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Renovating our new showroom in Poets Corner in The Hayloft space was an exciting opportunity for our team to work together on our carpentry and coppersmith skills to display our newest range of Copper and Brass taps, showers and handles for local home owners interior designers and architects.
The building was formally a mechanics and historically thought to be a horse stables for the casket makers in the building adjacent where we have created our Copper Workshop and hub for Proper Copper Design .
The existing staircase was nothing more than a wooden ladder which made access to our new space upstairs difficult to climb. Restoring the staircase became a top priority to make an inviting entrance and feature element to The Hayloft.
Here at Proper Copper Design, we strongly believe in reducing our carbon footprint. That’s why we began our staircase renovation scouring Brighton & Hove for reclaimed timber from wastage from building projects in the city.
We were able to collect and salvage beautiful timber boards, giving them a new lease of life with time, care and attention. The process began by de-nailing each timber, after which Henry our apprentice carpenter set about hand planing and sanding.
We set to work reconstructing the opening, tearing back the space to start a fresh and reinforcing the floor support to create a structural spindal staircase.
Building our way up, we began to clad the staircase. Adding small features of copper nails and tacks to decoratively lead you to the first room of our showroom which has a copper theme throughout from copper Taps and Showers on display to Copper lighting and fixtures.
To create the banister, we wanted to draw attention to the stairs while merging together the two rooms. We felt that this would be a statement piece in itself for people to observe and enjoy!
A final sanding of the timber steps and banister framework then attaching more strips of copper sheeting with copper tacks; a custom statement design! As well as varnishing the staircase all over to seal all our hard work!
The final process in building this copper and reclaimed wooden structure staircase involved ageing the copper banister spokes and the copper edging strips. Over time, copper naturally ages and develops to a rustic reddish brown shade. To enhance this we can add a light wash of a salt solution which will speed up the ageing colour change.
We have a full range of individually aged products for example our Aged Copper Handles which are a popular choice with our customers for vintage kitchen and bathroom projects.
The staircase is a key feature of the reconstruction of our new showroom The Hayloft drawing our visitors from the Outdoor Shower display area downstairs up to our refreshing light studio space / copper and brass showroom.
If you are local to Brighton or you are visiting the area and you would like to book an appointment to visit our showroom then please give us a call on 01273 973 650 or email our Manager Khan at team@propercopperdseign.com
Thank you for reading.
Blog written by Bronte Simpson-Little
Proper Copper Design
Copper is the most conductive engineering metal available. It's twice as conductive as aluminium and an amazing 25 times more conductive than stainless steel. Our tin lining is a magical material; it is extremely non stick and it protects the Copper from acidic food and corrosion. Tin doesn't taint food or hold strong flavours.
Where are these Artisan pots and pans made?
Our collection of Copper Pots, Pans and Tagines have been hand crafted by expert Copper Artisans at Netherton Foundry in Shropshire UK.
What are the advantages of Cheffing with Copper pans?
There are many advantages to Copper pans, Copper is very intuitive to use and responds quickly to changes in power. Copper pans ensure that heat is distributed evenly across the base and sides of the pan, meaning food is cooked evenly.
As Copper pans heat up extremely fast, this results in much less energy and cooking time needed. No metal coatings are used in the making process of our pans, meaning that users do not need to be concerned about the risks from chemical non-stick coatings.
Why do we support metal workers in the UK?
Metal work is an extremely sustainable trade, as new tin lined Copper pans have been widely unavailable for more than 25 years. The sustainable way of finding, resorting and retaining vintage pans has now been developed, and is a process largely used in France and the USA. Which is why we have been overjoyed since discovering Nertherton Foundry, a UK based company, who have been tin lining pans since 1818.
Why are Copper pots and pans sustainable?
Furthering the above, Copper trading is extremely sustainable, possibly one of the most sustainable metals. Copper recycling also plays an important role in Coppers availability since today’s 'primary Copper' is tomorrow’s recycled material. The recovery and recycling of Copper also helps to satisfy the increasing demand and to build a sustainable future for future generations.
It is highly unlikely that we are going to run out of resources of Copper. Historically there has always been, on average, 40 years of reserves and 200 years of resources left since 1950.
Where can I hang my pots and pans?
