I personally like the look of old barn wood. I have an endless supply of it as we have alot of cattle fence/shelters and what not. I have made picture frames, planters and lots of other stuff out of it and i think it looks great. I like to torch some of it a bit to give it a burnt look as well as hang some rusty barb wire on it. You can get the stuff from any ol farmer. I have business venture this spring of building planters and hauling to the city to sell. I can buildem cheap and sellem well for a nice profit.
If you can get your hands on some weathered wood its worth a try.