Travel is a gateway to the world’s wonders, a path to discovering new vistas.
Yet, in the age of regenerative exploration, travel transcends traditional boundaries. It becomes a transformative journey, unveiling the beauty of diverse landscapes and cultures while enriching and revitalising them.
What is Regenerative Travel: A Deeper Dive
Regenerative travel elevates the concept of sustainable tourism.
It goes beyond minimising our environmental footprint to actively rejuvenate the places and communities we visit.
This approach transforms travellers into agents of positive change, celebrating local traditions, engaging in conservation efforts, and making mindful choices that contribute to the well-being of our global village.
Illustrative Examples of Regenerative Design
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa, embraces regenerative tourism through education, community empowerment, and conservation. It offers nature-based experiences while tackling challenges like socioeconomic inequalities and environmental degradation.
- Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar: This sanctuary for coral reef ecosystems generates funds through sustainable tourism activities to recover reefs and create employment opportunities, thereby steering communities away from illegal fishing.
- Bardessono Hotel & Spa, United States: Known for its luxury and sustainability, this establishment faces the challenge of balancing opulence with environmental stewardship and has achieved LEED Platinum certification as a result.
- Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, Costa Rica: Champions a “farm-to-table” experience while embracing sustainable and regenerative practices to preserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and support the local community.
A New Dawn in Design and Architecture: From Travel
The ethos of regeneration is spreading its roots into the realms of design and architecture, inspiring the creation of spaces that not only exist in harmony with their surroundings but also contribute to their vitality.
Innovative designers are reimagining waste as resources, crafting materials that breathe new life into our environments and economies. This movement towards a circular economy champions using renewable resources and repurposing waste, paving the way for a future where every design decision fosters sustainability and resilience.
As Laurence Carr, a renowned regenerative designer, notes, embracing circular practices allows us to turn our environmental impact from negative to positive,” Given that the cost of raw materials makes up a big chunk of production expenses, using less desirable leftover materials from unavoidable processes can actually give manufacturers a significant upper hand,” said Carr. “In this way, circular principles are not just good for the environment and human health; they also benefit the economy at large. It’s a win-win-win!”
Embracing The Circular Economy
To truly revive our surroundings, we must rethink production and embrace the circular economy – prioritising renewable, non-toxic materials while reusing and recycling existing waste.
Impact Acoustic leads this charge, which crafts lightweight, structurally sound panels from cotton linters—a by-product of the cotton industry typically discarded as waste.
Utilising solar energy and closed-loop water recycling, their production process is nearly zero-waste.
“Our cotton acoustic tiles represent the epitome of circularity,” explains CEO Sven Erni. “The material can be reused repeatedly without extra resources whilst maintaining quality.”
Erni emphasises, “We firmly believe that embracing the circular economy is crucial for addressing challenges such as resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation while fostering a more sustainable, prosperous, and resilient society.”
The Collective Path to Regeneration
As we embark on this journey together, we all hold the power to make a difference.
Through small, intentional acts at home, advocating for sustainable practices, and embracing circular principles in every aspect of our lives, we can collectively forge a path to a regenerative future.
It is a future where design, travel, and daily living are intertwined in a symbiotic relationship with the earth. It creates a world where every step leaves a positive imprint, fostering hope and renewal for future generations.
2024 is poised to be a year of sustainability in interior design, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of manufactured materials.
Consumers now more than ever recognize the need to prioritize natural materials and biophilic design, making sustainability a mainstream concern.
In the wake of allegations of greenwashing by major brands in 2023 and ongoing discoveries about the dangers of microplastics, the shift toward sustainable design is a natural response to safeguard our homes and the planet.
Sustainable interior design trends for 2024 will revolve around the origins, reusability, and eco-friendliness of the materials we incorporate into our living spaces.
These trends will also include the latest energy-saving and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in biophilic, technologically advanced environments that enhance our well-being and our families.
Embracing Durability and Timelessness
Creating sustainable homes hinges on materials’ durability and timeless design quality.
Thoughtful choices of robust, natural materials like reclaimed wood and stone offer longevity and adaptability, evolving gracefully with our changing needs.
When combined with timeless designs crafted by skilled artisans, our choices become an investment in both our homes and the planet, aligning with the ethos of sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Kitchens
The year 2024 will witness a shift towards kitchens constructed from sustainable materials, leaving behind the era of cheap, disposable alternatives.
The focus will be on materials that endure and represent genuine investments in our homes and the environment.
Consumers will actively seek out suppliers with green credentials, looking for certifications like FSC, LEED, and B Corp to ensure the sustainability of their choices.
Technology and Ecology
Integrating technology into homes, historically not synonymous with sustainability, is evolving to align with eco-consciousness.
Tech companies are responding to consumer demands for sustainability, incorporating Wi-Fi technologies to future-proof home appliances.
Modern tech-enabled appliances are designed for energy efficiency and resource conservation, making them indispensable components of sustainable design in 2024.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design, beneficial for both well-being and the planet, can transform our homes into havens of serenity.
Incorporating elements like plants, wood, and stone improves air quality and connects us to the natural world, promoting ecological harmony and personal tranquillity.
Sustainable Personalization
Customizing our living spaces to suit our specific needs, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, is critical to future-proofing our designs.
Multifunctional and adaptable spaces that can transition to meet evolving needs without replacing existing elements will be central to personalization in 2024.
Modular design and transformative layouts, crafted from sustainable materials and practices, will define this approach.
Sustainable Colour Trends
Colour trends in 2024 draw inspiration from nature, with warm hues reflecting natural tones, from winter sky creams to forest greens and earthy reds and oranges.
Nature-mimicking colours enhance the biophilic experience of our spaces, echoing their calming effects.
Selecting paints and wall coverings from manufacturers with ecological credentials, such as being plastic-free, low VOC, and B Corp certified remains essential.
In addition, PANTONE selected 13-1023 Peach Fuzz to become the colour of the year 2024.
An indicator that earthy palettes and colours that nurture the spirit, mind, body, and soul align with current wellness trends.
Sustainable Design for 2024
In 2024, consumers are acutely aware of the importance of protecting the environment and making thoughtful choices.
Prioritizing sustainable design is not just a trend; it’s a philosophy that helps us make conscientious decisions for our homes and the planet.
Reclaimed wood or lumber has a history and has been used for buildings and structures from the 18th to the early 20th century. The wood is recycled and reused to meet today’s ever-growing need for sustainable, eco-friendly homes and businesses.
