Second Act: Incorporating Salvaged Materials into Your Home Design

Reusing and repurposing salvaged materials adds character and personality to any home. From hand hewn beams to antique fireplace mantels, these one-of-a-kind design elements become a canvas for your own self-expression.

Designing with salvaged materials can pose a challenge for even the most experienced architect, since often the design is moving forward without the actual material’s size, shape and individual characteristics being known. But with the right game plan, working with salvaged materials can make the difference between a good design and a great one. Here are some reasons why you should add a reclaimed element into your next home project, and how to approach working with these unique design elements:

Beams & Posts salvaged from a project in Dover, Massachusetts

A Story to Tell

A space that already has a story before you even furnish it is a great way to get a space that is uniquely yours. Knowing the backstory to a salvaged material helps connect the past with the present. Even if not much is known about the origin of the salvaged materials, clues have been left behind in how it was constructed and designed. This backstory adds a depth of character to your space before you even start to write your own personal story in your home.

Value

Repurposing a material or object can bring a lot of value to your project. This should not be confused with being cheap — most times there is a good amount of customization that needs to be done to get your salvaged piece integrated into the design in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, while also being safe and healthy. The value is in adding a one-of-a-kind design element, something no one else has, at a relatively affordable price point.

The craftsmanship you can find is top notch. Most Millwork and doors available for salvage were made by extremely talented craftsman. It is very expensive to have someone put the time and effort into making a custom door or a fireplace mantel, for example. The cost of the salvaged material and its installation can be very good value for these projects considering the level of craftsmanship that went into it.

You can’t (affordably) find these materials anymore. Hardwoods and Timbers from new growth trees is expensive, and the best wood is already gone. Finding and reclaiming antique boards that can be made into new cabinetry can bring a lot of value compared with sourcing new material, and also adds a ton of character.

The Design/Build Relationship

As an architect I love to plan out every last design detail. Working with salvaged material means I have to abandon that type of design micro-management. You can have an outline of design, such as “we know we will case-out the opening between the kitchen and living room with salvaged timbers”, but we can’t fully flush out every last detail until we source the timbers. This forces the designer to work closely with the craftspeople who will be building and installing your custom piece. This is beneficial because the designer and craftsperson can complement each other’s skills and work with a unique material in a way that will be truly transformative.

An antique door repurposed as a pocket door to a new pantry adds a timeless quality

Balance

Modern materials, modern appliances, and modern furniture are amazing. They have transformed the design and construction of homes and have resulted in many positive advancements in how we enjoy and live in our spaces. They also can mute the soul of the building, making for a lot of homes that — bluntly put — look the same.

Adding a unique salvaged piece to your home can change that. Sleek stainless steel appliances can be toned down with the addition of rich wood tones that add warmth and texture. Installing a one-of-a-kind antique door to a pantry can build in character and make a statement that behind this door is something different.

By integrating a salvaged piece you mix the antique with the modern thereby creating your own unique transitional style.

Tips for Adding Salvaged Materials to your Next Project:

Outline your idea

Have a plan, but don’t sweat the details. Come up with the idea, make sure the architect and builder understand what you are trying to accomplish, and let the salvaged material inform the final design.

A general idea of the salvaged piece you’re looking for is enough to get your project team started

Use a light touch

If you are going for a transitional look, make a few statements in specific areas so that your statement piece has a chance to stand out from the crowd.

Source materials

Some easy elements you can source that can be reclaimed include: beams, boards, posts, mantels, doors, and interior windows. Timbers and boards can be used as-is or made into new unique designs. The variety of uses is only constrained by your imagination. Doors and windows can be installed with modern hardware for a second life.

Use the internet to source the materials and find design inspiration on Instagram, Houzz and Pinterest. These days most salvage yards have their inventory posted on the web, and inspiration images are great starting points that can easily be found using keyword searches on any platform that covers design.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional

DIY is great. But the value of having your concept executed with a team of professionals will always have a better outcome, so find yourself a kindred spirit, and get started make your own unique space.