Incorporating Copper into Your Design Scheme

Great news! Because copper has a warm quality and can be finished in many different tones, it can easily be incorporated into any design scheme. Depending on the finish, bringing copper into your home can be fun, unique and impactful. For example, a shiny bright copper would probably fit well in a home that is more modern and sleek. A darker copper finish would fit nicely in a more rustic or country setting. The most important factor before making a purchase is deciding what you like and don’t like when it comes to copper. Even more beneficial may be answering the question, “What finish and design of my copper sink will best compliment my home décor?” Answer this question and you’re on your way to creating the home of your dreams.

 

The Style of Your Copper Sink

There are several options available when it comes to mounting your sink. Remember the style of sink often determines what mount you will use and the style of faucet.

Vessel and Partial Drop-in Sinks
The vessel or partial drop-in mounted sink sits on the top of the counter and shows the most diversity in design. Because of copper’s beauty, color and texture, either of these mounting options beautifully displays both the interior of the bowl as well as the exterior -- a lovely design statement for your home.

Undermount or Drop-in Sinks
Under mounting a copper sink is another great option that allows you to attach a sink from underneath giving your countertop the benefit of a completely smooth surface. You may also want to consider mounting your sink as a drop-in – installing from above and leaving the rim sitting on the countertop. Both of these options involve cutting a hole in the countertop to fit the dimensions of the bowl.

Farmhouse (Apron Front) Kitchen Sink
The copper farmhouse sink is a very popular style of sink that is a drop-in or under mount. With this style of sink, the countertop or cabinets are cut away so the front of the sink is visible. This type of mounting allows you to show the full beauty of the copper making a bold design statement in your kitchen.

 

Interior Design:  Kitchen 

What Color Appliances go with a Copper Sink?

You’ll find that copper blends beautifully with almost any color scheme and mixes well with other metals in your kitchen. Most designers encourage some variety, rather than trying to match every metal finish exactly.

If you are renovating your kitchen, choose the metal finish you like best, rather than feeling that you have to go with the latest fad, which may not be trending by the time you complete your project. Warmer metals are popular right now, but if you already have appliances in silver tones (brushed nickel, pewter or chrome), you can easily mix them with copper or black wrought iron. Many older homes have copper or brass fixtures that look good paired with oil-rubbed bronze or black fixtures. There are no fixed rules, but you should make sure your finishes work well together, drawing the eye around your space harmoniously.

Working a copper sink into your kitchen design involves more than appliance colors; you’ll want to let this lovely addition be the focal point of your kitchen. An apron front farmhouse style sink with a natural-looking patina will be stunning with stainless appliances, which will work as a neutral color in your room. Choose a third metal finish for your fixtures; an oil-rubbed bronze faucet, for example, has a lot of copper color in it, and will blend beautifully with your sink and appliances.

Another idea to help you blend metals seamlessly in your kitchen is to intermingle some copper tiles throughout a basic white subway tile design. You might also add some beautiful hammered copper canisters to your countertop, or hang copper pots from an overhead rack. 

 

What Faucet Finish Looks Best With a Copper Sink?

A brand-new commercial range and high-tech wine chiller might impress your guests, but well-functioning faucets are essential if you want to keep the party going in your updated kitchen.

Today’s consumers expect high-end faucets to be as durable as refrigerators and ranges, providing up to 20 years of trouble-free operation. One thing can lead to another when you have problems with your faucets, so it’s never a good idea to skimp on quality. Faucets must perform reliably and look great from the first thing in the morning until it’s time to clean up after dinner. The best combine state-of-the-art technology for controlling flow and temperature with current design trends to create luxurious fixtures that are a pleasure to use.

If you love classic architecture and traditional design, you’ll want to choose a faucet that is clean-lined and simple in design. English and Italian country themes require fixtures that are a bit more decorative and detailed. Faucets that look industrial but aren’t heavy-duty are popular with the trend toward commercial-look kitchens.  Read more...

 

Design Decor Themes to Consider for your Kitchen

Cottage Style 

A cottage-style kitchen is relaxed, cozy and inviting; the look is more feminine than a country-style kitchen.  Cottage-style kitchens often include a copper farmhouse sink with a vintage faucet, white-painted cabinets and simple moldings.  Other elements may include bead board, wainscoting and a subway tile backsplash.  To make this style uniquely yours, add open shelving to display colorful dishes or shop antique stores and flea markets to find rustic furniture.  For seating, try a wooden church pew (antique or reproduction), and hang a pendant light with a tin shade over the dining table.  Read more on how to create a cottage style kitchen!

Old World Style

An Old World-style kitchen is sophisticated, comfortable, elegant and aged-looking.  Visualize a sunny Tuscan farmhouse or an old English manor.  Old World style combines modern conveniences with antique charm, free-standing furnishings and materials that help create a relaxed and functional design.  The focal point of this style can be a long kitchen island with several high cushioned chairs for dining there.  Include antique elements such as dark-glazed cabinets, distressed furnishings, period hardware and exposed beams in your design. Old World style features natural materials like wood, stone and copper--picture a large copper farmhouse sink in the center of the room.  A fireplace would enhance the warmth of this look if your space and budget allow; if not, include a brick arch over the stove.   

French Country Style 

A French Country style kitchen is relaxed with an earthy vibe reminiscent of a rustic farmhouse and reflects the charm and character of rural France. Wide-planked wood floors, terracotta, stone, copper, wrought iron, warm hues and weathered furnishings contribute to the authenticity of the French Country look. French countryside-inspired colors are an important element in French Country design; think of the golden yellows, bright lavenders, subdued blues and verdant greens of a Monet painting. Walls and ceilings often are painted yellow to create a warm feel. Cafe curtains, swags, or Roman shades are commonly used.  For an authentic touch, tea dye bright white fabric to give it an aged look, clip-hang it from a basic cafe rod and hang swags of dried lavender by the window.  Read more...

