Green Diva: Renovating with Salvaged Finds

KirkAlbertStore — Kirk Albert's Showroom in Georgetown

Renovating a space by utilizing previously salvaged goods is the more urban and creative way to approach one’s home DIY project. There is a whole shift in design that is taking note of our collective need for more stimulating and intensely long lasting goods. Gone are the days when a “flip” house was the perfect house. Specifically in Seattle, we want a high-end renovated look that has a creative edge: something that make our friends go “wow!” Homes where someone came in with Big Box DIY store dark cherry cabinets and granite counter tops feel so 2006 and wasteful.

Luckily, in Seattle, we have several fabulous salvage and recycle goods store to let your creative home ideas take flight. Businesses like Second Use (the Divas now have an inside connection), Earthwise Architectural Salvage and RE Store offer a wide variety of lumber, furniture, fixtures, and hardware. You can put in hardwood floors without the need to cut down any new trees or you can use vintage hardware to replace the door knobs throughout your home, giving it a unique look.Â Whether it’s for big projects or for small ones, the variety of reclaimed materials and fixtures available enable you to find that one-of-a-kind piece that will make your home express you.

Diva Dwellers Austin and Sergey have taken the salvaged approach to their home by creating their own unique “investment” pieces of furniture. Some of their “Around the House” signature pieces were found by master salvage guru, Kirk Albert, in his Georgetown showroom. Austin and Sergey have found furniture themselves and restored it for their own home. Below is a photo of the factory cart “coffee table” that the boys found and restored themselves.

Find out more about salvage services and reclaimed materials from some of our favorite retailers: