6 Reclaimed Materials Designers and Architects are Using

Fans of such TV home renovation shows as Fixer Upper, Design on a Dime and Property Brothers are familiar with the term architectural salvage. But if you’re not, it’s the booming business of reclaiming, upcycling and repurposing architectural building materials. The architectural salvage marketplace, once the sole province of old-house owners and a curiosity to nearly everyone else, is going mainstream in a big way.

As more people are fixing up their homes but still want an eye to the past, these consumers and their designers may seek to add a historical touch to their milestone purchase by incorporating architectural salvage. Upcycled antique fixtures ranging from vintage tin ceilings and historic chandeliers to porcelain bathtubs and refurbished flooring add the perfect sustainable transformation to the home.

“We treasure hunt and upcycle from the most prestigious New York historic hotels, Broadway theaters and prominent commercial buildings to rustic barns, industrial warehouses and vintage shops in order to create a most unique retail experience for our customers,” according to Jim DiGiacoma of Olde Good Things, the nation’s leading architectural salvage company with retail locations in New York, Los Angeles and Scranton, as well as a chockablock website presence.

“On any given day, architects may find antique French doors, old wood wide plank flooring, original antique brass hardware, fireplace mantels, Corinthian columns, and industrial lighting to hang over a kitchen island,” adds DiGiacoma. “Architects snatch up things like large mirrors framed with repurposed copper, and others may covet the cast iron ball and claw bathtubs or original brass hardware.”

Architects interested in revamping their projects to create a more authentic style may wish to start their search at their local salvage shop. “Salvaged from old buildings, these items ensure a home’s uniqueness,” notes DiGiacoma.

“Unlike demolition, architectural deconstruction requires finesse instead of shear force. Reusable items such as tin ceilings, large mirrors and intricate cabinetry can lose their value if they are damaged during the salvage process,” explains DiGiacoma.

1. Vintage Glass

Design by Brownstone Boys, vintage chicken wire glass door from Olde Good Things

Chicken wire was the forerunner of today’s safety glass. Invented in 1844, it was a mesh wire commonly used to fence in chickens. It was made of thin, flexible, galvanized steel wire with hexagonal gaps.

Design by Malibu Interiors, vintage hand-painted leaded glass windows in iron frame — Olde Good Things

2. Fireplace Mantels

Design by Roberts Architect, White marble fireplace from Olde Good Things

3. Industrial Factory Lighting

Design by A Storied Style, Industrial copper and brass lighting from Olde Good Things.

Design by The Upstate House, Green industrial factory lighting from Olde Good Things.

4. Tin ceiling tiles

Ceiling tiles from Olde Good Things, Repurposed vintage tin ceiling tiles used for a new dramatic ceiling.

Tin ceilings were first manufactured and sold in North America in the mid-1800s as a more affordable option to emulate the look and elegance of the ornate plasterwork that was popular in Europe at the time.

Design by New Vintage Toys, Repurposed ceiling tiles from Olde Good Things

Design by Accents by Nancy, Repurposed Ceiling tiles from Olde Good Things

5. Subway Tiles

Design by Nusla Design, Wall sconces from Olde Good Things

6. Industrial wood flooring

Design by J.D. Ireland Architect Design, Reclaimed, repurposed industrial flooring wood countertop from Olde Good Things

Photo from Cottage Gardens, Reclaimed, repurposed wood flooring into dining room table by Olde Good Things