SALVAGED TREASURES
When renovating a period home, one of the best ways to enhance its character is to choose salvaged pieces that have already seen generations of use, and so are imbued with their own sense of history. Venture inside your local salvage yard to discover a treasure trove of architectural antiques, from bricks and tiles that will help a new extension to blend in, to fireplaces and doors for reinstating lost originals.
‘Most antique and reclaimed pieces are unique; they tell a story gathered from the many years of use,’ says Louise Coster of Mongers Architectural Salvage in Norfolk. ‘They will come with blemishes that give character and individuality so that they will instantly make your room a special space, which no new item possibly could.’
As well as adding authenticity to your home, buying reclaimed pieces is more sustainable. ‘Using reclaimed items where possible is a form of recycling; it’s good for the environment and often the quality of materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques were much higher than some produced today,’ says Glenn Llewellyn, director of Wells Reclamation in Somerset. ‘If you remain open-minded and challenge your creative thinking, you can often find interesting one-off pieces that will help create a unique living space.’
Each salvage yard is different – some are a bit rough around the edges, meaning you’ll need to use your imagination and dig deep
