Salvage savvy: Ways to shop sustainably for your living space?

Denise O'Donoghue discovers trade secrets as she checks out leading Irish salvage yards 

Display of lamp shades on sale at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare 

Homeowners facing the mammoth task of decorating their abode often want to put their own stamp on a space and seek unique decor to make their properties stand out.

By looking beyond the usual furniture stores and social media trends, those hoping to add a bit of personality to their home at an affordable price are turning to salvage yards.

Robin Maharaj, founder with his sons from left, Paul, Conor and Harry at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

In Ireland, there are salvage yards across the country offering “everything and anything you can think of” according to Harry Maharaj of Kilkenny Architectural Salvage, one such site in the Marble County.

Kilkenny Architectural Salvage was founded in 1998 when Robin Maharaj moved home from London. In the last five years, his three sons Paul, Harry, and Conor joined the business having previously worked in travel, finance, and insurance in Dublin.

Collection of handmade teak statues for sale at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Harry says stock changes every day and visitors can choose from flooring, timber beams, building materials, garden furniture, antiques, pub memorabilia, and more.

With more people choosing sustainable and recycled options for their home decor and renovations, he says salvage yards are seeing a renaissance. “There has been a huge jump in interest over the last few years, in particular with the younger generation of first-time buyers,” says Harry, adding how affordability also plays a major role.

Some of the pieces on sale at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

“People are definitely more aware of the positive environmental impact they can have when buying second-hand/ salvaged goods.

Garden and outdoor items at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

“Another big reason we are hearing is down to price. People are having to stretch further in terms of price to buy a home given the property market dynamics, so budgets are often tighter when it comes to kitting out their home.”

Harry says salvage yards offer high-quality goods at more affordable prices — making them an attractive option for home decor.

Items on sale at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

“Homeowners are now looking for items that don’t compromise on quality but can pick them up at a cheaper price in a salvage yard like us. This can offer huge savings in terms of furnishing a home.”

Salvage yards offer unique decor and design opportunities too, and Harry says homeowners are having fun with their interiors and want their properties to stand out from others. “People are very much looking to stand out in how they design their homes.

Statue of Apollo and other architectural salvage items at The Store Yard, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois. The business also has an outlet at 94, North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“We have seen a huge push away from what you would have called the ‘flat pack sitting room’ from a few years ago to looking for those pieces that are talking points and features in your home.”

Robin Maharaj, founder, with his sons from left, Paul ,Conor and Harry at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

And what are those interesting items people are opting for? Home bars became de rigueur during lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 and Harry says bar-sign sales are showing no signs of slowing post-pandemic. “Home bar/man cave items are continuing to be very popular,” he says. “Things went crazy through covid with the amount of pub and advertising signs that we sold and that hasn’t really slowed. People are always looking to add to their collection and find that next great sign.

“Interestingly we have found lots of children or younger adults buying their dad signs or pub items for their home bar as presents. We found last Christmas, in particular, a big push from this which was great as dads didn’t get the usual pair of socks for Christmas, they got a new sign for their home bar/man cave.”

The Store Yard, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois, which also has an outlet at 94, North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

THESE trends are reflected elsewhere, including at The Store Yard, which has a 30,000-square foot salvage yard which is open Tuesday-Saturday in Portlaoise, Co Laois, as well as a store in Youghal, Co Cork, that is open to the public on Saturdays.

Mark Flood says The Store Yard, which was opened in 2009 by owner David Keane, has a particular interest in Irish vernacular furniture and architectural salvage and says the team helps a broad range of customers who might be “doing a home renovation, looking for a piece for the garden or undertaking a commercial project”.

Items on sale at Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Sustainability is a consideration for many homeowners today, agrees, Mark, who observes a particular focus on kitchens: “We have seen an increase in the interest of our clients making sustainable choices. They have an awareness of their environmental impact.

David Keane, proprietor, and Mark Flood, sales manage,r at The Store Yard, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois, and 94, North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“One area of note is that our clients are choosing unfitted kitchens. Irish 19th-century farmhouse dressers and pine tables continue to grow in popularity and are one of our bestsellers.”

Long-lasting garden furniture remains a strong seller across the country too. “Cast-iron garden furniture remains one of our top-selling items,” Harry says of sales in Kilkenny Architectural Salvage. “There are lots of lighter metal garden set options out there but people are definitely on the hunt for something a bit sturdier and something they will get longevity from. “The advantage of a cast-iron bench or table and chair set is that it will last decades and simply needs a bit of paint every now and then to freshen it up.

The Store Yard, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois, which also has an outlet at 94 North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“Yes, you pay a bit more than a standard metal set but the quality is unparalleled. Do it right once when it comes to your garden furniture and you will not have to think about it again.”

Mark says there has been a similar shopping trend in The Store Yard when it comes to the great outdoors: “Architectural salvage for the garden has increased in popularity. Salvaged country house water tanks are perfect for repurposing as planters and recently we have had a client purchase a salvaged 18th-century Irish door case to be the focal point of a folly in the garden.”

From quirky signs and man cave accessories to Regency furniture and farmhouse kitchen units, salvage yards offer a world of sustainable, stylish, and pocket-friendly alternatives to typical high street stores, letting customers’ personalities shine through their decor.

Kilkenny Architectural Salvage, The Old Woollen Mills, Bleach Road, Kilkenny, R95 KFF8; eurosalve.com /087-2848414

The Store Yard, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 TRK4 and 94 North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork, P36 KF90; thestoreyard.ie/085 8608923