Mention reclaimed wood and rustic, character-rich wood tends to come to mind; wood with weathered and naturally distressed patina, nail and bolt holes, circle sawn markings and checking. But, reclaimed wood can have a clean, slick aesthetic too. Clean or rustic, reclaimed wood brings biophilic attributes to a space. For minimalist design, incorporating the organic nature of wood can be especially important to keep a space from feeling too cold or austere. Here are some favorite examples of reclaimed wood with no rustic in sight.
The linear nature of rePLY complements this organized space
From TerraMai: Microsoft in Bellevue, WA chose rePLY for their commissary gathering area
RePLY, with its micro-width laminations oriented vertically, contributes pinstriping and color variation as wall paneling and counter cladding. On the ceiling, rePLY is nicely positioned such that the larger beams appear to emerge out of the rePLY. It works well with the other design elements to provide an overall clean and contemporary space.
The Sophisticated Appeal of MC Walnut
From TerraMai: Shore Club’s design exudes calm with MC Walnut Paneling
MC Walnut adds the perfect level of class to a space. At Shore Club, pictured above, MC Walnut frames the elegant understated art and furniture to give the room a fresh but noble appeal. AutoGravity’s office headquarters, shown below, is uncluttered, free of unnecessary furniture or overly complex visuals. The design elements are careful, purposeful choices meant to foster a work environment that frees the mind for creative and strategic thinking. MC Walnut works hand in hand with the minimalist decor and palette of royal blue and white.
From TerraMai: An open, loft-like design helps facilitate collaboration at AutoGravity’s offices
Acacia Metro Adds Energy
From TerraMai: Acacia Metro Paneling greets occupants and visitors in this 5th Ave Office Building Lobby.
There are various reclaimed wood sourcing streams of which some result in material that is very clean. The sourcing path for Acacia Metro Flooring and Paneling is two-fold. When the Acacia trees are no longer producing, the orchards are culled. Those trees are used to make furniture and other products like bowls and cutting boards. The manufacturing of those items results in small unuseable pieces or off-cuts. TerraMai reclaims the off-cuts to create Acacia Metro Flooring and Paneling. Acacia Metro, with its color variation and pattern, creates excitement and life in any space.
From TerraMai: Acacia Metro Paneling reflects the tech culture of Microsoft
MC White Oak 5” is warm and welcoming
From TerraMai: MC White Oak 5” Paneling warms this contemporary lobby at HERE
MC White Oak 5” Paneling provides a warm surface between the cement flooring and exposed ceiling in the lobby of HERE. While the team at HERE are radically improving the way everyone and everything lives, moves and interacts, MC White Oak is keeping things simple and calm.
Reclaimed Teak is Rich in Umami
From TerraMai: Teak Engineered Paneling at CU Direct
Teak should be one of the five basic tastes! Umami, meaning savoriness, is a great descriptor for teak. It is all that is needed in the two installations shown here. UC Direct and CBRE both have clean white decor and use reclaimed teak to gently steal the attention. Reclaimed teak is a real taste sensation in these two white spaces.
From TerraMai: Reclaimed Teak Engineered Kukui Flooring unifies the space at CBRE
A dark finish on Mission Oak creates a calm banking experience
From TerraMai: Mission Oak Flooring with Cowboy Coffee finish at US AmeriBank
Mission Oak Flooring and Paneling does have the character one might expect of reclaimed wood with nail holes and checking from its prior life as shipping dunnage but with the dark Cowboy Coffee finish, the filled nail holes all but disappear. The rich, dark coffee colored flooring makes for a calming, welcoming atmosphere for customers as they navigate their banking needs.
Conclusion
Reclaimed wood can deliver both rustic and clean. We love the character that nature and time impart on wood but sometimes a design calls for an all-clean aesthetic. Character rich reclaimed wood can be a nice counterpart to minimalist or contemporary design but there’s no need to discount reclaimed wood when the wood needs to align and provide a very clean appearance. Whatever your design needs are, reclaimed wood has been shown to foster well-being in the built environment. It’s our opinion, of course, that every design needs a little reclaimed wood.