Found your perfect pans but don't know where to store them? At Proper Copper we have a wide range of Copper kitchen storage solutions, all of which are both practical and attractive. From wall mounted rails to hanging racks, your Copper pans can take pride of place in your kitchen!
Our Wall Mounted Copper Pot and Pan Rail is a great example of rail to display your Copper pans as it is designed for the hanging of Cast Iron Pans, making it a great durable storage solution.
Browse to shop our Kitchen storage solutions now via the following link to get your hands on your very own Copper storage solution, https://propercopperdesign.com/collections/kitchen-storage.
Cleaning your Copper Pans
After use, wipe the inside and outside of the copper saucepan with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Do not use an aggressive scourer, or you will rapidly wear through the lining and it will require re-tinning.
Helpful tips for your Copper pans
If you are cooking meat or fish - oil the food, not the pan.
Be patient;allow the food to cook before trying to turn it over.
Don't fry food straight from the fridge, allow it to come up to room temperature.
The pan bodies are spun by hand, so each one is slightly different. They will not all be as flat as a billiard table.
Use a hob the same size as the pan base, small rings WILL warp big pans.
Never drop a hot pan into cold water. This will buckle it.
Purchase your Copper pans here: https://o7p1bexl1obkmj4a-19423330368.shopifypreview.com/collections/artisan-copper-pots-and-pans
Purchase your Copper kitchen storage here: https://propercopperdesign.com/collections/kitchen-storage
All images used in this Blog post are of the rights of Netherton Foundry, who we would link to thank for their on-going support through this collaboration.
Are you looking to change up the aesthetic of your home? Have you considered Industrial Interior Design? Industrial Design is an interior category characterized with “used effects” which consists predominantly of unrefined structures, sheet metals, wooden surfaces and lots of Copper. Furniture from old industrial companies from the 1920s-50s is often inspired in this process. Wood and metal are gladly taken and then converted to a contemporary piece of furniture, whilst being sustainable in process!
Industrial Design is great for a minimal yet comfortable feel to your space, with its polished, organised arrangement and contemporary character. The added juxtaposition of our 10 chosen Industrial furnishings will help you to assemble your perfect industrial sanctuary in no time.
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Thanks to its unique combinations of properties, brass is often the best material to use to manufacture many components. Some of the properties we’re referring to are good strength and ductility, combined with excellent corrosion resistance. Brasses are available in a wide variety of product forms and sizes to allow minimum machining to finished dimensions. Here’s a brief history of brass and how it is used in homes today.
A Brief History of Brass
Brass has been used for home hardware for almost 500 years. Solid brass hardware is an alloy typically made of a combination of copper and zinc with tin added. It’s golden-brown in colour because the alloy can complement different types of interior designs. In the Roman empire, its use was intensified in pipelines, warlike instruments, adornments and statues, among other things. In the middle of the XVI century, in Europe, the screws and nuts were elaborated principally of brass. Elaborating the gears of the clocks has also been done with brass. In the XVII century brass was used in the optical telescope in Holland, in the clock of a pendulum, and for manufacturing cutlery.
The Convenience of Brass
Manufacturers have been using brass for home hardware because it’s very soft and easy to work with. It can easily be bent, cast and moulded into the desired shape. Due to these characteristics, these metals can feature intricate designs. Another advantage is that solid brass can take on a finish, which makes it emulate other colours or materials. Whether you need a smooth finish or a brushed finish, brass will offer you the desired design. Brass has become an essential part of every household, considering it's been used for cooking, storing food, decoration, and even heating water.
Decorative Applications
Aside from its antimicrobial properties, brass's aesthetic value is also the reason why this material has become a popular choice for decorative applications. The variety of shades and colours, be it gold or silver, and even red, allows for a full spectrum of uses in a household. You can choose brass residential dishwasher fittings and lamp fittings because of their visually appealing and bacteria-resistant properties.
Lamps and Lighting
For everyone who wants to add a vintage, edgy vibe to their home, brass is the right choice. It can be used excellently as an eye-catching accent. Brass will seamlessly add a luxurious touch to any room. Many people also tend to integrate it into warm and white interiors. Alternatively, it's a good option for adding an extra pop of colour in rooms with darker tones. If you want the lighting fixtures to be the focal point, use brass finishes.
