Discover handmade copper and brass kitchen taps, wall mounted and surface mounted. Solid metal, unlacquered and crafted in the UK.
Discover the benefits of cold showers after sauna. Explore handcrafted brass and copper cold showers made in the UK, designed for contrast therapy and luxury wellness spaces.
Kitchens are changing again.
For a long time they were designed to look perfect — glossy surfaces, hidden storage and materials that resisted touch. They photographed beautifully, but they did not always invite everyday life.
Now the direction has shifted. The modern kitchen is no longer a showroom. It is a working space, a meeting place and often the calmest room in the home.
Instead of perfection, people are choosing presence.
Below are some of the design movements shaping kitchens across the UK this year and why they feel different.
Artificial finishes are quietly disappearing. Wood is replacing laminate. Stone is replacing composite patterns. And metals are being used in their genuine form rather than coated versions.
Genuine Copper Floor & Wall Tiles [CLICK HERE]
The appeal is simple. Real materials age well.
They mark time rather than wear out. A small change in tone, a softened edge, a gentle darkening — these details add familiarity to a space you use every day.
Copper and brass sit naturally within this movement because they respond to light, touch and air. No two surfaces remain identical, and that variation brings calm rather than disorder.
For years the goal was to hide everything. Appliances were concealed and cookware disappeared into cupboards.
Now people are doing the opposite.
Open shelving, visible preparation areas and hanging utensils are returning. The kitchen is being allowed to look active. Not messy, but alive.
Two Tier Curved Copper Hanging Pot and Pan Rack[CLICK HERE]
Objects are becoming part of the interior rather than interruptions to it. A pan and pot on the rack or a drying rack beside the sink no longer breaks the design, it completes it.
The result feels more relaxed. Less staged, more natural.
Black and white contrasts dominated kitchen design for over a decade. This year, tones are softening.
We are seeing:
-warmer woods
-muted painted cabinetry
-natural stone movement
-aged metals instead of sharp finishes
Natural Brass Kitchen Splashback[CLICK HERE]
These choices change how the room feels throughout the day. Morning light reflects softly. Evening lighting becomes calmer. The kitchen becomes a place you remain in, not just pass through.
Rather than decorative features, daily-use items are becoming the visual anchors of the room.
Sinks, taps, cookware and preparation surfaces are now chosen for how they look as much as how they function. The practical parts of the kitchen are finally allowed to be beautiful.
This approach reduces clutter. When necessary objects are well made, fewer extras are needed.
One area receiving renewed attention is the space behind the hob and worktop.
For years it was treated quietly — simple tiles or painted plaster designed to disappear. Designers are now using this surface as a single continuous material that grounds the entire room.
Instead of patterns, the emphasis is on depth and reflection. A surface that shifts gently throughout the day without dominating the space.
Metal works especially well here. It brightens darker kitchens, softens brighter ones and gradually records everyday use without ever looking worn.
This is becoming the new definition of luxury ,materials that improve with living.
Our kitchen splashbacks are made in the UK from genuine copper and brass, each one carefully hand-finished.
Designed to support both the look and daily use of your kitchen, each splashback protects the working area while bringing warmth and depth to the space. The living metal reflects light softly and sits naturally alongside wood, stone and painted cabinetry.
Copper Kitchen Splashback [CLICK HERE]
Within the collection you will find a variety of finishes, each creating a different mood.
The Natural Copper splashback is left unlacquered so it can gently deepen in tone over time, developing a calm lived-in character. The Hammered Copper version introduces subtle texture, scattering light across the surface and adding an artisan quality suited to both traditional and contemporary spaces. For a more expressive focal point, the Verdigris finish carries soft mineral tones reminiscent of weathered coastal metals, while Natural Brass offers a quieter warmth that works comfortably in classic and Shaker-style kitchens.
Natural Brass Kitchen Splashback [CLICK HERE]
For those wishing to extend the material beyond the cooking area, genuine copper tiles allow the same tone and character to continue across walls, alcoves or feature areas, keeping the space cohesive rather than pieced together.
We offer custom sizing and specialist copper finishes (patinas) to suit individual interiors, from contemporary to traditional kitchens. Kitchen accessories and storage are also available at Proper Copper Design, allowing the entire working area to feel unified in material and tone.
With worldwide delivery, you can experience our handcrafted splashbacks wherever you are.
