Expert Advice: What to Source from Salvage, with Zio & Sons

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Architectural salvage can serve as toolkits for self-expression, according to Anthony D’Argenzio, a “visual strategist” who founded the New York–based creative agency Zio & Sons. He stocks up on vintage building parts, whether drawer pulls or staircase trim, to enliven rooms for clients and himself. He buys his lighter weight inventory, like hardware and lighting parts, from online sources, and he scours estate sales and salvage yards for anything too pricey or bulky to ship. The materials, he explains, can add flavor and storytelling opportunities to any project, and they often cost less than their modern counterparts. And recycling the components keeps them out of landfills.

Among his favorite genres of materials that reward re-users:

1. Reclaimed wood

“every piece of wood in so many variations tells a story, whether 14 — Above: “Every piece of wood in so many variations tells a story, whether it was originally part of a boardwalk or a factory or the siding on a house. Maybe it was painted 50 times, or maybe it’s been left in its original finish. And the possibilities for reusing it are endless: Turn the wood into trim, shelves, a console, put hooks on it or use it to cover one whole wall. Buy a little more than you think you need, so it can be worked into nearby spaces if you want, and give some cohesive flow.” Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons; for more, see House Call: 50 Shades of Weathered White in Hudson, NY, from Zio & Sons.

2. Old sinks

“they have such beautiful character and patina. if you can find th 15 — Above: “They have such beautiful character and patina. If you can find them with original hardware, that’s definitely ideal, or if they do need new fittings, make sure that the holes are spaced in such a way that you can get new parts for them—otherwise you get into the expense of custom. If they come with leg supports that you decide you don’t need, those can be repurposed for something else. All the pieces don’t have to fit.” Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.

3. Hardware

&#8\2\20;bronze, iron, copper, brass—they all weather really w 16 — Above: “Bronze, iron, copper, brass—they all weather really well. If I can’t find enough of one pattern for all the drawers and doors in one room to match, I’ll do all the drawers in one kind and the doors in another. As long as the designs are in the same realm, or maybe the metals are the same.” Photograph by Marili Forastieri, produced and styled by Zio & Sons. For more, see A 1700s Stone Farmhouse in the Hudson Valley, Discovered via Google.

4. Architectural elements and furniture

“try to think outside the box: don’t think of the pieces as 17 — Above: “Try to think outside the box: Don’t think of the pieces as only having their original purposes, think of them as works of art instead. Maybe a wood column can be used as a focal piece in the corner of a room. Lean an old door against a wall and put hooks on it. Lean a window against a wall, so the stained glass adds texture and character to the room. Turn a handyman’s worktable into kitchen cabinets. What you choose doesn’t have to make one hundred percent sense, it’s about fun too; think about the feeling you want to convey, and not just the perfect cubic-inch fit.” Photograph by Marili Forastieri; photo styling by Zio & Sons. For more, see A Historical Hudson, NY, Home Reimagined (European Antiques Included).

5. Lighting

“vintage glass shades, schoolhouse lights—anything can be c 18 — Above: “Vintage glass shades, schoolhouse lights—anything can be connected to new fittings and bases, anything can be rewired, to give a custom, unique look to the room.” Photograph by Marili Forastieri, produced and styled by Zio & Sons.

6. Tiles

“if you can’t find enough to fill out your whole project, u 19 — Above: “If you can’t find enough to fill out your whole project, use vintage ones as trim, that alone can add interest.” Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.

7. Marble slabs

&#8\2\20;marble can be turned into trim around backsplashes, thresholds, do 20 — Above: “Marble can be turned into trim around backsplashes, thresholds, door saddles. Marble can be cut, so it’s more versatile than tile.” Photograph by Marili Forastieri; photo styling by Zio & Sons.

8. Fireplace mantelpieces

“mantles can be great for a dead wall in a large room that needs s 21 — Above: “Mantles can be great for a dead wall in a large room that needs some architectural charm. You can hang plates from them, and you can fit shelves into the opening where the fireplace was.” Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.

9. The unexpected

“i love using old rope. it develops this rich weathered texture ov 22 — Above: “I love using old rope. It develops this rich weathered texture over time, and it can be cut, it can be morphed into whatever you want. We just wrapped an old water pipe in rope, to give a nautical, rustic vibe.” Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.

See D’Argenzio’s styling in action:

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Frequently asked questions

Who are Zio & Sons?

Zio & Sons is a design and branding agency founded by Anthony D’Argenzio in 2013. They specialize in creative consulting, art direction, interior design, and styling.

What is the concept behind sourcing salvage?

Sourcing salvage is the process of finding unique and often vintage pieces to incorporate into your interior design. It adds character and history to a space while promoting sustainability by reusing and repurposing materials.

Why is it important to source salvage?

Sourcing salvage promotes sustainability by reducing waste and preserving materials that may have been discarded. It also adds unique character and history to a space through the use of vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces.

What are some tips for sourcing salvage?

Some tips for sourcing salvage include attending estate sales, flea markets, and auctions, networking with local antique dealers and artisans, searching online marketplaces, and exploring salvage yards. It’s important to have a clear vision of what you’re looking for and to keep an open mind while searching for unique pieces.

How can I incorporate salvage into my interior design?

Salvage can be incorporated into interior design through the use of vintage furniture, salvaged architectural elements, repurposed materials, and unique accessories. These elements add character and history to a space while promoting sustainability through their reuse and repurposing.

What are some of the benefits of incorporating salvage into my interior design?

Incorporating salvage into interior design adds character and history to a space, promotes sustainability by reusing and repurposing materials, and supports local artisans and antique dealers. Additionally, vintage and unique pieces often have a higher quality of craftsmanship and detail than more modern products.

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1. Reclaimed wood

2. Old sinks

3. Hardware

4. Architectural elements and furniture

5. Lighting

6. Tiles

7. Marble slabs

8. Fireplace mantelpieces

9. The unexpected

Frequently asked questions

Who are Zio & Sons?

What is the concept behind sourcing salvage?

Why is it important to source salvage?

What are some tips for sourcing salvage?

How can I incorporate salvage into my interior design?

What are some of the benefits of incorporating salvage into my interior design?

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