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Hazel Project, Amherst, New York
Hi Dino!

Well, it took four weeks and one day, but our kitchen renovation is finally complete. All design elements came together perfectly, and your sink played an integral role. Thank you! Included are a number of before and after photos. Feel free to use them how you desire. We are both so very happy with how this turned out, we'd love to share with others. Also, what follows is the brief essay you may share with our photos on your site.

Our kitchen renovation is quite possibly the most dramatic transformation of a galley kitchen we could have imagined. We sought to incorporate a number of design elements that balanced modern tastes with structural elements, integral to the house. We raised the ceiling up to the gabled roof, installing two skylights and a ceiling fan, while exposing the two-story brick chimney that was previously hidden behind the walls. Then, after gutting everything else, we relocated the existing stove and fridge, adding a dishwasher and disposal within maple cabinets. 12x24" slate-colored porcelain tiles with a strip of 1x2" tiles adds a visual draw that pulls the eyes into the kitchen, up the chimney, and to the vaulted ceiling.

The backsplash is made of narrow glass tiles, clear and frosted, of various lengths. We chose the color of the glass to complement the walls, brick chimney, maple cabinets, and of course, the copper sink. The countertop is black pearl granite - whose color variations pick up hints of copper, green, and maple. Brushed stainless steel hardware pulls the kitchen together, while maintaining the copper sink as a unique design element.

We chose a copper sink for a number of reasons. First of all, the copper sink provides a visual continuity throughout our 1942 colonial with its brass doorknobs and electrical plates. But further, in addition to copper's natural polished beauty, it continues to develop character as it ages, particularly when utilized as functional art - such as this kitchen sink. With respect to the structural design of the sink itself, its large, rectangular single basin and off center drain serve our functionality perfectly.

In all, the transformation was made complete by the harmonious integration of a number of design elements - including of course, a beautiful sink.
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Before...during and after...

   
(Click on photos for larger image)

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Cahill Project, Visalia CA

Dino, attached is my "testimonial". I had to send as PDF because of all the pictures. Feel free to use whatever parts you want on your website, and if you need me to send either the text or any pictures separately I can do that - just let me know. I sincerely meant everything I said in the letter - your personal touch and excellent customer service are something that is seldom seen anymore, and something I truly value, and it is evident you love what you do. You made my remodel a little less stressful.

My kitchen remodel experience:
When I started looking into updating my kitchen I knew I wanted something "different". I had seen pictures of copper farmhouse sinks but didn't know anyone who had one, so I thought that would be a great focal piece for the kitchen. After doing extensive research online I found Rachiele.com. My first impression was "beautiful, but no way can I afford one of these". As I read through all the info on the website I started to question what I saw on other sites. There were a couple factors that played most heavily into my final decision to go with a Rachiele sink:
1. Due to their patented design I would not have to modify my cabinets to accommodate a farmhouse sink apron.
2. They could customize the apron to match my décor.
3. Dino personally answered the phone and answered all my questions personally.
I ordered my sink and made arrangements to send a piece of my slate so they could match it to the rustic patina. I lined up my counters and backsplash people to coincide with the estimated date of my sink delivery. Dino was also very helpful in offering opinions and suggestions regarding my backsplash - he forwarded me pictures and options for copper insets which helped me with the final design of the backsplash. As we got closer to the due date I started bugging Dino to make sure we were on schedule, and of course we were.
Next came patina time. Dino forwarded me a picture of the patina in progress, and I wanted a slight change, so they made that change and forwarded to me. The pictures on line were hard to determine colors due to variations in my computer screen, so I was a little nervous and drove Dino crazy with second-guessing. The box arrived, and everything was in order – no damage! Upon opening the box I was a little unsure about the patina matching the rest of the kitchen, but we were moving forward no matter what.
My granite contractor didn't believe me when I told him the sink was supposed to "just drop in" – he said he'd make sure his guys brought power tools. My demo people forgot to install the sink before they left, so that night I took it upon myself to try to install it, and wouldn't you know – it slid right in – just like it shows on the website!
My granite and tile contractors were in awe of the sink – they couldn't believe it slid right in, couldn't believe the custom patina, and on and on. When you can impress professionals like them that have "seen it all", you know you've got a masterpiece on your hands!
Once we got the granite and backsplash in the kitchen all came together and looks wonderful! My concerns about the colors in the apron are gone – it looks amazing. The sink is starting to patina on the inside, and it is a living thing – it changes every day depending on how much I use it and what I use in it. I love the rustic look – and it is absolutely an original. One of my friends even commented that the sink was a piece of art, and she was right – it truly is a custom piece of art – Dino even signed it!
I chose cosmos granite and multi-color slate. Copper accents framed in/around taupe glass tile are above the stove to carry the copper theme through the kitchen. I have a stainless steel dishwasher right next to the sink, stainless faucet, and a stainless refrigerator.
I am so happy I chose to go with the Rachiele copper sink. It is unique, truly a piece of art, and I couldn't have asked for more patient and personal customer service from Dino. Thank you!!!!
D. Cahill