Browse the collection and discover the piece that completes your kitchen.
Explore more at propercopperdesign.com
The UK is not known for warm seas, and that is exactly where its appeal lies. The water around our coasts and rivers is cold, often shockingly so, and increasingly people are choosing to enter it deliberately. Not by accident, but with intention. For clarity, exhilaration, and a sense of aliveness that cannot be replicated indoors.
Across the country, cold water sports are becoming a way to reconnect with the body and the breath. These practices strip experience back to sensation and presence rather than performance or competition.
Below are some of the coldest water sports in the UK and why people are drawn to them.
Winter sea swimming is perhaps the purest form of cold water immersion. There is no wetsuit, no rush, and no dramatic entry. Just slow, deliberate steps into cold open water.
Photo Credit: robin inizan
From Brighton and St Ives to remote Scottish coastlines, winter swimmers often describe a familiar pattern. The initial cold shock takes the breath. Within moments, the mind clears. After stepping out, there is a deep physical afterglow that can last for hours.
This practice is not about distance or speed. It is about presence. The sea has a way of reminding you how small you are, and how grounding that feeling can be.
Surfing through winter in the UK is raw and uncompromising. Locations such as Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire and the North Sea offer waves that are cold enough to demand full attention.
Thick wetsuits protect the body, but the environment does the rest. Cold air, grey horizons and heavy water strip surfing back to its essentials. There is no spectacle, no performance, only focus and movement.
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder
When a wave lifts you in mid-winter conditions, the intensity makes complete sense. It is surfing without distraction, where feeling alive outweighs comfort.
Coasteering combines swimming, climbing and jumping along rocky shorelines. In winter, it becomes something else entirely.
Cold water surges through tidal pools. Barnacle-covered rocks demand care and teamwork. The experience is chaotic, challenging and deeply playful at the same time.
Winter coasteering brings people out of their heads and into immediate physical awareness. Laughter often comes easily after fear gives way to presence.
Scottish rivers fed by snowmelt deliver some of the coldest whitewater in the UK. The water is fast, sharp and unpredictable.
Kayakers move through rapids with precision and respect, engaging fully with the flow of the river. After each run, there is often a stillness. Breath settles. Awareness sharpens. The body recognises what it has just moved through.
This is cold water as a dialogue rather than a challenge.
Across England, Wales and Scotland, wild waterfalls and gorges offer another way into cold water.
Climbing behind falling water, sliding along smooth rock channels and plunging into deep river pools creates total sensory immersion. The temperature shocks the body into awareness and the mind follows.
These environments demand respect and attention. In return, they offer grounding and clarity.
Despite their differences, these activities are not really about adrenaline, fitness or performance.
They are a return to the senses. Cold water strips away distraction and brings the body into the present moment. Breath becomes an anchor. Awareness widens. The experience becomes honest.
One of the most meaningful parts of cold water practice happens after leaving the water.
The heart slows. Skin tingles. Breath deepens. Warmth slowly returns.
A towel, a warm drink, shared quiet or conversation. These small acts help the body integrate the experience.
For many cold water swimmers and surfers, an outdoor shower becomes part of this transition. It offers a gentle bridge between wild water and everyday life.
At Proper Copper Design, we handcraft outdoor copper and brass showers intended for natural spaces. They are designed to sit beside saunas, plunge tubs, garden paths, or back doors after coastal swims.
Made from living metals that weather naturally outdoors, our showers are built for full-body cold exposure and year-round use. Hose-fed and mains-fed options allow simple installation without complex plumbing.
They are not only practical. They become part of the ritual.
Cold water wakes the body. Ritual keeps it alive.
Explore the collection at propercopperdesign.com
Up Next: The Cold Plunge Craze: Why Everyone Is Getting Into Cold Water (On Purpose)
Cold plunging used to be associated mainly with elite athletes, endurance challenges, or historical warrior culture. Today, it has entered everyday wellness routines. More and more people are voluntarily stepping into cold water before work and calling it part of a healthy lifestyle.
While it might look extreme from the outside, there are solid reasons why cold-water immersion has become so popular. Whether you train regularly, run, cycle, or simply want to feel more awake and grounded in the morning, cold exposure can be a powerful and accessible practice.
This guide explains what cold plunging actually is, why people use it, and how to approach it safely, without exaggerated claims or performance pressure.
