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Collection by Diana Budds

Backyard Retreat

When sustainable building advisor Megan Lea set out to build a backyard retreat, she knew that reclaimed materials would figure prominently into the design. What resulted is a polychrome of salvaged 100-year-old barnwood by West Salem-based Barnwood Naturals that makes the facade of this Bernard Maybeck-inspired design as unique as it is enviornmentally friendly.

The character of the woods really shines through on this project, which I really love. The hand-selected pieces with faded red paint contrasts with the grey weatherbeaten boards and sage-tinted sections covered with lichen. Also of note is the reclaimed copper roof, a lucky Craigslist find from a local remodel. Though the structure has a footprint of just 11' x 14', it's a useful extra living space to entertain, catch up on work, or just relax by the woodburning stove.

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Each of the boards is left as they were originally found (minus the errant nails and screws from their original structures) and when juxtaposed, the colors are quite striking.
Each of the boards is left as they were originally found (minus the errant nails and screws from their original structures) and when juxtaposed, the colors are quite striking.