Refreshed Style

The clean, spacious, modern style favoured by many interior designers is nice in moderation, but when over-used it can create a home that feels too flat, empty, and almost clinical. Some decorators are turning to architectural salvage as a way to add depth to modern interiors.

Out With the Old, In With the… Older?

You’ll be amazed at what you can find at an architectural salvage yard. Some of the things that get thrown out are just old, unwanted bits of furniture, but other items are true antiques. Victorian hardware, church pews, oak beams, classic fireplaces, cast iron bathtubs, art deco bathroom fixtures, and even period enamel and fireclay baths are often just sitting around in salvage yards waiting to be restored.

Creating a period room by visiting auction houses would cost a small fortune, but you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to spend some time polishing up household items gathered from architectural salvage yards. Even a casual DIY enthusiast can do minor bath repairs themselves, or replace their faux marble fireplace with a salvaged Victorian one. For more difficult repairs, such as restoration of expensive woods, plaster work, or bath resurfacing, calling in the experts is a good idea.

A Classic Twist on Modern Decorating

If you don’t want to go for the full-on period look, then you can add a touch of depth to an existing modern room by making creative use of architectural salvage. Why not re-paint a salvaged old door and turn it into a headboard? Use an old church pew as some seating in your conservatory? Or, use reclaimed ironwork to add a touch of class to your front lawn.

If antiques are outside of your budget, then salvage from a traditional scrap yard can be turned into interesting, eye-catching art with a little creativity and a lick of paint. The best thing about this sort of art is that it is unique. You won’t have to worry about your living room looking exactly like your neighbor’s!

Finding a Reputable Dealer

When you’re buying architectural salvage, it’s important that you consider the source you’re buying from. Are they an ethical, reputable dealer? Do they check the heritage of the items they’re buying? Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of owning a beautiful mosaic that you forget to check where it came from. It might be nice to have a real piece of history, but if that piece has been stolen from a listed building or a museum then your decorating plans could be ruining the chance for future generations to enjoy some classic architecture.

Reputable dealers will check the heritage and ownership history of everything they buy, and will be happy to share that information with prospective buyers. Even if you’re not a historian, it is nice to know that the bath you’re taking for resurfacing work came from a five star hotel that was built in the 18th century. If nothing else, it will give you some stories to tell.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Hometech the bath resurfacing experts who undertake all manner of repairs to your bath.

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2. Architectural Design
3. Remodelling a Bathroom for Two
4. 10 Ways to a Greener Roof
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