Click on images for detail

Mancini Project, Bethel Springs TN

Dear Dino,
When I talked to you a few months ago, I asked you if the discount program would still be going when my counters were installed, due to their being on back order. At that time you said it would be going for a while. Yesterday when I called and left a message I indicated the sink was going in. Well, it’s in and wow. The entire remodel isn’t done, but the counters and sink are and I just had to write this now and send you the photos.
Finally, after several months of delays by the counter installers, my counters were installed yesterday and my sink was put in. The sink is gorgeous.
When we decided to update our fixer-upper kitchen, cost was in issue, but so was durability, design, function and appearance. The cost of counters is expensive and I hated the idea of putting in a sink that wouldn’t last as long as the counters and look as good. I started looking at copper sinks initially because of the color. As I learned more about them I thought they sounded like a good idea, but there were so many disclaimers about special care needed to clean it, the patina wearing off, not being able to put certain foods in the sink, and on top of all that, most of the warranties were only for a year or two. I just couldn‘t do it. Then I found Rachiele sinks; no ridiculous disclaimers, no patina wearing off, and an incredible warranty. I knew if I was going copper sink, I’d have to get a Rachiele.
I admit I had some concerns about ordering something online that I had never seen in person, and about the cost of the sink. But the website information was very convincing and after speaking to you, I decided to go for it. I am so glad I did. The sink went in w/o a single problem, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Even my husband who was skeptical of the cost , the claims, the color and style has decided the sink is beautiful. My counters are nice, but sink is the show piece. I love my sink!
Thank you for your help during this process, for holding my hand when I was concerned and for even calling back when I had questions. You have made the process painless. I wish all the other parts of this remodel were as easy as getting and installing the sink. Thank you, and I can’t say it enough, the sink is beautiful!
Jeri Maniaci
Before  After      

Senator Project, Los Angeles, California

So here is my remodeling story:

When we moved into our home, it had an early 1990s over mount three-basin white sink that was big overall but totally unusable because each individual basin was too small. We wanted to replace the sink with something more useable and nicer looking without replacing the granite countertop. But there were no ready-made sinks of the same size. We were intrigued by having a copper sink because the counter is brown granite and the overall kitchen design is darker, with bronze accents, and too subdued for lots of stainless steel. Dino got the original plans for the sink to confirm the size and then designed an oversize one basin sink for us. It has the drain in the right rear and an square lip around the edges to fit in the pre-cut hole in the granite. It also has a ledge on the back for the faucet and related hardware. It is shallower than the original sink so we don't have to bend down as much. Dino also made us a matching bar sink that was technically very difficult to fabricate because it is cylindrical in shape. He helped me pick out the matching faucets too. I had been trying to do this project for a couple of years before I met Dino but each time I got derailed because the outfits I contacted previously did not step forward to guide me through the whole process (and reassure me that a sink could be designed and fabricated by someone who had never set foot in our kitchen) like Dino did.

