L I V E
T H E
L I F E . . . L O V E
T H E
S T Y L E
& INTERIORS
THE JOYS OF SPRING
ADD GLORIOUS COLOUR WITH FLOWERS, FABRICS & PAINT
I
SI PL DECORA IONS S P RS R L
LI HT A
APRIL 2019 £4.50
US$9.99/AUS$10.50/NZ$13 RECALL 04/04/2019
O S U U Y S O
10 I
I
! ! !
The home of
MODERN COUNTRY Interiors & inspiration 8
APRIL The things we can’t live without
15 MAKE A HOUSE A HOME A curtain to dress a door
62
SEASONAL LOOKS Floral fabrics and wallpapers that herald the arrival of spring
71
THE EASTER TABLE Three contemporary looks for new-season entertaining
O
O
77 LET’S TALK… GRASS
SILHOUETTES! A relaxed and rustic homeware trend
80
10 LIGHT-FILLED KITCHEN EXTENSIONS Open up your entertaining space O
92 MODERN COUNTRY
CLASSICS Plate racks make practical yet pretty storage
94 ROOM ELEMENTS Tiles to
make a feature of your floor
101 HOME TECH Washing machines 102 O THE COUNTRY DECORATOR Paint hues for rural schemes
107 HOME NOTES 137 COUNTRY KITCHEN FOCUS
40
A farmhouse dining table is the hub of this renovation
142 GET CREATIVE Handmade
Country homes 16
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION This Cotswolds stone house proved a perfect homecoming for one family who were returning to the UK
31
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTRY HOUSE Weatherboard cladding has lent a New England feel to a tired Fifties property
40
SUFFOLK COTTAGE Creative touches abound in an artist’s quaint, historic home
50
WEST SUSSEX RECTORY How a tired Thirties house was transformed into an elegant, Georgian-style home
130 TO FIND ALL STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO PAGE 148
•
ON THE COVER
Easter craft projects
»
O
O
O
O
PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME
16 Country Homes & Interiors
3
108 Gardens 108 GARDEN PLOTS & TOPIARY
TALES A Lancashire plot with a different room around every corner of its winding path
64 142
119
Seasonal food 129 130
FOOD NOTES SPRINGTIME SUPPER CLUB Sociable, seasonal recipes from chef and restaurateur Clodagh McKenna
TO FIND ALL STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO PAGE 148
•
13
OUR FAVOURITE SHOP Find beautiful wares at The Hambledon in Winchester
121
MAKE LIFE LOVELY Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more
4
Country Homes & Interiors
O
127
OUT & ABOUT Enjoy a culinary getaway at the inviting Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye
144
MY KIND OF COUNTRY Life in the Swedish archipelago inspires Lexington founder Kristina Lindhe
158
MY FAVOURITE VIEW Homeware designer Sophie Allport has fond memories of walks in the bluebell wood at Belton Park, Lincolnshire
ON THE COVER
Just for you 90
O
Lifestyle
IN A COUNTRY GARDEN Bird feeders
SUBSCRIBE TO COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Regulars 148
SHOPPING DIRECTORY All the contact details and websites featured in this issue
*
SUBSCRIBE T O D AY
Subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors today from £29.99 for 12 months (saving 49%). See page 90 for details.
)DEULF _ :DOOSDSHU _ 3DLQW Z[`SLSPIYHY` JVT ZHUKLYZVU
& INTERIORS 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP Telephone 020 3148 5000 Email countryhomes@ti-media.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Richmond GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR Georgia Hibberdine EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrea Childs HOMES CONTENT TEAM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 HOUSES EDITOR Vivienne Ayers 020 3148 7194 SHOPPING EDITOR Holly Phillips 020 3148 7195 NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR Thea Babington-Stitt 020 3148 7458 CONTENT EDITOR Tara King 020 3148 7196 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sara Bird (Style) 020 3148 7181 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sally Dominic 020 3148 7154 GROUP CHIEF SUB-EDITOR/PRODUCTION EDITOR Sarah Farley HEAD OF SUBS OPERATIONS Maxine Clarke HUB CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Amy Hodge DEPUTY CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Jennie Filer SUB-EDITOR Chloe Hay HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Emma Jackson ACTING ART EDITOR Hannah Bennewitz EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Clare Willetts
MARKETING Marketing Manager Yasmin Christofi 020 3148 7692 Acting Marketing Manager Elizabeth Pether 020 3148 6237
PUBLISHING Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Angela O’Farrell EA to Group Managing Director Donna McConnell 020 3148 5651
PRODUCTION Group Production Manager Steve Twort 020 3148 5439 Production Manager John Botten 020 3148 5443 Advertising Production Co-ordinator Barry Skinner 020 3148 2538 Digital Producer Andrew Howe 020 3148 3366
CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Alan Edwards 020 3787 9161
ADVERTISING Publisher & Head of Homes Network Joanne O’Hara 020 3148 7642 Advertisement and London Sales Manager Ruth Roscorla 020 3148 7639 International/Luxury Account Manager Carole Bunce 020 3148 7620 Head of Agency Sales Lindsay Dean 020 3148 3668 Group Classified Manager Emma van der Veen 020 3148 2635 Classified Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Head of Project and Campaign Management Lucy Brymer 020 3148 3636 Creative Media Manager Emilie Morrissey 020 3148 3647 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Lindsay Martin 020 7611 8151 Assistant Syndication Manager Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485
REGIONAL ADVERTISING Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Katherine Brown 07464 544375
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Mood of the moment: craving happy colour! Pinging awake to spring sunshine at the weekends can result in all kinds of spontaneous schemes, from stomps through the bluebell woods nearby (something designer
(BACKGROUND) FIELD STUDY GREEN FABRIC, £52M, JACQUELINE MILTON
Sophie Allport loves, too – see her favourite view on page 158) to tackling those satisfying spring-cleaning jobs wearing a pinny like a Fifties housewife (if you’re interested in making your own, natural, cleaning products, see page 123), or simply scooping up armfuls of £1-a-bunch daffs at the supermarket to fill every nook and cranny of the house with gorgeous colour and scent. Last time I was gripped by spring fever, I painted my kitchen-diner window recesses yellow – just a little pop of colour against the white walls that gives me joy every day. You’ll find lots of ways to use paint to give your rooms a lift on page 102, as well as our favourite new modern-floral fabrics and wallpapers (page 62), all designed to add character to a neutral space. If it’s just a quick update you’re after, take a look at the pretty pressed glass and ceramics for your Easter table from page 71, or, if baking is your favourite way to relax at the weekend, you must try Clodagh McKenna’s rose-petal-sprinkled pistachio florentines (page 130) – they’re the perfect after-the-children-are-in-bed treat.
