How To: Incorporate architectural antiques (read: salvage) into your home

It’s the craftsmanship…that patina, the solid wood (laminate? No dice.), the nostalgic fonts, the character, and of course, feeling like you are privy to a little slice of history. There are countless reasons for integrating salvaged items into your home – even the contemporary ones. But how and where to start? Restoring a House in the City by Ingrid Abramovitch offers the following tips to help you choose the cream of the crop and avoid the duds.

• Lighting: Got an old lamp or chandelier that needs some TLC to make it presentable?  Antique lighting specialists can rewire lamps, while chandeliers must be taken apart and each piece scrubbed. Lighting dealers can track down replacement parts.
• Plumbing: The antique toilet and faucet may look cool, but keep in mind that that fixtures and fittings have changed over the years. Make sure pieces will work with your building code, and current bathroom condition. Antique tubs and radiators are a great find, just make sure they’re not cracked.
• Hardware: Keep an eye out for hinges, bolts, switch plates, doorknobs, drawer pulls, house numbers, bell buttons, casement fasteners, etc. The smallest details can make a big difference. If you come across a piece you love, but it’s too rusted, companies like Al Bar Wilmette Platers in Wilmette, IL can clean and polish it to new-like condition.
• Millwork: Antique woodwork, often crafted from old-growth lumber, which is generally harder and long-lasting, can be tracked down through salvage and antique dealers. Look online or in the phone book under antiques, salvage, junk or demolition contractors.
• Reclaimed Stone, Tile and Brick: Not only are recycled construction materials a greener way to build, they have a look that can’t be recreated with modern technology.  Source antique stone, vintage tile and brick for building or landscaping at architectural salvage yards, or check out nonprofits, such as Build It Green! NYC, which provides salvaged materials at low cost.