A cold plunge is any form of water immersion cold enough to trigger a noticeable physiological response. Typically, this means water between five and fifteen degrees Celsius.
Cold exposure can take many forms. Some people use dedicated cold tubs or ice barrels. Others choose natural bodies of water such as the sea, lakes, or rivers. Many people begin with something even simpler, such as a cold outdoor shower.
What matters most is not the equipment but the experience. The water should be cold enough to create a clear moment of shock, usually when the shoulders and upper body are submerged or exposed.
One of the most common reasons people use cold plunging is physical recovery. Cold water may help reduce muscle soreness after intense training, allowing people to return to activity with less discomfort.
Another widely reported effect is improved mood and mental clarity. Cold exposure stimulates the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, chemicals linked to alertness, focus, and resilience. Many people describe feeling calmer, sharper, and more present after even a short session.
Cold exposure also activates brown fat, a type of fat tissue that generates heat by burning energy. While this is not a shortcut to fat loss, it can have a supportive effect on metabolic health.
Beyond physical benefits, cold plunging builds mental resilience. Remaining calm in cold water trains the ability to stay regulated under stress. In this way, it functions as a form of embodied mindfulness rather than a test of willpower.
Cold-water immersion is generally safe when approached with care and awareness. It is not recommended for individuals with certain heart conditions or circulation issues without medical advice.
For beginners, starting gradually is essential. Water on the warmer end of the cold range allows the nervous system to adapt. Short sessions lasting one to two minutes are sufficient in the beginning, with a focus on slow, controlled breathing. The goal is to step out while still feeling calm and in control.
Cold exposure is not about pushing limits. It is a form of nervous-system training rather than a competition.
Not everyone has space for a plunge tub or access to natural cold water. Cold showers offer a practical and effective alternative.
A cold outdoor shower provides consistent daily exposure without setup, refilling, or maintenance. It allows cold water to become part of a regular routine rather than an occasional challenge. Practiced outdoors, it adds elements of light, fresh air, and contact with the environment, turning a simple shower into a grounding ritual.
Many people find that a cold shower in the morning creates a strong sense of clarity and energy that carries into the rest of the day.
At Proper Copper Design, we create outdoor copper and brass showers designed specifically for cold-water practice.
These showers are built from natural materials rather than synthetic components made to imitate wellness equipment. Copper and brass are living metals that respond to the environment, developing a natural patina over time.
Designed for full-body cold exposure, our outdoor showers are suitable for year-round use and can be installed using either hose-fed or mains-fed systems without complex plumbing.
If cold water is going to become part of your daily routine, it should feel intentional and inviting rather than improvised.
A well-designed outdoor shower transforms cold exposure from something you endure into something you return to.
Explore the collection at propercopperdesign.com
Up Next: Top Spa & Wellness Trends for 2025–2026: Nature, Ritual and Returning to the Body
Wellness is going through a clear transformation. It is no longer centred on luxury retreats, extreme self-optimization, or trend-driven fixes. The direction for 2025–2026 is simpler, deeper, and more human.
Modern wellness is returning to fundamental experiences such as nature, breath, heat, cold, grounding, and physical sensation. Instead of pushing the body to perform, the emphasis is on presence, awareness, and everyday rituals that support regulation and balance.
Below are the key spa and wellness trends shaping how people design spaces and practices over the next two years.
One of the strongest shifts in wellness culture is the move toward creating personal sanctuary spaces at home. Rather than travelling to recharge, people are redesigning gardens, balconies, garages, and unused corners of their homes to support daily rituals.
Photo Credit: Anita Austivka
These spaces often combine heat, cold, rest, and stillness in a way that feels accessible and personal. The idea of luxury is changing. It is no longer about destination or indulgence, but about having a reliable space where the nervous system can settle and the body can reset.
Contrast therapy has become central to modern wellness practice. The alternation between heat and cold, most commonly through sauna followed by a cold shower or cold plunge, is known for its energising and regulating effects.
This hot and cold rhythm supports nervous system balance and has a strong influence on mood and mental clarity. More importantly, it turns wellness into a repeatable ritual rather than a task to complete. The body responds to cycles, and contrast therapy reflects that natural pattern.
Bright blue, chemically treated pools are gradually being replaced by softer, more organic forms of water. Natural swimming pools and wild-water designs are becoming a major feature of modern wellness spaces.
