Hey hey hey! Today is our bi-monthly Lifestyle of Love Hop and we are talking architectural salvage which means I’m super excited about this one. Whether it’s repurposing, recycling, upcycling, renewing or using it in it’s original way, old junk is my jam. If you are coming over from Follow the Yellow Brick Home, welcome! Aren’t her treasures fantastic? I wish I could shop in her neck of the woods. Okay, let’s get started with how I decorate with architectural salvage pieces because we have a lot to look at!
How I Decorate with Architectural Salvage Pieces
A while back architectural salvage meant using pieces like doors, windows, sinks, wood floors, etc. on another project that were salvaged from a building set for demolition. Nowadays people consider it anything that comes out of an old structure. It could be a mantel, a sofa, wood paneling, bathroom tile, a chandelier or even a refrigerator!
Ceiling Tin Over Window (1/2 piece), Fireplace Galley Rail Over Door
The first time the Mister and I took an antiquing road trip I purchased 2 ceiling tins. Both different but both beautiful to me. It used to be that I’d keep walking and leave the item there in case I found something better. But so many times I couldn’t stop thinking about it and knew I’d regret it later if I didn’t buy it.
So I’ve learned to have 4 rules for myself when shopping for junk/goodies:
1. I ask does it make my heart go pitter pat
2. Know already where I’m going to put it (unless it’s seasonal)
3. Don’t go over budget (unless it’s hard to find)
4. Buy it then or risk it being gone later (if first rule applies)
Porch Column Into Coat Rack, Gable Vent as Wall Art
To this day, my favorite salvaged pieces are 6 porch columns from a home I passed everyday that sat out in a huge pasture with a 200 year old pecan tree right in front. One day I was sad to see a construction crew. Even more sad when I found out they were demolishing the home for a super Walmart. Most of our town wrote letters to the city councilman and mayor, protested with signs and I was even interviewed on TV. Of course this was years ago and I felt I did all I could. All except throw my body down in front of the bulldozer.
Porch Column as Coat Rack, Vintage Iron Window as Wall Art
But none of that worked. Our little 5 square mile town got the Walmart. At least they saved the tree. It sits right in front and towers over the building. It’s awesome. And thankfully I have the 6 columns so all of my hard work was slightly less aggravating – slightly. Would I do it again? Nope.
Vintage Bed Made Into A Bench
Don’t worry, not all of my salvaged items will come with a dramatic story.
This one is my favorite upcycle. We saved this from being just a bed, albeit a cute bed. But now it has a full life as a bench. I drag that thing all over the place. We’ve had it for years and it still needs a cushion. If the wild hair hits me, and I highly doubt it will, I’ll make a nice 5 inch cushion. But for now, we use quilts to soften the tush.
Mantel, Ceiling Tin and French Door as Wall Art
If you’ve been with me for any length of time, you know I have a deep deep affinity for mantels. I don’t plan to stop buying them until I have one in every room of the house. If the bathroom was large enough, I’d totally put one in there too. They fill a large empty wall beautifully, make focal points when you have none and make a room feel cozy.
Side of barn with Old Door and Fence Piece
The door leaning up against the wall behind the chair in the living room has also been hung horizontally as wall art. It can be layered with other items like wreaths, paintings or baskets to name a few. The blue door above helps make a boring side of the barn more interesting. And I crafted the door below into a light fixture for the guest bedroom. The cost of the door and the light fixture (originally from Pottery Barn) found on FB Marketplace is definitely one of a kind. Plus it can be moved just about anywhere.
Mirrored Window and Door made into Floor Lamp
I have lots of old windows around. We use them as mirrors, as wall art, as frames and as trays. We’ve also hung them in trees and hung one on the back porch for our visitors to frame their faces for our memory book. There are so many things you can do with a window frame.
Some of our wonderful friends visiting the farmhouse
Chandelier as outdoor landscape accent
Speaking of things hung in trees… I have several old chandeliers that the Mister helped me hang all over the yard around the house. Next to all the Spanish Moss, you can see white chandeliers. It puts a smile on my face each time I see one. Most were free and the others less than $10. So fun!
Another Chandelier as Outdoor Landscape Accent
Last but not least, I have several bifold doors given to us by some precious friends. Here’s a pair being used to hide wires and a camera. Nobody wants to sit on the porch looking around at the animals enjoying a glass of tea and turn their head only to see ugly wires. Total mood killer.
Old Bifold Doors Used to Hide the Ugly, Vintage Baluster to Sign Holder
The antique baluster is toted around too and usually holds either a welcome sign or a wreath. Balusters are super handy. Well okay, that’s how I decorate with architectural salvage pieces. I have more but this post is getting long and I know you want to move on to see what my friends have in store.
If you missed our last couple of Lifestyle of Love Hops, click on the links below and check them out too.
January – Tool Boxes or Caddy’s
Next up is Angie at Postcards From the Ridge. You will love what she does just as much as I do!
So many gorgeous pieces, Cindy! I swear you come up with the coolest ideas I would never think about in a million years. The way you’ve incorporated beautiful bits of salvage in each room is totally fabulous. Love your style lady and all these amazing ideas too. Thanks so much for putting this hop together. It’s always fun to see what you guys are up to! Big hugs, CoCo
Author
Well I never really thought I was that imaginative but I’ll take it! Thank you CoCo!
You have the best collection of interesting architectural salvage that you’ve used to decorate your home beautifully. I so much enjoyed every single picture that you shared.
Author
Aww, thanks so much Paula. I really enjoy sitting in a room and looking around at the fun stuff and remembering where I got it. 😉
Love your salvaged pieces! The bench made from an old bed frame is just delicous! I’d love nothing better than restoring an old 2 story (or 3!) farmhouse. If I could come back to life as a 30 yr old, I’d have so much fun! Keep up the treasure hunt and being a savior for upcycling!
Author
Thank you Barbara. I hadn’t thought of it as saving before but I like it! Just think, if we were both 30 and lived in the same area, we’d be the best restoration team ever!
Hi Cindy, oh how I love seeing all your vintage elements in your wonderful farmhouse decor. Your bench on the front porch is so fun and a great spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful view. Thanks so much for putting the Hop together. Hope you have a great weekend!
Author
Thanks so much Debra. That bench will be a favorite for decades. I’m glad it’s nice and sturdy with as much dragging it gets. 🙂
LOVE this entire post. You are the queen of cute salvage. I adore the idea of hanging an old window to use as a picture frame for guests. Thank you so much for hosting!
Author
Did we not get your picture there when you were visiting? If not, you’ll have to come back so we can. Thank you Laura. I always love your encouragement.
I knew you’d have lots of ideas with architectural salvage. You have quite a few treasures. I love them all!
Author
LOL Christy, is that a nice way of saying I’m turning into a junk hoarder?! 😉 Well guess what, I need more! More! More!
Cindy,
I really am sad that I missed this blog hop. It’s my favorite way to decorate and I love everything you shared. That’s what I get for going on vacation! Lol. At least I get to see all the inspiration! Great job.
Author
It’s my favorite way to decorate too. I try and do it at our house in the suburbs but something feels off. Guess that means we need to hurry up and move to the country so I can do it more often (a.k.a. buy more stuff!) Thanks Rachel for stopping by. Enjoy your vacation!
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thanks so much Margie!
I didn’t mind all those pictures, I had a glass of iced tea and was enjoying it all. Thank you Cindy and have a blessed weekend.
Author
You are so sweet Marlene, thank you. Happy Sunday!
I love all your great salvage ideas Cindy! Like Laura said – you are the queen of cute salvage! I keep going over all your photos and finding new things to enjoy. Thanks for hosting LOL – another great one in the books!
Author
I love that I’m the queen of CUTE salvage and not the dirty kind. 😉 Thank you Michelle for always cheering me on.
Fabulous post. I think I am going to memorize your rules for buying vintage. Brilliant!
Author
Thanks bunches Pamela. Those rules have helped me out A LOT over the years. If I didn’t go by those steps I’d have a house FULL (and I mean full with barely a walkway) of vintage goodies.
Love all your salvages goodies, Cindy. I have similar chandelier sitting in my garage that I picked up off the curb. I should hang it in a tree! What a great party to share all these great items.
Author
I have several hanging out in the trees but wish they lit up. Hope you can get yours to light up. Thanks for the visit. Enjoy Haven!
Oooh! So many amazing pieces of architectural salvage! I love that you saved the old columns. And the bench made from an old bed is something I’ve always wanted to do but I need to get over my fear of power saws, lol. Love the mantel and the old doors too.
Author
Thank you Angie. One of these days, I’m going to make another bed bench but into a porch swing. Hope it’s sooner than later. Fingers crossed!
Loved seeing all your wonderful junk and how you used it around your homes! This post could have kept on going, if I’m concerned! But you’re killing me with the chandeliers hanging outside from the trees; brilliant! Think my yard needs some of my stash hanging from the trees! Thanks for always picking a subject matter that I can totally get into; nailed it!
Author
You are so sweet and I knew the first time I saw your blog we’d be salvage saving sisters. Wait till you see what I do next with the chandeliers! You are going to need to pick yourself up off the floor. 🙂
Beautiful! I love using architecural salvage in my decor. Your home is lovely!
Author
Isn’t it the best?! Saving a little piece of history fills the heart with joy. Thank you Renae. Hope you have a great week!
Oh my goodness, you have so many cool pieces!!!! I wish I had as many amazing pieces as you do! I love how you have incorporated these pieces into your beautiful home!! SOOO much inspiration!!!
Author
It’s a labor of love for sure Emily. I was telling someone the other day I think I’ll need a bigger house soon because I want more! 😉
I really love what you’ve done with all the salvaged pieces. Your home is lovely.
Author
Thank you so much Carol. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and let me know. Happy Sunday!
Ok you have the BEST salvage and so many fun ideas for using them! I loved seeing more of your home in this post and all the creative ways you have used your finds.
I totally agree with you about the mantels. My husband does not like the salvage mantels as decor so he moans and complains whenever I drag another one in, but I think they completely change and room and add historic character quicker than any other item.
I love everything you shared but the bedroom door light is my favorite. I have been wanting to do that for a long time with a small vintage chandelier I have had for years. I also am smitten by the blue door on the barn!
Thank you so much for organizing this fun hop! Looking forward to seeing more of your vintage architectural salvage in future posts!
Author
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement today Amber. You’ve made my day! That blue door on the side of the barn came from a house that was at the front of the property. The house was uninhabitable when the land was purchased but we got to save several doors and a couple of windows.
Maybe your hubs and my hubs can bond over The Anti Salvage Mantel Club. I know there must be one out there somewhere. Then I wouldn’t feel bad when I wanted to join the Anti Add-More-Junk-to-the-Garage Club or the Put-Your-Stuff-Back-Where-It-Belongs-So-You-Can-Find-it-Again Club. LOL!