Traditional Style 

A traditional style kitchen is warm and classic blending eighteenth century English and American designs. One of the charms of traditional style is that it brings the outdoors in so patterns can include fruit, flowers and butterflies. Include cabinets finished in a cherry or mahogany stain with elaborate trim as well as soft muted colors: creams, white, light grays or greens into your design. Consider embellishment of windows dressed more formally with swags and rich fabrics or an antique hutch to display your fine china. Ideas for your backsplash lean toward natural materials such as marble, brick or stone and handcrafted elements such as a hammered copper kitchen and bar sink.

Contemporary Style

This style is modern, simple and sleek, with clean lines and few personal touches. Stainless steel, glass, concrete, chrome and lacquered or lightly finished wood is common. Appliances, sinks and even countertops usually are steel.

Country Style

Country style kitchens are warm and welcoming, with mixed colors and finishes. Cabinets usually are painted and often distressed. Oak and pine are popular woods, but stone or ceramic tile works, too. Backsplashes may be metal, bead board, or a hand-painted tile look. Look for apron front farmhouse sinks of copper and granite, slate, soapstone or butcher block countertops. Hand-painted dishes, folk art, throw rugs and herb pots add to the charm of this style.

Crossover Style

Fashionistas with flair mix and match clothing and accessories to express their own sense of style. You can do the same when designing your dream kitchen. Many designs cross style lines; for example, a traditional kitchen’s subway tiles set in a classic running-bond pattern will look contemporary laid in a stacked-bond pattern. Spice up a traditional kitchen with unusual copper tile accents, colorful cabinetry or artsy lighting. A concrete countertop will work in both a traditional kitchen or a contemporary one.

Arts and Crafts Style

Also known as mission style, Arts and Crafts kitchens use natural materials, textures and colors to achieve a streamlined, low fuss effect. Wood cabinetry with recessed panel doors and thick frames, granite countertops and stone or ceramic tile backsplashes are commonly used. Wood or stone tile flooring is typical, as is Tiffany-style lighting.

 

How to Choose the Right Color Scheme for your Kitchen 

In your kitchen, you can use color as a fun and inexpensive tool to overhaul your style. Before choosing colors, think about the ambience you’d like to create: energetic or relaxing? Cozy or industrial? Elegant or simple? You’ll be drawn to certain colors more than others; there’s no right or wrong way for your family’s favorite space to look. There also are many styles to choose from; one of them is sure to express your unique personality. 

First, take a few minutes to think about what you do and don’t like about your room. How do you feel in your kitchen--happy and relaxed or frustrated and stressed? How do you envision yourself enjoying your kitchen? Is it a purely functional area, or a place for family time, entertaining friends and enjoying delicious food? Based on your responses, here are some guidelines to thinking about a color scheme:

· Yellow is a popular kitchen color because it is linked with focus and concentration.
· Darker colors are cozy and intimate.
· Orange is associated with food and can enhance appetite.
· Bright colors convey energy.
· Neutral, earth tones are soothing and will highlight your appliances and decor.
· White creates the illusion of space.

If you’re ready to select your colors, remember to use at least two; you don’t want everything in your kitchen to be exactly the same color. Be sure to add at least one neutral shade to balance bright colors. Choose lighter colors to create a bright, energetic space, or combine light and dark shades. Use colors to unify elements throughout the room such as cabinets, floors, countertops and walls so that everything works well together.

While you’re at it, you may also decide to change the color of your cabinets. You can paint over natural wood colors if you want a brighter look. As focal points, your appliances and sink can’t be overlooked. Consider replacing a lackluster sink with an authentic farmhouse style copper sink, or scattering some copper tiles throughout a plain backspash to add visual interest. You may decide to replace lighting, flooring, faucets and cabinet hardware.

Changing your kitchen color scheme can be as simple or as extensive as your time and budget allow. Express yourself with colors you love, and you may find that even everyday cooking and cleaning feels less like work!

Interior Design: Bathrooms 

Tadelakt

Tadelakt, which means “to rub,” is a decorative waterproof plaster, originally made from lime found in the Marrakech region of Morocco.  Used on both interiors and exteriors, tadelakt is the traditional coating of both palaces and bathrooms in Morocco, and the perfect alternative to tile. Tadelakt is becoming popular in Europe, and it may be just what you’re looking for if you’re researching attractive design alternatives that are practical and suitable for a variety of uses in your home.  The versatile plaster is suitable for swimming pools, spas, showers, and steam rooms.  It can be molded into a sink or bathtub, and can even be applied to floors.  See pictures and find out more about this technique on our blog - "Looking for a New Design?  Try Tadelakt!" -- maybe a project to consider!

Bathroom Sanctuary

Making your bathroom a soothing sanctuary can change the mood of your entire household.  Check out our article "Looking to Transform your Bathroom into a Sanctuary?  Here's how..." and discover simple ways to create the bathroom of your dreams.

Design Ideas:  Vanities

The furniture look is very popular when it comes to displaying your copper sink. A great idea is to visit a local antique store, flea market, salvage store or junk store. You may also want to consider estate sales which offer a veritable smorgasbord of possibilities. All of these are places to find a piece of furniture that could possibly fit in your bathroom in terms of both style and size. Keep in mind, depending on the furniture you choose will determine the type of mount for your sink. A vessel style mount works well especially because it shows both the lovely copper bowl mounted on the surface but also the unique piece of furniture it sits on.