Reclaimed & Repurposed: The Role of Architectural Salvage in Sustainable Design
Architectural salvage has become an essential part of sustainable interior design, offering a way to restore period properties while reducing environmental impact. At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we believe that salvaged materials add authenticity and depth to a space, allowing homeowners to incorporate history into their interiors in a meaningful way. More than just an eco-friendly choice, salvage brings character, craftsmanship, and a sense of individuality that modern mass-produced materials often lack.
What Is Architectural Salvage?
Architectural salvage refers to reclaimed materials and fittings rescued from demolition sites, old buildings, and period homes. These items can be anything from timber beams and bricks to decorative cornicing, fireplaces, and ironmongery. However, people often assume salvage yards only stock doors and bricks—when in reality, they are also a fantastic source for high-quality bathroom ware, including cast iron roll-top baths, vintage taps, and period-style sinks.
Salvage allows us to preserve historical elements, ensuring that architectural details are not lost to landfill but instead repurposed and given a new lease of life.
The Benefits of Salvage in Interior Design
1. Sustainability & Waste Reduction
One of the biggest advantages of using salvage is its positive environmental impact. By repurposing existing materials, we reduce the demand for newly manufactured products, cutting down on waste and lowering carbon emissions. Reclaimed timber, for example, prevents deforestation while providing stronger, more durable wood than much of what is available today.
2. Preserving Period Authenticity
For those restoring a period property, sourcing original fittings from salvage yards is key to maintaining authenticity. A modern reproduction may look similar, but it will rarely have the same depth of craftsmanship or patina that an aged piece carries.
At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we recently incorporated a reclaimed Victorian fireplace into a project where the original had been removed decades ago. The result was a striking focal point that looked entirely at home within the space.
3. Unique & Timeless Design
Salvaged items often come with distinctive details that simply can’t be replicated in mass-produced alternatives. Whether it’s an intricately carved door, an antique chandelier, or a worn but beautiful reclaimed floor, these pieces bring a unique charm to interiors.
4. Cost-Effective Restoration
While some salvage pieces can be expensive, many items are surprisingly affordable compared to new, high-quality materials. Reclaimed bricks, for instance, can be a cost-effective way to create a hearth or feature wall with an authentic aged appearance.
Blending Salvage with Modern Design
Incorporating salvage doesn’t mean a home has to feel like a museum. At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we love combining old with new—pairing reclaimed timber with sleek modern cabinetry, using salvaged bathroom ware alongside contemporary tiling, or setting an antique fireplace against a fresh, modern colour palette. This blend keeps interiors feeling balanced and timeless.
Where to Find the Best Salvaged Materials
The Wells, Glastonbury, and Frome reclamation yards are among our favourite sources for high-quality architectural salvage. These yards offer everything from original fireplaces to reclaimed floorboards, period ironmongery, and vintage lighting. Visiting a reclamation yard is often an inspiring experience, providing an opportunity to find unique pieces that can elevate a restoration project.
Architectural salvage is more than just a sustainable choice—it’s a way to create interiors with depth, character, and authenticity. By repurposing materials from the past, we preserve craftsmanship, reduce waste, and design spaces that feel genuinely timeless. Whether it’s reclaimed bathroom ware, salvaged timber, or a period fireplace, incorporating salvage into interior design ensures that the history of a home is both respected and celebrated.
At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we’re passionate about restoring the past while embracing the present, ensuring that each project is as sustainable, stylish, and functional as possible. Contact us for more information.