Reclaimed wood shouldn´t be confused with salvaged wood, which has been cut and stored for several years but is not used for construction.
The reclaimed wood story
Today’s century-old reclaimed wood emerges from a time when wood was in abundance, both in North America and Europe, and was used as a primary building material.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold, sawmills were often the core of many towns, providing employment and a plentiful wood supply.
Most recycled flooring and wall panelling in homes, offices, bars, and restaurants come from the factories, warehouses, mills and railways of the USA and France and the industrial north of England.
In recent years, we’ve come to learn to protect our world, and there is less wood available for construction, so we’ve looked to the ecological equivalent of newly harvested wood – reclaimed wood.
Reclaimed wood is a stylish and popular choice to decorate and enhance commercial premises and modern homes.
Wood over 100 years old is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas due to its tight grain, making it resistant and hard-wearing.
Which woods are reclaimed?
Any wood species can be reclaimed, but some of the most common are Douglas fir, redwood, pine and oak.
A rare reclaimed wood species is longleaf (heart) pine, which can take up to 500 years to mature, as opposed to the more common yellow pine, which only takes 50 years.
Longleaf pine produced enormous trees in the past, meaning long and sturdy planks, which were the mainstay of the USA’s wood industry hundreds of years ago.
However, today, only 2% of its original planted area in the US is covered by this species, compared to 41% in the 1800s. This loss is immense and shows why using reclaimed wood is so important.
English oak trees are also rare and incredibly long-living, and they take up to 200 years to reach maturity. Making it arguably the longest-living tree you can find in the English landscape.
Oak is a popular choice for reclaimed wood and, in particular flooring due to its versatility in terms of finish and colouring. Much of our reclaimed oak flooring range comes from oak trees used for old buildings throughout Europe.
Why use reclaimed wood?
Besides the beautifully rustic character reclaimed wood lends to any building, modern or traditional, commercial or private, its ecological benefit is clear.
The environmental impact of mass forestation worldwide has heightened our awareness of how using reclaimed wood can help protect our future.
Coupled with this social responsibility is the desire for the authenticity of reclaimed wood that tells a story and has a history. Your kitchen floor could have once been the walls of a French railway station or your office wall cladding the beams from a barn or warehouse.
Does the source and age of reclaimed wood matter?
There are various reclaimed wood grades from different periods and backgrounds. It’s essential to consider the following when choosing reclaimed wood (which is what we do on your behalf):
- Wood – infestation, chemical contamination, and durability are all factors to consider.
- Quantity – when ordering reclaimed wood, it’s essential to check the amount of timber available for the delivery date. Because the wood is reclaimed, there may not be sufficient in the batch ordered for a project. A different batch will contain other lumber.
- Age – reclaimed wood can range from 1 to over 400 years old. The specification is important – where it comes from and how old it is.
What to look for before buying Reclaimed Wood?
When you buy your reclaimed wood from a specialist, you pay not to worry about potential defects. These are the most common problems with reclaimed timber that specialist suppliers look out for.
- Rotted wood: They look for areas of wood rot and check how deep they go. Rotten wood is rejected in favour of more solid pieces.
- Insect damage: Many reclaimed wood dealers kiln-dry their products to kill insects. They look for evidence of insect activity as infestations can quickly spread from one piece of reclaimed wood to another.
- Nails and screws: Old pieces of wood often have nails and screws embedded in their lengths. Due to the age of much-reclaimed wood, the heads may not be visible or have broken off, meaning it is wise to use a metal detector or magnet to find these fasteners before sawing the wood.
Using reclaimed wood
A reclaimed wooden floor or wall cladding makes a statement. As well as demonstrating excellent taste and a love for the character and finish of reclaimed wood, it shows your commitment to environmental matters.
Reclaimed wood is used for both residential and commercial projects alike. It can be used for interiors and exteriors as flooring, furniture or cladding.
Where does your Reclaimed wood come from?
I’m worried about the inherent inconsistencies with reconstructed wood; how do you solve this problem?
The strongest feature of reclaimed wood is the tonal variation. We feel this should be embraced rather than combated. Depending on what you choose to finish the floor with (hard wax oil, traditional wax, lacquer), you will be able to even out the tone of the floor, but this will not be as uniform as pre-finished new wood.
You should ask your fitter about colouring options if you are concerned about achieving the right colour when using reclaimed wood.
Is reclaimed wood FSC-certified?
Not all reclaimed wood is FSC certified; however, referring to their rules around reclaimed or recycled timber is helpful. For it to qualify as FSC-certified timber of post-consumer origin, reclaimed wood must have been used once and have reached “the end of its useful life” for its original purpose.
FSC-certified wood has met specific standards that guarantee sustainable practices were used in its creation. Using FSC-certified timbers in your building will earn you credits in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
Is reclaimed wood really sustainable?
Does reclaimed wood flooring have to be installed a certain way? Is it different from Solid Wood?
After carefully processing reclaimed wood into flooring, it is highly stable and can be installed like most solid and hardwood flooring.
The difference is that reclaimed wood can take two or three weeks to be ready for installation and acclimatise to the new environment and the humidity level.
Depending on the natural surface of the wood, some boards may require some hand scraping to even out a few of the edges.
Wood acclimation and installation are the two most important things to ensure your flooring lasts a lifetime.
Glue and Nails are the standards with Reclaimed Wood, but reading the supplier’s installation manual is always advisable.
* We do not recommend the floating methodology, as it is not a long-term solution.
Is reclaimed wood a good choice for kitchen or bathroom floors?
Reclaimed wood floors are an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Older reclaimed planks have naturally closed pores, which makes antique reclaimed wood great for kitchens and bathrooms.
However, sealing on-site is always advisable.
Does reclaimed wood require a lot of care and maintenance?
Like any new wood floor, reclaimed wood will perform and look its best with appropriate maintenance.
Wood finishing, indoor foot traffic, and usage level are the few things that will direct a care and maintenance program.
The proper care goes a long way and can help keep your floors great for decades.
For more information on after-care, use this link:
Is reclaimed wood different from antique wood?
Not all reclaimed wood is Antique, and very few understand the difference. Most of our antique wood is at least 300 to 400 years old, and just like with a centuries-old Antique cabinet, a limited material supply is available.
Unlike other reclaimed collections that are easier to procure, they are cut from old structural beams.
As with any skilled Antique restoration, working with antique wood requires many skills for the thousand judgment calls one must consider when uncovering such timeless beauty piece by piece.
