I think it's a trend, and won't be hot forever. But if you use it because you love it, and not just because it's currently in all the design mags, then you'll still love it in the future. And having some special meaning will also help give it longevity for you personally. It also helps if it's not overdone. I wouldn't use it in more than one or 2 spots. More than that, and you're more likely to get sick of it. And it doesn't need to be grey, or full of bugs. I have a headboard made of reclaimed barn wood. It sat in the shed for several years. And then I pressure washed it and sanded it well. I then stained and varathaned it. It's a very warm brown. We've had it in our room for about 5 years, and there has never been any mold or bugs.

Gorgeous. I am SUCH a fan of reclaimed barn wood. Staining actually brings out the grain and luxe of the wood more. I had to have a small stable torn down on my property, and my father made a sideboard and a bathroom mirror out of the barn wood for me. Instant heirlooms, and so gorgeous. Two things that go with everything: Reclaimed barn wood furniture, and Persian carpets. Put a Persian carpet under a barn wood table, and I melt.

You hav to order that from the factory. Your custom cabinet maker in your case. He shouldn’t dump off unfinished cabinets for someone else to deal with. Finishing is just as costly as the cabinets and should be done off site in a clean room by an expert. Alder is not the next start to that look either.

I like your idea. I just want to add that we get many posts here from people that try to add a large gray element to their space and then they can’t understand why it looks cold or “off”. Make sure a gray wall will work with the rest of your things. Wood floors, tan walls and brown furniture often don’t work well with gray. Depending on your space, staining the boards a light or medium brown might be a better choice.