Vanessa x
Country Homes & Interiors
7
Things we can’t live without
APRIL
Trimming blossoming Easter tree branches with pretty, painted eggs for a lovely homemade decoration. Egg decorations, vase and plant pots, similar from The Contemporary Home. Embroidery hoops, similar from John Lewis & Partners.
8
Country Homes & Interiors
COUNTRY DAYS
1 2
Free-range roaming in a statement skirt featuring a cheerful, novelty design. Hen party cotton sateen midi skirt, £50, Cath Kidston. All other clothing, stylist’s own.
3 4 1 Making people happy via good old-fashioned snail mail. Big Ears greetings card, 17.5x12.5cm, £2.75, Sam Wilson. 2 Dainty hand-thrown porcelain for morning wake-up rituals. Espresso cup and saucer, col Turquoise, H8xDia12cm, £20 each, Gemma Wightman Ceramics. 3 Hanging the washing out to dry with a spring breeze wafting... Peony peg bag, 30x30cm, £11, Sophie Allport. 4 Hand-woven storage made from abaca. Abiola basket, H35xW60xDia60cm, £200, Lene Bjerre at Sweetpea & Willow.
Refreshing the sitting room scheme with a palette of modern neutrals and gentle pastels. Otto two-seat sofa in pure Belgian linen, col Canvas, £2,190; viscose linen scatter cushions, from £45 each, all Sofa.com. Perfection 508 Sintra vinyl flooring, £18.99sq m, Carpetright.
6
5
8 7 5 Eye-catching lustre finishes on statement glassware. Lustre hurricane, H20xW15cm, £15, Marks & Spencer. 6 Charming decorations with a green-fingered difference! Wood and tin garden tools decorations, L6xW5cm, £1.80 each, Gisela Graham. 7 Light layers with playful tassels. Savanna slub loop throw, 130x170cm, £35, Debenhams. 8 A crisp and light mango wood and brass Scandi-meets-Deco newbie. Carlos bedside table, £229, Swoon.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
9
A calm and creative workspace inspired by plants and lush greenery. Chair, part of the Grace bistro set, £179; succulents and plants, from £3.49 each, Dobbies Garden Centres.
10 9
11
12
9 Lazy lie-ins with soft, breathable bedding...zzz... Bamboo double bedding set, col Mint Green, £116, Panda at Wearth London. 10 Giving the dining area a focal point with a stylish East-meets-West design. Alhambra contemporary pendant, col Ivory, H30xDia34cm, £79, Atkin and Thyme. 11 Glorious grainy patterns on platters. Closed handled olive wood carving board, L47xW23cm, £50, Naturally Med. 12 A half dozen of felty fun! Easter bunnies egg box, 16x9cm, £17.99, White Stuff.
13
15
16 13 Pulling up to the kitchen table on wonderfully distressed enduring characters. Vintage chair, £69.50, Scaramanga. 14 Delightful ceramics for bedtime drinks. Mini bunny mug, H7.4xDia6.8cm, £3, Sainsbury’s Home. 15 Caring for birds with an elegant nesting box. Dew drop bird box, 15x15x20cm, £42, Peter Lanyon at Madebyhandonline.com. 16 Luxuriously thick flatweave rugs for a feet-frolicking update. Atelier Jolie wool rug, 140x200cm, £315, Brink & Campman at Woven.
10
Country Homes & Interiors
Raising a smile with cluck-tastic characters! Concrete chickens, £19.95 for set of two, Nordic House.
