Sunday, January 27, 2013

Galvanizing the Kitchen with Buckets, Tubs & Other Such Things


Galvanized buckets and tubs were stacked high in our garage, waiting for their yearly scrubbing and disinfecting. . . .During the summer, they're in use outdoors in and around the farm. . . .Every winter, we try to give them a good cleaning. . . .That's been my chosen task for the past few days. . . . Rubbing and scrubbing. . . .



Most of our galvanized pieces are vintage and well used. . . .Some have been here at the farm since the 1930s. . . .I love the patina that develops over the years. . . .


I was surprised to read that the galvanizing process dates all the way back to 1837. It was discovered that a coating of zinc would make iron and steel more rust resistant.  By the 20th century, this process had made wooden buckets and tubs pretty much obsolete. . . .but not without some resistance. . . .



From the New York Times, July 25, 1915. . . .

"The old oaken bucket and the familiar washtub have been almost displaced by the galvanized steel articles that are much cheaper though not nearly so serviceable or lasting."

I think they lasted a lot longer than expected!


Personally, I can't imagine running a farm without galvanized buckets, tubs, feeders, wire crates--well, the list could go on an on. . . .They are as much a part of the farm as tractors and other equipment. . . .



Once I had everything scrubbed clean and lined up on the table, it occurred to me how charming a few of them would be gathered in the kitchen. . . .I was ready for a change and was sure I could find many uses for them. . . .such as setting the buckets on top of the cupboards for extra storage--yet keeping the look clean and simple.


I cleared out the dishes in the tub on the 1930s hutch and filled it with tablecloths, runners, and napkins. . . .An old fryer basket became a bowl for apples. . . .a nice look with the blue and white transferware. . . .

I grabbed a few pewter plates for a backdrop in the open space of the side cupboard. . . .



. . . .and added an aluminum water pitcher, too. . . .


By this time, I was getting the hang of it. . . .











You don't have to live on a farm to enjoy the age and beauty of old farm stuff. . . .Unadorned and simply finished, they fit in well with many styles of decor--Shabby Chic, cottage, rustic, modern--just about any decorating style. . . .

Seems to me, every home could benefit from a little galvanized patina. . . .They create a look that's fresh and interesting. . . .plain and simple. . . .


Don't have any pieces of your own? Then get out there and scour thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls. Or, check out Etsy. . . .or, Ebay. . . .

 Vintage Rustic Tool Box   Vintage Wire Gym Locker Basket Galvanized Blue Band Gas Can 

(above: from Old Time Pickers on Etsy)

I'm sure many Etsy shops carry galvanized items. . . .Feel free to share your favorites with all our "farmhouse" friends in a comment below. . . .

Now that I have this project finished, I can get back to my rag rugging without feeling guilty. . . .I haven't forgotten my promise for a daytime Farmhouse Bath Reveal or the Tips on Rag Rugs. . . .They're coming soon--just need to put on some finishing touches!

. . . from my farmhouse to yours. . .

 


60 comments:

The Farmers Daughter said...

I'll be the first to comment! Here's a link to Old Time Pickers. . . .http://www.etsy.com/shop/OldTimePickers?ref=em
Please add your Shop or favorite here in the comments!

J9sHappiness said...

Oh I love the look of this! Your photos are gorgeous and your home looks magnificent! I love the galvanised look! J9 x

Unknown said...

I love this look! Your kitchen is my favorite in all of blogland! I really enjoy your blog.

ANNE said...

Gorgeous pieces! Love your pretty things!

Dawn said...

I love all your buckets, especially the one with the apples in it. Great idea to use for storage over your cupboards. Brilliant and you also achieved you winter cleaning of them.

Unknown said...

You have quite the collection (and even more it sounds like.) I love galvanized pieces and since we don't yet have a farm I display the pieces inside our home. My collection is much smaller but fills the top of the armoire in our family room.

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

Love your cozy kitchen scenes!
♥Linsey

Kameel huise tussen spore said...

I love you kitchen. Thanks for sharing.
Love from Sunny South Africa
Sandra

Down Blueberry Lane said...

