Modern metal mix
Q. We live in the country, but love all things modern rather than the folksy rural style that most of our neighbors have. We’re looking to upgrade our kitchen in the new year. What would you suggest that would suit an up-to-date farmhouse? Thank you for any ideas. – Francie
A. Think about what draws you to contemporary styling. Is it the minimalist effect, straight, unadorned lines, and lack of ornamentation? Is it the choice of materials: steel grays rather than the more vintage wrought iron? Color also helps to determine a particular mood.
For your kitchen, start by checking out your options for sinks and faucets. Copper has a warm hue and mixes well with other metals. The copper/stainless-steel farmhouse sink by Stone Forest, www.stoneforest.com, has a fresh update here, with a hammered copper or plain front apron, and is lined with stainless steel. The double-wall construction has insulation in between the layers, which reduces noise. This sink can be undermounted, sit flush or above counter.
You could choose copper faucets or stainless, as shown. White painted cabinetry and a honed black granite countertop show crisp lines that match up with the sink. The brick tile pattern on the wall has a rosy hue that connects with the copper. This is a stunning example of fresh farmhouse style that you will love.
Copper is a warm shade, like bronze and gold, and is appearing in areas throughout the home. Lighting shades and shapes fashioned in these glowing metals create an inviting mood, particularly in the winter months, when we lose much of nature’s color.
On the floor, shades of copper are incorporated into rug designs. Tile floors have metals interspersed to demarcate an exquisite pattern. Paint and wallpaper are also coppery options. If you plan on a basically white background for your rooms, add copper or one of the warm metals to your decor to balance, and keep the present-day home fires burning.
Q. I love the ambiance and mystery of candle light and would be quite happy to have every room filled with them, especially in the dark days of winter. However, we have young children, and I know fire is a safety hazard. How can I get the same look without putting my family and home at risk? – Holly
A. I understand your dilemma; it is a challenge to create that flickering candlelight glow. It is the same with fireplaces. How do you replace the crackle and smell of wood burning? But it is wise to look for products that can imitate the look, and there are good options available.
Wall sconces with flicker bulbs are lovely in a living and dining room. And there are a good variety of LED candles that run by batteries, never get hot, and you can even set them on timers. Make up a combination of safe candles with some real candles that are protected by glass. This can work particularly well on the dining-room table, where candlelight is safe as long as you are watching it.
The children will love switching on the imitation candles, and you have control over the real fire. (And you don’t have to give up the scented candles in the bath.)
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.