Redesigning Fine Reclamation Works: Crafting a Digital Home for Timeless Materials
A great website doesn’t just look beautiful — it feels like an extension of the business it represents. That was my guiding principle when I recently redesigned Fine Reclamation Works, a Greenville, SC–based source for unique, one-of-a-kind reclaimed construction materials, vintage pieces, and architectural treasures used in luxury homes.
Fine Reclamation Works has a story worth telling: curated, historic materials that blend sustainability with handcrafted quality. But before the redesign, that story wasn’t being fully communicated through its online presence, as we had designed the old site over 16 years ago. My goal was to bring that personality — and that authentic passion for discovery — to life on the web.
The Challenge: Meet a Visual Experience with Visual Richness
When I first evaluated the original Fine Reclamation Works site, I noticed two core opportunities:
- Storytelling needed emphasis — The business is driven by vision and discovery, yet that narrative wasn’t immediately communicated through imagery or layout.
- Product browsing could be more engaging — Reclaimed hardwoods, doors, windows, lighting, hardware, and antiques are inherently visual and tactile. The site needed to let those pieces shine.
With those goals in mind, I set out to design a site that would feel curated, intentional, and easy to navigate — much like walking into a well-organized showroom. It is still a work-in-progress as more vintage items are being added, along with some more robust product descriptions.
What Changed: Design & Experience Highlights
🎨 Visual Hierarchy & Storytelling
The homepage became a gateway — not just a list of links. Large, high-quality product photography now greets visitors immediately, paired with an intro that encapsulates the brand’s ethos: thoughtful curation, timeless materials, and the thrill of the find.
Typography, spacing, and color choices were refined to reflect a balance between heritage and modernity — echoing the contrast of vintage materials within contemporary build projects.
🛠️ Intuitive Navigation & Product Discovery
We reorganized the main navigation to better match how users shop and browse:
- Flooring & Hardwoods
- Doors & Windows
- Light Fixtures
- Unique Items & Hardware
- Antiques & Masonry
This structure makes it easier for visitors to explore by category, while keeping discovery delightful. The catalog was upgraded from an old marketpress, which was at its EOL, to Woocommerce. Fonts were updated as well as making the item listings images larger.
Mobile-First Responsiveness
With mobile traffic now dominating e-commerce behaviors, I made sure every layout is optimized for smartphones and tablets. From swipe-friendly galleries to thumb-ready buttons, the experience feels polished no matter the device.
Functional Improvements
Because Fine Reclamation Works offers products that are often custom or rare, I added design elements that support decision-making:
- Clear calls to Request a Quote, not just “buy now,” to align with how the business actually operates.
- Better product organization, filtering, and imagery for browsing ease.
- Streamlined footer with contact info, shipping terms, and policy links so customers can trust the process.
Behind the Scenes: Why This Redesign Matters
What excites me most about this project is that it’s more than visual polishing — it’s about crafting connection. Fine Reclamation Works deals in rare, tactile pieces that deserve space to tell their own story online. My redesign turned the site from a functional catalog into a virtual showroom where craftsmanship and discovery come first.
This project reinforced something I always come back to in web design: every business has a soul, and the job of design is to make that soul visible. By marrying form with function — and storytelling with strategy — we transformed the online presence into a space that truly feels like home for these remarkable materials.
If you want help showcasing your own project, I’d love to talk about how intentional design can elevate your brand — let’s connect!