Is reclaimed wood safe?
Because wood is a natural organic material, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) considers solid wood an inherently non-emitting source for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
This means that it doesn’t give off any pollution; more than this, wood can absorb toxins from our environment.
These low VOCs can be affected by products added to the wood, like a finish, fire retardant, substrates or glue.
It is worth checking your supplier’s environmental credentials to ensure they do all they can to keep VOCs to a minimum.
Is reclaimed wood expensive?
Reclaimed wood can be expensive because of the work of reclaiming and refinishing it.
There are costs associated with the transportation, storage and artisanal skills involved in creating reclaimed wood products, which affect the price and value of the product.
Reclaimed flooring costs between two and three times as much as conventional flooring. But this varies hugely depending on many variables.
The price of reclaimed wood products can be affected by lots of factors, including:
- the species and age of the wood,
- how much of a particular species is available (and where in the world this is located)
- how the product is being sourced.
Prices also vary between companies. Generally, you will spend a little more than you would on new wood because of the extra work and skill involved in salvaging wood, treating it and restoring its beauty.
Does reclaimed wood weather or change colours?
One of the beauties of reclaimed wood is patterns, lines, and markings tell its unique story. This story doesn’t end when this wood is brought into a home; it just starts a new chapter.
Reclaimed wood can continue to change colour or weather, depending on the wood used, the chosen treatments, and how regularly the wood is maintained.
Is reclaimed wood LEED, WELL and LBC certified?
The LEED program is a well-recognised rating system for sustainable building. Architects and designers can increase their chances of a whole project qualifying for LEED certification by using reclaimed wood products in their projects.
The WELL Building Standard measures and certifies features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. It is well-documented that bringing wood into our homes and office spaces suits our physical and mental well-being.
Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a comprehensive sustainable building standard designed to encourage building practices that enhance community life and benefit the planet.
LEED, WELL and LBC were all created to work harmoniously with each other, and reclaimed wood products show how well they do this.
With LEED rewarding the sustainability of reusing precious materials, WELL recognising the well-being-boosting properties of wood and LBD rewarding the community and planetary impact, they help to illustrate how valuable a reclaimed wood product is.
As both WELL Building Standard and Living Building Challenge (LBC) have biophilic design focuses, the certification helps illustrate how reclaimed wood is an impactful and logical solution for bringing nature into a space.
Is reclaimed wood good for my health?
It has now been proven that it also can enhance our wellness. Maybe this is why it’s so tempting to stroke a smooth wooden bannister or to feel the finish on a bespoke piece of joinery.
With the growth of biophilic design, architects and designers are increasingly considering wellness.
Low VOC materials are being chosen over their more highly manufactured and polluting counterparts, and elements that enhance daylight’s impact and allow for proper ventilation are considered essential, especially in our post-pandemic world.
Biophilia explains our connection to nature and opposes the industrial minimalism that has become the norm in our built environments over the preceding decades. As the hard lines and artificial lighting that minimalism promoted are not found in nature, we now understand why they adversely affect everything from communication to mental health to productivity.
The studies in Japan revealed that wood serves as a de-stressor and has been shown to lower blood pressure, while Canadian studies yielded similar results: wood contributed to lower heart rates and stress responses than environments with no wood.
While these results focus on wood in general, we have seen anecdotally that Reclaimed wood can deliver emotional connection and, therefore, a more significant biophilic effect. Because reclaimed wood has a history and a story, its history enhances the occupant’s experience in the space in an authentic and meaningful manner, making them not just feel better but be better.
Is Reclaimed Wood B-Certified?
With just over 2200 Certified B Corporations globally, B-certified products are still hard to come by.
While reclaimed wood’s eco credentials make it an ideal candidate for B Corp certification, there aren’t currently any Reclaimed wood suppliers listed among the 2200 B Corp-certified companies.
This could be because B Corp certification measures far more than just the regenerative nature of a business. It also weighs a company’s inclusivity and equitability to measure its social and environmental impact.
There are, however, several architecture, design and building companies recognised with B Corp certification, including:
- Chandos Construction – A construction company that covers all aspects of the design and build process. Aware of the environmental impact of construction, they divert their waste wood to other projects.
- Building Green Inc – A consultancy that champions changemakers in sustainable design and building.
- Forward Thinking design – An interior design company whose vision is ‘Impact driven, human centred strategy and design.’
- Draw Architecture – A London and Edinburgh-based architecture firm that ‘believes every project should contribute socially, environmentally, technologically and contextually.’
- HCMA Architecture + Design is a Canadian architectural firm applying curiosity to everything they do.
- Verdecon – A proudly carbon neutral Australia based building company
Seeing so many companies associated with the traditionally damaging construction industry being recognised with this certification is a sign that the industry is moving in the right direction.
Can we use reclaimed wood for joinery?
Absolutely, reclaimed wood can be crafted into all kinds of joinery, from simple items like kitchen countertops, shelves, and doors to intricate pieces such as staircases and furniture.
However, not every type of wood may suit your project, so it’s crucial to discuss with our team to understand the extent of customization possible.
The Soul of the Tree
At The Reclaimed Flooring Company, we believe in the tree’s soul; we feel that this phrase perfectly represents our brand values, such as Slow Design & Slow Living, Timelessness, Generosity, Reciprocity, Sustainability, Humility, and Community.
We promise to ethically beautify, inspire, craft, make and install with the tree’s soul in mind.
Oiled finish wood flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for most homeowners and builders.
Mainly because of the aesthetics of the pleasing natural and warm look and the fact that the oil finish helps make the real character of the wood stand out without any “plastic” shine.
A hardwearing option – when maintained correctly, it looks beautiful and adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
Treatment with wood oil is perfect for anyone who is seeking to retain and enhance the natural good looks and brings out the same beautiful look that many exotic wood species have.
The oiled finish option suits both reclaimed and harvested wooden floors, both solid and engineered options, no matter where you plan to install your new floors.
If an oiled finish is your choice of wood flooring, it’s crucial to keep the coating of your flooring in proper condition by oiling it regularly and minimizing the risk of scratches, scrapes and chips.
To help protect the coating on your floor, a thorough and regular cleaning regime is required to keep the floor free of dirt and dust.
Dust and grit are the worst on oil-coated wood floors as they act as an abrasive, serving to remove the oil coating and leave your wood flooring exposed.
How frequently the floor requires cleaning will ultimately determine the regularity of the re-oiling or oil-refreshing process required.