The new big sink is so much more functional than our old three-basin sink -- the big single bowl design now lets us get pots and pans fully in the sink; the right corner drain works really well for washing things; and the slightly shallower depth is easier to work with. Both sinks and their cool faucets look stellar on their own. But all of a sudden those elements of our kitchen that previously looked a little run down now seem to look chic-ly rustic. And although our old over-mount white sinks simply looked dated, the over-mount on the copper sinks looks like a savvy design element. Stuart

Glass Project, Needville, Texas

We bought our home 5 years ago. It is a 60 year old farmhouse with the original kitchen which was very small and dark. In September of last year we gutted the space along with an adjacent bedroom and moved the kitchen to the new space allowing us to put in new windows giving us lots of light and to have my sink overlooking our wooded and beautiful backyard. My husband and I did all of the work ourselves and since it was 5 years in the making, I had put a lot of thought into exactly how I wanted my long awaited new kitchen to look. One of my splurges was my copper sink and Waterstone faucet suite. I had intended to buy a much cheaper version of the sink made in Mexico, but after reading all of Dino's information on the website, I was convinced that I wouldn't be happy with anything less than a Rachiele sink (much to my husband's dismay). The day the counters were installed and my sink was in place, I knew I had made the right decision. The sink and the Waterstone faucet that Dino suggested I purchase are the crown jewels of my kitchen and anyone who comes in comments on those fixtures first. I feel so proud to have such a beautiful addition to my kitchen and know that I will enjoy it for years to come. Thanks Dino, for taking the time to talk to me when I placed the order and making me feel comfortable with ordering such a specialty item from the internet without being able to touch and feel it.

Sincerely,
Laurie Glass

Hello Kind Sir!

I hope you are well this new year, and business is booming! 

My Sink Story...

           Once upon a time, there was a sad little woodland cottage. She was a plain little cottage that no one wanted, because, her first owners never took the time to love her and help her become all that she could be. 

           One day, a nice Italian girl happened upon the little cottage. And, being a creative Italian, she was naturally adept at spotting a diamond in the rough, and the beauty within. She convinced her Italian husband to buy the little cottage so that they could raise their three handsome Italian sons under her roof and within her walls.

           They began with finishing the basement, and painting her inside and out, but that wasn't the most important makeover that would bring this cottage to life, no... It was the heart of the little cottage, the kitchen, that would make all the difference in the world!  

           Before, her kitchen was very dull, and just plain sad. 

 But, after the nice Italian girl worked her magic, and her husband's wallet, the kitchen began a beautiful transformation.

           However, there was one piece still missing, the sink. The girl had always dreamed of a big copper farm sink to go with her old world kitchen makeover. But, where to find one! After, much research, the girl came upon a magical website with more beautiful copper farm sinks than you can imagine! Suddenly she realized all her dreams could come true! Yet, the first thing she had to do, was talk to the wonderful wizard who had created all of the beautiful copper sinks. Initially, she was afraid, because he was a stranger who lived many, many, lands away. Although, soon, her fears were all put to rest! The wonderful wizard told her everything she needed to know, and promised her that all would be right. And, she believed him, because he was Italian too you see! Together, the girl and the wizard, along with his clever apprentices, designed the most beautiful sink ever! 

 This would surely be the crown jewel of the kitchen! And, now, the heart of the cottage is warm and alive! She was completely transformed, and has become the sparkling diamond that is no longer rough. Furthermore, whenever she receives visitors, it is always the sink that catches their eye. The wonderful, bright, copper sink, that can hold many sauce and pasta pans, all at once. Which is very important to nice Italian girls!

           To this day, the nice Italian girl, and her family, are living happily ever after in the beautiful woodland cottage..

           The End.    -Annmarie

Hi Dino, 

After six and a half months, our remodeling project is finally completed.  It was a major undertake as we added about 1,000 square feet of living space and we relocated the kitchen!  Our new kitchen is more open to the other parts of the house and has a beautiful view of the Elkhorn Mountain!  There are still some odds and ends that we’ll need to do, such as the back plash for the range.  However, we wanted to share with you some photos, including a photo of the before kitchen. 

 We also wanted to let you know how much we love our Copper Apron sink.  We can REALLY appreciate the rear right drain after living with the center drain for so long.  Thanks so much for the beautiful sink.

 Sincerely,

Mark and Chinh

Dino

Here are the photos I promised.

The kitchen project is finally coming to an end. Doing all the design and labor myself resulted in a rewarding but lengthy project.

Originally I was torn between a stainless sink and a copper sink. After doing much research, and coming across your website I am thankful I chose the copper sink.

I was concerned about the stainless, in my opinion stainless looks great when it is in perfect condition. But a dented or scratched stainless sink is very upsetting.

The self healing characteristics made the copper sink an excellent choice for this reason. If it gets a dent, it adds to the character, if its scratched, it is easily buffed out, and if it is discolored it will change on its own or with help from vinegar and salt.

