Craft-Art Wood Countertops

Living Materials and Finishes Add a Natural Beauty to Interior and Exterior Home Design A new trend is emerging in kitchen design as designers and consumers push the limit of what materials can be used in the home. The use of “living finishes” – those found on naturally occurring materials that change, evolve and become more beautiful over time are part of a movement that respects and showcases the beauty of the natural world.

“Consumers are choosing natural finishes because they want something different. They are becoming tired of the standard stainless steel and granite tops that are seen everywhere,” comments Ken Williamson, CEO and founder of Craft-Art Wood Countertops. Copper and wood are two materials that are commonly used in home design. Natural wear and subtle environmental changes cause these materials to slowly change and evolve enabling them to be used to enhance unique, one-of-a kind designs or as a main feature. One of the most popular living finishes—copper–develops a warm patina through the aging process. It is also durable as even a small chip or scratch actually adds to the beauty of the finish by accelerating the evolution process. For instance, copper can be hammered, bent or pounded into shape by a skilled craftsman and is currently popular for sinks, faucets and countertops. In these applications, the acids in copper actually make its surface naturally antibacterial.

Another popular living finish that is appearing in home design is wood. Similar to copper, with everyday use, the look and feel of each wood piece changes and becomes warmer and more intrinsic to the room in which it is incorporated. Some popular wood types today include teak for outdoor kitchens and bath areas where the weather-resistant quality that naturally occurs with this species is important.

“Wood is not only beautiful, it’s extremely durable, but each type will have a different and unique look,” added Williamson. Various finishes and uses can affect the “aging” process of living finishes. There are products that protect the materials and keep them from changing in appearance, but it’s best to thoroughly explore which finish option will work best in your home. For more information on natural finishes contact a local design professional. For more information on Craft-Art Wood Countertops visit the website at www.craft-art.com.