For peace of mind, we suggest applying a hard-wax maintenance oil every 6-10 months.
Before Oiling
A well-oiled wood floor normally requires a regular vacuum and a thorough going over with a moist, not wet, mop to keep it looking amazing.
Ideally, the vacuum attachment should be a natural bristle brush or a type that will not scratch the floor.
When the hardwood floor needs more than just vacuum cleaning – that is, re-sanding and re-finishing; how often you require such drastic treatment depends upon the traffic, wear and tear and maintenance regime your floor has experienced.
Prepping the Floor Before Oiling
- For best results, sand the floor with fine sandpaper to loosen the grain in the wood and help the oil penetrate deeper into its pores.
- Floors with a different finish, such as a coat of varnish, will also need to be sanded back to bare wood.
- If applying a touch-up layer to new floors with an oil finish, sanding isn’t always necessary.
- Clean the floor thoroughly to prevent any kind of dirt from setting under the oil, and ensure the room is well-ventilated.
If the oiled wood floor is looking really tired and in need of a complete revamp, here’s what you need to do:
- Clear your room. Make sure to remove all furniture and soft furnishings from your room to avoid mess and dust. It is crucial to carefully remove your furniture and avoid dragging it because this could cause even more extensive damage to your floor.
- Once you have the room completely empty, make sure that there are no nails or staples standing proudly on your floor.
- Sand the floor. It is recommended that a floor should always be sanded before oiling because it opens up a new surface layer and makes it a lot easier for the oil to seep into the grain. Select a range of sandpaper from heavy, 40 grit, through to fine, which may be anything up to 120 grit. Start to sand with the heaviest grit and re-do the floor, working with a finer grit each time (apply the same rule to the edges if you’re using an edging sander). If you want professional sanding done, then hiring a sander is always advised.
- When you’ve finished sanding, vacuum up all the dust which has collected on the floor, especially between any gaps in the boards.
- Leave enough time between sanding and oiling to make sure any airborne dust has settled and has been cleared away before moving on to the next phase.
- If you are re-coating an oiled floor that has been recently sanded, then it is not always necessary to sand your floor. However, some quality may be lost.
How to oil your wood flooring?
- To ensure that there are no pigment lumps in the oil solution, ensure the oil is mixed correctly.
- Once appropriately mixed, leave the oil to rest for a few minutes to ensure all air bubbles disappear before use.
- Now the oil is ready, use either a microfiber roller or a natural bristle hard-quality brush and start by spreading the oil on your floor. It is essential to plan how you will leave the room.
- Start by oiling the corners and work your way towards the exit. The oil should be spread evenly using a feathering technique to ensure no brush marks are left behind.
- If you want a more polished finish, you can buff the floor using a buffer to create a smooth surface, further reflecting the light.
- When the oiling or buffing is completed, it is time to wipe away any excess oil using a soft cloth.
- You only need to apply two coats of oil; after the second coat, the floor should be left for 12 hours to dry and settle.
- Begin by stirring the oil thoroughly to ensure all components are well mixed with no pigment lumps or foamy bubbles.
- To restore an oiled floor, use a stiff brush or microfibre roller and apply a thin coat of oil evenly, working in the direction of the wood grain.
- Work in small sections until the coat is spread evenly throughout the floor.
- Use between 1 and 3 coats of oil, ensuring each layer is completely dry before applying a new one.
- Complete the process with a floor buffer to work the oil into the wood’s pores and bring a lovely sheen.
As more and more people re-evaluate their impact on the planet, environmental awareness and conscious consumption have increasingly been on the rise.
The use of natural material is at the top of the agenda — with designers, professionals, and homeowners embracing “greener” lifestyles and finding brilliant ways to incorporate organic textures whilst maintaining a more current aesthetic.
Besides being good for the environment, natural materials are durable, improve the microclimate of indoor spaces, and look stylish regardless of interior design and changing styles.
For many, this means not just using sustainably sourced products, but ones that last for decades without being shipped to the landfill.
Reclaimed timber, also known as salvaged, re-worked or antique wood, is the epitome of the world of natural materials and for obvious reasons. Not only is it the most renewable and sustainable resource you could possibly choose, but it evokes a profound sense of nature, has therapeutic properties, and ages beautifully, developing a wonderful patina over time.
Reclaimed wood flooring, reclaimed wood cladding, reclaimed wood siding, reclaimed wood beams, reclaimed wood stairs, reclaimed wood furniture — it’s everywhere… and it represents impactful stories of repurposing and making use of what would have otherwise been abandoned and wasted.
What are reclaimed floorboards?
The use of reclaimed timber to finish and decorate both residential and commercial buildings isn’t a new concept, but it’s seen a surge in popularity especially with the green building and remodelling boom.
Reclaimed flooring (often oak, chestnut or pine) is simply “upcycled” wood finish with a past life used for a new purpose.
Perhaps it was a storage crate, wine barrel, retired ship or a part of a building, typically an old barn, factory, warehouse, and it is of good enough quality to be milled and fashioned into new antique floorboards.
Discovering the beauty of reclaimed floorboards
For many, the true beauty of reclaimed timber is in its rich history as well as distinctive charm, beauty and narrative. Used in and around the home, the flooring provides whispers and echoes of the past and looks beautifully aged yet timeless. It is these character qualities that make reclaimed floorboards popular throughout the UK.
The use of sophisticated, warm wood textures lends a rustic look that almost seamlessly connects your living space to the natural world. For some, it’s more than the aesthetics — it’s the conservation element that makes reclaimed wood their number one choice for their next interior project. Still others, it’s its durability and strength that captures their attention and makes reclaimed floorboards a meaningful design component.
What goes into a reclaimed wood floor?
Unlike virgin floors from freshly cut trees, milling reclaimed floorboards have far less impact on the environment.
Traditional methods involved in the creation of floorboards can be a depleting process requiring enormous amounts of energy output for harvesting and an energy-intensive milling process.
The process of designing reclaimed floorboards bypasses this environmental harm. Many of the steps required to prepare the salvaged wood to relieve pressure on our forests and uses 13 times less cumulative energy. Having already survived through decades or even centuries growing in clean, pollution-free air and soil, the wood has also matured within the projects it has graced and taken on the glow of many years of exposure to the elements too.
