Take three kitchens: how three versatile metals create completely different looks

If you think that using metal in the kitchen will create a cold and clinical look, then it's definitely time to think again. In the right hands, metal is actually one of the most flexible materials around and can be used to bring a wholly warm and inviting vibe. And unlocking the natural beauty of metallic finishes is both the passion and speciality of Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio.

By hand ageing and patinating everything from copper and brass to zinc and stainless steel, Charlie and his team of artisans craft unique kitchen designs. What they have in common, however, is these are simply beautiful kitchens in which to cook, gather and spend time. 

Here are the three wildly different but equally luxurious kitchens created from stainless steel, copper and zinc.

Stainless Steel for the Oxford Kitchen

The Oxford kitchen is proof positive that cool and masculine stainless steel can - in the right hands - be made to radiate warmth (above and right). The brushed effect on the cabinetry softens the feel and appearance of the metal, which is here further elevated by aged brass accents. Charlie was tasked with matching the metals to the LaCornue range cooker, which was done meticulously by hand, demonstrating the artistry of custom craftsmanship. Teamed with a Carrara marble, English walnut and fluted glass, the overall effect is breathtakingly luxurious.

Copper for the Cotswolds Kitchen

The brief for the Cotswolds kitchen was to create a design of contrasting textures. To meet this, Charlie chose planks of crown oak for the furniture, which provides a tactile difference with the stainless-steel appliances (right). For further contrast in the open-plan space, he designed a breakfast and drinks cupboard, clad in patinated Verdigris copper (above). This showcases the natural variation that occurs when copper ages - with all the resulting colour and pattern creating a striking focal point in the dining area of the room.

Zinc for the New Forest Kitchen

The owner of this Edwardian villa in the New Forest definitely didn't want a classic kitchen and tasked Charlie with creating something a world away from the standard Shaker. His response was to team beautiful book-matched walnut veneer with hand-patinated zinc panels. The zinc panels are edged in the same walnut and the cupboards feature aged-brass handles. The zinc helps to make a focal point not only of the island, but also the breakfast cupboard behind - and has been used to clad the fridge- freezer in the corner (right), bringing the whole design together.