Recycling the Past
Salvage – or most anything with a history behind it – intrigues me and instantly renders me into a giggly and excitable lump of goose bumpy flesh. If I could, I would outfit most of my home with a carefully edited assortment of salvaged and re-purposed items. Anything with dual uses is a plus!
About two years ago, while searching for some materials for our apartment renovation and subsequent furnishings (that part will NEVER be complete), I came across Recycling The Past.
Based in Barnegat, NJ, and founded by Matt White, Recycling The Past offers anything from architectural salvage to their own recycled creations. They have unique tiles, antique doors, hardware, mantles, decor items, salvaged flooring and lumber, stones…anything INCLUDING the kitchen sink.
My favorite section is Funky Finds…let your imagination run wild, people!
Up above – WHAT is this…contraption? Would you like to venture a guess? It’s an early 20th century Anesthesia Machine. Knowing that scares the bejesus out of me…but I guess that was better than no anesthesia at all, right? Imagine it in your living room – definitely a conversation piece.
Moroccan Olive Jars. I’d want a whole row outside my house if I had a house.
Say it with me, “What the f*ck is THIS?” Strangely fascinating, isn’t it? Yet another conversation piece, isn’t it? It’s a Sawfish Bill standing 43″ long. What is a sawfish? They’re related to rays and are critically endangered. They can go salt and fresh water. That’s all I know for now. Learn with me here.
Brass and bronze marine propellers. I see a grouping of these guys in various sizes on a wall…
At 84″ tall, that’s a lot of industrial shelving. Some pull out bins included also. This has become one of my dream pieces…
Adjustable height Screw Top Stools. These babies have been refinished with a matte clear coat lacquer. Kitchen counter or entryway (something different than the usual bench to put on or take off your shoes).
Vintage Steel Lockers. Can I lock the husband in one and have him drink his meals through a straw when he’s being bad? Why do I try to think of ways to torture the poor husband so much?
Heavy gauge Steel Stacking Bins. Come on – what can NOT store in these? A corpse, maybe. But you can if you Dexter it.
Steel Work Stations. Craft room or kitchen – take your pick.
Industrial Steel Boxes – don’t tell me you can’t think of at least 5 things to do with these!
Industrial Lift Table – stripped down and finished with a matte clear coat. Wouldn’t this make the most interesting side or bedside table?