This makes reclaimed wood flooring even more sustainable, as no extra trees need to be felled to create a beautiful wood floor with a look and feel that cannot be duplicated. After saving the wood from the demolished site, manufacturers set about reworking the old wood planks into exceptional reclaimed flooring, removing the nails and bolts, cleaning and finishing the wood, mostly by hand, and dried in a kiln to sterilise and ensure it is dried down to the proper moisture content intended for interior application.
Here it undergoes a plethora of delicate restorative and transformative techniques to obtain a good top and a good bottom. A lot of skill and creativity gives the wood a new lease on life, making the manufactured floorboards ready for yet more decades of experience in the heart of a newly built project.
Throughout the process of extending the service life of old timber into new floorboards, the wood retains carbon, keeping potentially harmful gas locked out of the atmosphere. This alone, makes reclaimed wood sit in a very strong position of what a truly, naturally sustainable product is all about.
Being recycled between key stages of its lifecycle and lasting for generations whilst ageing gracefully within the built environment makes reclaimed floorboards instrumental to the circular economy model. These environmentally friendly credentials also mean newly reclaimed floors can last another 100 years — meaning low energy and waste manufacturing as well as an overall happier and healthier planet.
Benefits of reclaimed floorboards
The use of reclaimed timber offers a wealth of natural beauty and eco-friendly benefits. Some of the main advantages include:
Appearance
It is the timber prior history that enriches and enhances the natural beauty of reclaimed floorboards. Each plank embodies a distinctive characteristic while benefiting from the patina of old age growth. Reclaimed wood flooring creates a deeper experience and adds instant authenticity and personality wherever it is laid.
What’s more, its exceptionally tight grain, unique knots and swirls, rugged texture, organically weathered colour and patina adds a touch of “traditional allure and depth” to an interior environment, especially when paired with more modern furniture and objects.
Strong and durable
Aside from its aesthetic qualities, floorboards constructed from reclaimed timber are incredibly strong, dimensionally stable, and physically durable with better rot resistance than most newly harvested woods — being up to 40 points harder on the Janka hardness scale.
When old residences, warehouses and factories were built in and around the UK between the 18th-20th century, only the most stable and durable lumber cut from trees that grew for hundreds and even thousands of years were used so they could stand the test of time. The process of undergoing years of natural tempering and weathering means the matured wood has reached a point of being completely dried out and less prone to splitting or splintering.
Additionally, it is this great structural sturdiness that makes reclaimed floorboards a desirable option for high-traffic areas as it is able to better handle the wear and tear of everyday life while looking good for many years to come.
Environmentally friendly
As previously mentioned, reclaimed timber prevents the need for further depleting our natural forests by cutting down trees.
Knowing you’re using floorboards that would otherwise be unnecessarily burnt or enter landfills is an environmentally responsible choice that effectively contributes to the reduction of carbon footprint. Furthermore, wood that has already been harvested and treated restricts the need for refining chemicals which have a devastating impact on the environment.
Top companies that specialise in reclaimed wood in the UK
The scale of environmental degradation is disheartening, in Europe as in the rest of the world. Our planet continues to suffer a great deal from the paradigm in which goods are bought, owned and disposed of.
As consumers become acutely aware of sustainable practices and corporate responsibility, the demand for products and services with lower environmental impact has gained momentum — and, in fact, consumers often demand — companies do better. The timber flooring industry has felt pressure to adapt to new ways of thinking about sustainable manufacturing by finding that elusive balance between people, profit and the planet.
Today, a growing number of companies are seeking out innovative ways of reutilising salvaged wood as well as new ways to make operations less harmful to the environment. More importantly, businesses are placing sustainability as an essential component of their corporate social responsibility plans and business strategies.
In implementing “Cradle to Cradle” solutions to improve their carbon footprint and providing safe and sustainable flooring options for a variety of needs, there has been a significant change in relation to environmental conservation. Ahead, we take a look at some of the leading businesses specialising in reclaimed floorboards in the UK.
1. The Reclaimed Flooring Company
The Reclaimed Flooring Company is proud to be the leading provider of the finest quality custom-milled floors for residential and commercial properties across the United Kingdom. We have spearheaded the quest for timeless, character-filled old wood with lasting value and are now market leaders in this specialist industry.
Part of Reclaimed Flooring Company core values includes bringing life back to this magnificent, unique material and turning it into something truly beautiful that carries a unique legacy. In a sense, our in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen integrate specialist finishing techniques and colouring processes to accentuate the unique qualities and innate beauty of reclaimed floorboards.
Whether it is reclaiming large beams from 17th-century barns, historical monuments, colonial homes or simply reclaimed old oak wine barrels, each antique board is hand-worked by highly-skilled craftsman to create a beautiful time-worn look and feel that will illuminate and bring character to any property.
Our work demonstrates the dedication to social, economic, and environmental responsibility. We recognise that forest certification preserves our nation’s past, and furthers its present goals for sustainability. All our flooring products are in compliance with VOC test requirements and qualify for LEED points under the materials and resources category, guaranteed to last.
Email: [email protected]
2. Authentic Reclamation LTD
Bringing reclaimed building material to the whole of the South East including Surrey and South London, Authentic Reclamation has been sourcing and supplying reclaimed building materials to the building, landscaping and private sectors for more than 30 years. Based on the Kent and Sussex border, the timber company houses an extensive stock of authentic reclaimed materials to bring design dreams and visions to life.
www.authentic-reclamation.co.uk
3. London Reclaimed Flooring
Located within 15 miles from Central London just on the outskirts of North London, London Reclaimed Flooring specialises in lifting and collecting all types of salvaged timber from a wide range of period properties, as well as supplying environmentally responsible timber products ideal for creating truly one-of-a-kind interior aesthetics.
With projects ranging from small home developments and conservation to retail stores and restaurants, this leading company in the Architectural Salvage & Reclamation business believes that antique floorboards not only accentuate the look and feel of your home or architectural project but are an essential link to ecological and environmental advances.
www.londonreclaimedflooring.co.uk
4. Encore Reclamation
After years of using contacts in a demolition business to source substantive and sustainable old pine and oak flooring for friends and family, husband and wife duo setup Encore Reclamation in the hopes to serve a wider range of designers, homeowners and professional businesses across the UK.
