Using reclaimed materials in your interior design can be an excellent way to express yourself. It creates spaces which incorporate style and creativity while also adding functionality. Using reclaimed materials helps promote sustainability by reducing the need for new resources and repurposing older ones!
Why Choose Reclaimed Materials for Your Interior
Over the years, reclaimed design has gained significant popularity in eco-conscious interiors. It is now increasingly sought after by those looking for a modern rustic or contemporary aesthetic. It has become especially prominent in trendy venues such as hipster-style pubs. Plus, it helps the environment, which is pretty cool.
Case Study: The Pub Transformation
One standout project features Cawarden Brick & Tile Company’s extensive reclaimed stock in a complete pub overhaul. The result is a stunning blend of rustic charm and modern functionality. Reclaimed bricks are used for feature walls, wooden beams add warmth, and reclaimed tiles seamlessly tie the space together. The project demonstrates how recycled materials can completely transform a commercial venue.
The above customer project shows a stunning pub overhaul completed with the application of Cawarden Brick & Tile Company’s extensive reclaimed stock.
Environmental Benefits of Reclaimed Materials
Global production consumes billions of raw materials daily. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this usage is responsible for 37% of all global energy-related CO2 emissions. Extraction of materials leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss and soil erosion. The energy-intensive processes also increase the need for fuel, increasing fossil fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Images sourced from Pexel.com
This is why consumers should adopt sustainable practices like using reclaimed materials to reduce production, avoid carbon taxes, and minimize environmental impact.
Benefits of Reclaimed Materials in Interior Design
Adding reclaimed materials to your interior design is a step toward reducing your carbon footprint. But what are the benefits of incorporating them into your projects?
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Using pre-existing materials in your projects reduces the need for energy-intensive manufacturing processes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduction of waste: Reusing materials prevents materials from ending up in landfills and encourages recycling and upcycling the construction industry.
- Future Proofing: Landfills and natural resources are being depleted at an exceptional rate. Reducing the need for new materials allows conservation and future-proofing sustainability for future generations to come.
- Cost Savings: Using reclaimed materials can also be cost-effective for renovation or construction projects by reducing the need to buy new expensive materials.
- Reducing carbon: Using reclaimed materials reduces the need for manufacturing and transporting new materials reducing carbon emissions and conserving embodied carbon.
Types Perfect for Your Interior Project
Reclaimed materials not only add character but also promote sustainability. These materials also come with a history which tells a story of its past. These unique materials offer a charm and authentic look which is hard to match. Below are some different types of reclaimed materials ideal for various interior designs.
Reclaimed Wood
Wood is sourced from old barns, factories or wooden pallets. With these in mind, you can create stunning interior projects such as;
- Beams and timbers: This is great for ceiling accents, adding to mantels or rustic shelving.
- Flooring: Adds a unique grain and historical look found in older materials.
- Barn Wood: You can get creative with this by adding wall Features, cabinetry or furniture such as some examples found in the rustic pub images.
- Pallets: In recent years, with COVID-19, creativity has been pushed to create unique interior or exterior designs, such as the homemade bars seen in gardens. You can also create headboards, coffee tables, or wall art.
Why not check out our timber and joinery?
Bricks
Using a range of brick slips is a creative way to add an industrial or rustic look to your projects. It gives the room a unique modern appeal which can.
Reclaimed Bricks: Using reclaimed bricks can be a great way to create feature walls, fireplaces or structural accents.
Brick Slips: Brick slips are thin slices of brick used for cladding on walls, fireplaces and renovation projects.
At Cawarden, we offer brick slips that are perfect for any interior project, adding a rustic charm to rooms.
Click here to view our large range of bricks
Stone
Reclaimed stone is an excellent way to add a luxurious sustainable design to your interior or exterior. It can be used to create accents on the walls or add a touch of granite to your countertops. Additionally, the stone is perfect for creating a unique flooring design. Types can include granite, limestone, or sandstone reclaimed from old buildings, paving, or cut stones.
