It would be great if we old-house people lived in a world where historic houses still had all of their original features. But let’s face it, things have been lost. The good news: It’s easy now to put back what was there, using authentic reproductions and even architectural antique salvage. Salvage has become a thriving business, with well-organized yards and stores nationwide, run by knowledgeable people. Whether you’re looking for a vintage bathroom sink or an Ionic column to use as interior art, you’ll find it. To inspire you, we’ve rounded up three tours of houses that incorporate salvage, and added a comprehensive guide to salvage stores around the country.
Salvage & Renewal in a Seattle Foursquare: Hidden under tacky alterations, a Seattle Foursquare was nearly lost in the neighborhood—until a pair of homeowners recognized its hidden potential and recaptured its charm.
An Adirondack General Store Becomes Home: Homeowners Lauren and Ken Parlin worked with architect Sandra Vitzthum to revitalize an 1880s storefront in the Adirondacks.
Salvage Style in a SoHo Town House: Much of what’s in this town house is old, salvaged from demolished houses and the odd cathedral. But the building itself was newly constructed in period style—on a vacant lot in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.
Editors’ Picks: Architectural Salvage Projects
We’ve rounded up the best architectural salvage projects for our DIY readers.
How to Shop for Architectural Salvage: The opportunities for acquiring architectural salvage have never been better.
Where to Shop for Architectural Salvage: Use our comprehensive guide to locate an architectural salvage store near you, or to browse the websites of stores across the country, many of which sell their wares online.