Design Greener: Using Reclaimed Wood
A big part of sustainable design is repurposing and reusing. While, thank goodness, sustainable forestry practices are becoming more widespread, another great way to be green when it comes to lumber is to reuse wood. These boards and beams have all kinds of character that they worked hard to earn in former lives. They have distress marks, patinas and edges that make them unique.
Consider adding a layer of history to your home with reclaimed wood. I'm actually living by example this time around - my kitchen counters, mantle, bathroom counters and built-in shelf counter were all fashioned from wide plank pine floorboards from my attic. When the attic was bumped up to make a second floor, my contractor realized he was sitting on a gold mine (pine mine?). I can't take credit for his ingenuity, but I very much enjoy it every day. Not only do they add warmth and texture to my home, it also saved me a bundle on stone countertops.
Consider adding a layer of history to your home with reclaimed wood. I'm actually living by example this time around - my kitchen counters, mantle, bathroom counters and built-in shelf counter were all fashioned from wide plank pine floorboards from my attic. When the attic was bumped up to make a second floor, my contractor realized he was sitting on a gold mine (pine mine?). I can't take credit for his ingenuity, but I very much enjoy it every day. Not only do they add warmth and texture to my home, it also saved me a bundle on stone countertops.
This gallery-like space gets a dose of Little House on the Prairie from this wooden wall and ceiling.
It's possible to use old boards in a fresh, light, contemporary space.
This beam repurposed as a mantle has so much character - the dings and flaws just make it more interesting.
This reclaimed wood headboard sets the tone of the room (special repurposing bonus: the throw pillows are sewn from old jeans).
They just don't make them like this anymore - these beautiful wood floors are reclaimed wood!
There's a lot of furniture on the market made of reclaimed boards, like this beautiful coffee table.
This is the same space shown in the top image, I just wanted to show you how well this wood works no matter which way you look at it!
These are reclaimed wood counters.
Old beams can give a new space a feeling of history.
Copper, metal, glass and reclaimed wood - why not?
Alright, I told you I'm not only the president of the reclaimed wood fan club, but I'm also a member...this is my mantle, made from pine boards from the attic...
...and the built-in shelves in my living room.
These are recycled beams from a 200 year old Pennsylvania barn. I love that you can sense the history in each notch.