Native need

Copper is still the must-have metal of the moment and here Aimee Connolly explores five simple steps to bring copper into the home.

Ever since Dulux named Copper Blush as the Colour of the Year in 2015, homeowners have been embracing the rich properties of copper to create a refined look throughout interiors. The versatile metal brings warmth and character to any space. Seen throughout interiors from the kitchen to the bathroom, this highly regarded native metal has been in the spotlight for the past few years and shows no sign of disappearing. Some of the simplest and quickest ways to introduce the trend into rooms in the home are described here.

Living room
Living rooms can carry the copper trend with bold feature walls and complementing accessories. To begin, take a look at the room space and choose a wall to highlight. As a general rule, the feature wall should be the one the eye is naturally drawn to, and it should be free of windows or doors as this can overpower the look. If a feature wall isn’t immediately obvious, perhaps highlight a section of the room, such as a chimney breast or alcove.

We love Book Room Red by Farrow & Ball or, for a rustic finish, look to Casadeco’s Uni Betons’ wallpaper in copper. Keep the rest of the interior simple by choosing a crisp white paint for the remaining walls, and pull the look together with grey soft furnishings and warm copper accessories.

Home office
Introducing copper art into a gallery wall is an increasingly popular trend. Start by choosing a favourite wall décor, whether paintings, sculptures, posters or wall lights. Mix styles and finishes to keep the look fresh
and introduce colours that complement copper such as blush pink, grey and white.

Anything goes with a gallery wall, they are designed to showcase individual personality. However, ensure roughly three to six inches of space is left between each piece to avoid a cluttered appearance.
Finish the home office with complementing accessories such as a copper desk lamp, letter tray or pen holder to tie in the look and keep the workspace clutter free.

Bathroom
Nothing says luxury quite like sinking into a copper bathtub. Copper brings a timeless look to a bathroom and transforms even the simplest of en suites into an ultimate relaxing retreat.

To create a truly opulent setting, offset the warming hues of a copper bathtub with a dark and moody wall: our favourite colours for this are Hague Blue and Studio Green by Farrow & Ball.

For a subtle nod to the look without investing in a new bathtub, copper accessories such as soap pumps and tumblers are a fuss-free way to introduce the trend. Finish with natural materials such as concrete and marble and invest in a selection of luxury candles to recreate the spa feeling at home.

Dining room
A thoughtfully curated table setting can transform everyday dining into a special occasion.

Introduce copper into a dining room by investing in key accessories that truly transform a setting: placemats, coasters, candle holders and napkin rings. These elements are easily interchangeable and one of the simplest ways to create a detailed scheme.

Copper accessories pair well with a wide range of tableware collections from minimalist whites to the ornately detailed. Our favourite is a mix of old and new monochrome: think black and white graphic tableware juxtaposed with rustic, naturally aged copper accessories. Finish the look with simple, modern glassware, or for a truly opulent setting, invest in Art Deco inspired glassware with metallic detailing.

Kitchen
A set of brightly burnished copper pans brings the country farmhouse look to any interior. Widely regarded as one of the best metals to cook with, copper pans are strong, durable and conduct, diffuse and maintain heat better than any other metal. An obvious choice for any food aficionado, they also double as a statement kitchen accessory when hung above a stove or over a kitchen island.
Copper pans work best in rustic, farmhouse interior styles, but they can also add a touch of warmth to minimalist, modern kitchens. The key is to pair them with other copper accessories such as bowls, tumblers and serving trays with hammered or naturally aged finishes.

essence info
Websites: www.amara.com

This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad