I have an undermount copper sink in our laundry room. I had purchased one previously for the kitchen in our last home. It was to go in the kitchen of this home, but DH wanted the fireclay V&B. Since I had already purchased, I put in laundry room. I have a smaller one in the coffee station. If you want to see it, click on the kitchen link within the article below. If you're interested in this type of sink, I can post a closer picture later today. Here is a link that might be useful: last picture

I think it will look terrible and you must sell me those sinks immediately! Seriously, I have a craftsman-style bungalow and am about to put in copper kitchen counters; already have copper cupboard knobs and the look really works well, especially with deep yellows and Morris greens. I have the original fir trim, so the orange tones are perfect -- this might work a bit differently for you with painted/white trim. Yes, I'd sink the bowls in a bit, more so they don't scream "2007 Vessel" than "I'm Copper", but sitting on top really wouldn't be offensive - that's more an issue of usability and how you think they'd work functionally. Fixtures: my kitchen faucets will most likely be copper, but I'd suggest polished nickel over the satin you're considering. In my experience modern brushed/satin fixtures bring out the gray in nickel but polished finish leaves the warm golden undertone, which would work better with copper. (Plus the polished nickel is vastly more historical, if authenticity is a plus.) Sounds gorgeous! Have you consulted Jane Powell's books?

@kodiak_heather I had the same debate when I ordered my copper sink from Havens. After discussing with Alex at Havens, I ordered a smooth bottom amd a hammered apron front. My reasoning was that the smooth bottom would be easier to clean amd Alex agreed. I went with the hammered front because it would not be subject to the same kind of changes as the bottom would be in terms of acidic foods and so it would look more cohesive. The hammered copper is not the obnoxious hammered look of the deep brown fake patina sinks and looks very subtle in the front.

(X-posted from Orchid forum. There, many folks are quite knowledgeable about orchids but not very familiar with SF Bay Area weather. Thus decided to x-post on California forum). I am not exactly a new orchid owner, though I am not a collector either -- have had Phals, Cymbidiums and a Miltonia (Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi'). I recently fell for a Brassocattleya Praetii (such mind blowing fragrance!) and now have it at home. I plan to grow it outdoors -- at least would like to, and got it a spot under the eaves on my back deck facing East/South. I am on mid-peninsula on SF Bay Area. The spot that I have is sheltered (i.e. no direct frost falling on the plant), in a niche in my backyard, so no strong cold winds in winter, will get direct morning sun for ~2 hours. However, the surrounding air will be chilly in winter, and occasionally temps will drop below 32 deg around the plant during winter nights. My other orchids except Phals survive outside just fine. However, I know that SF Bay Area (mid-peninsula) is perfect location for Cymbidiums and my Izumi has been doing well too. Now my question is, can I expect the same for my Brassocattleya? (I bought it from a local vendor who told me that this variety will do well for my climate, but I am double checking. He is located a few miles up the hill and there, this variety needs be indoors, so his understanding of my microclimate may still not be completely accurate). I would appreciate pointers! Also, what can I expect in terms of flowering season/difficulty in flowering? All advice highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!