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Bedrooms
Brass is often used in kitchens and bathrooms for its modern design. From a variety of fittings, sinks to miscellaneous hardware, you’ll find brass everywhere these days. Brass is a perfect material to choose, when you want to add elegance to spaces. Consider bringing in old brassware, cookware, cutlery, plates and jugs into your kitchen to bring something luxurious to the space. Think about an old brass water carafe filled with fresh flowers or plants to bring in a dose of freshness to the kitchen. When it comes to bedrooms, hair accessories and old jewellery boxes will adorn the dressers and side tables. Brass bed frames are another very popular bedroom decor item that can style up the entire interior.
Frames and Mirrors
Many people will try everything to make their home look more sophisticated. What they don't know, is that it only takes an antique brass frame in the bathrooms or hallways, to make their home more inviting and chic. Unique designs and patterns add texture and character to plain walls, and so will a mirror with a brass frame. A hand brass mirror will look wonderful on your vanity and add a touch of old Hollywood charm to your powder room.
Accessories
Given that brass is highly adaptable, you can use it in several forms and finishes. From antique to rustic, hammered, wired and gleaming plain finish, you can decorate cupboards and drawer pulls without any problem. Do the same to escutcheons, hinges, and keys to achieve a unique design. Other brass accessories that can be used to add more style to your home include planters, candle stands, cutlery, curtain rods, mugs and decanters. Go for brass decorative mesh storage bins, magazine holder bins, pin-up wall display grids and watch your home become a place you’ve always dreamed of having.
Spring is upon us and it is a time to turn our attention to home renovations, for those with a budget you will be pleased to hear that you can transform your favourite bedside cabinet, kitchen drawers or window shutters by swapping your outdated knobs with beautiful artistic and handcrafted knobs.
In our Brighton workshop we craft knobs by hand and ship them all over the World and we have enjoy seeing how customers have restored furniture with a new coat of distinguished paint and a set of quirky knobs.
Here are a list of knob styles chosen by our design team, these are suitable for kitchen cabinets, chests of drawers, wardrobes and much more..
Bringing this heritage metal into your home will add a touch of luxury, this is the most stylish metal colour of 2021 and the variety of tones from antique burnished brass to a high polish brass will suit a variety of interior styles.
John Lewis & Partners Oval Cupboard Knob, Brass
Brass Oval Knob in a brushed finish
£5.00
Brass T Shaped Knob in a luxury polished finish designed by Proper Copper Design
£15.00
Coppers distinct rose colour has a feminine and modern edge that will be the talking point of your living space. Copper knobs are well matched to wooden surfaces, white cabinets as well as decorating bold colours and industrial spaces.
Copper Hammered Cupboard Door Knob Handle
Round pure copper door knob with hammered detail exclusive to Not On The High Street.
£4.49
A classic copper knob design easy to fit and renovate stylish cabinet door and drawer furniture.
£12.00
Avant-Gaurde Large Knurled Knob
Large kitchen drawer knobs are luxe-industrial knobs that are perfect for using on kitchen drawers & cupboard doors. With a rugged knurled pattern around the outer edge, this solid brass knob has a real industrial vibe to it.
£13.99
Chrome and Copper Knob - T-Shaped
Proper Copper Design
Bolted industrial chrome T Pull handles perfect for a robust finish to your kitchen cabinets and drawers made in a variety of finishes.
£19.00
The soft and muted style of Matt Black is a popular choice for modern renovations across interiors from office spaces to living spaces. Matt black internal door handles look great as a contrast against white or wooden doors making them a fantastic choice to showcase your interior flair.
Mushroom Cast Iron Cupboard Knob
Yester Home
A simple round chunky cast iron cabinet knob which can give both a traditional or contemporary look and deep Matt Black finish.
£3.50
Proper Copper Design
Designed and handcrafted in our Brighton workshop from pure copper, this matt black copper T knob is minimal in form but striking in appearance, a perfect finishing touch for contemporary furniture and spaces.
Decorative Knobs
Knobs that draw the eye are often those with detail and texture, such as engraved knobs, hammered knobs, traditional knobs with patterns and scroll leaf.
The designers Beardmore collection in London craft a huge range of knobs with skilled engraved detail in many different styled collections including period knobs, organic shaped knobs and ornate classical handles fit for a palace.
