It is possible to create a unique home or interior design style that you love. It can be difficult to recreate the authenticity of antique or vintage items in interior styles such as rustic, farmhouse, and industrial. Architectural salvage is a great way to create a unique custom home that’s filled with intrigue, charm, and almost tangible atmosphere. These are some ways that architectural salvage can be integrated into your home design.
What is Architectural Salvage?
Architectural salvage is the salvaging of building components or parts from demolished or remodeled structures. Architectural salvage refers to items that can be repurposed or reclaimed and/or upcycled within a design theme.
These salvaged items can be used to create an authentic feel or to make a new piece of furniture or feature using the parts. When the goal is to create a rustic, farmhouse or transitional interior design theme, architectural salvage can be an excellent material source.
Four Ways to Incorporate Architectural Salvage into Home Design
Although architectural salvage might sound daunting or conjure up images of scrap metal, it is far more versatile than that. These are just a few of the many ways you can incorporate architectural salvage into your home’s design.
1. Reclaimed wood is a great option
Reclaimed wood is a great salvage material to use in an interior design project. This is because it is easier to find than other salvaged building materials.
If old barns or other buildings are carefully dismantled, you can find a lot of plank lumber and heavy beams as well as doors and windows. This allows for a wide range of sizes and uses of reclaimed wood.
Reclaimed lumber can also be used for floor and wall coverings. It can also be used to build decorative pieces such as bookshelves, tables, chairs and headboards. Barn doors can be used in your custom-designed home as an interior or pantry cover.
2. Add Antique or Vintage Accessories
Vintage accessories and antiques are a great way of adding architectural salvage to your interior design. You can either go full-on for the entire theme or just add a few pieces to accent it. It works inside and out.
Find Vintage and Antique Accessories in the Home
As a supplementary item to your home decor, you can use vintage or antique accessories to help set the mood. These items are often unique, so it is important to think about how each piece will fit into your decor.
Vintage accessories can include large furniture pieces such as a chaise lounge or tufted couch, or smaller accents such as bookends and table lamps. An old bar cart can bring a touch of luxury to your space and add some architectural salvage.
Find vintage or antique accessories in the garden or on the patio
It is a great way of using architectural salvage to create unique outdoor living spaces. When selecting accessories, consider both form and function.
Items made from metals such as wrought-iron gates, benches, tables and tables can make a great addition to industrial outdoor decor. You might also find salvage or estate sales old municipal park benches and church pews. To prevent moisture damage, dryrot, and rust, make sure the items are weatherproofed.
3. Go For a Retro Tub
A vintage clawfoot bathtub is a great way to transform a master bath with a Victorian or industrial theme. You can buy a quality reproduction if you are having trouble finding the perfect retro bathtub for architectural salvage.