Using Salvaged Items to Create Architectural Details in Your Home
by Shannon Weissleder
Old Doors are a Surefire Way to Add Character
I have remodeled and flipped dozens of homes over the last decade. The easiest and most surefire way to add character to new homes or even older homes that lack charm is to incorporate found and salvaged items. New spaces need a bit of patina to create that desired character effect. Many of these items are meant to be architectural but they don’t necessarily have to be to give the illusion of architectural interest and detail.




Windows Add Character too!
Besides doors, another of my favorite architectural finds are old steel warehouse windows. I found these at a salvage yard in Denver called Queen City. I sandblasted them to remove the old lead paint. Once the frame was back to raw steel, I hired a craftsman to frame them out with walnut. I also replaced the broken glass with amber colored glass for more privacy. Hung on sliding track hardware, I used this window as the door to my office.




Incorporate Old Pieces of Furniture
Incorporate old pieces of furniture to add architectural interest on a budget. I have often incorporated old sinks into new and remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. The one pictured below was a 200-pound stone sink that was used in an art room at a local school.