Located in the heart of London’s East End in a former Spratts dog biscuit factory, the company makes sourcing reclaimed building materials a fast, fun and financially viable process. If you’re on the lookout for character-rich reclaimed floorboards to give even a new build old soul, Encore Reclamation takes special pride in supplying premium quality products for any interior design and architectural project.
www.encorereclamation.co.uk
5. LASSCO
Established in London’s East End, LASSCO has dealt in reclamation since 1979. Bridging the gap between the demolition trade and architectural design, the company connect customers with rescued relics that make for fascinating interiors. Since its inception in the late 1970s, the company continues to be one of the UK’s leading providers of custom reclaimed floors with a showroom and design specialists in London’s East End.
www.lassco.co.uk
6. Salvo
By choosing only the finest reclaimed antique wood, Salvo is the marketplace for architectural antiques, garden, decorative, salvage and reclaimed building materials that bring out the inherent richness of nature.
Following the principle of “Reclaim, Reuse, Repeat”, Salvo helps designers and homeowners alike create buildings that will impress and last by providing demolition alerts, a worldwide directory of salvage-related businesses, as well as online platform where they can buy from trusted Salvo Code dealers.
www.salvoweb.com/antique-reclaimed
7. English Salvage
English Salvage works passionately to bring a historic era to retail and restaurant spaces, film set constructions, and residential projects. Quality and craftsmanship come first, and every process starts with sourcing the highest-quality timber and continues with precise milling that enhances the distinctive charm of each and every board — ensuring that you receive the most beautiful outcome for your architectural project.
www.englishsalvage.co.uk
8. Lawson’s Yard
Established over 70 years ago by Thomas Lawson senior, Lawson’s Yard is passionate about re-purposing material, reusing waste and minimising resources. Combining time-honoured techniques with modern machining, the Ormskirk-based company transforms salvaged and pre-loved lumber to consistently produce the finest quality reclaimed flooring, cladding, doors and furniture — ensuring that each final product is unique to each project and in keeping with a scheme’s design, ethos and heritage.
www.lawsonsyard.co.uk
9. The Main Company
Passionate about bringing you the highest quality, The Main Company has an outstanding reputation for crafting high quality reclaimed flooring ideal for both commercial and residential spaces. Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, the company specialises in engineering reclaimed & rustic wood flooring.
A combination of knowledge, unrivalled passion and craftsmanship ensure that they deliver floors that have a story to tell and are meticulously handcrafted and restored to bring out the stunning patinas and rustic features that suit every space.
www.maincompany.com
10. The British Wood Flooring Company
The British Wood Flooring Company is one of the UK’s largest reclamation companies with a large stock of original, authentic and bespoke salvaged, reclaimed and upcycled timber including; antique wood flooring, Parquet block, Parquet de Versailles and bespoke solid wood floors for residential properties and mixed-use commercial projects.
With knowledge and exceptional experience in installing, refurbishing and finishing wood floors, The British Wood Flooring Company works closely with clients at every stage of the design process to complement their individual needs. From London townhouses to country cottages, new-builds and period properties — each board is created with alchemy to give a stunning and unique finish to every interior design environment.
www.britishwoodflooring.co.uk
Conclusion
Procured from retired ships, old barns, homes and commercial buildings of all kinds, reclaimed lumber wins points for sustainability.
With its everyday practicality, each one of the floorboards has its own character, offering a true one-of-a-kind design finish for both old and modern settings.
Reclaimed floorboards in the UK have transformed a wide array of interior design and architectural projects — from London Victorian townhouses and period properties to modern farmhouses and new-builds — and the fact that no new trees have to be harvested to design the flooring makes them one of the most sought-after salvaged building materials.
In her groundbreaking work, “Thrive,” Arianna Huffington introduces the concept of the Third Metric, urging us to redefine success beyond the conventional markers of wealth and power.
Centred on well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving, Huffington’s approach challenges societal norms and reshapes our perspective on leading a fulfilled life.
As we delve into Huffington’s thought-provoking insights, we embark on a transformative journey toward a more deliberate, mindful, and purposeful existence.
Redesigning the Yardstick of Success
Huffington raises concern over the conventional measures of success, emphasizing that “To live the lives we truly want and deserve, we need a Third Metric.”
Her call for a paradigm shift prompts us to move away from the relentless pursuit of traditional markers of achievement and focus on holistic pillars that enrich our lives. Echoing the thoughts of various intellectuals, Huffington’s book converges on the essence of practising intentional, mindful, and measured craftsmanship in our daily lives.
Transitioning from Struggle to Grace
Transitioning to a thriving life, as Huffington indicates, is a practice demanding commitment and mindfulness. She notes, “Moving from struggle to grace requires practice and commitment,” highlighting the conscious effort needed for this transformation.
This shift invites us to cultivate mindfulness, self-reflection, and purposeful practices, paving the way for a more harmonious life rooted in well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving.
The Essence of a Life Well-Lived
Huffington repeatedly underscores the significance of eulogies and the legacy we leave behind. “Our eulogies are always about the other stuff: what we gave, how we connected,” emphasizing the importance of intangible qualities over societal markers of success. This juxtaposition prompts us to centre our lives on aspects that bring depth and meaning, aligning our daily actions with our values.
Crafting Our Daily Eulogy
Huffington emphasises that our daily choices and actions author the narrative of our existence. “We’re actually writing it all the time, every day,” she notes, underlining the significance of aligning our actions with our deeper values. Embracing the Third Metric allows us to weave a narrative that celebrates well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving, shaping a legacy of purpose and authenticity.
Harmonizing Heart and Mind
Advocating for a balanced approach, Huffington highlights the importance of integrating both heart and mind. “When they work together, the heart leading through empathy, the mind guiding us with focus and attention,” she points out. This harmony fosters reduced stress and cultivates a centred, fulfilling life by synergising empathy and focus in our daily pursuits.
The Vitality of Sleep and Renewal
Highlighting the impact of sleep on our well-being, Huffington emphasises, “Sleep deprivation reduces our emotional intelligence.” Acknowledging the critical role of sleep in various aspects of our lives, she advocates for prioritising rest to enhance emotional intelligence and nurture healthier relationships.
Rekindling Wonder in Everyday Life
Encouraging a shift in perspective, Huffington invites us to rediscover wonder in our daily experiences. “Sometimes we must look through a different set of eyes,” she suggests, advocating for a renewed curiosity to find awe-inspiring moments in the ordinary.
Embracing Restorative Rituals
Recognising stress management as vital, Huffington recommends integrating brief recovery rituals throughout the day. “Every few hours, take sixty seconds of recovery time,” she suggests, emphasising the importance of these moments in reducing stress and nurturing overall well-being.
