Why Restored Wood Is the New 'It' Material for Homes
It's being used everywhere; as accents, shelves, wall panels. Recycled wood brings an unmatched oomph to a home. See how
Upcycling, repurposing, restoring seem to be common buzzwords these days. And an ever so popular upcycling material for homeowners and designers alike has been wood. Adding wooden accents to your interiors becomes a quick way to introduce warmth and texture. Repurposed wood usually comes from old furniture, as by-product of factories and workshops; it is important to ensure that you get strong and seasoned goods like reclaimed teak or cypress wood.
Whichever wood you choose, here is a list of ways in which you can incorporate this versatile medium into your home.
Whichever wood you choose, here is a list of ways in which you can incorporate this versatile medium into your home.
Entrance verandahs
Why stop at just the furniture? Monica Khanna of Monica Khanna Designs constructs an entire entrance deck from old restored wood on site. Salvaged wood doesn’t always have to be rough-and-ready, you can sand and wax it down for a silky-smooth finish. Polish it for a luxe feel or leave it rough for a more laid-back vibe.
See more of this home
Why stop at just the furniture? Monica Khanna of Monica Khanna Designs constructs an entire entrance deck from old restored wood on site. Salvaged wood doesn’t always have to be rough-and-ready, you can sand and wax it down for a silky-smooth finish. Polish it for a luxe feel or leave it rough for a more laid-back vibe.
See more of this home
Outdoor seating
You can’t get a better pairing than outdoor furniture and wood. For instance, it gives this neutral-toned space, a raw edge. Furniture constructed from reclaimed wood seamlessly blends with the outdoor setting and is hardy enough to be left out all year round. You can also add some cushioning for comfort and colour, but make sure that the planks you use are well sanded to avoid splinters.
You can’t get a better pairing than outdoor furniture and wood. For instance, it gives this neutral-toned space, a raw edge. Furniture constructed from reclaimed wood seamlessly blends with the outdoor setting and is hardy enough to be left out all year round. You can also add some cushioning for comfort and colour, but make sure that the planks you use are well sanded to avoid splinters.
Statement headboards
Group DCA transforms this otherwise neutral bedroom with a wow headboard made from a traditional entrance door. It pairs wonderfully with the rest of the wood in the space. If you can’t get your hands on an antique door, an old carved, wooden screen should do the trick. Choose a distressed, finished one to add character.
Group DCA transforms this otherwise neutral bedroom with a wow headboard made from a traditional entrance door. It pairs wonderfully with the rest of the wood in the space. If you can’t get your hands on an antique door, an old carved, wooden screen should do the trick. Choose a distressed, finished one to add character.
Vertical gardens
If you live in a city starved for space, then having even a tiny balcony is considered a blessing. A great way to introduce some greenery, without giving up too much area, is a vertical garden. Using reclaimed wood gives the structure a solid support, whilst accentuating the green of the plants.
If you live in a city starved for space, then having even a tiny balcony is considered a blessing. A great way to introduce some greenery, without giving up too much area, is a vertical garden. Using reclaimed wood gives the structure a solid support, whilst accentuating the green of the plants.
Bathroom accents
You’ve probably seen a dozen images of accent walls crafted from reclaimed wood. And these are usually restricted to the living or bedroom. But if treated sufficiently, it becomes ideal to incorporate in the bathroom as well, giving the space that much needed warmth. To protect it from decaying, make sure to seal the wood with an oil-based polyurethane every few years. In this bathroom, Frank de Biasi Interiors prevents direct contact with water through a high backsplash.
You’ve probably seen a dozen images of accent walls crafted from reclaimed wood. And these are usually restricted to the living or bedroom. But if treated sufficiently, it becomes ideal to incorporate in the bathroom as well, giving the space that much needed warmth. To protect it from decaying, make sure to seal the wood with an oil-based polyurethane every few years. In this bathroom, Frank de Biasi Interiors prevents direct contact with water through a high backsplash.
Wine racks
This rustic wine rack goes great with the raw brick wall. To contrast the rack and bring out its earthy tone, the wall is painted with a magnetic grey paint. If you use the wooden slates from old mango crates, you may have to super glue a few of them together to achieve the appropriate thickness.
Looking for a project? The Instructables have a step-by-step tutorial to make your own tiny spice rack from salvaged slates for the kitchen.
This rustic wine rack goes great with the raw brick wall. To contrast the rack and bring out its earthy tone, the wall is painted with a magnetic grey paint. If you use the wooden slates from old mango crates, you may have to super glue a few of them together to achieve the appropriate thickness.
Looking for a project? The Instructables have a step-by-step tutorial to make your own tiny spice rack from salvaged slates for the kitchen.
Pegs and hooks
This could be a DIY project that isn’t too intimidating to take on. Linda Peterson demonstrates how to create a beautiful coastal-inspired peg rail in ‘Creative Ideas to Organise Your Home’. All you need are a few ice lolly sticks and the essentials from your craft station. So find that strip of old wood and build away!
This could be a DIY project that isn’t too intimidating to take on. Linda Peterson demonstrates how to create a beautiful coastal-inspired peg rail in ‘Creative Ideas to Organise Your Home’. All you need are a few ice lolly sticks and the essentials from your craft station. So find that strip of old wood and build away!
Staircases
If you’re yearning for a wooden staircase, then opt for one made out of reclaimed wood and save a tree or two. This stairway brings a hint of classical to a primarily white and contemporary decor.
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
If you’re yearning for a wooden staircase, then opt for one made out of reclaimed wood and save a tree or two. This stairway brings a hint of classical to a primarily white and contemporary decor.
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Accessories
Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane uses intricately carved old wooden panels as the only wall accessories in this eclectic, yet quirky bedroom in Goa. With detailing like that you don’t need anything else to set the space apart. An old wooden chest is also anchored against the wall to add to the traditional look.
See this Goa home
Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane uses intricately carved old wooden panels as the only wall accessories in this eclectic, yet quirky bedroom in Goa. With detailing like that you don’t need anything else to set the space apart. An old wooden chest is also anchored against the wall to add to the traditional look.
See this Goa home
Exposed beams
Create that cabin fever with exposed wooden beams. This way even if you live in the city, coming home can transport you to a cabin in the woods. To get a real rustic feel, pick wooden beams where the grain and texture is really pronounced.
Read:
10 Ways to Bring Vintage Into a Contemporary Home
Tell us:
How have you used upcycled wood in your home? Share photos in the Comments below.
Create that cabin fever with exposed wooden beams. This way even if you live in the city, coming home can transport you to a cabin in the woods. To get a real rustic feel, pick wooden beams where the grain and texture is really pronounced.
Read:
10 Ways to Bring Vintage Into a Contemporary Home
Tell us:
How have you used upcycled wood in your home? Share photos in the Comments below.
Interiors designers, Simeen and Riyaz Qureshi of Moriq Interiors & Design Consultants repurpose old wooden frames in an assortment of shapes and sizes to create an entire accent wall. They create a smooth fusion style in this bedroom by combining the vintage frames with the more modern-styled bed and side table.
See more of this fusion-styled home in Hyderabad