farmhouse with reclaimed wood

Custom Projects

RECLAIMED WOOD PROJECTS

What is it about reclaimed wood that makes it so popular? Is it the fact that it possesses a character all its own, or maybe it’s because of the history it holds inside? Whatever the reason, reclaimed wood is trending as a material choice across multiple areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. With its varied shades, environmental friendliness, and unique characteristics, reclaimed wood is a great option that offers it all in one neat package. We have had many clients who thought outside the box with their projects by incorporating some reclaimed wood into their designs, and the results were nothing short of stunning. From wrap-around bars to drawer fronts, we want to share some of our favorite projects that blend the old with the new.

Historic Farmhouse – The Joseph Suttle House

Old homes have their own beauty, and they should be preserved. Historic preservation is something we are passionate about, which is why we were delighted when asked to help in the renovation process of a 200-year-old farmhouse. A project like this cannot be rushed, as a lot of planning and thought need to take place before you can even begin demolition, particularly in the case of a historic home rehabilitation. The homeowners wanted to incorporate as much of the old house as possible into the new elements. The old kitchen flooring needed to be replaced entirely, but instead of discarding or storing it, we decided to reuse it for the kitchen’s custom cabinets. One thing that we had to confirm before proceeding with building the cabinets was whether we had sufficient material for the project and, if not, if we could match the stain and style. Once we did, the meticulous job of removing old nails and bolts began. One other issue with this project came from the wood itself: pine tends to have a high pitch and resin content, which can be hard on our machinery, but our amazing team persevered. Travis, our CEO, was heavily involved in the process and enjoyed using this to teach the crew a few things about old-growth pine, a new term for many of our guys at the time. In the end, the custom kitchen cabinets were a perfect look for the kitchen and added so much character. This 18-month project was something our entire team was proud of, and the homeowners loved their rehabilitated historic farmhouse. For more details about the whole project and to see some additional before-and-after photos, click here.

farmhouse kitchen with antiques

Reclaimed Heartwood Pine

Contrast is a powerful element as it creates a beautiful visual effect in any space. However, this was especially true in this white kitchen, with reclaimed heartwood pine highlights throughout. Wood and white are always winners, but the way they were incorporated into this kitchen made it seem a step above the norm. Heartwood pine is the section of the tree considered more robust and stable due to its tight grain, making it an excellent choice for durability. Our design team worked with the homeowner to formulate a plan that allowed this wood to make the best statement. Often, when creating a two-toned kitchen, the island is one color and the perimeter another, a popular choice. Thinking outside the box, it was decided to utilize the reclaimed heartwood pine in three ways. The panels for the refrigerator, the door fronts by the stove, and the inside of the glass-front cabinet were selected. These decisions ensured the reclaimed wood did not overpower the entire design, making it a focal point for the eye. Having the paneled refrigerator and the cabinets above, all done in reclaimed heartwood pine, breaks up the all-white cabinets and adds depth to the space. Opting to do only the door fronts in the unique wood gives those specific drawers character and makes them stand out so elegantly. Glass-front cabinets add a nice dimension to the kitchen, an interruption from the endless sea of white. However, there is the issue of visibility. Everything is visible when a clear glass is used, compared to a frosted or antique glass option. Using the reclaimed heartwood pine for the interior added charm and contrast to these cabinets. While this kitchen is not a typical farmhouse style, the use of wood woven throughout the design still hints at times gone by, and the pairing of brass hardware was the finishing touch. See more about this project here.

glass cabinets with walnut shelves

Historic Campbell Building

Another historic project that we were able to participate in was also close to home. This 100-year-old building sits on Lafayette Street in Uptown Shelby and is also home to our Greenbrook Design showroom, occupying the first two levels. The owners chose to turn the remaining two levels into a venue called Uptown Indigo, along with an apartment for themselves. They were adamant about preserving the rich history contained in this building, and while creating a rooftop terrace, they discovered some old wood that could be used in their Steeples bar lounge. This was a great choice because it added the masculine vibes they were looking for and gave the bar a one-of-a-kind look. The varying shades of wood also added layers of interest and a warm, inviting pattern that complemented the space’s overall aesthetic. Our design team also included a unique design when planning the bar counter cabinets. The exterior sides were also made from reclaimed wood, adding texture and appeal. An added bonus was the small powder room where more reclaimed wood was used to create a wall-mounted counter in place of a full vanity. Choosing to weave a part of the history throughout this project ensured it would never be forgotten and, in fact, would bring a special charm to the entire space. The owners were delighted with the final results, and the reclaimed wood continues to remain a favorite element in this space, as numerous events have taken place there. See more pictures of this historic project by clicking here, or come by the showroom to request a tour to see it for yourself.

bar with blue stools

Benefits Of Reclaimed Wood

Choosing to use reclaimed wood in your upcoming project has many benefits, including:

  • Preserving history
  • Saving money
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Adds character

We love it when our clients allow us to use it in their design because it means we will not only create a beautiful space but also one rich in history. We have a love for the past and always feel privileged whenever we can be part of preserving it. Don’t have any reclaimed wood of your own? Not a problem. Sometimes we have been able to source old, unique wood, and we will be happy to include its history at no extra charge! If you are looking for a way to add character and a touch of charm to your home, look no further than reclaimed wood. Contact us today to get started on your project. Let’s build something amazing together.

Rubio is among the most popular finish options chosen, but what exactly is a Rubio finish, and what does it do for your cabinets? These are some of the questions we want to answer in this blog post, and we’ll also showcase a few projects completed with a Rubio finish.

We admit it: HGTV’s popular shows like Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers always give us a significant renovation. A dreary, dated house is suddenly transformed into an amazing, contemporary home all within a neat, one-hour timeline. Here, we share some of the top unrealistic expectations presented in the home remodeling reality TV world and how they can lead to severe disappointments in the real world of renovation.

In the event you’ve never heard of cabinet refacing before, you may want to know what’s involved. The box and frame of your existing cabinetry are kept, and the cabinet doors and the fronts of any drawers are replaced.

While bold colors took a step back for a few decades, they have been making a solid comeback as homeowners rediscover the vibrancy and pop they bring to a space, allowing them to express their personalities at the same time.

While the actual design and craftsmanship of building cabinets rightfully take most of our time when starting a project, we realize that the colors of the final product will also be important to you.