In my photos you will see the front has been seasoned recently with vinegar, but I left the inside natural to show your other customers how it will look with normal use.

If you have any questions please email me. Your customers are also welcome to mail me as well.

I am also using some teak furniture oil to periodically shine it up. But shined or not, the sink is great!

Matthew Barone  (PS: Mathew did not have the apron on his sink lacquered - he likes the natural look and the drip marks do not bother him.)

This is a photo of the kitchen before the remodel project. The difficult to use triple bowl sink was replaced with a single bowl sink.
Dino,

We bought a custom 42" copper Rachiele sink from you, and wanted to report back how very much we are enjoying it. Attached are a few photos of the sink after 3 months of daily use.

What do we especially enjoy about the sink? Lots of things, but the top two are size and look.

We chose a large, custom size (42" wide). We installed dual faucets so that two people could work at the sink at once without disruption, and it works perfectly in practice. And it will come as no surprise to you that the 8" depth works well for everyone in the family.

As for the look of the sink ... it's simply beautiful: warm, real, and understated because of the undermount. The constantly changing patina is lovely. Any periodic scratch or mark blends right in very quickly, and we haven't regretted the natural finishing for one minute. The copper looks terrific with the soapstone countertops, too. Together, they provide a natural, comfortable look throughout the kitchen.

The contractors all commented on the heft and obvious quality of the sink, and your quick answers to questions, both pre- and post-sale, were helpful and appreciated.

All in all, we are thoroughly delighted with our big, gorgeous Rachiele sink! Thanks for a lovely product and great customer support.

Dianna Coldiron, Texas

My Rachiele Copper Sink Story Wow! It looks gorgeous with my marble counters and Italian cabinets. The customer service is outstanding. Yes, I actually talked to Dino--live. Looking over my notes I had forgotten how many copper sinks I had considered before selecting Rachiele. Maybe Dino doesn’t want me to mention competitors’ sinks, but since they don’t compare to his sinks in quality and price, I don’t think he’ll mind. I had originally selected Native Trails because I saw one in the showroom of the place where I bought my appliances. Then I looked at Brass Elegans, Signature Hardware, Highpoint Collection, Copper Sinks Store and many others. I remember I was very concerned about the color. I did not want a shiny copper-penny color; I wanted a darker bronze shade (color of an old penny). Since I talked to Dino via Live Chat, he sent me a link, while we were talking, to show me the exact color. The color was exactly what I wanted and when my sink arrived, it was exactly the color of the sink in link he had provided. Choosing Rachiele among all the available copper kitchen sinks was easy: it was the only sink that had the drain in the corner. As a person who cooks a lot there is nothing worse than putting your colander in sink with the drain hole in the middle and having all the water back up onto your pasta. Also if you don’t have the drain in the corner, you are almost forced to buy a grate insert to sit on your sink in order to elevate the pans and dishes so the water can drain. I prefer simple, elegant solutions to problems and the corner drain is both simple and elegant and it works. Since I was buying the copper sink for its anti-microbial quality, I wanted to make certain that the copper purity and content was as represented. I felt much more comfortable buying a sink that was manufactured in the U.S. rather than someplace like China where the factories take a lot of shortcuts and don’t necessarily follow the specifications they are given, ergo the cheaper prices. Would I buy another sink from Dino? Yes, most definitely. I am going to be remodeling another kitchen and a Rachiele copper sink is at the top of my list for that house. Marisa McGinnis

Dear Dino:

Well indeed the beautiful sink arrived yesterday (Monday about midday as scheduled) via delivery. All without a hitch!!. I fixed up customs last week - that was about AU$400 a little less than expected.

I had the delivery man place it in the carport as I wasn't able to get to it then, not to mention I needed Michael to help lift it.

Finally we opened it today.... gently. Wow its just so impressive isn't it & will certainly makes its mark in our kitchen. I am waiting for the days when people start enquiring about this large sink we have... what's it made from...where did we get it etc? We've now got to re box it & deliver it to our kitchen man so he can start fitting it into the red gum top, or rather make the red gum fit the beautiful sink....

It appears to be in perfect condition, no damage.... I've attached some pictures for you..... pls excuse the mess -- the house is under renovation.

