before and after by Kate Pruitt 27

before & after: austin’s barn wood wall + bear’s chair


When I first laid eyes on this project, I went absolutely cuckoo bananas. What I wouldn’t give for a blank room in my home to install a salvaged wood wall! This lovely version was made by Austin, a photographer living in Nashville, which explains the lovely, well-composed “after” shot. Austin saw a similar installation in a recording studio using new lumber and he decided to make his own out of reclaimed barn wood. I highly approve of Austin’s decision: the reclaimed boards have so much character and beauty and they look wonderful with his furniture and styling choices. But how does he get any work done? I would spend all day just gazing at this loveliness. You can see more of Austin’s lovely photo work on his blog. Thanks for sharing, Austin! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)


I’m really excited to post this project, not only because it’s inventive and lovely, but also because I was dying to type the words “Bear’s chair.” What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good rhyme! Actually, Bear’s chair wasn’t a terrible specimen to begin with — I could see the camel leather and the mid-century frame dropping straight onto the set of Mad Men. But admittedly the pale, solid upholstery was a little bland. The linen fabric and stamped text add a lovely rustic touch and definitely make the chair more of a stand-out piece. Great work on the chair, Bear! Okay that’s the last time, I promise . . .

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27 Comments

Jamie

AWESOME!!! what a great idea! i will have to store that in the back of my mind for the day i own a house. love it :)

sara @ the by & by

that wall is just out-of-control!! seriously, it’s so fabulous and cool i think i might actually turn green with jealousy. that being said, if you’re ever in dallas and come across a girl who resembles a green smurfette, you’ll know you found me.

Jen Dean

I simply love this room. That wall is absolutely fantastic. I love wooden features in a room and this really does the trick with the reclaimed barn wood. So inspirational. This goes in the “maybe someday” file, for sure.

Austin

I found the wood on Craigslist! Just searched ‘barn wood’ and ‘reclaimed lumber’ & came across a guy that sells it for a living. I went to his property & got to pick exactly what I wanted. Kid in a candy store – most definitely.

christine

I’ve been wanting to do that to a wall in my house and thought I was crazy cause I couldn’t find any pics of someone who had done it. LOVE IT!

Erin

i LOVE your before and afters. SO inspiring! I am amazed by peoples creativity and vision!

Ashton

I’ve been semi-stalking Austin’s work and twitter (he’s hilarious!) and I was so excited to see this here! It really is a beautiful wall.

Barb Peden

I like the character of your wall. thank you for being adventurous. I own a 100 yr old home and when renovating i found barnboard on 2 inside walls — i love it.. and i am in the process of freshening them up. I was fearful of what they would look like, and had no idea as to clear coat or stain. Now i feel anything will look great..HEY its real wood–right :)

Juliane

Nice contrast with the lumber widths/textures/colors – not sure I love the crown moulding with it, but very creative work!!

Robert Staab

Very nice job, I reclaim old barns and sell the wood but hardly get a chance to see someones finished project. well done

Deb

Does anything need to be done to the barn wood before installing? Like sanding, washing? Concerned about termites.. thanks

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