sink!!!!!!!!!!!

I've never seen so much agreement among AT comments.

KEEP!

I guess there's no use in chiming in at this point to say, Keep it!, but: KEEP IT!

yes!!!!

Totally keep them, and if you are worried about a cohesive look, just use a white countertop with a little smooth detailing on the edge, and it will all look amazing. What am I saying... that sink in just about any kitchen would look amazing.

yes, keep it!

To quote my father "Good god almighty Moses!!!" YES, keep it. Are you nutz? If you don't want them I'll drive up this weekend and carry them home to DC. What other gems are you considering junking? Yikes. Scary.

It is gorgeous -- I would take it off your hands!

So... hardly anyone seems to be interested in answering the second part of the question....

What is going to be renovated in the space pictured? Are the stove and microwave staying or being replaced? Since they are white and the sink is white I think they look perfectly fine together; black or stainless will be pushing it. Are you keeping the mustard tile? The floors? The counters/countertops?

***KEEP IT***

I had a sink like this in an an apartment that I rented for 8 glorious years. It was super efficient because it was SO big, and all I did was put a pretty skirt around it and stuck a composting bin under it. No need for a disposal and I had beautiful houseplants! LOL

KEEP IT.....if it really doesn't go with the look for your ned kitchden, take it to a bathroom... kids? master?

Oh, I love that sink. When I was a renter, that was exactly the type of beautiful detail that would make me fall in love with an apartment.

I don't just love the sink, I love the deep windows, high ceilings and even the tile looks pretty cool.
You could look at Plain English kitchens for inspiring period looks.

I couldn't see the darker part of the pic earlier on my sucky ancient work computer, but I'm wondering why you want to change the appliances. From this pic the appliances seem to be in good shape and fairly new. The white appliances look good with the sink, so if everything works well and is in good shape, why upgrade now? The whole kitchen actually looks to be in good condition.

I would get some more shelving or cabinetry in there (and maybe replace the cheap looking cabinets there now). I think the first url I posted before--not sure why they didn't convert to links--gives a good example of using an old sink, but with modern appliances and shelving.

Hell yeah!

I suspect that most of the people saying to keep the sink have never had to use one of these. I have, and unfortunately, they suck. It's only like 4 or 5 inches deep, not practical for doing dishes or even most food prep. If you really want to keep it for it's vintage appeal, install another, deeper, more modern, sink in another area. The only place I've ever seen one of these where it seemed practical was my Grandmother's sunporch. She moved her's out there after she remodeled to use it for potting plants.

OMG, I can't read through all these comments, but I do want to say I agree with Mcintyree who wrote: "I also look at our vintage sink as a bellweather for prospective tenants. Anyone who complains about the vintage sink isn't going to be a good tenant for the property."

Anyone who can't appreciate the glory of this sink has a little piece of soul missing.

Anyone in Chicago looking to move into a beautiful, vintage top floor..comes with antique wooden upright piano as a welcome home gift:)

The picture is of the second floor unit after the 'renovation'. We did the entire second floor and partial first floor (where we live). After updating electric, stripping wall paper (in the kitchen and pretty much every room in the unit), removing five layers of linoleum on the floor and refinishing what was underneath it all, buying appliances, etc.. our budget was spent. So, we stripped the kitchen down to a 'blank slate' so to speak, and always conveyed to prospective tenants that they can personalize it with paint and we would be open to adding more shelving or cabinets if needed. Cabinets not ideal, but good for now, but we did add different open shelving and cabinet system over the sink after discovering a leak in the wall and having to open up the wall the sink is on. Overall, I kept cabinets to a minimum because there is a huge walk in pantry in the kitchen that fits the fridge and has built in shelves up to the ceiling to store pretty much everything!! I wanted to keep the airiness of the high ceiling, two large windows, and openness of the sink and not close it up w/ too many cabinets.

Mustard tiles were there and we decided to leave it for now.

The third floor unit is yet to be renovated pending the move out of the elderly lady (and previous owner of the building) at the end of September. But the layout is the same and with aqua plastic tiling and minus the beautiful painted tin ceiling. So, we will keep the sink and keep your suggestions in mind.

All your comments have been tremendously helpful and thanks, @ HeyNowTex for the photo links. Loved them.

Once that project is underway, I will photograph the before and after to share.

Thanks AT community!

YOU HAVE TO KEEP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP IT! KEEP IT!! KEEP IT!!! That sink has charm and character oozing from it. I've been looking for one exactly like it, so I'm lusting after yours. No matter what you do with your kitchen, you can incorporate that sink.

YES...it's gorgeous!!!

Okay, tell the truth: You sent in this Good Question just to watch the AT-ers squirm and protest and beg you to do exactly what you planned to do all along. Admit it: you never intended to get rid of that great sink.
For your next Good Question, I suggest that you post a picture of a rare actual vintage original print of the infamous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster and ask "Should I just toss this tired old thing, or maybe decoupage it to decorate an Ikea chest?"

Keep it!, Keep it!, Keep it!

Keep it or give it to me!

