Green Decorating

When an old building (like a house, hotel, church or commercial space) gets demolished or renovated, there are companies that go in before the wrecking ball to "save" interesting or useful and environmentally friendly decor elements like windows, doors, hardware, lighting and more.

Architectural salvage works in any space, from antique-filled to ultra-modern. Here are a few ideas for your home:

1. Replace boring doorknobs with lovely brass, porcelain or cut glass knobs.

2. Old tin ceiling tiles make great wall hangings.

3. Replace the bathtub in your modern space with a deep, elegant claw foot soaker.

4. Install a row of crystal doorknobs in the bathroom to hang towels, or use them as drapery tie-backs.

5. Use beautiful old hinges on your doors.

6. Reclaimed wood flooring is a great low-cost alternative to hardwood flooring.

7. Install old stained glass or leaded glass windows into non-load-bearing internal walls to allow light to shine through.

Salvaged items can be found at architectural salvage stores, estate auctions, discount flea markets, garage sales and other sources of used goods. Call your local historical restoration or preservation society or shop online - you can find anything on eBay.

Royal LePage's partnership with the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB) and the green accreditation program helps educate and empower Royal LePage REALTORS® and brokers, as well as consumers on how to make eco-friendly decisions when it comes to the home. Royal LePage REALTORS® identified by the NAGAB designation logo are trained by NAGAB to assess environmental elements within a home and identify properties that adhere to green standards.

More information on this topic is available online at www.royallepage.ca .

Credit: www.newscanada.com