Designing with Salvaged and Reclaimed Materials

Antique bathroom fittings

with MARIA SPEAKE — Reclaimed Materials Interior Designer

Lesson 12 of 34

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Reusing antique taps and sanitaryware in a bathroom can work really well, but there are certain things to consider and be mindful of. Maria points out the pitfalls and how to avoid them.

From the Lesson Workbook

Antique Bathroom Fittings

Reusing antique taps and sanitaryware in a bathroom can work really well, but there are certain things to consider.

Using Salvaged Materials in a Bathroom

The question of using old taps or new is largely down to personal preference, and whether your contractor feels comfortable with the possible issues that come with old taps.

We prefer to use new taps but then salvage antique ceramic bathroom basins. Be mindful that basins from certain eras will not come with an overflow; this may impact where you want to use it.

It's ideal if your basin doesn't have any pre-existing holes for taps, as this means you can have a very simple mixer tap mounted onto the wall, which is an easy solution and feels contemporary.

Taps

If you are set on using antique taps, it can be done, and the effect is often worth the effort. They are always visually appealing with great character and have a wonderful weight to them. For restoration of taps, try an organisation like this.

Cistern Pulls

There are some really beautiful antique cistern pulls that you can salvage and turn into light pulls. They are often brass, ceramic or a mix of wood and metal.

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Maria Speake

Your Instructor

Maria Speake

Reclaimed Materials Interior Designer

Named interior designer of the year by House & Garden, Maria Speake co-founded Retrouvius in 1993 and leads its award-winning design studio. Her work reimagines salvaged and reclaimed objects from hardwoods to textiles into richly textured, liveable pieces. With three decades of practice, she’s helped put thoughtful reclamation at the centre of contemporary interior design.

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