These pools use biological filtration instead of chlorine, allowing the water to remain clean while feeling closer to lake or river swimming. They support biodiversity, integrate seamlessly into garden design, and provide a sensory experience that feels alive rather than sanitised.
Another growing wellness trend is the return to barefoot experiences. Walking on grass, stone, or textured natural surfaces helps reconnect the body with the ground and brings awareness back into the feet.
This form of grounding has a calming effect on the nervous system and improves sensory awareness. While research supports these benefits, the instinctive appeal is just as important. The body recognises natural contact as safe and regulating.
Outdoor showers are no longer seen as purely practical rinsing stations. They are becoming intentional wellness features across boutique hotels, design-led spas, and high-end homes.
Showering outdoors adds layers of experience that indoor spaces cannot replicate. Natural sounds, changing light, weather, and seasons all become part of the ritual. This openness encourages relaxation and presence, transforming a simple act into a sensory reset.
Wellness design is increasingly focused on material honesty. There is a strong preference for materials that age naturally and develop character over time.
Copper, brass, stone, wood, clay, lime plaster, and raw textiles are being chosen over synthetic alternatives designed to mimic nature. These materials feel grounded, tactile, and alive, reinforcing the sense that wellness spaces should evolve rather than remain static.
Taken together, these trends point toward a clear philosophy. Simplicity is replacing complexity, natural materials are replacing synthetic finishes, ritual is replacing routine, and experience is valued more than display.
Wellness is no longer about being pampered or escaping life. It is about reconnecting with the body and feeling present within daily living.
A well‑designed outdoor shower can be one of the most transformative elements in a modern wellness space. When built with intention, it becomes a place to reset, regulate, and reconnect.
Our handcrafted copper and brass outdoor showers are designed for this new era of wellness living. Made from raw metals that naturally patinate over time, they are suited to outdoor environments and seasonal use. They can be installed in a wide range of settings and work seamlessly alongside saunas, cold plunge tubs, and natural swimming pools.
An outdoor shower does more than deliver water. It creates a moment of pause.
A wellness ritual is not something you perform.
It is something you return to.
Up Next:The Ice Bath Revolution: A Story About Cold Water, Breath & Coming Back to Ourselves
Not long ago, the idea of stepping into freezing cold water on purpose sounded extreme. Cold exposure was associated with elite athletes, mountain ascetics, or endurance challenges — not everyday life.
Most of us preferred warmth: hot showers, heated seats, central heating. Comfort was the goal. Cold was something to avoid.
And yet, quietly, cold water found its way back into modern culture.
Not as punishment. Not as a test of toughness. But as something unexpectedly grounding and deeply human.
This shift didn’t start with bravado. It started with people searching for things they couldn’t easily name: a clearer mind, a deeper breath, relief from constant stimulation, and a way to slow down in a world that never stops moving.
When Wim Hof stepped into the public eye — barefoot, smiling, and calmly entering ice-cold water, he challenged long‑held beliefs about comfort and capability.
Wim Hof didn’t invent cold exposure. Humans have used cold water for thousands of years through bathing rituals, winter swimming, and seasonal immersion. What he did was reintroduce it to a modern world that had grown disconnected from natural stressors.
His message was simple yet radical:
The human body is adaptable
Cold is not the enemy
Breath is the bridge between discomfort and control
As people began experimenting with cold exposure, something shifted. Videos were shared. Stories spread. A niche practice evolved into a global movement.
But the real transformation was never about ice itself.
The moment you enter cold water, the body reacts instantly.
Your breath sharpens. Your heart rate increases. The nervous system prepares for danger. Every instinct urges you to step out.
This is the critical moment.
Cold water forces awareness. You cannot drift. You cannot scroll. You must be present.
When you choose to stay — calmly breathing rather than fighting — the body begins to adapt:
Breathing stabilises
Muscles soften
The mind becomes quiet
Photo Credit: Mika Ruusunen
In this short window, people often discover something unexpected: resilience without aggression, strength without force, calm without avoidance.
That is the foundation of the ice bath revolution.
Despite the imagery often associated with ice baths, cold exposure is not about endurance, ego, or performance.
At its core, cold water therapy is about regulation.
It teaches you to remain steady when conditions are uncomfortable. To respond rather than react. To breathe through moments when the nervous system wants to panic.
These skills extend far beyond water. They carry into daily life,stress, pressure, decision‑making, and recovery. Cold water becomes a teacher.
