Nate’s Notes: Reflections of a Remodeling Contractor
Nate talks about what he’s most into right now as the summer remodeling season gets into full swing.
Blending New Cabinetry with Old Woodwork
From the beginning of my remodeling career, I’ve enjoyed crafting new woodwork to match that of the one-hundred-year-old homes I work on. I like replicating the trim and proportions of the old woodwork while designing the new cabinetry that fits the needs of contemporary homeowners. Success comes when a piece blends with the existing woodwork but has all the functionality of new cabinetry.
I’m glad kitchen cabinet styles are incorporating natural wood again after being all white for so long. Don’t get me wrong, I still like painted white cabinetry (in fact, I have it in my own kitchen), but adding wood is refreshing. I especially like using reclaimed wood for projects, both for the warmth it brings and for the environmental benefits of reusing materials. In white kitchens, natural wood makes a great accent.
Giving Vintage Door Knobs a Second Act
Recently, I made some coat hooks from old mortise and tenon door hardware salvaged from a vintage remodel. The century-old door hardware is beautifully made, and I saw an opportunity to use them again in an interesting way as mudroom hooks for dog leashes. I mounted them on a baseplate for easy hanging, taking care of the hardware so they could be reverted to their original function if needed. In the end, the hooks were simple and beautiful, in part because of the craftsmanship of the past.
Stylish Steel
I like steel as a finish material. Raw steel and wood are an attractive combination, and the strength of steel allows for minimal structure, so the wood can be the focal point. Steel can be an aesthetically beautiful and physically supportive material.
Rusty Patina
Over the years, I’ve come to like the look of rusty steel—not rusted steel with holes and no strength, but steel with an even patina of rust. This look takes on a brown tone with just a bit of orange that, when finished with linseed oil, has a warmth and dark brown hue with a satin sheen.
I’ve been working with accelerating surface rust on steel as a technique for future projects. To me, reclaimed wood and rusty steel both have an intrinsic warmth and speak to the passage of time. Fabrication of steel pieces involves cutting, grinding, and welding, so even previously rusted material would need some rust brought back to blend the aged look across a new piece.
Of course, it would take a unique project and client to choose this look, a blend of durability, longevity, and the imperfections acquired over time. I’m keeping this technique in my back pocket for future use.