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
14
C O U N T R Y D AY S
Colour of the moment
MODERN PASTELS CONTRAST MELTINGLY SOFT VELVETS WITH RUSTIC LINENS AND CHALKY PAINTS IN WASHED ICE CREAM HUES TO ADD A SENSE OF CALM AND SIMPLICITY TO YOUR HOME
Fabric (from top): Blush pure Belgian linen, £40m; Kale smart linen, £40m; Pistachio smart velvet, £40m; Lychee smart velvet, £40m, all Sofa.com.
Country Homes & Interiors
11
OUT AND ABOUT
With its large windows and stripped floorboards, the first floor is a bright, elegant setting for clothing and jewellery.
Colourful cushions, pretty glassware and blue-and-white china are artfully arranged on simple shelving.
O U R FAVO U R I T E S H O P F O R B O U T I Q U E B R OWS I N G
The Hambledon
THIS MINI DEPARTMENT STORE IS A ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ELEGANTLY CURATED, MUST-HAVE GOODIES The Hambledon is a Winchester institution, known for its covetable selection of homeware, fashion and beauty products. We caught five minutes with owner Victoria Suffield to find out more…
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN THE HAMBLEDON?
I was almost literally born into retail. My mum had a shop and took me to work in a basket when I was six weeks old! So I suppose inspiration came in part from my brilliant mum. I had a mail-order business in the early days of online shopping and we had a concentration of customers around Winchester. PEOPLE LOVE YOUR SHOP. WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS SO POPULAR?
I hope it’s because people can sense the love we have for The Hambledon.
It is an amazing job and I like to imagine our enthusiasm is infectious. WHO VISITS YOUR SHOP?
All sorts of people. It might be a serious fashion shopper, someone looking for a birthday present, an interiors enthusiast or a student seeking an esoteric magazine. ARE THERE ANY UNIQUE TOUCHES TO YOUR SHOP?
We’re driven to tell a different story every season and I think that’s fairly unusual. Inspiration comes initially from the fashion collections we buy and then we try to tie the strands together across all the departments. WHAT MAKES YOUR WINCHESTER LOCATION SO SPECIAL?
We’re in a beautiful Georgian building spread over three floors. We have light, space, wooden floors and
huge windows that look out over the cathedral, so it’s pretty special. And Winchester is a really lovely city. ANY FAVOURITE PRODUCTS?
We are extremely excited to be working with Antoinette Poisson this season. They were an amazing find. New rag rugs for the spring will be coming home with me, and I love the No4 candle from Maison Louis Marie. ANY EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE?
Unbelievably, we turn 20 in September so we have lots of plans! We’re going to be producing a journal to celebrate The Hambledon, working with 20 suppliers on 20 exclusive products and just generally having a big old party! The Hambledon, 10 The Square, Winchester SO23 9ES. 01962 890055, thehambledon.com. Country Homes & Interiors
13
C O U N T RY S T Y L E I C O N S
Make a house a home
Dress the door with a curtain IN OUR ONGOING SERIES, WE SELECT SIMPLE COUNTRY-STYLE HERO PIECES THAT LOOK BEAUTIFUL… AND MAKE LIFE FEEL EVEN BETTER
FEATURE TARA KING
When choosing a patterned fabric, make sure it looks just as good when the curtain is pulled back.
Curtain, made in Otter Biscuit, £22m; cushion, made in Perth Biscuit, £29m; cushion, made in Morgan Wheat, £31m; cushion, made in Morgan Fog, £31m, all Ashley Wilde.
As pretty as it is practical, a door curtain can do more than block out draughts. It’s an ideal option for homes where the front door opens into the living space, allowing you to conceal the entrance for a cosy feel. With so many fabrics and styles to choose from, a door curtain is also a quick way to introduce character and can be updated with the seasons. WHAT’S THE STORY? Our ancestors hung up animal hides to create privacy and keep out the cold. The evolution of plush textiles, such as velvet and linen, made for more sophisticated designs, particularly favoured in wealthier households. By the Victorian era, an effective portière mechanism had been introduced, allowing the curtain to rise and fall as the door opened and closed. Nowadays, thanks to central heating, the curtains have lost some of their functional appeal, but they are still just as cosy, making them a favourite in country homes. WHICH STYLE TO CHOOSE? Consider fabric pattern, colour and headings to suit your scheme. Eyelets and tab tops offer a contemporary feel, while a cottage pleat or tie tops work well for classic country style. A simple pole above the door will allow you to swap curtains depending on the time of year; warm, lined wool is perfect for winter, while a lightweight voile lets light through in summer. STYLE IT UP Once you’ve made your fabric choice, it’s all about the detail. If you’ve chosen a plain design, why not add character with a striking holdback or fancy finials? Busy patterns speak best for themselves so keep decorative touches to a minimum. Country Homes & Interiors
15
The homecoming AFTER WORKING AND RAISING A FAMILY OVERSEAS, CAT AND SIM PRESTON FELT THE CALL OF THEIR RURAL ROOTS AND FOUND THE PERFECT ENGLISH FAMILY HOME IN THE COTSWOLDS 16
Country Homes & Interiors
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION
Exterior The Cotswold stone house was formerly a grain mill, with a mill stream running through the garden. Window frames, painted in Farrow & Ball’s French Gray.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
17
Living room Cat uses artwork as the basis of her decorating schemes. Painting, Sue Preston. Sofas, Loaf. Cushions, Oka. Coffee table, Richard Harvey.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION
It was a case of going back to their roots when Cat and Sim Preston bought a beautiful converted mill in the Cotswolds. Originally from Wiltshire, the couple lived in London and then overseas in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Chicago and Hong Kong, as they brought up their three children, Jake, Josh and Hana. But when Jake was about to start his GCSEs, he decided he wanted to go to school in the UK. ‘It gave us the impetus finally to move back home to England,’ says Cat. She began looking for properties online and soon spotted an idyllic converted grain mill. ‘This house jumped out at me,’ she says. ‘I fell in love with it at first sight. Added to that, Sim is a geographer at heart and we were looking for something with water – this was perfect as there’s a mill stream in the garden.’ Sim came back to the UK with Jake when he started school and they took the opportunity to view the house. ‘They filmed it on their phones so I could see it,’ says Cat. ‘We took the plunge and put in an offer. Then I visited and, fortunately, it was just as gorgeous as I had thought.’ The 400-year-old house had been a grain mill until 1959, then stood empty for 10 years until it was bought by an architect and converted into a French country-style family home. ‘The house still had many of its original features,’ says Cat. ‘The previous owners had retained them when doing the conversion, so the bedroom had beams with pulleys. It had been restored with great attention to detail, which we loved.’ The family now had a base and over the next two years they renovated the house. ‘We were living in Hong Kong still,’ says Cat, ‘but we came back most holidays. Friends recommended builder Dan Eaves of CJ Holme who did a fantastic job project managing the work.’ The renovations included installing a new heating system, putting in three new bathrooms and building a conservatory at the back of the house. In addition, a barn and outbuildings were converted into guest accommodation. ‘The result is an upside-down guest house, with two bedrooms downstairs and an open-plan living room and kitchen upstairs that take in the view across the meadow. We wanted the barn conversion to feel like part of the main house and be in keeping with it,’ says Cat. So stonemason Jim Clayton built new walls that matched the originals, while Dan Eaves sourced reclaimed oak for the framing. The family home was then redecorated throughout. ‘I wanted to get as much light in as possible, and I kept the palette neutral to complement the Cotswold stone,’ says Cat. ‘I like to keep the look simple but add colour with abstract paintings. My mother-in-law Sue Preston is an artist and my friend Kirsten Coltart is an interior designer, so they helped with the aesthetics.’ ‘It’s been fantastic to create a family home in the UK after living in Asia for so long,’ says Cat. ‘We’re country people at heart so it’s great to get back to our rural roots.
*
AT HOME WITH... Owners Cat Preston is a jewellery maker (catpreston.com) and her husband Sim is CEO of International Markets for a health insurance company. They live here with their children, Jake, 18, Josh, 16, and Hana, 13, as well as Lola the cat and Bailey the working retriever.
House A five-bedroom, 400-yearold, converted grain mill.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
19
Kitchen The existing units were painted in a soothing soft green, while a laundry maid adds period charm. Bar stools, Cox & Cox. Similar laundry maid, Garden Trading.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION Conservatory Cat has incorporated bold blue accents to lift the scheme. Sofa, Raft. Cushions, Joy’s Curtains. Trunk, Sue Parkinson.
What makes this house a home...
Dining room A painted dresser houses Cat’s collection of ceramics. Custom-made dresser, CJ Holmes.
»
‘We brought up three children in southeast Asia, so it’s nice to have a family home in the UK filled with things we've collected over the years that bring back memories of our travels’
Country Homes & Interiors
21
Hallway Cat fell in love with the house’s original features, such as this large fireplace. Chair, Cox & Cox. Rug, Town and Country Flooring.
Dining room The original
Under the stairs Cat
beamed ceiling provides a stunning feature. The bespoke table came with the house. Chairs, John Lewis & Partners.
has created a handy seating area. Cushions, Sam Wilson. Similar butler tray, Garden Trading.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION Kitchen A built-in bench is a great space-saving solution for an informal dining area. Similar dining table, The Cotswold Company. Chairs, John Lewis & Partners. Clock, Thomas Kent. Cushions, Sam Wilson.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
23
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION
What we most love about living here… ‘It’s five minutes’ stroll to the pub, but we’re also in the heart of beautiful walking country with The Cotswold Way on our doorstep’
Bathroom The freestanding bath adds a contemporary touch. Bath, Bathstore. Walls, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Dimity. Stool, Cox & Cox. Tile floor mat, Porcelanosa.
24
Country Homes & Interiors
Cat’s office Bespoke cabinets provide plenty of storage. Cabinets, CJ Holmes. Blind fabric, Romo. Flooring, Karndean.
Hana’s bedroom The platform bed provides a fun place for Hana both to relax and to sleep. Bed, Indigo. Cushions; curtain fabric, both John Lewis & Partners.
Main bedroom The dark wooden bed was chosen to tone with the ancient beams. Sleigh bed, The Shophouse. Armchair, Loaf.
Guest bedroom Pops of soft blue make for a restful scheme. Bed, Loaf. Quilt, John Lewis & Partners. Table lamps, Cox & Cox. Chair, Lloyd Loom.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
25
GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILL CONVERSION
*
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit… ‘Kiftsgate Court Gardens (01386 438777, kiftsgate.co.uk) near Chipping Campden, is a family-run garden famed for its roses, and Hidcote Manor Garden (01386 438333 nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote) is one of the best known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain.’
