Finding a material palette

Finding a Material Palette

Doors in the Study

These doors were made up of three reclaimed materials, which in turn formed the palette of the room scheme.

• Deep pine shelves wrapped in leather, salvaged from a library. Wood can have a high acidity, so leather was often used on library shelving to protect the books.
• Thin parquet flooring tiles that were sanded back to remove layers of grime and varnish.
• Heavyweight brass handle.

Much like choosing paint colours, the reclaimed materials that you use will inform the overall palette of a room. It's important to aim for cohesion, as well as an appropriate use of materials depending on the overall mood and purpose of the room.

Align Your Palette to the Room's Purpose

Being drawn to a piece of salvage is the first step; there should be a positive emotional reaction and instant connection to the reclaimed material.

The next step is to work out which room and use the material that will be best suited to, both practically and visually. If the purpose of the room is relaxation, you want to find soft and warm materials. For our study, the association of the old pine shelves with books and a library felt appropriate.