Copper Accents for the Kitchen and Bath

We’re big fans of copper—both the rosy shine of new copper and the blue and green shades it takes on when it’s old and oxidized. Too much of it might look a little garish, but judicious copper accents can really warm up a kitchen or bathroom. More examples after the jump…

Our copper-lined bathroom shelf and kitchen cabinets (above the jump);
design by Bonnie Bridges and construction by Hughes/McGinnis Builders

Large copper fixtures like sinks and range hoods can be prohibitively expensive, but lining a cabinet or a shelf with a sheet of hammered copper is a cheaper, simpler way to bring a slice of copper into your kitchen or bath.

Small appliances, accessories, and hardware are increasingly available in copper finishes too. We love these vintage canisters from Laurel Leaf Farm. This particular set has been sold, but we found similar canisters for sale on ebay.

Here’s some more copper kitchen inspiration from AT:

Look! Copper Tubing Makes Great Pot Rack

Mauviel Copper Mixing Bowl and Stand

Copper Shade Panels from Parasoliel

How (Not) to Build a Copper Table by MicroPalace Amy

(Photo of copper accessories: This Old House)

Comments (9)

My grandma has a huge collection of copper pots, pans, molds, etc...so copper makes me feel like it's Christmas.

posted by hollygolighty06 on March 18th 2009 at 9:19pm
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I LOVE the copper interior of that kitchen cabinet. I'm working on a customized Ikea hutch, and that is JUST the solution I've been looking for.

posted by shockthebourgeois on March 18th 2009 at 9:26pm
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Yep, the first picture is BEAUTIFUL.

posted by prairie girl on March 18th 2009 at 9:34pm
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I need that toaster.

posted by Jessa on March 19th 2009 at 12:51am
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Here's a link to a store that has hammered and textured copper sheets:

http://store.electrical-insulators-and-copper-ground-bars.com/copper-sheet-hammered-copper-sheet.html

posted by ebanfield on March 19th 2009 at 6:55am
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Yep, the ceililng tiles in the cabinet are the best implementation shown -- and could be done with other metal colors, too.

I love copper, but I think it needs to be in backgrounds or pretty small chunks. Not appliances, lixe mixers. Especially if untreated, so it oxidizes easily -- that looks ok on a vase or something, but would look and actually BE kind of dirty for a cooking tool. (Copper oxidation can rub off...) (Copper bottom pans usually have another metal inside where the food is.)

posted by SherryBinNH on March 19th 2009 at 9:06am
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I love copper! I'm currently painting a copper floral design on the lower half of my dark blue dining room walls.

posted by Brandyjane on March 19th 2009 at 9:37am
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As someone living in the Copper State - I LOVE copper.

I have an awesome collection of paintings made on hammered copper sheets. For some reason, they're all over the 2nd hand stores here...

posted by missmouse on March 19th 2009 at 12:21pm
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Loving the copper appliances! mmmm

posted by twoheadedboy on March 19th 2009 at 12:47pm
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