MY KITCHEN

The deep-red tones of the velvet curtains reflect off the copper walls and surfaces of the kitchen, while the LED strip lights create glowing accents

METAL WORKSCREATIVE CONSULTANT AND COOKBOOK AUTHOR NIËL STEMMET TALKS ABOUT HIS INNOVATIVE COPPER KITCHEN AT DE KELDERS PRIVATE VILLA

PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX

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red velvet fabric – which I’d been holding onto for seven years – and the copper was perfect. The evening light bounces off the white walls and white epoxy floors and catches the velvet curtains, which are reflected in the copper, giving the living room a red glow. Delft accents are a natural compliment to the copper. Again, I had in mind VOC Delft and traditional red copper, a combination that has been in vogue since 1652. After nightfall, when the LED strip lights are on, the kitchen takes

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NIËL’S LITTLE BLACK BOOKKoncept Design % 082 373 3837; 8 www.konceptdesign.co.za Wunders Upholstery % 021 418 0331 U&G Fabrics % 031 275 3100

love metal. Copper is such an old-worldly product and, for me, it speaks volumes about South African heritage food – it reminds me of old Cape kitchens, as

well as authentic Malay copper pots, kettles and pans dating back to the 1600s. So when I decided to renovate the kitchen at De Kelders PRIVATE Villa, it made sense to use the material extensively.

When I installed the counter and wall a few months ago, I was afraid of spills and how the copper would react. I have worked with a lot of metal – I recently designed the Grande Roche Vineyard Venue, where I used brushed steel in the bathrooms as well as the main venue – and have since learned that copper develops a patina over time. The more stains, the better the stories it has to tell. Copper has a life of its own and in a few years my kitchen will be dark brown with a green verdigris – I can’t wait for that.

With such a strong design aesthetic as a starting point, I initially wanted to use neutral brown linen curtains as a backdrop, but as the copper went up, the marriage between

on yet another personality, becoming sensual and super sexy. It never looks the same and always reflects the mood outside, be it stormy or sunny.

This kitchen holds so many memories for me, not just of designs and eras that have inspired me over the years, but also of food history, how I like to cook and pieces that are meaningful to me. The stinkwood lounge suite facing the kitchen was carved by my great grandfather, yet the grey upholstery gives it a

contemporary edge. Again, the combination of red copper, stinkwood and Delft reminds me of the old Dutch heritage homes of South Africa. The red velvet is cinematic and reminds me of the theatres I frequented as a child. In short, the design is extremely personal – it’s a trip down memory lane.’ n De Kelder PRIVATE Villa can be booked for exclusive use. Alternatively, rooms can be booked individually and the house shared with other travellers.8 dekeldersprivateretreat.com

‘I CARING FOR COPPERCLEANING Copper not only gives a warm and earthy glow, it also has an antimicrobial effect, which stainless steel and porcelain do not possess. Unlike your copper pots and pans, copper surfaces are not difficult to clean or maintain — the more gently you treat them, the more beautiful they become with time. All it takes is warm water and a soft sponge. Never use a scourer or abrasive cleanser.

INSTALLATION Copper takes well to being heated, stretched, rolled and stamped (for a distressed feel), making it a versatile material for kitchen design. It is usually coated to protect the surface while still allowing the metal to develop a soft, rustic patina. Copper comes in new-penny finishes as well as darker red and sometimes slightly green hues.

MAINTENANCE Copper reacts to acid, so acidic fruit such as citrus or pineapples (even tomatoes) should never be left sitting on the surface. Mustard and vinegar also need to be wiped off to avoid discolouration.

KITCHEN SAVVY

GET THE LOOKCopper can be maintained to keep its original hues — or be allowed to develop a patina

FROM LEFT Niël Stemmet; he cannot wait for the copper to develop a patina as it ages OPPOSITE PAGE The table was designed by Koncept Design for Pierre Cronje

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MY KITCHEN

BAR KEEPERS FRIEND CLEANSER AND POLISH, R79, AND BISTRO COPPER CLEANER, R166, BOTH

CULINARY EQUIPMENT COMPANY

‘It never looks the same and always reflects the mood outside’ Niël Stemmet

1. TOM DIXON ‘HEX’ BOWL, R665, CRÉMA DESIGN 2. COPPER SHEETING, FROM R773 PER SQUARE METRE, NON-FERROUS METAL WORKS 3. HAMMERED-COPPER WINE BUCKET WITH BRASS HANDLES, R3 561, CULINARY EQUIPMENT COMPANY 4. TOM DIXON ‘BASE’ COPPER WALL LIGHT, R14 355, CRÉMA DESIGN 5. SMOOTH-COPPER CATAPLANA, FROM R768, CULINARY EQUIPMENT COMPANY 6. COPPER-PLATED VASES, FROM R459, LIM 7. MENU ‘GM’ PENDANT LIGHT, R2 500, ENTREPO 8. COPPER SHEETING, FROM R773 PER SQUARE METRE, NON-FERROUS METAL WORKS 9. TOM DIXON SMALL ‘PYLON’ TABLE, R 32 325, CRÉMA DESIGN For stockists’ details, see page 118

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