Vintage is the rage these days. With the onslaught of fast-paced lifestyle and modernism, many homemakers try to bring the simple days back in their abode; thus, the homey aura of design has been revived. The feeling of used, and antiqued but not old, has a certain twang on women. Country or provincial kitchen styles bring the vintage, days-of-old feel to an otherwise common and cluttered kitchen.
Country and provincial kitchens are simple yet elegant. They have the comfortable, classic feel that make them popular. Wooden cabinets need not be ornate, and any surface finish can be mixed and matched freely. Though granite countertops are commonly used for its design flexibility and durability, copper is gaining popularity due to its unique properties.
Copper is a soft metal which highly reacts to its environment. Its warm color and rustic feel complements wood, stainless steel, and even glass. It is anti-microbial, self-renewing, and versatile in terms of surface finishes – polished, hand-rubbed, or brown patina. Copper has long been used for pots and pans; presently, it has found its way on range hoods, pot racks, sinks and countertops as well.
Copper countertops can belong comfortably in a provincial kitchen to replace wood. Although charming, copper countertops are not resistant to scratches and stains. It can dent and discolor over time. Utensils will leave marks, so it is advised to use blocks and mats if scratches are not desired. Sauces, juices, oil, and other food substances will react with a copper surface. Even water, air and fingerprints will leave marks on a copper countertop. Various means of keeping a copper surface in its original color and state will render useless, as over time, it will develop a brown patina; however, it is that tarnished charm which makes a copper countertop perfect for a classic, antiqued kitchen design.
As luck would have it, the price of copper is moving up again just as we see some spark in the economy. This will cause the activity to continue, but at a slower pace. The people getting back to spending are being met with a few good deals, but also a mix of higher prices.
The higher prices are generally attributed to the price of goods that have been held in inventory a long time, or, like copper, have had inventories reduced because of slower cash flow, thus as demand increases, prices shoot up due to limited supply. The products at Copperworks, have these new copper prices factored in already. We monitor the market and keep our inventories active with fluctuation in pricing.
The other by-product of higher copper prices is more incidents of copper theft. The poor economy has driven a lot of people to do drastic things and that does not bode well for the wiring crews in homes and on highways.
The choices we make today will shape our tomorrow and we are careful to consider the ties between our lifestyle decisions and their impact on the earth. Environmental issues have become of great concern and using recyclable materials is of major importance for the future. Sustainability is the ultimate challenge to the creativity and energy of the human race.
If you are considering a kitchen re-model, copper is an excellent and highly sustainable addition for your home. Environmentally, it is one of the friendliest metals around and has THE HIGHEST RECYCLING RATE OF ANY ENGINEERING METAL IN THE WORLD.
Copper is mankind’s oldest metal and the use of copper in antiquity was more important than gold. The first tools, implements and weapons were made from copper and approximately 80% of all copper that was ever mined is still in exsistence- recycled again and again. It is a “renewable” resource because it can be recycled without any loss of quality.
Using Recycled materials is an important economic activity with major environmental benefits leading to an efficient use of our natural resources. Copper behaves in the environment and just naturally knows what to do. It can be re-used and preserved for future generations.
The Copper Development Association published some interesting facts about the use of copper. “Enough copper is recylcled annually to supply all the new plumbing and architectural products for all new buildings- commercial and residential-constructed in the USA in a single year. Nearly all of the 700 billion pounds of copper mined worldwide to date are still in circulation today. Many Organizations, worldwide, are focusing on helping end-users to better understand the attributes of using copper. They are stressing the beneficial usage in regards to safety,health,environment and energy savings.
Copper is now the “in thing” as a finish exhibiting its funtional beauty in the most luxurious kitchens in the world. Designers have become captivated with its beauty, performance and concerns for the environment. Copper has it all and by using it we make the right choice in shaping tomorrow. Walk lightly on the earth and take action.
We love our homes. Besides the enjoyment, they are
one of the largest investments we will make. Our homes are a reflection
of ourselves and what we find beautiful.
Transform your entire room
into a luxurious space with a copper table top. Guests will be saying
“Oh, my goodness!” when they see your luminous copper work of art. You
will be awed by what this simple addition can do. There is something
magical about a beautiful piece of copper.
Let us consider a few of the reasons a copper table top will add
beauty, old world charm and value to your residence,business or office.
Whether it’s an early morning cup of coffee at your dining table or
a glass of wine outdoors while the sun sets……….copper will shine
and enhance your moments. Make each moment special and cherish your
surroundings with one of nature’s oldest and dearest metals. It is
beautiful, inside and out.