Click here to view our large range of Hard Landscaping
Tiles
Choosing reclaimed tiles can be an excellent way to add history from salvage to your interior. These come in a range of materials, including terracotta, ceramic and slate. Experimenting with different types can create a rustic or modern feel to your interior depending on your style and creativity.
Ceramic or Terracotta Tiles: Repurposed tiles can be used for flooring or backsplash areas.
Slate Roof Tiles: slate roof tiles can be cut and reshaped for interior flooring or decorative wall cladding.
Creative Ideas for Using Reclaimed Materials in Your Home
Transform reclaimed wood into furniture like tables or shelves, use vintage bricks or stone for accent walls or patios, and repurpose metal for light fixtures or artwork. These creative ideas add character while promoting sustainability in your space.
How to Incorporate Reclaimed Wood into Your Projects
Using reclaimed wood for dining tables, coffee tables, or bed frames adds a rustic touch. A barn wood or driftwood table makes a striking centrepiece, while salvaged timber offers opportunities for creative DIY projects like custom tables, benches or bed frames.
Accent Walls
You can transform any room into a cosy, stylish retreat by simply adding an accent to the walls. Use planks with varying tones or textures to create a visually pleasing backdrop in your living room or bedroom. You could also use this technique in home offices, dining rooms or any space where your creative mind takes you. Finish the wood with a clear varnish or leave it untreated for a more weathered look.
Check out our interior and exterior products here
Create a Vintage Look with Reclaimed Furniture
Finding vintage items is a great way to create a beautiful, unique living space while also discovering a new hobby. Exploring second-hand shops, auctions, or local businesses can also lead to great bargains. Adding second-hand items can be an excellent way to incorporate timeless charm into your home.
Adding Reclaimed Beams to your design
Creating contrasting beams in your living space can be an excellent way to build character and warmth in your home. Reclaimed beams give natural imperfections while adding a unique texture and focal points that blend into a modern or rustic look.
Exposed Brick wall
You can use brick slips for cladding in various areas of your house, such as feature walls in the living room, kitchen backsplashes, or as an accent in the hallways. They can also be a great way to transform any fireplace, incorporating the unique history of salvage bricks into your interior design. Check out our brick slips and send us your photos so we can include them in our customer projects! Want to know more about how to use brick slips? Check out our article on installing brick slips: A step-by-step guide.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Reclaimed Materials
Sourcing materials
When sourcing materials it’s vital to consider the availability and cost for the project. By visiting a trusted reclamation yard we can help give you advice and determine the quantity and cost for you. Here at Cawarden, we pride ourselves on our team’s knowledge and top-quality products which have helped many customers get the right materials for the job. Our materials are hand-inspected and prepared to ensure the highest quality and ease of use for your reclaimed needs.
Blend Old and New
Why not incorporate blends of old and new into your design? Reclaimed materials such as weathered beams or antique tiles bring a historical character to your living space, while the modern furniture and accents add a fresh aesthetic to the design.
Match Materials to Purpose
Sometimes matching materials feels like an impossible task, trying to get the right material for the job. Here at Cawarden, we pride ourselves on our talented, knowledgeable staff with years of experience who are dedicated to helping you find the perfect match for your reclaimed materials. Whether you’re looking for specific types of stone, wood, brick, or unique architectural details, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We understand the importance of finding materials that not only match your design vision but also meet sustainability and quality standards. Check out our matching services here., and let us help you bring your project to life with carefully selected reclaimed materials.
Saving Cash on Your Flooring
We offer beautiful wooden flooring at a lower cost than buying everything new. Using reclaimed materials for your flooring projects can save you a significant amount of money. Plus, with our expert advice, you’ll save valuable time in the process.
So, Why Incorporate Reclaimed Materials in Your Interior Design?
Incorporating reclaimed materials into your design is a rewarding process that combines sustainability, creativity, and history. Whether you’re seeking reclaimed wood, unique brick slips, tiles, or more, we are here to guide you every step and ensure your project reaches its full potential. Why wait? Step up your interior projects today by getting in contact with us today!