Massachusetts-based Thomas “Tom” E. Tate is a residential design professional with more than 20 years of experience building custom homes for members of the Martha’s Vineyard community. Whether constructing a home in classic Cape Cod-style, or traditional New England Colonial style, Thomas Tate and his team of skilled carpenters use salvaged antique materials, when possible, to bring old-world style to the island’s modern homes.

One of the most-commonly salvaged antique items incorporated into new home design are doors. Antique doors salvaged from historic buildings tend to be made of sturdy wood, and the signs of wear from centuries of use can lend a cozy sense of appeal to a contemporary design.

Windows, especially those made of stained glass, are another component frequently salvaged from aged buildings. A stained-glass window can be an excellent substitution for a textured glass window, providing aesthetic value while also affording a homeowner some privacy from the gaze of neighbors or passersby.

When looking to bring an original, yet stylish, feel to a home’s interior, some homebuilders will choose to use reclaimed wood in their floor or ceiling designs. Antique floors or beams made of reclaimed old-growth wood frequently have tighter grains, deeper colors, and a beautiful smell.