Love it all. I only have a handful of pieces. On the look out for more since I'm re-doing the look in my kitchen. --Susie

Junkchiccottage said...

Wow you have a wonderful collection of buckets. They really look bright and cheery in your kitchen. They look so pretty.
Kris

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I love the look of galvanized in a kitchen and all around the home.
I have some vintage 'metal' items in my shop...though not galvanized, but would make for interesting vignettes and display purposes...
here is the link!
Pat

http://www.etsy.com/shop/9thandDenver?section_id=12621408

chateau chic said...

You have a great collection of vintage buckets and containers. LOVE the look in your kitchen!
Mary Alice

Joyce - Quilted Nest said...

My goodness girl - you are good. I like everything that you do!

Pam said...

Love the galvanized buckets...they add so much charm. Adorable blue table! My style for sure! I like to do stenciling, "french" of course on some of these old buckets. I am on the constant search for these old antiques from the past, so many uses as well as beauty! Have a wonderful Sunday! xo Pam

Blondie's Journal said...

Your galvanized pieces look well worn and loved and make for some pretty storage addition in your kitchen. I have a few buckets I use as planters in my garden, the more beat up, the better! I also noticed your collection of cast iron skillets. I wish I had room for one or two for making cornbread and pineapple upside down cake, I just don't have storage space... they look awesome displayed in your warm cozy kitchen!

Happy Sunday, Dru!

XO,
Jane

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Love the galvanized pieces and your farmhouse style! Somehow those just wouldn't look right in my kitchen. Maybe I just don't know how to accessorize with them.

Unknown said...

Wonderful collection.
And perfectly displayed, as always.
Your home is such an inspiration to me.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Tam

Amy Kinser said...

I love galvanized anything! You have some great pieces.

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I am a big galvanized fan. So far it's outside in my yard and garden. Haven't brought any inside yet. I like your vignettes.














Unknown said...

HI Dru. . . It's ALWAYS a good day when I see a post from you. I enjoy your photos and get so much inspiration from you. . .
I have a lot of galvanized {goodies} too. . . sprinkling cans, chicken waterers (no spell check for that word) pails, bait buckets. . . many. . .
Thanks for sharing and giving me a *Dru fix*

Ruby and Arthur said...

Oh, I love all your galvanized things! I want to plant in some galvanized buckets this spring. You gave me some other great ideas! Jean

Old Time Cindy said...

Thanks for the shout out, my friend. As you know, I would have more galvanized pieces for sale if I didn't hoard all my favorites. As always...you have great style!
Farmhouse hugs to you and your galvanized decor,
Cindy

Brenda Pruitt said...

I first have to say that you've come SO far since you started your blog. Your vignettes and photos are simply exceptional. And I look forward to drooling over each and every one. There are many, many blogs in Blog Land, but yours will always be one of my favorites. (Oh, and I love the galvanized look!)
Brenda

afistfullofweeds* said...

Loving all of your stuff!! New follower!! Thanks! Rhonda

cynthia lee designs said...

Dru...I love your galvanised pieces. I have a few galvanised pieces, but would love to have some more to put in my new kitchen. Will be looking at the flea markets for them.
hugs,
Cindy

Heirloom treasures said...

I love all of this,I have started putting a few pieces in my laundry,love them.:)

Pam said...

Isn't it amazing how something so simple and basic as a galvanized bucket can look so pretty. I love the bird house with those darling heart openings and the chicken! Everything looks great!
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am, definitely, enjoying your home pics....they take me back in time when nothing in my home could be new or repro. I get sad when I think of what I no longer have, but I'm loving looking at everything that you do!

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Hmmm.... Can't think of any galvanized pieces hanging around at home. But I think we need a few! Like a pail. We have a cheep plastic one that gets used surprising a lot!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful look and your photography is gorgeous! I don't think I have one piece of galvanized anything!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Little Susie Home Maker said...

It is always so neat to see all the things you have on the farm and the ways you decide to use them!

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Oh yes...love me some galvanized! These are perfect in your kitchen. I love the look!

Have a great week!
Deborah

Unknown said...

