There was a time in which it would have been unthinkable to leave parts of a house raw or unfinished, but in today’s world, interior designers and homeowners alike are increasingly choosing to let some raw features take center stage. This trend has, as you probably expected, been largely fueled by the rise of industrial style in home decor. Furthermore, people’s return to loving authentic, handcrafted goods has made them appreciate the “bones” of a house again. As you continue reading here, you will see several tips on how to use unfinished materials effectively during your next renovation project.
- Raw wood – Raw wood has been popular in the interior design industry for longer than many of the other materials on this list. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes but is frequently crafted into beams and installed on ceilings. Whether you live in a rustic North Carolina cabin or an ultramodern South Carolina loft, unfinished beams will look great in your space. They can even work in traditional style homes. If you want to use raw wood in your remodel, but aren’t interested in beams, talk to your contractor for ideas. Countertops, furniture, and even pieces of art can all be crafted from this material.
- Electrical wiring – As a general rule, leaving wiring exposed is a bad idea; it can pose a serious electrocution hazard to everyone in your household. There are, however, some lighting designers who use wiring as part of the light fixtures they create. These fixtures have a cool, contemporary look and are the perfect statement pieces to hang over dining tables or kitchen islands. Make sure you have an electrician install any light fixtures, but especially those with exposed wiring (which should be covered with colorful casing before going up in your home).
- Brick – More often than not, exposed brick is found in historic residences, including lofts in converted factories and stately traditional abodes. Many families in our service area throughout North Carolina and South Carolina are lucky enough to live in older houses that have exposed brick walls. Leaving this brick as a design feature instead of covering it up is a decision you’re sure to be happy with! Brick adds warmth and texture to any space. It can also make a great backdrop for a precious family photograph or a prized piece of artwork.
- Piping – Pipes can be used for everything from shelving brackets to light fixtures to furniture legs; you are really only limited by your imagination when it comes to this versatile material! Pipes are available in steel, copper, and PVC, so you can choose whichever style is best for your project. Furthermore, with the wide variety of fittings and sizes on the market, you should easily be able to configure your piping; however, you need to to achieve your vision.
No matter what kinds of raw materials you’re interested in using in your upcoming project, we hope you’ll let the Hatch Homes team handle the job. We love working with homeowners who want to create one-of-a-kind spaces for their families, and we enjoy the process of creating beautiful features and fixtures from unfinished materials of all kinds. We can’t wait to get started!