I'm currently reading, well, really looking at the pictures in, Building with Reclaimed Materials, published by Beta-Plus, 2007. If you are interested in how you could build a new house and have it look like it is 200 years old, this book is for you. I'm fascinated with that concept because my husband only likes new construction and I prefer old homes. So, using reclaimed materials such as old roof tiles, antique tiles for backsplashes, used flagstones for the floor, to make a new construction house look old is very intriguing.
Ruth Gay thinks the same way. Several years ago she opened a shop in Houston called Chateau Domingue which sells reclaimed building materials from France and Europe. Walk into her cavernous warehouse and you will certainly forget you're in Houston. Ruth herself is a pretty, diminutive mother of three, who is tres chic, of course. Her web site is gorgeous, as is her warehouse, which is filled with all kinds of building materials and antiques. Here are a few images from the web site. Amusez-vous en regardant ces peintures!
Gay sells antique window surrounds and door surrounds. A pair of these on the exterior of your house will age it by 200 years.
Gay also sells an assortment of concrete garden elements, to be used inside or outside as you desire.
Imagine your roof made from reclaimed tiles from France. It sure would stand out on the block.
Here's an antique fountain or animal trough, you decide.
A pair of these on opposite sides of your front door would be wonderful.
An antique shop fixture would make a perfect kitchen cabinet.
Hanging antique lanterns would distinguish any exterior.
How would you like a painted buffet deux corps for a kitchen pantry?
Iron railings would look great on a second story landing.
Original French shutters - leave them this color or paint them khaki.
These sconces are a personal favorite of mine. I'd love them in my dining room.
I wonder how much Gay charges for the blue hydrangeas?