Units? Sounds like you're converting these to rentals? If they are rentals I would pull them out and put in sinks that complement the new kitchen (not cheesy but nice). I wouldn't get rid of them. Sell one, keep the best one for afuture project.
OR
Change your reno plans and put in vintage look kitchens.
You'll attract a more conscious renter and be able to ask for more $ for the rental units.

As a renter of 15 years, this is the type of feature that would make me pay more money than I was expecting to spend on rent! I think the kitchen looks great as is. Can people really not live without a garbage disposal?!? Please. Don't update this sweet, cheery space with that soulless stainless crap that's going to be out of fashion in 5 years. Thanks.

KEEEEEP IT!!! If not, judging on the comments, you could do a good job, selling it!

In response to your question, my suggestion would be to consider updating the faucet to give it an updated twist without really altering the sink itself. If it still functions and is in good shape, no need to replace it! Not everything needs to be "modern" in a modern space. It will almost serve as a statement piece in the room.

a quick google turned up this:
http://www.northdenvertribune.com/2010/05/vintage-kitchen-redo-suits-grand-bungalow/
http://retrorenovation.com/2010/02/08/14-vintage-kohler-kitchens-and-two-mid-century-kitchen-sinks-they-still-offer-today/

The sink in the Denver Tribune is a great example of how tons of cabinet/storage was incorporated without creating a funky situation at the sink. I think the key there is that the cabinets are more shallow than the sink, so the sink stands alone. This could work great for you.

One way to KEEP IT and have it fit in with a renovation is to go online and buy one of those interesting NEW vintage-looking stoves and one of those NEW vintage-looking fridges.

This may help you want to KEEP IT and it might attract tenant with a warm, comfortable personality who really won't want ever want to leave.

Love the sink, the shelves over it and the window beside it, but that's just me. I have a penchant for old, and would be drooling and dancing if I found this in a prospective rental.

The little kitchen in the little cottage I moved into a few months ago has had minimal renovation and still has the original cabinets from the 1920's, and that was a major point for me. The first time I entered the house was thru the kitchen door, and I knew right then that I'd take it!

I really think you should KEEP THAT SINK!!!

KEEP THE SINK!!!!!!!! It's so cool!

Yes. It's gorgeous.

KEEEEEEEEEEP ITTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!

Keep it. I would seriously consider renting the space based on the sink alone. It's always going to be a selling point because it has such character.

So long as you keep your appliances white, it'll fit. As long as you don't use cheap hack materials in the rest of the reno (ie- melamine counters & cabinets) or go into the overly modern end, it will fit into the space.

If you're really dedicated to the retro look, bigchillfridge.com makes energy-efficient, new retro-style kitchen appliances (stove/fridge/dishwasher), but they are a bit costly. Otherwise, I really don't see a problem with straight-up, white appliances.

Absolutely...positively...Yes!!

All these people are telling him how great the sink is and near the top of the list of comments he is suggesting he may keep the sink but build cabinets underneath for storage. He clearly doesn't know or care about the provenance of this sink.

keep it! love it! wish i had it!

Yes,
and if you're not keeping it, give it to me ;)

YES!

KEEEEEEEEP ITTTTTTT!

save your money, i'd rent this as is.

in fact, which city are you in? :)

KEEP IT!!!!!!!!!

You've probably already made a decision, and hopefully have kept it, but I think some crate-type storage underneath would be way cooler than a skirt or cabinet or something that doesn't quite go with it.

In terms of tying it into a modern kitchen, we have several things in our kitchen from the IKEA Värde line, which is kind of a modern take on a farmhouseish sort of aesthetic. It looks good with natural barebones stuff as well as stainless steel appliances, which is why we picked it.

It's also some of the sturdier IKEA kitchen stuff. Much higher quality than anything you'd find at the big box home stores, and reasonably priced.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/08015/

My sink has a vintage style while pail for plastic/glass recycling underneath (from IKEA). There is a deep side and a shallow side - it has a great deal of appeal and even die hard modernists LOVE the sink. The shallow side used to host a dish drainer (and then an adjustable drainer, now with the dishwasher, it has a clear plastic drainboard/protector from the container store) and the deep side is perfect for....everything! We have gloss white traditional cabs, with a s/s restaurant table in the middle, and a schoolhouse pendant light. It's a great mix :)

When we redid the kitchen, we were given some HD cabinets that are no longer made but I lusted after the sleek (and very practical!) IKEA cabinets. I've seen these paired up, and it's unexpected and gorgeous.

Any updates from the owner?

*white pail - it has chrome handles, which match the faucet.

speaking of, please send me that fixture if you change it - I never found a brand one with the great soap/scrubby/brillo dish - very useful!)

I love your sink, and they are coming back in style (saw a display of several at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago this past summer) -- I'd figure out a way to coordinate the other appliances, etc. with the sink if I were you. Best of luck!

Only keep it if you love it and it fits your needs.

Is it deep enough? Sturdy enough? Sometimes older sinks can feel dirty because of age and/or rust. If so, can you replace the faucet so that it matches your new appliances. Just be careful not to stray so far from the original design that the faucet looks awkward.