Using wood around the home can make a difference to your living space. And it’s an inexpensive way of giving your home a classy, vintage look. All you need is a modest sum of money, a lot of time, and a good ethic for hard work to pull it off.
Now, before we begin, it’s important to consider the environment when using any kind of wood products in your living space. Seek out sustainable sources if you can, and don’t forget to look into the used wood market. If it’s already been cut and used before, it’s fine to use again. OK, lecture over – let’s take a look at how wood can bring a touch of class to your home.
Wood paneled walls
Attaching wood paneling to your walls gives a marvelous look, and as long as you have a few days going spare you can get it finished very quickly. Pick up some 4×8 panels from your local hardware store, and leave them to breathe for a couple of days until they get used to your home’s natural environment. Next, put up your panels. There is an excellent guide on how to do this over at DoItYourself.com. Now that the wood is up, you are probably getting a slightly 70s look – and that’s not what we are after. So, paint it in woody colors, before distressing it slightly with very thin sandpaper. And voila! You have a vintage wall that looks as if it was built over a century ago.
Expose your floorboards
Nothing says vintage more than exposed wooden floorboards. And it’s a lot cheaper than buying a carpet or having tiles laid. Rip up your old carpet and go over the floorboards with a fine tooth comb. You will need to flatten any nails and remove any breaks. You can fill in holes or cracks with a wooden filler – which is a good idea if you live in colder climates. Next, get sanding. Unless you are a glutton for punishment, hire an industrial sander. You’ll need a mask and a lot of ventilation because the amount of dust you will create can be hazardous. Let is settle, and remove it with a vacuum cleaner. Now treat your wood – I recommend Osmo oil because it lasts forever – well, almost! Leave it to dry, and that’s it – you are done!
Don’t forget your garage
Let’s face it, garages can look kind of clunky and ugly at the best of times. Those metal doors don’t really do your curb appeal any favors at all, so why not add some wood to give it that extra touch of class? Something like this from Houston Overhead Door might reduce the visual impact of your garage and help blend it into the rest of your home. It makes it more inviting and is also an excellent option if you want to convert your garage into a gym, extra room or office space.
I hope this has shown you how easy it is to give even the most modern of homes into a vintage delight. And, depending on how much work you are prepared to put in, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Let me know how you got on!