metal guru: The best copper kitchen sinks

The trend for warm metals shows no sign of abating anytime soon. Copper has been featuring everywhere from pendant lights to door handles, but the room where it has perhaps made the most impact is in the kitchen. Yes, it's time to get on board with a copper sink.

The standout surface instantly draws the eye and, like fine wine, just gets better with age. Over time, it will develop a rich patina, adding texture and character to your kitchen, whatever the style. It even has natural anti-bacterial qualities, so it's a practical choice too. In fact this versatile material works wonders in a minimal setting, rustic farmhouse or period property, as it sets the tone for a warm and welcoming home.

Introducing a copper sink to your scheme should be straightforward, as itmeshes well with other warm surfaces, such as timber or colourful tiles, contrasting particularly well against deep blues and greens, and it works well with the cooler tones of stone, such as marble, granite or quartz too.

A copper sink will really get its glow on against a pale or neutral background - and it mixes well alongside other metals too, so there's no need to swap chrome, brass or any other fittings for the same finish if you choose a copper sink. That said, a row of copper based pans suspended from a pot rack in the kitchen will immediately tie everything together.

In terms of looks, there's a touch of romance about the traditional styles, with their hand hammered features, burnished finishes and sturdy butler shapes, while the modern models are sleeker in style with finer contours, crisp corners and lustrous glow.

Whatever style you go for, traditional, modern or classic, a copper sink will add a touch of radiance to your living space - and for the eco-minded it's even recyclable.

The luxurious lustre on this basin, will ooze warmth against cool corian, marble or quartz worktops.

It might be famous for its fridges, but Smeg do a wonderful copper sink too. Its sleek and sophisticated, just like you'd expect from this Italian style behemoth.

A classical Belfast sink with sturdy proportions and a rustic farmhouse feel, the Rochelle copper sink can be free standing, under-mounted, raised or partly raised on the work surface, the choice is yours.

Hand-made by skilled artisans, this hammered copper veg prep sink would work well on its own in a small kitchen, or teamed with the larger version for a double sink effect in a larger area.

Hand-made by skilled artisans, this hammered copper veg prep sink would work well on its own in a small kitchen, or teamed with the larger version for a double sink effect in a larger area.

This undermounted sink will offer a subtle and surprising burst of warm copper tones.

This undermounted sink will offer a subtle and surprising burst of warm copper tones.

Available in three sizes the Copper Gyrus Basin is a versatile option. This style can be deck mounted, under mounted or inset and is also available in the full range of specialist interior and exterior finishes. It looks great contemporary or traditional interiors, and can work in both bold or subtle schemes.