As the hub of most homes, the kitchen of today has undergone a makeover, emerging as a fashionable and functional place for the family.
The most common changes to the kitchen the past 10 years have been adding fashionable appliances, fanciful lighting and decorative countertop islands.
With the kitchen sink being a central place in this modern day "living room," it only makes sense that designers have started treating this once-taken-for-granted component seriously when redefining style in the kitchen.
Just ask real estate developers Bill and Samantha Levey.
Three copper sinks play a starring role in the luxury home the couple is building in Meadow Vista.
"The copper accents are definitely a focal point for the home," Samantha said recently.
However, this isn't Lincoln's copper.
These days, copper can be molded into any shape and pounded into a one-of-a-kind design with many finish choices.
Working with Circle City Copperworks in Indiana, she wanted pieces that would be low maintenance, distinctive and still work with the other elements in the kitchen, Samantha explained.
"I like the look. I had seen copper sinks and counters used in only one home before this and I thought it was fantastic and artistic," she said. "So when it came time to order these pieces, I didn't hesitate."
And what arrived was better than she had even anticipated.
"I knew it was going to be unique and give the kitchen a special look, but when the pieces were installed, they gave the kitchen warmth we had never expected," she said.
Options for using copper in the kitchen can be simple, such as adding a vessel or small 15-inch prep sink or accenting the stove with a copper hood.
"The pieces were all easy to install and worked well with the surrounding materials," Samantha said.
The couple's decision to go with copper is actually at the forefront of a trend, according to Color Marketing Group's 2008 predictions that came out in December.
According to the group's report, advances in technology made shimmery, specialized finishes really hot in 2007. But in 2008, metallic looks will evolve, they say.
"After so many years of brushed chrome and nickel, look for warmer shades - coppery, bronze-y tones - to prevail," the report stated.
Charlie Dickson with Circle City Copperworks agrees.
"Copper has never really gone out of style, but I've seen more people interested in using copper in the kitchen because of the natural antibacterial qualities and its sturdiness," he said.
Dickson also attributes the rise in popularity to homeowners wanting to set their homes apart with something other than granite in the kitchen.
"It is still rare to find copper, and people building and remodeling high-end kitchens are always looking for something to set their home apart and copper is in more demand because of that," he said.
Prices for sinks on the Circle City Copperworks Web site, www.circlecitycopperworks.com, start at $225 for a 12-inch smooth-finish sink and go as high as $2,300 for the farm sink model. Countertops are priced as low as $120 for a pre-made line, and go up from there depending on the special features.
"When you look at the price, you have to remember that this is a product that will never chip, crack or fade," Dickson said. "It really is right in line with other products of this quality."
Because the copper is naturally anti-microbial, manufacturers suggest that owners avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach. It is best to clean off the surface with water, they say.
However, to keep a uniform look, the Circle City Copperworks has some suggestions.
To lighten the color of the patina or clean the copper back to new, it can be done with Bar Keepers Friend cleaner with steel wool or fine scotchbrite.
"Often times you can even out the patina and lighten it using only the steel wool or Scotch-Brite with water only," Dickson said.
Dickson also said to use Johnson's Paste Wax to really slow down any changes or to do maintenance with the wax every six months to a year.
But, what is unique about copper is that it is a "living" finish, which means the surface is meant to change and thrives on neglect.
"A finger print here or there or the ring from a glass will, over time, all meld and mellow to a beautiful one-of-a-kind patina. It's quite hard to go wrong," Dickson said. "Just let the copper be, it will become its own unique work of art."
Natalie Otis is a freelance reporter for Gold Country Media. Contact her at natalieotis@gmail.com with questions or unique story ideas.