Traditional kitchen design is timeless. That is, when it is done correctly. When it goes wrong, what was meant to be a traditional design can slide into the territory of simply looking dated.
So, how can a traditional design in a space like a kitchen be executed to perfection? It starts with a great vision. In the case of the kitchen we’ll highlight below, the vision was that of homeowner Mary Jane Martin. She had a specific image in mind that she wanted to create in her Punxsutawney, PA home.
Pairing that vision with the right elements is what makes an idea become reality. CopperSmith was excited to play a prominent role in this kitchen transformation, providing two pieces for the space – an Artisan AT5 Range Hood and a Farmhouse SB Kitchen Apron Sink. Below, we’ll dive into the details of this kitchen remodel and see how it all came together so perfectly.
A Welcoming Heart of the Home
The kitchen is always the heart of the home. Where do people spend most of their time at home from day to day? In the kitchen. Where do guests tend to gather during a party? Again, in the kitchen. Above all else, this space should be welcoming and comfortable, serving as a calming influence during the hectic reality of daily life.
It’s hard to imagine a kitchen that feels more welcoming than what Mary Jane has created in her Pennsylvania home. One look at the space immediately puts you at ease and stirs up the motivation to put something on the stove. Whether for entertaining or personal use, this kitchen is going to be an anchor within the home, just as it is meant to be.
What Makes a Traditional Design Work in the Modern World?
As mentioned in the introduction, it’s possible for traditional design to look dated. So, why isn’t that the case with the kitchen that Mary Jane has created? How does a space full of largely traditional elements manage to look right at home in the 21st century?
It starts, as is often the case in design, with balance. The traditional elements like the cabinetry and brickwork are offset by more modern touches like the stainless steel appliances and the metallic range hood and sink (more on those in a moment).
The counters also play a critical role in making this design work. They are stone slabs, which is something seen in countless modern kitchens, yet the color selected blends nicely with the more traditional elements. In a way, the counters are the piece that bridges the gap between old and new, making the whole thing come together just right.
Using the Artisan AT5 Strategically
A great range hood like the Artisan AT5 is naturally going to draw plenty of attention in a kitchen. And that’s a good thing – range hoods are a perfect focal point piece that can elevate a design to a higher level.
With that said, it would have been easy to let the custom copper range hood steal too much of the show in this more traditional design. To make sure that didn’t happen, Mary Jane made some smart choices with her order. First, the Weathered Copper finish aligns nicely with the surrounding brick and doesn’t stick out. She also went with a smooth texture and didn’t have any straps or rivets added to the hood.
These choices left her with a range hood that is a natural fit in the space. It’s the right size to be framed by the brick and to perform well when the fan is switched on. The shape of the Artisan AT5 also suits the kitchen perfectly, as it has enough shape and detail to fit in a traditional kitchen, while the slight shine of the copper brings just a touch of modernity.
The Farmhouse SB Apron Sink is Timeless and Practical
For as useful as a range hood is in a kitchen, the sink is sure to be used far more often. Most likely, the kitchen sink is going to be used daily, and probably many times per day. That means it has to function perfectly first and foremost, without losing sight of design along the way.
There is no doubt as to how the kitchen Mary Jane selected will function for her in daily life. At 34’’ wide and 22’’ deep, this large Farmhouse SB sink has all the space that is needed for everything that goes on in a kitchen. From filling up a big pot to doing a bunch of dishes after a party, this sink is never short on space.
The bold design element that comes with this sink’s design is the apron front with a smooth Weathered Copper finish. That finish matches with the range hood, of course, and gives this side of the kitchen another element to draw the eye. Again here, we see a component that balances traditional with modern, and gives the kitchen something slightly unexpected that still manages to look right at home at the same time.
Designed to Age Gracefully
Many of the elements used in this kitchen are going to look exactly the same years from now as they do today. Things like bricks and stone counters don’t really change much over the years, after all. That means the kitchen is durable, resistant to wear and tear, and prepared to take on whatever challenges it faces.
That doesn’t mean the whole space will be a time capsule, however. The two copper elements used in this kitchen will gradually change over time, developing a beautiful patina and becoming weathered copper kitchen accents that are even more visually appealing than they are now.
This is a great way to design a space. For the most part, it’s going to stay the same, which means little maintenance and a long lifespan. Yet, it will continue to feel fresh and new, with the copper hood and sink taking on a slightly different appearance as one year turns into the next.
CopperSmith Products Can Suit Any Design
Customization is what CopperSmith is all about. That means we don’t cater to one specific type of design aesthetic. Rather, our pieces can fit perfectly in any setting, from the traditional kitchen highlighted above to a completely modern space. By selecting the right item and customizing it appropriately, we can help you reach your design goals.
No matter what style you hope to achieve, one thing will never change – the quality of our products. Only the best will do for our clients. You can be sure that anything you order from us is going to impress in terms of quality and durability. The fit and finish of what we sell is second-to-none.
It was a wonderful opportunity to provide Mary Jane Martin with two pieces that fit perfectly in her timeless kitchen design. We love the custom finished metal product and know it will be a space that is loved by family and friends for years to come.