Architectural Salvage Embellishments & Doors
Once upon a time, when the world moved at a slower pace, building a home or workplace was a great source of pride. Craftsmen were skilled at their trades, most often working with primitive tools and their two hands, and passed down their proficiency down to their families. No detail was too small to achieve their task of creating a work of art for everyone to enjoy,. All over the world, these buildings were revered for their beauty and the ones still standing continue to be treasured.
As time went on the pace of life began to accelerate. After World War II when soldiers were returning home, buying homes and starting families, track houses that could be erected in a hurry became the norm, with many boasting no more than a box shape.
Slowly many of those trades and the craftsmen who could build the works of art from the previous era were lost and many of those incredible buildings were in danger of being lost as well. While in Chicago, I produced a conference and exposition for the National Trust of Historic Buildings. Its focus was primarily, but not limited to churches. With dwindling congregations, many were being lost due to the sheer lack of funds to support these structures. The Trust was desperately trying to keep these treasured buildings standing, even if it meant converting them to condos. The conference was a lovely challenge for me as a producer of expositions since the workshops and the event was held dispersed among the jewels of Hyde Park. But my respect and love for architectural salvage wasn't born there. It already dwelled within me.
One of the easiest ways to add these treasures to your home if with one of the wonderful salvaged doors. Many headboards notww feature these works of art and there are just as many ways to create this feature in your home. But you can just use one as a backdrop behind a desk, a buffet or a console table. Try adding a mirror to one formally with glass for a grand piece. Add glass and legs and you have a table with history. But for full impact, replace a door within your home with an antique, salvaged door.., these pieces can grace our homes and remind us of a time when life was more civil, rather thaour day or living through the Internet.
Here are a few examples of how you can add Architectural Salvage treasures to your home or business.
Please click on any photo to view the slideshow in full view.
Salvaged Doors
One of the easiest ways to add these treasures to your home if with one of the wonderful salvaged doors. Many headboards now feature one of these works of art and there are many ways to design this feature in your home. But you can just use one as a backdrop behind a desk, a buffet or a console table. Try adding a mirror to one formally with glass for a grand piece. Add glass top and legs and you have a table with history. But for full impact, replace an existing door within your home with an antique, salvaged door.
Please click on any photo to view the slideshow in full view.
Although you will find salvaged doors throughout Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, Lakewood is fortunate to have one dealer who is one of the largest collectors of salvage doors in the country. Based out of Ohio with warehouses there and in Georgia, Keith Gowins has en massed over 800 doors. You will find Keith and his doors out front on the Veranda at the Market. You can also preview his gems on his Facebook page by clicking here.
There is no question that even one small treasure can add so much to your decor, all while reminding you of a time when everything moved slower and quality always trumped quantity.
On my Pinterest Board for this article will give you many, many ideas! Click Here!
All photos here are from Pinterest. Go to the board for photo credits.
Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is open the 3rd weekend every month and is a glorious treasure hunt sure to delight.You absolutely never know what you may find there! For info click here.
Jan Jones is a designer, artist and the author of
"Finding Me: A Motivational Journey of Discovery for Young People". Read and see more.
Comments