The kitchen is not going to be installed till end December now.... I'm waiting on faucets. Once its installed I then do the finish using milk paint. Big job this kitchen.... whew!

I will make/keep pics... for you.

Thank you so very much for this experience.....

I spent hours looking into a sink including soapstone & cast iron 2 bowl sinks as well as numerous others styles. When I moved into the copper sink option it became a real challenge to determine quality, availability of real copper sinks & style. There are allegedly 'copper' sinks available all over the web/eBay. It was really only when I found your site that I got up to speed on copper sinks..... Your site (once I got to used to traversing it!) is extremely informative. You argue well the case for your real copper sinks by comparisons with & observations of other lesser quality 'copper' sinks on the market....not to mention your certification.

Dino, the transaction was a pleasure, despite anxious moments (for me) sorting out customs from this end - a reflection of my inexperience bringing in larger stuff from overseas. Normally one buys smaller items from O/S under $1,000 which means nothing is paid re taxes/GST/tarrifs .... just click, click Order, click click Pay Pal & wait for the item to arrive.

All good from this end. Stay tuned... Ive attached some shots of your sink in Australia - in more than one email.

cheers & many thanks, Karen
PS all the best for Thanksgiving

More miscellaneous sink shots..... not in any order... just fun... our cat Martha loved the entertainment too!


 

Dino,

I tried to send photos, as promised, through your website, but it errored; so I’m sending them here. The kitchen was included in the West Michigan Signature Tour of Kitchens this past Saturday. I wasn’t permitted onsite during the tour, but I did leave a page about the Rachiele sink on my dining table. I also generated a one-page article the tour guide could use for reference. It mentioned the Rachiele copper sink and Waterstone fixtures (and no-lead compliance).

The first photo shows the Torrencino granite ledge (with occasional terracotta highlights), the Rachiele “S” wrought iron bracket supporting the ledge, the terracotta accent tiles (which were an unexpected, driving factor in so many kitchen decisions), the reflection of undercabinet LED lighting, and the reeded, sand blasted glass (which helps lighten and brighten what might otherwise be a dark kitchen). The second photo shows a frontal view of the Rachiele standard sink and Waterstone faucet pieces. The “bump-in” sink cabinet provides transitional knee space. A third photo shows the overall view, including smaller German appliances. The Gaggenau steam/convection oven opens to the side for easy, wheelchair access. The Gaggenau electric cook top is so slim that I’ve retained full, accessible use of the drawer immediately beneath it—convenient for utensil storage. The smaller cook top provides more counter space adjacent to stove and frig and enables wider, pullout storage to the right of the cook top. There is a custom, open air stainless steel shelf flanking the window. Above the shelf are Hubbardton Forge pendant lights, made in Castleton, Vermont. The pendants have long, four sided copper accents and complement the copper sink. A thick, walnut butcher block slab is sandwiched between a recycling center on the left and drawers on the right. The slab was custom built at a Grand Rapids company from “scrap” furniture ends. For a short time it graced a kitchen island in the home of a Michigan lawyer, another customer of my kitchen designer. That family exchanged it for a larger top, enabling me to repurpose it in my Kalamazoo condo. The area beneath the window previously held a small table and two chairs—your typical condo breakfast nook. Now transformed into an accessible, multipurpose center, it is far more accessible and partners beauty and utility. I took a glass fusing class and made skylight inserts for five vertical glass windowpanes by the entry door just outside the kitchen. These enhance privacy without impeding natural light streaming into the room. In the nearby entry, an antique copper and milk glass pendant hangs and supplements the flow of copper throughout the home. A granite-topped bench is set into an otherwise dead hallway corner across from the kitchen and provides a place to comfortably put on shoes or winter boots. A copper wall sconce hangs on the lower level hallway wall, further warming the home with copper hues--all anchored and initiated by the selection of the Rachiele sink.

I finally completed my bathroom remodel, using the travertine vessel sink which was once in your Orlando display. It, too, is set into Torrencino granite and is complemented by bronze Hubbardton Forge lighting, a tall, bronze toned Rohl faucet, and bronze toned drawer pulls mounted on a shine-coated, cream colored cabinet base. I searched long and hard for a bronze toned vessel faucet which would beautifully partner with the travertine. Sadly, your new faucet design was not yet available. I hope my home does justice to the beauty of your sinks.

Brenda Kragt