You don’t need a glacier‑fed river or a designer plunge tub to experience the benefits of cold exposure.
For many people, the most accessible and sustainable entry point is a cold outdoor shower.
Bare feet on natural ground. Open air. Sky above. Water flowing.
An outdoor cold shower transforms immersion into ritual:
No preparation
No equipment
No complexity
Just a minute of reset. A breath of clarity. A moment of returning to yourself.
Used daily, cold showers support mental clarity, nervous system regulation, and physical recovery, while reconnecting the body with natural elements.
At Proper Copper Design, we craft outdoor showers with intention.
Our copper and brass showers are not decorative objects. They are functional ritual tools, built from raw materials that age naturally and develop character over time.
They are designed to stand beside:
Gardens
Saunas
Natural swimming pools
Outdoor bathing spaces
Places where water, weather, and breath meet.
Copper and brass respond to the environment. They patinate, change, and deepen, mirroring the cold water practice itself.
Cold water does not need to feel extreme.
When introduced intentionally, it becomes grounding rather than shocking. A way to reset before the day begins or decompress after it ends.
An outdoor cold shower reframes cold exposure from challenge to ritual.
A reminder that:
You can slow down
You can breathe
You can begin again at any moment
If cold water rituals resonate with you, explore our collection of hand‑crafted outdoor copper and brass showers.
Designed for longevity, simplicity, and meaningful daily use, they support a practice rooted in presence — not performance.
The cold water revolution isn’t about ice.
It’s about remembering what it feels like to be alive.
Up Next: The Rise of the Natural Swimming Pool: Wild Swimming, But Make It Garden-Friendly
Natural swimming pools are increasingly popular, no longer limited to countryside retreats or eco‑lodges. Today, homeowners are transforming their gardens into wild‑water sanctuaries, replacing chemical‑treated pools with clear, plant‑filtered water that feels natural and alive.
If you’ve ever swum in a lake or river and noticed how different it feels compared to a traditional pool, that sensation is exactly what a natural swimming pool is designed to recreate at home.
In this guide, we’ll explain what natural swimming pools are, how they work, and why they are becoming a key feature of modern, eco‑conscious outdoor living.
A natural swimming pool combines the aesthetics of a garden pond with the functionality of a traditional pool — engineered to be clean, hygienic, and safe for swimming.
Photo Credit: Loris Boulinguez
Instead of chlorine and synthetic chemicals, natural pools rely on:
Aquatic plants, Gravel and mineral filtration beds, Beneficial bacteria.
Together, these elements naturally clean and oxygenate the water.
Soft, clear water that is gentle on skin, eyes, and hair, No chemical smell or irritation , A swimming environment that feels closer to nature.
Most natural pools are divided into two functional zones:
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Swimming Area | A deep, open space designed purely for swimming |
| Regeneration Zone | A shallow, planted area that biologically filters and cleans the water |
Photo Credit: The swimming pond company
Water circulates continuously between these zones, creating a self‑sustaining ecosystem where plants and microorganisms maintain water clarity and balance.
Natural swimming pools are designed to complement the surrounding landscape. Organic shapes, stone edges, and aquatic planting allow the pool to feel like a natural extension of the garden rather than a separate installation.
Photo Credit: Teeratida C.
Without chemicals, the water feels fresher and more comfortable. Many owners describe it as similar to swimming in a clean freshwater lake, but with controlled conditions and improved clarity.
Natural pools encourage slower, more mindful use of outdoor space. The combination of cool water, natural materials, and wildlife sounds creates a calming environment that supports mental and physical wellbeing.
Plants within the regeneration zone support insects, birds, and beneficial organisms. A natural pool becomes a living ecosystem that contributes positively to the surrounding environment.
Natural swimming pools require a different type of maintenance rather than more maintenance.
No chemical testing or dosing
Routine plant care and seasonal clean‑ups
Occasional removal of organic debris
Maintenance is closer to garden care than traditional pool management, making it appealing to homeowners who enjoy outdoor maintenance with a purpose.
Because natural swimming pools are not artificially heated and rely on ambient conditions, they remain refreshingly cool throughout much of the year. This makes them ideal for:
Morning cold plunges
Post‑exercise recovery
Evening resets and relaxation
Photo Credit: Seth Doyle
For many owners, the pool becomes a daily ritual space rather than a feature used only in summer.