Shop at… ‘Sam Wilson (01386 841116, samwilsonstudio.com) in Chipping Campden is brilliant for vintage furniture and accessories, and don’t miss Toke’s Food and Drink (01386 849345, tokesfoodanddrink. co.uk) and Maylam’s Delicatessen (01386 840903), both in Chipping Campden, and David Moore butcher (438288, davidmoorefamilybutcher. com) in Mickelton.’ Go for a meal at…
FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
‘Family-run Michael’s Mediterranean (michaelsmediterranean.co.uk) serves fantastic, Cypriot-inspired food on Chipping Campden High Street.’
Country Homes & Interiors
27
" ! ! ! # # ! # ! # " # # ! ! ! ! ! #
ROOM IDEAS
Be inspired by
Cat’s kitchen-diner
Simple and elegant, this stool has a beautifully carved seat for comfort and a helpful rung to rest busy feet. Weathered oak bar stool, H81.5xW39xD36cm, £180, Cox & Cox.
Serve up milk, cream or savoury sauces in this pretty-as-a-picture, Derbyshire-made ceramic. Heritage Flagstone small jug, H12cm, £22, Denby.
Cat’s style secret… Design a space to suit your life – we love our island for quick breakfasts and coffee catch-ups.
Bring nature’s beauty into your kitchen with a mix of warm wood and soft green – it’s a look that works especially well in a room with views of the garden.
Paint your cabinets in this iconic green to create a fresh country feel. Cooking Apple Green estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.
Gather freshfrom-the-kitchengarden fruit and veg in this traditionally styled carrier. Wooden trug, H29xW42xD25cm, £17, National Trust Shop.
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Modern Country Classic Also known as a Sheila Maid in Britain, a creel in the North, or a pulley in Scotland, the ceilingmounted clothes airer was originally found in turn-ofthe-century houses, but is enjoying a resurgence in
This classic design allows you to control and change light direction with individual spotlights. EROS 4-light ceiling spotlight bar, H16x W80xD12cm, £69.60, The Lighting Company.
Laundry maid
today’s eco-conscious homes. Featuring a pulley system so it can be lowered and loaded before being raised to warmer air, it offers a space-saving solution for wash days when outdoor airing isn’t an option.
Where to buy…
• DeVOL for a beautifully
finished, solid wood design. •Cast In Style for airers in new French Grey, Smoke Blue and Stone Grey finishes. • Clothesmaid for airers and co-ordinating accessories.
Country Homes & Interiors
29
B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E C O U N T RY H O U S E
A New England look to love WEATHERBOARD WALLS AND WHITEWASHED INTERIORS HAVE BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO A FIFTIES HOUSE, TRANSFORMING IT INTO A RELAXED COUNTRY HOME WITH AN EAST COAST FEEL
Country Homes & Interiors
31
Snug Sue has combined a dark grey palette with soft pink highlights. A geometric rug and modular sofa inject a modern feel. Sofa, Ikea. Soft wool throw; geometric cushions, all Cox & Cox.
Hallway Lush drapes and flowers make the entrance feel warm and inviting. Porcelain floor tiles, Mandarin Stone.
With its weatherboard cladding, peak-roofed dormer
* AT HOME WITH... Owners Sue Blakeley runs her own interiors, garden and property renovation business (sueblakeley.com), and her husband Tony is a teacher. They live here with their adult sons, Charlie and Jack, plus dogs Meg and Ozzy, and cats Betty and Willow. House A Fifties country house with five bedrooms.
windows and Atlantic grey exterior paint, this house would look at home in a New England town on America’s East Coast. In fact, it’s tucked down a narrow track in a hamlet in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, close to Marlow and with views across open countryside. It’s home to Sue and Tony Blakeley, who spotted it three years ago when property renovation expert Sue was looking for a new project. ‘We’ve lived in the Buckinghamshire countryside since our boys – who are both adults now – were tiny,’ says Sue. ‘Our previous five renovations became family homes that we lived in over three decades. When we saw this house, with its paddock, the location and views were a big attraction.’ Inside, the decor was very dated, with dark brown carpets, lino floors and exposed brick walls. Still, Sue could see the house’s potential. It was a huge project that she had to fit in around her work commitments. ‘We lived through all the changes, escaping to our bolthole in France whenever it became too manic!’ Over the next three years, Sue reconfigured the layout and project managed the build. Plans involved
»
32
Country Homes & Interiors
B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E C O U N T RY H O U S E Living room Sue and Tony
What makes this house a home... ‘It gets so bright and sunny in here and we love using the outdoor space, too – it’s a real party house, perfect for entertaining’
have created an atmospheric space with dark grey walls. Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball. Cushions, Sam Wilson. Early Bird cup and saucer, Pip Studio at Amara.
Country Homes & Interiors
33
B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E C O U N T RY H O U S E Kitchen A reclaimed butcher’s block at the end of the island provides extra space for chopping and serving. Similar butcher’s block island, Vintage Corner Shop UK at Etsy. Organico bowl, Anthropologie.
