dining area
10. Bench on one side, chairs on the other. Putting a low bench on one side of the dining table in place of chairs is an easy way to break up a set, typically costs less than buying individual chairs and is great for small spaces. Try an upholstered bench for comfort during leisurely meals or a wooden bench for a sleeker look.
Shaw and his team treat the brass to give it the antiqued finish. “We use a chemical treatment, which just speeds up the aging process,” he says. “We buy big sheets of new polished brass and treat it with a product called Black for Brass Patina from Kansa Craft, which turns it black, then we rub it back.” The brass on the island is framed in white oak, while the backsplash behind the stove is mounted on a plywood board. “The brass is fairly resistant and doesn’t need treating further,” Shaw says. “It can take spills and damage. It all adds to its patina.”
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