Photovoltaic Systems

Recycling The Past is a vintage/antique building supply store located in New Jersey.  The store offers a wonderful variety of products ranging from mantles to hardware to doors, all of which may be viewed online.  Two of my favorite products are the sinks and the tiles.  There are nine pages of stunning tiles in a range of shapes, colors, and
styles.  The collection of decorative tiles is incredible; some of them
are amazingly detailed. 

The farm-style kitchen sinks would make a
great vintage statement in a kitchen — just make sure you have enough
room because they are large. 

Prices are reasonable, with a double-drain
farm sink at $600, reclaimed oak flooring at $6.50/square foot, and claw foot tubs starting at $250.  Some prices may seem high initially,
such as $1000 for a pair of doors, but remember these are pieces of
history that display quality and craftsmanship rarely found in products
made today. 

Crating is reasonable, but shipping isn’t cheap,
especially on large items.  This is probably a better option for East
Coasters, but it’s certainly possible from other areas of the country as
well.  Regardless, Recycling the Past is definitely worth a website visit.

Buying vintage furniture is super green, but it’s not always easy to find pieces in great shape, especially upholstered items.  Lotus Bleu has fixed that problem for us.  They offer vintage pieces redone in new, modern fabrics.  Lotus Bleu is located in San Fransisco, but if you’re not in the area, you can order right online.  Current items for sale are displayed in addition to items that have already been sold, to give you an idea of what might be available at any given time.

Descriptions include pricing, which I might add, is quite reasonable.
For example, right now there is a charming vintage mid-century love
seat updated in a earth-tone striped fabric with orange piping.  It is
a beautiful piece and is priced at $2,000.  Considering the structure
quality of vintage pieces compared to most contemporary furniture,
that’s a great deal. 

If you take good care of the piece, it could
probably be handed down to your children, re-upholstered again, and last
for another few generations.  Now, that’s living green!  Visit Lotus Bleu.

Read other articles authored by Sarah Roe.