34
Country Homes & Interiors
Dining area Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the stunning view and fill the space with light. Find a similar dining table at Neptune and similar chairs at Hicks & Hicks.
knocking through three reception rooms to create a spacious 100sq m kitchen-diner, which is filled with light from four double doors at opposite sides of the space, crafted by a local joinery company. Sue and Tony also created a snug at the far end, in place of the double garage that previously adjoined the kitchen. ‘The butcher’s block came from our lovely local butcher Nick, who was refurbishing his shop in West Wycombe at the time,’ says Sue. ‘I had the island custom-made out of quartz stone, so it’s the same width as the butchers block, and I’m a big fan of Neptune’s pantry cupboards. ‘There was a lot of wasted space in the loft, so we took the roof off and put in dormer windows on both sides to maximise the beautiful countryside views where there previously weren’t any,’ adds Sue. ‘This helped create the New England style, together with an insulated and weatherboard cladding exterior. Parts have also been rendered and painted grey, and we used reclaimed tiles and bricks to create a more aged appearance.’ In the living room, a wood burner, wall of books and walls painted in a dramatic punch of colour, with soft pink throws and scatter cushions, create a warm atmosphere. Upstairs, Sue chose a soothing, neutral backdrop for the bedrooms, adding pops of colour with accessories and
»
Kitchen The large central island doubles as a breakfast bar and food prep area. Bar stools, upholstered by Sue’s sister Kate Lock, at Arun Valley Upholstery. Country Homes & Interiors
35
Guest bedroom Sue recreated an idea she saw in a boutique hotel in Belgium with a painted timber-panelled wall. Pendant light, Garden Trading.
What we love most about living here... ‘In spring, we love the view from the kitchen of the avenue of white cherry blossom trees – they’re simply beautiful’
Guest en suite The panelled wall continues the Scandi chic theme. Berkeley floor tiles, Topps Tiles. Similar basket, Dunelm.
En suite bathroom Sue has created a chic scheme with a freestanding bath and marble tile walls. Centello tiles, Topps Tiles. Dorma rose silk blend towels, Dunelm. Soap dispenser, Cox & Cox.
Main bedroom Blossom pink accents introduce a touch of spring into this space, which overlooks the paddock. Scatter cushions, Sam Wilson. Faux flower posy, Gisela Graham. Walls painted in Ammonite, Farrow & Ball.
B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E C O U N T RY H O U S E
furnishings. ‘I’ve always loved the colour grey, it’s a calm tone to live with and I’m known for using a lot of it in my projects,’ says Sue. ‘I’m inspired by classic English design and French influences and I feel passionate about breathing new life into beautiful old buildings or neglected properties.’ The garden was largely a blank slate when they arrived, with a few raised timber beds and an overgrown field at the rear. Sue has designed a traditional parterre garden at the front, with clipped box hedging, box balls and olive trees. ‘The front is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a coffee or a G&T as it catches the last of the evening sun,’ she says. The raised lawn area near the orchard and paddock at the rear is surrounded by mature trees and open countryside. Here, Sue has designed an alfresco dining area, with a Big Green Egg barbecue, lanterns and furniture from her own garden collection. Sue and Tony also enjoy spending downtime at their holiday home in the Dordogne, where Sue is fond of attending local brocantes to hunt out French-style pieces for her projects and her home. But, despite her busy work schedule, Sue always finds time to enjoy her own home and garden with friends and family. ‘What I’ve really loved about this project is that I’ve been able to install so many sets of glazed doors to bring the outside in.’
Exterior French doors lead from the kitchen-diner and snug to Sue’s beautifully designed parterre front garden featuring shrub borders, box hedging and olive trees. Country Homes & Interiors
37
B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E C O U N T RY H O U S E
*
ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘West Wycombe Park, the beautiful English country estate of the Dashwood family, and historic West Wycombe village, where the streets are lined with cottages and inns dating back to the 16th century, all maintained by The National Trust (nationaltrust.org.uk).’ Shop at… ‘Big Sky (01494 866208, bigskygtmissenden.com) in Great Missenden for eclectic homeware and gardenalia. I love supporting our local farm shop Lacey’s (01494 881979, laceysfamilyfarm.co.uk) and Jane Adams (01923 264463, janeadams. co.uk) for floristry and garden supplies.’
Go for a meal at… ‘The Mash Inn
Exterior A layer of loose stones makes a low maintenance solution for outdoor seating areas. For similar garden chairs, try Primrose; for a similar outdoor table, Heal’s. 38
Country Homes & Interiors
FEATURE NATALIE FLAUM PHOTOGRAPHS PENNY WINCER
(01494 482440, themashinn.com) in the village of Radnage. It serves amazing food cooked on a gauchoinspired grill in an open-plan kitchen, surrounded by beautiful views of the Chiltern Hills.’
ROOM IDEAS
Be inspired by
Sue’s living room Give New England style a contemporary nudge with monochrome upholstery on classical furniture. Give your sofa setup some serious squish factor with this luxurious featherfilled linen and cotton softie, which features a pretty floral repeat pattern. Pink clover cushion, 46x46cm, £41.95, Sam Wilson.
Welcome a touch of classy (and glassy) designer style on your console table with this statement design. Edina glass table lamp and taupe silk shade, H64xW41xD41cm, £199, Houseology.