In Summary
Arianna Huffington’s “Thrive” challenges us to reconsider the definition of success through the Third Metric. We embark on a transformative journey towards a more fulfilling life by prioritising well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving. Moving beyond struggle requires commitment, offering immeasurable rewards—a life centred on genuine connections, kindness, and purpose. Let’s author a daily narrative aligned with the eulogy we aspire to have—one that celebrates the profound impact of well-lived moments and a legacy focused on the Third Metric.
Mentions:
- Quotes and concepts from Arianna Huffington’s book “Thrive.”
- References to ideas and principles shared by various intellectuals and thought leaders as part of Huffington’s Third Metric philosophy.
In today’s hyper-connected world, the idea of slowing down might seem counterintuitive.
However, in his enlightening book “In Praise of Slowness – Challenging the Cult of Speed,” Carl Honore sheds light on the profound benefits of embracing slowness.
Through his profound insights, let’s delve into the notion that savouring life’s moments can lead to a deeper appreciation of our surroundings, improved well-being, and enhanced creativity.
The Profound Beauty of Slowness
“Knitting’s beauty lies in its slowness,” remarks Murphy. The gradual pace allows us to witness the inherent beauty in every stitch, shifting the focus from mere completion to cherishing each moment. In a world fixated on speed, deliberately slowing down grants us the gift of revelling in the intricacies of our daily lives. Whether in activities or pursuits, embracing a slower tempo enables us to connect with the present, noticing the subtle nuances that often escape our attention.
Rediscovering Time and Tranquility
Amid life’s chaos, losing sight of what truly matters is easy. “Slowing down lets us reclaim time and tranquillity, fostering meaningful connections—with people, culture, work, nature, and ourselves.” This deliberate deceleration brings more joy and offers the space to forge genuine connections and nurture relationships. It allows us to immerse ourselves in the world’s beauty, fostering mindfulness and enriching our experiences.
The Power of Reflection
“Our minds flit like bees in a garden, constantly shifting thoughts.” Honore highlights the prevalent rapid thinking in our modern era, where immediate responses often overshadow thoughtful contemplation. However, he proposes that slowing our mental pace can improve health, inner calm, heightened focus, and enhanced creativity. Reflection becomes vital for personal growth and innovation, enabling us to pause before reacting and fostering deeper insights.
Balancing Pace and Pleasure
“Speed can bring excitement, but moderation is key,” says Kliemt in Honore’s book. Acknowledging speed’s role while understanding the significance of a balanced approach is crucial. Life thrives on a rhythmic harmony between rapid progress and gratification from a slower, deliberate stride.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
While productivity and multitasking often define success, Honore advocates for a shift in perspective: “It’s better to do fewer things but relish them fully.” This notion underscores the importance of quality over quantity, urging us to focus on select pursuits that truly bring fulfilment rather than scattering our energy across numerous endeavours.
The Slow Movement: A Recipe for Balance
“In our pleasure-seeking era, the Slow movement champions joy.” Emphasizing the importance of doing things deliberately and relishing them encourages us to embrace life’s richness. Whether savouring a home-cooked meal, marvelling at a scenic vista, or strolling leisurely, the Slow Movement champions enjoy unhurried moments.
In Summary
Amid a society that celebrates speed and instant results, Honore’s wisdom prompts us to embrace slowness. By integrating elements of the Slow movement into our lives, we uncover newfound richness in experiences and a deeper connection with the world around us. Let’s pause, relish, and celebrate the art of slowness.
Mentions:
- Carl Honore’s book “In Praise of Slowness – Challenging the Cult of Speed.”
- Quotes from individuals like Murphy and Kliemt are referenced in Carl Honore’s book.
In a world grappling with the relentless challenges of climate change, where summers swelter, and winters chill to extremes, a critical shift in focus is unfolding. While individual efforts have long concentrated on curbing home heating emissions, the time has come to consider an equally significant aspect – how we cool our buildings. With record-breaking temperatures becoming the norm, the demand for cooling solutions is skyrocketing. Yet, conventional methods of climate control, particularly power-hungry air conditioning, are exacerbating peak electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainable future demands efficient building cooling, prompting innovative methods and technologies to emerge.
Harnessing the Potency of Passive Cooling Strategies:
At the heart of energy-efficient buildings, cooling is a passive technique that harnesses nature’s forces to maintain comfort without relying on energy-intensive cooling systems. In regions blessed with temperate climates, strategies like night purging, cross-ventilation, and evaporative cooling take centre stage. Cross-ventilation ushers in refreshing outdoor breezes to replace stagnant indoor air, while evaporative cooling capitalizes on water’s cooling effects for a low-energy solution.
Welcoming the Integration of Renewable Energy:
Efficient building cooling hinges on the seamless integration of renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind turbines, and solar thermal systems power these cooling systems. This transition diminishes our dependence on fossil fuels and propels us toward a carbon-neutral future. Notably, these energy solutions can be retrofitted into existing structures, minimizing the need for demolition.
Revolutionary Materials and Technologies:
Advancements in materials and technology play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency. High-performance building materials with superior insulation properties enable older structures to adopt efficient designs, reducing the necessity for extensive structural modifications. Innovative technologies, such as smart thermostats and occupancy sensors, facilitate sustainable practices. These devices automate adjustments based on user preferences and occupancy patterns to optimize comfort while conserving energy.
The Ascendance of Smart HVAC Systems:
Efficient, innovative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the vanguard of the building cooling revolution. Equipped with advanced sensors, data analytics, and automation, they adapt to occupancy patterns and shifting weather conditions. These systems reduce unnecessary cooling during vacancy and automatically adjust settings to maintain comfort with minimal energy use.
Government Regulations and Stakeholder Involvement:
Governments worldwide are recognizing the significance of optimizing building cooling efficiencies. They enact regulations and incentives to encourage energy-efficient practices, aligning with global carbon neutrality and energy efficiency goals. These initiatives correspond with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the urgency of adopting eco-friendly cooling technologies.
In Conclusion:
As climate change accelerates and the need for cooling soars, the role of energy-efficient building cooling becomes paramount. By amalgamating innovative techniques, materials, and technologies and incorporating renewable energy sources, we can fashion a sustainable and cosy built environment. Government policies and stakeholder engagement are essential for these ambitions, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a universal framework.
Now is the moment to embrace energy-efficient building cooling as a cornerstone of our sustainable future. Through this approach, we diminish our carbon footprint and create indoor spaces in harmony with the environment. Together, we can propel energy-efficient building cooling into the mainstream and lead toward an environmentally conscious and climate-resilient world.
