Reclaimed Wood Offers Distinction, Versatility

Uses include much more than rustic & country styles

Reclaimed woods can be a challenge to get your hands on, which is why they are often more expensive, but there are manufacturers who make it easy to enjoy the rich character and impact these raw woods provide. I’ve recently discovered the Nest collection, an interesting line that utilizes reclaimed woods and offers pieces that are applicable to modern spaces – and reasonably priced.

Nest has an interesting story. Once it became known they were in the business of wood reclamation, people started showing up at their business with their used wood, in particular –doors – hundreds of doors – that in many cases ended up being more than 100 years old, or more.

Reclaimed woods provide real character and real meaning to ‘going green.’ However, the concept of reusing old materials, or ‘reclaiming,’ is not new. For decades, designers have recognized the efficiency and the benefits of re-using materials that may have expired as part of another structure, piece of equipment, or tool. The benefits are as much about avoiding waste as they are about the visual appeal.

For most consumers who are drawn to reclaimed wood, it’s the irregularities exhibited – the character lines or aged qualities – that are most appealing. It also lends itself to many different design segments. I don't think the use of reclaimed wood has to always denote rustic or country decor. It can also be urban and industrial. For example, when you reclaim an old warehouse and make it into a loft, exposing old beams and brick, that certainly is a more contemporary, urban approach to design. I think it often depends on the application, but reclaimed wood can be rustic-modern and also rustic-country. It’s extremely versatile.

Reclaiming Materials is Chic
Today’s furniture options are laden with used materials and you need to look no further than the television to see the popularity and the practical uses of reclaimed materials. Shows like Barnwood Builders, Salvage Dogs and Maine Cabin Masters often highlight the creativity that can be introduced into a d?cor with old, recycled materials. Even Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper show often re-purposes items and materials for doors, tables and design effects. Recycling – it’s definitely chic.

Below is a list of distinct characteristics you should expect (and embrace) in products made out of old, reclaimed wood:

• Small cracks along grain lines

• Small holes in the wood

• Small areas of surface variations

• Irregular patterns

• Knots in grain

• Grain pattern variations

• Small cracks from seasonal temp or humidity variations

• Slight variations in overall color

Nest-ing
Nest suppliers use a mixture of old and new wood, which varies by country of origin. Wood can vary between Elm, Pine, and Oak, Sheesham, Acacia, and Mango. The majority of Nest products are elm and pine, made out of old doors and other building parts. Like antiques, each piece is unique unto itself.

Whenever you can pair used wood (especially very old, weathered pieces) with iron and contemporary hardware, it creates a marriage between rustic with modern that can offer great flexibility for designing a room – or even a home. The roughness of the reclaimed woods often adds texture to a sleek, modern setting.

Darvin Furniture carries the full collection of Nest furniture. To see more, visit the Darvin showroom.