Sue’s style secret…
Dare to take your interior to the dark side with this dramatic grey, for a look full of heritage mystique. Down Pipe estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.
Create cosy contrast in a moody scheme with soft scatterings of blush cushions and layered throws.
Reproduced from original town plans and hand-drawn in ink, this smartly framed, striking geographical wall art is abundant with graphic appeal. City plan Paris print, H58.6xW73.6cm, £168, Neptune.
Gloriously grainy with shapely ‘horse hoof’ feet and a waisted top, this table is inspired by the wooden daybeds and meditation seats used in old China. Coffee table, H45xW80xD80cm, £595, Shimu.
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Modern Country Classic Louis XV-style chair With comfortable curves in all the right places, these elegant designs date back to the 1700s when Louis XV’s reign aligned with the intricate ornamentation of the Rococo period in Europe. Telltale characteristics include
rounded seat backs with decoratively carved wooden frames and angled cabriole legs and feet. Modern designs honour this iconic silhouette, offering painted finishes and quirky upholstery options for a little extra flair.
Where to buy…
•Out There Interiors for old-meets-new designs. •Oficina Inglesa for a stunning collection of handcrafted pieces. •Swoon for pared-back, modern adaptations.
Country Homes & Interiors
39
An artist’s retreat
WHEN PAINTER LUCY DAWSON MOVED IN WITH OLLY HACKETT, HER CREATIVE TOUCHES MADE A PICTURE-PERFECT HOME TO SHARE
Exterior The Grade II-listed 16th-century cottage is situated at the heart of a pretty Suffolk village. For similar exterior wall paint, try Off-White by Farrow & Ball.
S U F F O L K C O T TAG E
Dining area A light and bright area has been created by opening the ceiling up to the beams and adding a skylight. Classic farmhouse furniture blends in with the beams and reclaimed Suffolk floor bricks. Table and chairs, TW Gaze. Runner and seat cushions, Bella Art. Find similar pendant lights at Pooky. Bar storage unit, EmZo. Country Homes & Interiors
41
Kitchen Soft blue Shaker-style cabinets add subtle colour. Harvey Jones kitchen cabinets are a match. For a similar cabinet paint, try Cabbage White by Farrow & Ball. Blue fish plate, Adnams.
Kitchen The ladder is used as a place to store books. The stoneware jars were found when digging the floors.
This is such a beautiful place,’ says artist Lucy Dawson. ‘I was brought up here in Suffolk and I love the nature and wonderful skies. I went to university and then off travelling, but I came back to Suffolk and appreciated living here even more. It provides a lot of inspiration for my country-themed artwork.’ Lucy lives in a quaint 16th-century cottage on an idyllic village high street with her partner Olly Hackett. They have Olly’s parents to thank for introducing him to the village. Ten years ago, they bought a house here and Olly liked visiting the area so much, he snapped up the cottage next door when it came up for sale four years ago. ‘Olly loved the people, the village and the atmosphere. It’s such a nice community here,’ says Lucy. She was living nearby and knew the village well when she moved in with Olly two years ago. ‘I loved the cottage,’ she says. ‘It’s cosy and full of character.’ Olly had already done a lot of work on the building before he met Lucy, gradually renovating the cottage over a three-year period. It needed a new roof and heating, and he was keen to re-introduce period character as the previous owners had boxed over many of the old features, including the beams. ‘One of Olly’s uncles is a talented architect who helped him come up with a plan for
»
42
Country Homes & Interiors
*
AT HOME WITH... Owners Lucy Dawson is an artist and founder of Bella Art and her partner Olly Hackett is an offshore worker. They live here with Lilly the cat.
House A Grade II-listed, 16th-century cottage with three bedrooms.
S U F F O L K C O T TAG E
Living room Lucy has introduced some of her nature-inspired cushions for a pretty touch. Sofas, find similar at Wayfair. Coffee table, The Barn. Blue chair, restored and painted by Lucy; for similar paint, try Farrow & Ball's Borrowed Light; cushions; Partridge painting, by Lucy Dawson, all Bella Art.
Office Lucy has adapted one of the bedrooms so that she can work from home. Table, chair and filing cabinet are auction finds. Lampshade and paintings, all Bella Art. Desk lamp; camera lamp, both Bulldog Vintage.
S U F F O L K C O T TAG E
Living room A woodburner adds a rustic touch. Hare painting by Lucy Dawson, Bella Art.
adjusting the layout,’ explains Lucy. He designed an open-plan kitchen-diner, removing the ceiling in the dining area to open the space up to the beams for added wow factor. He also brought more light into the front of the house by knocking through part of the wall between the living room and hallway and replacing it with new vertical oak beams that are now a stunning architectural feature. A utility and cloakroom were also added. Upstairs, the beams were exposed and new bathrooms installed, with Olly adding an en-suite shower to the main bedroom. It might seem there was little more for Lucy to contribute, but she helped add the finishing touches to the cottage when she moved in. ‘It was a little sparse at first,’ she laughs. ‘There weren’t any doors!’ Lucy’s artist’s eye can be seen in the combination of simple decor and creative design ideas that give the cottage its unique character. She used a white and offwhite backdrop to show off the beams and exposed brickwork. ‘I tried to keep the interior light throughout as it works with the accessories. We wanted the cottage to have a fresh and airy feel and the neutral colours are in keeping with the country look.’ The kitchen, with its soft blue/grey cabinets, reclaimed Suffolk floor bricks, exposed brickwork and bold blue
Lilly the cat makes herself at home.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
45
S U F F O L K C O T TAG E Main bedroom Painted and wooden furniture teamed with mix-and-match fabrics creates a classic country feel. Kingfisher, fern and feather print cushions; lampshades, all Bella Art. Throw, EmZo. Blind fabric, John Lewis.
