Using metal in kitchen design is often a joy for a bespoke kitchen company. Many metals are more than suitable for a busy multi-functioning kitchen, and the beauty of some metals is that they can showcase fine patina to add to the design of a handmade kitchen.
Patina is a light layer of colour and tone that appears on the surface of numerous metals. Copper, brass, bronze, zinc and metal alloys or specific stones and wood can benefit from stunning and unique patina caused by ageing or exposure to certain elements. Whether through time and natural usage or through forcing the process, metals used in handmade kitchen designs can look attractive. The patina on these surfaces takes on an organic, non-uniform aesthetic which can look stunning in a space that is often considered and precise. Contrasting metals with patina with other materials used in contemporary kitchens can have a showstopping effect. Moreover, the patina continues to develop, everchanging the kitchen aesthetic.
In a bespoke kitchen, you can force a patina on metal to speed up the natural process, which can have beautiful results. In our Copper Kitchen project, we did just that. The owners of the 18th Century Grade 2 listed property in Somerset wanted a kitchen with the wow factor. So we incorporated an exciting selection of materials, including solid oak and walnut, copper and stone for the handmade kitchen design.
We used copper in sections of the cabinetry. To speed up the ageing process to create a natural-looking patina, our cabinet makers applied heat from a blow torch, which resulted in an iridescent, almost oily appearance. The copper was used to clad the drawers and sections of the island, creating focal points. We used copper for the drinks cabinet but left it untreated to age naturally, which added another tonal element. The colours of the solid wood and Neolith worktops worked incredibly well with the fiery golden tones of copper in the kitchen design.
In another property near Bath in Somerset, we designed a Mid-Century Inspired Kitchen for our client. The project embarked on a large-scale kitchen with low-hanging cabinetry, steel, powder-coated floor-to-ceiling glazed sliding doors and two kitchen islands. The owners were keen to have areas for cooking prep, entertaining and relaxing. We clad the second kitchen island in untreated copper, allowing it to patina naturally over time. We liked the idea of creating a unique canvas to contrast their mid-century style furniture and a curved, glazed antique cabinet, which our client was keen for us to use as part of the second kitchen island.
The beauty of working with metals such as copper is that they are very flexible in incorporating them. From worktops to cabinet doors, draw frontage, and even accessories, we love how metal with patina presents an entirely unique and organic finish in a bespoke kitchen.
