Reuse values materials, furniture, and objects that carry stories, transforming signs of wear into elements of identity and expression in design
Submitted at Oct 8, 2026, 6:00 PM
Daniel Wilges - Casa Wabi Sabi, projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2021. (Cristiano Bauce/Divulgação)
Embracing the imperfect has become one of the major decor trends. What was once considered a sign of wear can now be transformed into an element of identity. In the design universe, reuse takes on a dimension that goes beyond sustainability, inviting us to recognize the beauty of aged surfaces, reclaimed materials, and objects that carry stories.
(Pinterest/Divulgação)
Scratches, stains, irregular textures, and changes in tone are no longer flaws to be hidden but rather characteristics that make each piece unique.
(Pinterest/Divulgação)
This shift in perspective also reveals a new way of understanding the value of objects. Instead of exclusively seeking a flawless finish, contemporary design makes room for the passage of time as part of the aesthetic experience. The result is more authentic projects, in which past and present coexist without the need to erase their differences.
For a long time, the appearance of newness was associated with quality and sophistication. However, movements linked to conscious consumption and the appreciation of craftsmanship have been broadening this perception. The patina of a metal, the marks of aged wood, or the irregular appearance of ceramics can add visual depth and personality to spaces.
Daniel Wilges - Casa Wabi Sabi, projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2021. (Cristiano Bauce/Divulgação)
This appreciation shares affinities with the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which recognizes the beauty of impermanence, simplicity, and imperfection. In design, this philosophy inspires compositions that welcome natural materials, organic surfaces, and signs of the passage of time, without requiring absolute uniformity.
Daniel Wilges - Casa Wabi Sabi. (Cristiano Bauce/Divulgação)
The idea is not to romanticize any kind of deterioration. It is about distinguishing the traces that enrich a piece's identity from those that compromise its functionality. Preserving a mark can be an aesthetic choice as deliberate as restoring a finish.
Demolition wood is one of the most expressive examples of this approach. Its color variations, small holes, and signs of use reveal previous trajectories. When transformed into tables, benches, or wall coverings, it incorporates a layer of memory into the decor, especially when combined with contemporary elements.
Isabela Cardoso, Letícia Rosa e Pedro Nunes - Corpo e Templo. Projeto da CASACOR Goiás 2023. Na foto, jardim interno, cerâmicas e formas curvas. (Edgard César/Divulgação)
Copper, brass, and iron also offer interesting possibilities. Oxidation and natural changes in tone create living finishes that transform over time. In lamps, handles, and furniture structures, these characteristics can work as contrasting elements and sophistication.
Isabela Tonial - C’ALMA CHOCOLATES. Projeto da CASACOR Goiás 2026. (Edgard César/Divulgação)
Ceramic pieces with small irregularities, differences in glazing and visible textures highlight the human gesture involved in their production. The handcrafted character breaks away from industrial standardization and allows for more sensitive compositions, in which each object has its own identity.
Reuse also finds expression in inherited, hunted-down or restored furniture. An old dresser, a chair with signs of use, or a table that has been passed down through generations can take on new meanings when placed in contemporary projects.
Projeto de João Panaggio. (Fotos: Fran Parente | Produção: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)
In these compositions, the contrast between pieces from different eras creates visual narratives. A piece of aged wooden furniture can share space with a contemporary lamp, while a vintage armchair finds balance amid minimalist materials.
Adopting this language does not require completely transforming the projects. Small choices can introduce textures, stories and contrasts into the composition. A restored table, a mirror with an antique frame or objects found in antique shops already offer new points of visual interest.
RCK Integradas - Carolina Pellenz e Rafael Kreusch. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina 2023. (Lio Simas/Divulgação)
The secret lies in building a balanced composition, allowing the marks of time to coexist with contemporary materials and finishes. Reuse does not need to dominate the decoration to convey personality: often, a single piece is enough to create that connection.
Bilheteria/Galeria Meia 1 - Debaixo do Bloco Arquitetura. (Jomar Bragança/Divulgação)
By recognizing the beauty of what has already been lived, design proposes a more lasting relationship with objects. After all, not every mark needs to be erased — some are precisely what makes a piece irreplaceable.
This text was developed with the help of CASACOR Publisher, an exclusive content agent developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. The generated content was subsequently edited by Yeska Coelho.
