Contributed by Brennen Walsh of Restaurant and Cafe Supplies Online

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Although many homeowners think of using reclaimed wood when they’re after an industrial or country-style interior, the reality is that this type of wood can easily be incorporated into almost any aesthetic. When you’re decorating or renovating a vacation home or a property that lends itself to a beachy vibe, reclaimed wood can fit in perfectly.

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Before we discuss a few ways of utilising reclaimed wood in a luxurious and tropical setting, let’s first talk about why you might want to use reclaimed wood at all. If you were quick to dismiss this type of wood product, the benefits might change your mind.

Why Use Reclaimed Wood?

Reclaimed wood refers to previously processed wood that has been retrieved from other structures to be reused in new projects. This wood may come from old homes, historic factories, and other types of structures. Because of its natural wear, reclaimed wood comes with automatic character and a real story that can’t really be replicated with new or engineered woods. Rather than adding something with artificial age and weathering, reclaimed wood provides a sense of authenticity – a trait that’s often desirable in coastal and tropical decor.

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Another major reason to use reclaimed wood is its sustainability. When older structures were built, they often contained species that are not available today due to over-harvesting. But there’s no reason you can’t and shouldn’t reuse those desirable woods in your modern design. By utilising this type of wood in lieu of cutting down new trees, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and giving these materials a second chance at life. And because homeowners who are drawn towards a tropical or beachy theme often want to immerse themselves in nature, what better way to show your love of Mother Earth than to embrace sustainable practices?

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Reclaimed wood is also highly durable – often more so than the newer options you’ll find on the market today. This wood has withstood the test of time. It’s also a lot denser and may even be less prone to warping. That means that your decor will be classically beautiful and physically strong, meaning that this will be money well spent. What’s more, you may even increase the value of your home if you utilise reclaimed wood in its design.

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Create a Tropical Effect with Reclaimed Wood

Now that you understand the advantages of using reclaimed wood, you might be wondering about how to actually use it in your home renovation or redesign. Here are a few innovative ideas you might want to consider.

Kitchen Feature Wall

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If you really want to make your home feel like an island paradise all year long, a reclaimed wood accent wall can really do the trick. And since the kitchen is the heart of your home, there’s no better place to put it. Install reclaimed wood planks in your pantry, behind your shelving (in lieu of subway tile), or to create a breakfast nook. By accenting these areas with tropical lighting and other decor, you can make your kitchen give you those vacation vibes 24/7.

Outdoor Entertainment Space

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One of the best ways to drive home a tropical aesthetic is to create an outdoor oasis for entertaining, eating, and pure fun. Use reclaimed wood to construct a bar area or the ceiling of your outdoor kitchen to allow friends and family to feel like they’re on an island getaway. You can even use reclaimed wood to create a seating area complete with colorful pillows, a fire pit, and lots of landscaping. When you walk out the door to your patio or deck, you’ll be instantly transported into your island fantasy.

Stairwells, Doorways, and Floors

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You can also use reclaimed wood to great effect in more contained areas of your home. Set the tone for your guests by constructing a beautiful staircase and bannister out of reclaimed wood or by using reclaimed wood doors to add a sense of depth to any space. Don’t forget you can also use reclaimed wood for your flooring! It can be refinished to reflect your vision or even laid in an elaborate pattern to make any space feel truly tropical.

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As you can see, the sky’s the limit with reclaimed wood. You won’t be restricted by any one species of wood or by any particular aesthetic. And by utilizing this sustainable and character-rich material, you’ll easily add ample value to your luxurious oasis.

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