"Ever had a client who just couldn't handle the quirks though? Curious how you navigated that one."
Yeah, been there...had a client once who loved the idea of reclaimed wood until reality hit—knots, smells, and all. We ended up compromising by using shellac (like you mentioned) to seal in odors and stabilize things a bit. Honestly, sometimes it's about gently educating clients on what "character" really means. Most come around when they realize they're getting something truly unique and eco-friendly, but patience is key.
Totally relate to this. Had a similar experience when we redid our kitchen counters with reclaimed barn wood. Looked amazing in photos, but once installed, my partner couldn't stop noticing every little imperfection—especially the uneven surfaces and random nail holes. A few things that helped us:
- Sanded down the roughest spots just enough to smooth things out without losing character.
- Used a low-VOC matte finish sealer to keep odors minimal and still preserve the natural look.
- Honestly, just gave it some time. After a few weeks, those quirks became part of the charm.
Sometimes it's just about adjusting expectations a bit. Not everyone realizes that "eco-friendly" often means embracing imperfections. But once you get used to it, there's no going back...our counters are now everyone's favorite conversation starter when they visit.
"Sometimes it's just about adjusting expectations a bit."
True, but I'd also say it's about balancing aesthetics with practicality. Imperfections can add charm, sure...but if they're driving you nuts, don't hesitate to tweak things further. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in daily comfort.
Totally get what you're saying about balancing aesthetics and practicality. Reminds me of when we redid our kitchen—went all-in on eco-friendly paints and finishes, but the smell lingered way longer than expected. Ended up tweaking ventilation and adding some plants to help clear things up. Made a huge difference in comfort, honestly. Curious if anyone else found creative ways to tackle VOC issues without sacrificing style...
We ran into something similar when repainting our bedroom—those VOC-free paints aren't always as odorless as advertised. Did you try activated charcoal bags? They're pretty affordable and subtle enough to blend into most decor...might help clear things up faster.
