Reclaimed Materials

Reclaimed materials carry the history and character of their previous lives into new design projects, offering a depth of patina, texture, and story that cannot be replicated with new products. The practice of reusing building materials is as old as construction itself; ancient Roman builders frequently incorporated stones and columns from earlier structures, and throughout history, timber has been salvaged and reused across generations of buildings. The modern reclaimed materials movement gained significant momentum in the late twentieth century as environmental awareness grew and designers began to appreciate the unique aesthetic qualities of aged wood, vintage brick, and salvaged metals. Sourcing reclaimed materials today involves working with specialized salvage dealers, demolition contractors, and architectural salvage warehouses. Popular reclaimed materials include old-growth timber with tight grain patterns no longer available from new lumber, vintage brick with distinctive coloring from original firing processes, antique hardware and fixtures with artisan craftsmanship, and industrial elements like factory windows and warehouse flooring. Beyond their environmental benefits of reducing landfill waste and embodied energy, reclaimed materials bring an authenticity and warmth to interiors that resonates with the growing desire for spaces that feel grounded, storied, and unique.