An outdoor shower naturally complements a natural swimming pool, creating a seamless flow between immersion and rest:
Swim → Rinse → Rest → Repeat
Our hand‑built copper and brass outdoor showers are designed to integrate beautifully with natural pools:
Made from raw materials that develop a natural patina over time
Available as hose‑fed or mains‑fed systems
Designed for full‑body rinsing and cold‑water practice
Built to look timeless and appropriate in natural landscapes
Rather than disrupting the environment, they enhance the overall outdoor experience.
Photo Credit: Have Fun Do Good
A natural swimming pool offers more than a place to swim. It creates a living, seasonal space that supports wellbeing, biodiversity, and sustainable outdoor living.
When paired with an outdoor shower crafted from natural materials, the result is a complete wild‑water sanctuary designed for everyday use.
If you are considering a natural swimming pool for your garden, focus on quality design, thoughtful materials, and elements that work with nature rather than against it.
See the collection:
https://www.propercopperdesign.com
Up Next: The Different Types of Saunas: Finding the Heat That Fits Your Ritual
Saunas have officially left the gym corner and entered gardens, spare rooms, sheds, rooftops, shepherd huts — anywhere people can carve out a warm little sanctuary. And honestly? It makes sense.
Heat is one of the oldest wellness practices in human history. But there’s more than one way to sauna, and each type comes with a different vibe, sensation, and ritual energy. Let’s break down the main types so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle (and personality).
The Classic. The OG. The “sit in wooden room and sweat like you mean it.”
Heated with wood or electric stove. Temperatures around 70–100°C.
Low humidity — until you throw water on the stones. Known for deep heat that feels grounding and deeply cleansing
Feels like:
Winter cabin. Pine wood. The meditative silence between crackles.
Hot, strong, timeless.
Perfect for:
People who like ritual, tradition, and a little fire-spirit energy
The modern, science-y, “heat you from the inside out” sauna. This sauna uses infrared panels to warm the body directly. Runs cooler — 45–60°C — but still makes you sweat.
Great for muscle recovery, circulation, and gentle detox.
Photo Credit: tylo.de (2025). TylösandTM Infrared Sauna for the home – Relaxation and wellness in one. [online] Tylo.de. Available at: https://tylo.de/blog/tylosand-infrared-cabins [Accessed 22 Jan. 2026].
Feels like:
Warming sunlight on skin. Slow, steady heat.
Sweating without the blast furnace sensation.
Perfect for:
Athletes, recovery-focused folks, and anyone who wants heat therapy without the intensity
Less heat, more spa cloud. Warm: 40–50°C, but high humidity.Thick steam envelopes the body. Excellent for skin, breathing, and general “I’m becoming a fancy dumpling” vibes
Feels like:
Spa day. Slow exhale. Everything softening and loosening.
Perfect for:
People who love warmth, moisture, and sensory cocooning
The rustic garden favourite. Same principles as Finnish sauna — but in a curved timber barrel. Usually outdoors (so you get forest / sky / stars / cold air / birdsong). The roll-out-of-bed-into-nature sauna
Feels like:
A wild dip in a lake after a bonfire.
Simple. Raw. Just you and the elements.
Perfect for:
Garden sanctuary seekers, cold-plunge lovers, weekend reset people.
The ancient, dramatic one. Fire heats stones inside the sauna room. Smoke fills the space, then is vented before use. Deep, woody aroma + incredibly soft heat.
Feels like:
Time slowed down. History. Ceremony.
Perfect for:
The contemplative, poetic, “ritual is life” enjoyers.
Heat brings us back into the body. Cold wakes us up again.
Together? Chef’s kiss.
And that’s where your outdoor shower comes in.
Complete the Sauna Ritual With an Outdoor Shower
Hot → Cold → Rest → Repeat
This is the rhythm.
If you have a sauna — or you’re planning one — an outdoor shower completes the cycle in a way no indoor bathroom ever could.
Our copper and brass outdoor showers are ideal for sauna setups because:
They give you instant cold exposure right in nature
They require minimal plumbing (hose-fed or mains-fed)
They look at home next to wood, stone, water, and natural pools
They age gracefully, gaining character season after season
They turn your garden into a wellness space — not just a yard.
View the collection:
https://www.propercopperdesign.com
Your sauna is a sanctuary.
Your cold shower should honour it, not interrupt it.
