Laura Leyshon/The Globe and Mail
The question
I love the look of reclaimed wood. How can I add accents of it in my family room without investing too much in a major piece?
The answer
Reclaimed-wood furniture is definitely having a moment – and it's no longer available only in shades of grey.
New styles are appearing that are rubbed with orange, blue, green and even pink. The look is almost tropical and tends to give a room a more casual, relaxed feel.
In your living room, you could get a big bang by introducing a reclaimed-wood coffee table with a shelf. (I just bought two by Cisco in a whitewash finish from ABC Carpet & Home in New York for a house I am working on in Florida.)
Or, for the lightest impact on your wallet, you could focus on salvaged-wood accessories, such as trays, bowls or baskets.
If, on the other hand, you want to consider something more permanent, you could try cladding the fireplace mantel in reclaimed wood. Use old, polished mahogany to keep the room looking formal and give it a touch of glamour.
One thing to avoid: pieces that are overly rustic and look like they have wormholes. "Reclaimed" doesn't have to mean "infested."
Dee Dee Taylor Eustace is an architect and interior designer. Follow her on Twitter: @ddtaylordd. Have a design dilemma? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.