Copper, the Dynamic Topper
Time changes copper’s appearance on walls, fireplaces and more, but your love of its look may spring eternal
Courtney Lake
April 23, 2014
Houzz Contributor. Courtney Lake is proud to be one of the premier interior designers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specializing in creating functional and beautiful spaces in the residential market, Courtney also does his share of home staging and photo styling. He is an expert at flawlessly meeting his clients’ needs while designing superb spaces with timeless style mixed with a healthy dose of humor.
Houzz Contributor. Courtney Lake is proud to be one of the premier interior designers... More
Brass has slowly climbed its way to the top of the design heap over the past few years. But closely on its heels is its cousin, copper. Like burnished brass, copper gives off a glow that can enliven almost any space with its warmth and earthiness.
With undertones of rose, orange or red, copper can play nicely with more energetic color palettes, something that brass struggles to do. Copper can easily transition from indoor to outdoor applications, thanks to tiles, siding and pipes. It also develops a beautiful patina as it ages, making it a material that seems to be living with you. You definitely can’t say that about brass.
With undertones of rose, orange or red, copper can play nicely with more energetic color palettes, something that brass struggles to do. Copper can easily transition from indoor to outdoor applications, thanks to tiles, siding and pipes. It also develops a beautiful patina as it ages, making it a material that seems to be living with you. You definitely can’t say that about brass.
Copper and stainless steel — why not? A trick to having them live in harmony is to have the same finish style for both.
Exposed copper piping against black tile and wallpaper creates a beautiful focal point in this steampunk-inspired powder room. Also used for the fixtures and sink, copper is a great warming element in the room.
When considering an application of materials on an external wall, you need to think about three things: how the material will react with the wall itself, where the material will be attached and how it will be adhered to the surface of the wall.
This perforated copper sheeting is a clever approach to adding visual interest, texture and dimension, and the designer considered all three of the above issues. The perforation allows for evaporation, which means there will be fewer issues with mold and mildew. In addition, the perforations make the sheeting weight lighter, reducing the chance that the copper will be too heavy for the wall studs to support the weight.
This perforated copper sheeting is a clever approach to adding visual interest, texture and dimension, and the designer considered all three of the above issues. The perforation allows for evaporation, which means there will be fewer issues with mold and mildew. In addition, the perforations make the sheeting weight lighter, reducing the chance that the copper will be too heavy for the wall studs to support the weight.
Copper railings bring a modern touch to a rustic space. If you plan to use copper pipe for railings, remember that Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards require a minimum diameter of 1½ inches.
Copper can be hammered thin, so it can appear in a variety of shapes, such as the wave pattern above this fireplace.
Oxidized copper tiles could be used to re-create this striking fireplace, should copper sheeting not fit within the budget.
The copper siding on this home is beautiful now and will change as it is exposed to the elements. Essentially the home, like the landscape around it, will change as it matures.
What some call tarnish, others would consider a dynamic finish. When exposed to elements like water, salt or oil, copper takes on a green hue.
It’s a beautiful aged finished, but it’s not for everyone. If you’d prefer avoid this patina, be sure your copper has been finished with a wax seal. This seal will need to be reapplied every three to six months or so.
It’s a beautiful aged finished, but it’s not for everyone. If you’d prefer avoid this patina, be sure your copper has been finished with a wax seal. This seal will need to be reapplied every three to six months or so.
The acid wash on this copper fireplace creates a beautiful and rich patina that gives the wall depth and character.
The amount of iron oxides in the copper determines how much of a patina will occur. Since copper is a natural material, the finish may vary between individual pieces. If you are looking for an even coloration, it is best to work with an experienced metalworker.
Interested in using copper in your home’s design? Talk with your architect or designer early on, as there are certain code and building regulations that may need to be considered prior to concept delivery. Then, depending on the application, the copper may need to be treated to give you the desired effect, and that may impact your overall budget.
See photos of other creative uses of copper
The amount of iron oxides in the copper determines how much of a patina will occur. Since copper is a natural material, the finish may vary between individual pieces. If you are looking for an even coloration, it is best to work with an experienced metalworker.
Interested in using copper in your home’s design? Talk with your architect or designer early on, as there are certain code and building regulations that may need to be considered prior to concept delivery. Then, depending on the application, the copper may need to be treated to give you the desired effect, and that may impact your overall budget.
See photos of other creative uses of copper
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Our clients chose a copper clawfoot tub for their master bathroom. It's a showstopper!
They continued the copper theme with their bathroom sink bowl. It's not something you see everyday, but it's a good place to take advantage of copper's antimicrobial properties! As the article suggests, the copper bowl and nickle fixtures work well together because they both have a brushed finish.
My son and daughter-in-law just renovated their home/brownstone in DC. They used a lot of copper, particularly copper pennies in their design.
When I first saw this, I didn't know what they'd done. But the dark squared off area is the border of the District of Columbia. They used a steel penny from WWII toward the middle to identify where their home is within the borders. The tarnished greened look are the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. That's 10,000 pennies, or $100. It's sealed with 6 layers of spray on finish.
They did the same technique on the short backsplash behind their kitchen sink, and used copper accents elsewhere like the cabinet pulls and items on the overhead shelving he built with plumbing pipes.
Broader view of the kitchen with additional copper accents
They did the penny work themselves, and we are so proud of them.
@motownmom Wow! That is very inspirational! Thank you for sharing.
Mandi @ Dura