Up Next: Outdoor Showers for Surfers
Why are outdoor showers being installed in homes owned by surfers? Salt is washed from your skin before it dries it out. Sand stays in the garden, not on the floor. Wetsuits get a quick clean before they’re hung up. It’s simple, practical, and read here to find out more..
A new year is the perfect opportunity to refresh your interior and introduce thoughtful design changes that make a lasting difference. You don’t need a full renovation to update your space, well-chosen details such as handles, storage solutions and handcrafted accessories can completely change how an interior looks and feels.
At Proper Copper Design, we specialise in handmade copper, brass and chrome products made in the UK, designed to bring character, durability and timeless style to residential and commercial interiors.
Replacing cabinet and furniture handles is one of the fastest and most effective ways to refresh your interior. High-quality metal handles add texture, contrast and visual interest while improving everyday functionality. Copper handles introduce warmth and work especially well with painted cabinetry and natural materials.
Brass handles offer a classic finish that suits both modern and traditional interiors.
Chrome handles are ideal for contemporary spaces, reflecting light and creating a clean, structured look.
For more distinctive interiors, our collection includes rope handles, wood and copper combinations, marbled finishes and antique copper designs. These pieces are ideal for bespoke furniture, statement cabinets and unique design projects. For bold, modern interiors, matte black handles paired with copper detailing create a strong visual contrast.
The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in any home, making organisation and material quality especially important. Refreshing your kitchen with well-designed storage can improve both usability and appearance. Our kitchen storage collection includes wall-mounted and ceiling Pot and Pan Rack solutions, all designed to help you make the most of your space. Made from materials such as copper, brass and chrome, these storage solutions combine practical design with refined craftsmanship.
Our Copper and Brass Taps are designed, manufactured, hand-finished and packaged in Brighton, England by skilled coppersmiths. Each tap is made to last for many years and can be modified in size and finish to suit residential or commercial projects.
Available options include surface-mounted taps, wall-mounted taps and freestanding Taps, bespoke designs tailored to your space.
Up Next: Mindfulness and Cold Showers: Finding Calm in Everyday Rituals
In a world where life rarely pauses, the practice of mindfulness has become increasingly important. At its heart, mindfulness is about presence – noticing the breath, the body, and the world around us without distraction. It is not about escaping reality but fully engaging with it, moment by moment.
One of the simplest ways to weave mindfulness into daily life is through water rituals – particularly the cold shower or, for those who enjoy an extra challenge, the cold plunge. While the physical benefits of cold water immersion are widely known – from improved circulation to a natural energy boost – the mental benefits are equally profound.
The first sensation of cold water against your skin leaves little room for wandering thoughts. It pulls you directly into the present moment. Your breath deepens, your senses heighten, and the mind clears. In that instant, mindfulness happens naturally: no effort, no techniques, simply awareness.
Unlike a meditation cushion or a quiet retreat, the shower is an everyday space, yet it can become a powerful site for mindfulness. Adding even 30 seconds of cold water at the end of a warm shower can become a grounding ritual that resets both body and mind.
Mindfulness can be integrated into everyday routines with ease. Here are a few gentle suggestions:
Begin with breath: When stepping into the shower, take three slow, steady breaths before turning on the water.
Introduce cold gradually: Finish your shower with 20–30 seconds of cold water, extending the time as your body adapts.
Focus on sensation: Notice the coolness on your skin, the sound of water, the rhythm of your breath.
Release judgement: Instead of resisting the cold, observe your response with curiosity and openness.
Over time, these practices transform ordinary moments into rituals of mindfulness – creating calm, clarity, and presence in daily life.
At Proper Copper Design, we believe that our surroundings have the power to influence wellbeing. A bathroom can be more than just functional – it can be a space of restoration and mindfulness. Copper, with its natural warmth and timeless quality, contributes to this atmosphere, turning the shower into a sanctuary for balance and renewal.
By combining thoughtful design with mindful rituals, we invite a sense of calm into the everyday. Sometimes, all it takes is a conscious breath, a moment of stillness, or the invigorating clarity of a cold shower to remind us of the simplicity of being present.
Mindfulness doesn’t demand extra time in your day – it can live within the routines you already have. The shower, in particular, offers a daily opportunity to pause, breathe, and reset.
With a touch of intention, even the most ordinary rituals can become moments of clarity and peace. And like the meditating figure reminds us, stillness is always within reach – it simply asks to be noticed.
