Should I Have a Copper or Brass Worktop in My Kitchen?
Fancy a warm metal worktop or backsplash? Read this expert advice on practicalities, popularity and price
Copper and brass are materials more commonly seen in the form of small kitchen accessories, from a beautifully polished brass cupboard handle to a gleaming copper saucepan. But if used in a more bold fashion, as a worktop or backsplash material, either of these warm metals can add a serious dash of star power to your cooking space.
Want to know more about how practical and affordable copper and brass are as cookspace materials? Here, three kitchen experts answer your questions.
Professional advice from: Helen Parker of DeVOL; Dominic McKenzie of Dominic McKenzie Architects; Tom Bullimore of Buhr
Want to know more about how practical and affordable copper and brass are as cookspace materials? Here, three kitchen experts answer your questions.
Professional advice from: Helen Parker of DeVOL; Dominic McKenzie of Dominic McKenzie Architects; Tom Bullimore of Buhr
“At the time we did this project,” says architect Dominic McKenzie of the Bower House kitchen shown here, “there were lots of stainless steel kitchens everywhere, but no one was using brass – it was out of fashion.
“Stainless steel is nice, but a bit cold; brass adds a warm glow to the space. I was also inspired by French bistros, which historically use brass for their countertops.”
“Stainless steel is nice, but a bit cold; brass adds a warm glow to the space. I was also inspired by French bistros, which historically use brass for their countertops.”
Tom Bullimore chose a copper backsplash for this bold and beautiful kitchen because of “the warmth and character it gives to the space”.
Tom has also worked with brass on other kitchen projects and admits, “If left un-lacquered, I love the way its colour deepens over time and a natural patina develops, telling a story of its life.”
Tom has also worked with brass on other kitchen projects and admits, “If left un-lacquered, I love the way its colour deepens over time and a natural patina develops, telling a story of its life.”
How practical are metal surfaces in a kitchen?
“It depends on how you look at it,” Tom says. “If you want a worktop that always looks immaculate and is easy to care for, it isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you like the odd red wine ring, scratch or dent, I think giving the surface time to mature makes for a really lovely surface.
“It just needs a little patience to get there and a certain style of space that can work with the quirks of the material,” he adds.
“It depends on how you look at it,” Tom says. “If you want a worktop that always looks immaculate and is easy to care for, it isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you like the odd red wine ring, scratch or dent, I think giving the surface time to mature makes for a really lovely surface.
“It just needs a little patience to get there and a certain style of space that can work with the quirks of the material,” he adds.
“It’s a little like Carrara marble,” Helen agrees. “You have to embrace the imperfections over time and it will reward you with a beautiful patina, a tactile finish and a touch of luxury.
“They’re pretty hardwearing and tough as worktops go, and are usually just one part of the whole kitchen, maybe on an island,” she adds. “Copper does scratch and can dent if knocked hard, but, as with all natural materials, there are compromises and benefits.”
“They’re pretty hardwearing and tough as worktops go, and are usually just one part of the whole kitchen, maybe on an island,” she adds. “Copper does scratch and can dent if knocked hard, but, as with all natural materials, there are compromises and benefits.”
Have you noticed more interest from homeowners?
“Copper has become really popular since we introduced it in our Sebastian Cox Kitchen [see next photo] a couple of years ago,” Helen says. “It appeals to people who like their interiors to have a natural feel and a unique look.
“It has a beauty that changes over time: the more you use it, the more its colour deepens and becomes almost a work of art. It also has a lovely tactile quality and understated elegance that makes it very appealing to those who want something a little different but not showy.”
“We’ve had lots of interest,” Dominic says. “That and Carrara marble are the current favourites.”
“Copper has become really popular since we introduced it in our Sebastian Cox Kitchen [see next photo] a couple of years ago,” Helen says. “It appeals to people who like their interiors to have a natural feel and a unique look.
“It has a beauty that changes over time: the more you use it, the more its colour deepens and becomes almost a work of art. It also has a lovely tactile quality and understated elegance that makes it very appealing to those who want something a little different but not showy.”
“We’ve had lots of interest,” Dominic says. “That and Carrara marble are the current favourites.”
How expensive are metal worktops compared to other materials?
“Not necessarily very expensive,” Dominic says. “It’s simply a matter of forming the substrate, be it counter or cupboard door, and then getting the sheet metal folded around it.”
“Copper is a little more expensive,” Helen says, “especially if it’s to include a sink and drainer. It requires manufacturing and then it goes through the ageing process. This takes a lot more time than simply cutting a piece of stone.
“However, the costs aren’t that much more, so if the budget allows, it’s a great option.”
Tom agrees, saying, “The process to create a worktop and backsplash in metal takes longer and the raw materials aren’t cheap, but it isn’t wildly different to a quartz top, for example.”
“Not necessarily very expensive,” Dominic says. “It’s simply a matter of forming the substrate, be it counter or cupboard door, and then getting the sheet metal folded around it.”
“Copper is a little more expensive,” Helen says, “especially if it’s to include a sink and drainer. It requires manufacturing and then it goes through the ageing process. This takes a lot more time than simply cutting a piece of stone.
“However, the costs aren’t that much more, so if the budget allows, it’s a great option.”
Tom agrees, saying, “The process to create a worktop and backsplash in metal takes longer and the raw materials aren’t cheap, but it isn’t wildly different to a quartz top, for example.”
Are there any other metals you’d like to work with in the future?
“I think most metals used in the right way can make a real statement. I’m in the process of designing a floating kitchen wrapped in blackened mild steel, which I’m quite excited about,” Tom says.
“I think most metals used in the right way can make a real statement. I’m in the process of designing a floating kitchen wrapped in blackened mild steel, which I’m quite excited about,” Tom says.
“We’re using bronze for external cladding for a job in Hampstead, which is currently on site,” Dominic says. “The cladding starts off quite copper-like, but will gradually weather down to a dark brown with exposure. I’m not sure how this would work for a kitchen worktop – it would need further investigation.”
TELL US
Would you have a copper or brass worktop or backsplash in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
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Make Your White Room Glow With a Touch of Metal
TELL US
Would you have a copper or brass worktop or backsplash in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
MORE
Make Your White Room Glow With a Touch of Metal
“We wanted something that would look good in a dark, moody room with grand original features,” says Helen Parker about the beautiful copper backsplash and worktop in this DeVOL kitchen.
“Copper is warm and reflective and, with the aged finish, it seemed more appropriate for such an atmospheric space.
“It also seemed less kitchen-y, which was important for keeping the flow of colours and easy view through the upstairs of this house.”