References:
Climate change looms as an undeniable global crisis, and within the complex web of climate-altering factors, embodied carbon has remained largely unnoticed until recently.
As Mr. Climate Crusader Bill Nye puts it, “We’ve been focused on curbing greenhouse gas emissions from energy and transportation, but it’s high time we zoom in on the embodied carbon within our construction and manufacturing industries.”
Understanding the Enigma of Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon encompasses the entire carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions spectrum linked to a product or building’s life cycle.
Echoing the sentiments of environmental architect Jane Goodall, it’s a holistic concept that considers not just a building’s operational carbon emissions during its use (like heating and cooling) but also the emissions arising from its creation and eventual deconstruction.
Jane emphasizes, “Our world is a seamless web of connections, and embodied carbon is just one strand we can’t afford to ignore.”
The Alarming Impact of Embodied Carbon
For meaningful climate action, we must tackle both operational and embodied carbon emissions.
Buildings are crucial in this endeavour, as they’re responsible for a substantial chunk of global carbon emissions.
Building on this, Sir David Attenborough, renowned natural historian and broadcaster, underscores that “Buildings, from their very foundations to their roofs, have a substantial environmental footprint, and it’s a matter of environmental responsibility to address it.”
Why Every Ounce of Embodied Carbon Counts
Relying solely on curbing operational carbon emissions overlooks a significant piece of the environmental puzzle.
A building might boast impressive energy efficiency during its operational life, but if its construction had a hefty carbon footprint, the overall environmental impact remains considerable.
Speaking to this, Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and advocate for the environment, emphasizes, “In the grand orchestra of our planet’s ecosystems, embodied carbon is a note we can’t afford to be out of tune with.”
A Call for Holistic Assessment
Conducting life cycle embodied carbon assessments of materials is an industry game-changer.
This approach encourages a comprehensive view of a building’s environmental impact, assisting architects, developers, and policymakers make informed decisions regarding materials and construction methods.
Recognizing the significance of embodied carbon, legislation is increasingly being implemented.
Many regions now have building codes and standards restricting embodied carbon emissions, propelling the construction industry towards sustainable practices such as reclamation and deconstruction.
Your Role in the Battle Against Embodied Carbon
- Material Selection: Right from the project’s inception, when discussing it with your designer or architect, express your intention to reduce embodied carbon. They can guide you toward low-carbon, reclaimed, or recycled materials, significantly reducing embodied carbon.
- Efficient Construction Practices: Innovations like modular construction and on-site renewable energy sources are being employed to reduce the carbon footprint linked with construction. Your architect can recommend innovations suitable for your design needs.
- Design Optimisation: Architects and engineers working in tandem can design more efficient buildings, minimizing the use of carbon-intensive materials and reducing waste. You can verify your architect’s eco-credentials by looking for their BREEAM or LEED certifications.
In Conclusion
Effectively addressing climate change necessitates a comprehensive approach considering all avenues of carbon emissions. Embodied carbon is a critical piece of the puzzle, and it’s imperative that the manufacturing and construction industries act upon it. By selecting low-carbon materials, optimizing designs, and adhering to emerging legislation, we can make substantial progress in trimming the carbon footprint of our built environment.\
The real estate sector holds a pivotal role in this endeavour. It’s no longer just about creating energy-efficient buildings; it’s about doing so in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. As legislation shifts to prioritize the reduction of embodied carbon, the industry must adapt and spearhead the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Sources:
In the world of kitchen design, 2023 ushers in a refreshing wave of natural elegance, transforming these spaces into serene havens that celebrate the beauty of the great outdoors.
The upcoming trends embrace earthy tones, rich metals, and natural materials, blending timeless style with modern functionality.
Imagine Amuneal’s custom oak and bronze kitchen, a masterpiece of warm tones merging with natural elements for a truly exquisite cabinetry ensemble.
1. Organically Elegant Taps:
Kitchen taps are evolving into organic design elements, offering sleek designs that blend seamlessly with nature.
Bronzes and golds dominate, and vintage styles can be discovered in reclamation yards. If precious metals aren’t your preference, opt for warm matte finishes in muted earthy hues or go for touchless taps that combine hygiene with style.
2. Fluted and Reeded Cabinetry:
Textured luxury defines the trends, with fluted and reeded cabinetry exuding a touch of opulence.
These textured surfaces, available in natural wood or earthy matte finishes, bring the natural world into your kitchen.
Consider repurposed and reclaimed wood for added texture, and customize it with various hues to match your home’s narrative.
3. Glass Elements:
Invite the outdoors with glass elements that brighten your kitchen. Glass-front cabinets showcase your finest crockery while creating an airy atmosphere. Glass backsplashes reflect light and complement earthy colour palettes; a must for many designers today.
4. Beauty in Imperfection:
Embrace the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and authenticity.
Handmade ceramic dishes, natural wood surfaces with knots and blemishes, and earthy, muted colour schemes bring serenity and harmony to your kitchen.
4. Timeless Warmth with Brass Fittings:
Brass elements make a grand return, from cabinet handles to light fixtures.
Brass fittings infuse timeless warmth and elegance into your kitchen, akin to the gentle glow of sunlight, and they only grow more charming over time with a natural patina.
5. Tiles and Painted Walls:
Tiles and painted walls become canvases for nature-inspired creativity.
Embrace earthy and organic colour palettes, patterns that mimic natural materials, and hand-painted walls reflecting the outdoors’ beauty. Plaster pinks, muted greens, and earth tones are here to stay.
6. Hidden Cabinetry for Practical Elegance:
Efficient storage solutions are paramount in modern kitchens. Hidden storage ensures your kitchen remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Discover the delight of pull-out pantries, appliance garages, and drawer dividers, all beautifully hidden behind elegant cabinetry.
With the addition of reclaimed joinery, utilizing salvaged wood and repurposed furniture, your kitchen becomes a harmonious sanctuary linked to the Earth’s resources.
By weaving these natural colours and materials into your kitchen’s design, you craft a culinary haven that harmonizes with the natural world.
Whether it’s the understated elegance of feature taps or the rustic charm of wabi-sabi, 2023 brings forth a treasure trove of design possibilities for your kitchen.
In your journey to redesign your kitchen, remember that the key is to create a space that not only follows the trends but also resonates with your personal tastes.
Your kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s a reflection of your connection to your home and your love for timeless elegance.