How ironic! I have been searching for galvanized buckets and tubs for months...they are so hard to find in AL...I finally found a small bucket earlier in the week. I love how you hung the vintage fabric over one side... you have some beauties and I loved the history lesson.
My castle doors are always open over at the blog for browsing. Tiffany

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I found a small bucket for .25 and a tub for .50 at a yardsale a couple years ago and both are still in use, one as a planter and the other with a little bit of chalkboard on chalk writing on it:) Yours looks wonderful on top of your cabinets.
Visiting from Wow Us Wednesday!

Marsha said...

I just love galvanized items these days. I especially like the fryer basket you're using for the apples.
Visiting from WOW.
Marsha

Diane said...

I love all your galvanized pails and your aluminum pitcher. There is so much nostalgia in these vintage pieces.

DearHelenHartman said...

Your images are so pretty and who knew galvanized goods could be so charming!

Tina´s PicStory said...

beautiful post! most i like the combination with the green apples :)

Sarah said...

Love seeing these well worn pieces of history. The fact that many have been on your farm since the 1930s is remarkable. Beautiful patina!

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

You obviously know your way around the buckets and other galvanized pieces. You sure have a way with making them look fabulous in the kitchen. I love them with the white dishes and linens. So many cute ideas!
Liz

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

You're right every home can benefit from some galvanized items. I sure love mine. Your kitchen looks beautiful!

Robin Johnson said...

Your collection has so many wonderful pieces and you have displayed them all so beautifully. I am also a lover of all things galvanized. It started years ago when I started gardening. Slowly I've added to my collection and I use them all summer long outside. Like you they tend to migrate into the house during the winter months. I love using them by the front door to hold the kids shoes - it works prefectly.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Always love your wonderful farm goods, so many great ways to use galvanized items. thanks so much for always linking up to the party!

The Charm of Home said...

I have a collection of buckets too. I would like to bring some inside too.
Sherry

Poppy said...

I love how your silvery galvanized buckets blend in so nicely with the blue and white crockery. Fresh, farmhouse decor to brighten my foggy, chilly day!

Thanks for sharing!

Poppy

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Oh how I LOVE your style!!Coming by from Debra's party.

Blessings,
Linda

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Dru, I love your Country Farmhouse Decor. What a wonderful collection of galvanized buckets and containers! Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring post at Simple & Sweet Fridays.

Jody

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Dru, galvanized buckets and containers are among my top fav's. I have quite a collection. Most of mine are outdoors. Usually planted. Hoping to have a few displayed in my 'farmhouse' kitchen. Love how you've used all of yours. I have a pitcher just like your aluminum one. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Unknown said...

Love your new look. I enjoy seeing all your wonderful ideals. You have a very warm and beautiful home.
Sandy

Unknown said...

I enjoy the look of galvanized, too. Everything looks just great!
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

Practical, yes - but now also decorative! So pretty grouped together like that.

Happy scrubbing!

Tymes Past said...

Love what you did with your kitchen--especially like the fryer basket!

Barbwire Pretty said...

Love your post , you are an inspiration.Thanks for sharing.
Blessings from Canada
Bernice

Kadee Willow said...

I love how you've displayed your galvanized pieces... adding a bit of pewter to keep them company! There was a time that I fell in love with zinc. I bought, at auction, this sturdy kitchen table that had a zinc top. Just lovely!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Dru, Congrats! Just wanted to let you know you've been featured at Simple & Sweet Fridays. Thanks for sharing!

Jody

nannykim said...

I love the homey feel they give. They make me feel content.

Anonymous said...

So cute! I love the simple history of with galvenized stuff. thanks for sharing your collection with us. Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

JP said...

Dru,
Oh, I love the look of galvanized pieces...they look so great in your kitchen, just wouldn't work in mine. Gotta keep mine in the garden!
Beautiful photos and vignettes! Will be following you, hope you can stop by and see some of my inspirations!
JP

Rosemary and Thyme said...

What charming pieces. I just love all your galvanized pieces. You put everything together beutifully. I will be following you, please stop by rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com when you get the chance.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love that birdhouse...and the heart cut-outs....that is adorable.

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