46
Country Homes & Interiors
*
ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘Framlingham Castle (01728 724922, english-heritage.org.uk) is a lovely castle steeped in history, while Framlingham itself has great independent shops and nice pubs, plus a good market. And you may even spot Ed Sheeran!’ Shop at… ‘Wow Vintage (01502 722211) in Southwold is full of treasures and vintage finds.’
Go for a meal at… ‘The Dennington Queen (01728 638241, thedenningtonqueen.co.uk) in Dennington is a lovely 16th-century pub that serves delicious food and great real ales.’
FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
Aga built into the fireplace is Lucy’s favourite room. ‘We both enjoy cooking and socialising. Everyone gravitates towards the Aga.’ The dining area is the perfect space for entertaining friends and family and Lucy and Olly have created an eclectic feel by fixing tree branches into the ceiling. ‘We saw the idea in a hotel and loved it,’ says Lucy. ‘The branches are also great at Christmas and Easter when we can decorate them for a festive feel.’ Meanwhile, vintage ladders have been fixed horizontally across the walls on either side of the room and are a quirky way of displaying books. Not surprisingly, many of the fabrics, accessories and soft furnishings in the cottage come from Lucy’s own country-themed range. ‘They’re inspired by the wildlife we see around us. I’ve painted animals and wildlife for the last eight years then moved more into interiors two years ago, creating fabrics based on my watercolour designs. They’re in neutral tones and are great for adding subtle colour and pattern to a room.’ Lucy has also converted one of the bedrooms into a workroom she can use when she’s not at her studio. ‘It’s lovely to be able to work from home in idyllic surroundings.’
Bathroom A tongue and groove bath panel injects a country feel to the monochrome scheme. Floor and wall tiles, B&Q. Rug, bought in Greece.
What we love most about living here… ‘The sense of community, as well as having amenities on our doorstep like the butcher and baker’
Hall Part of the wall was knocked through to filter more light into the cottage. Table, made by Olly with a cast-iron sewing machine base from an auction. Lamp, Bulldog Vintage.
ROOM IDEAS
Be inspired by
Lucy’s bedroom Scatter loveliness around with this enchanting countryside design, handmade in the UK from original artwork, in heavyweight cotton with a feather-filled insert. Fern and butterfly cushion, 40x40cm, £45, Bella Art.
Is it magic?! Add a quirky touch with this unique twisted rope stand and rustic wood-effect base... Nautical rope table lamp, H59xDia16.5cm, £21.99, The Range.
A soothing palette of eucalyptus and washed-out blues works beautifully in a bedroom to create serenity, renewal and calm. Layer-up the softness factor with this relaxed weave that blends coloured wool with fringe detail. Doublesquare geometric throw, L185xW140cm, £89.95, Bronte by Moon.
Animate your walls in captivating, painterly fashion... Heather Hare limited edition print, H21xW14.8cm, from £30, Bella Art.
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
Lucy’s style secret… Take inspiration from wildlife and woodland to transform your space into a rural idyll.
Generous in height and featuring an intricate pattern, this is the perfect choice to display a fresh burst of leafy lushness and flowers on a bedside table. Vaso cylinder vase, H29xW11.5cm, £9.59, Country Baskets.
Walk barefoot across knotted stories of texture, rich colour and homespun character... Serre-Chevalier antique oak flooring, £153.90sq m, Urbane Living.
Modern Country Classic Gustavian-style cabinet Featuring a painted, slightly distressed and faded patina, this pared-back Swedish style is an ever-popular choice for country homes, owing to its rustic and provincial appeal. Elegant bedside designs made
from solid wood include details like column carvings, turned legs and aged drawer pulls. Modern updates embrace the pale Nordic palette, adding simplified silhouettes and practical storage options.
Where to buy…
•Oka for authentic-style
cupboards, chests or tables. •Chelsea Textiles for handmade pieces. •La Maison Chic for classically inspired contemporary updates.
Country Homes & Interiors
49
W E S T S U S S E X R E C T O RY
The icing on the cake BAKE OFF ’S MIRANDA GORE BROWNE AND HER HUSBAND EDWARD FULFILLED A DREAM BY TRANSFORMING A THIRTIES RED-BRICK RECTORY INTO A GEORGIAN-STYLE FAMILY HOME
50 Country Homes & Interiors
Hall A painting of the surrounding landscape makes a calming focal point. Painting, Rachel Redfern. Round table found on eBay, painted in Mid Grey, Little Greene.
Living room Miranda has introduced symmetry with the sofas and added faded floral fabrics. Bespoke sofas, Balmain & Balmain. Curtain fabric, Hatley Rose by Cabbages & Roses. Rabbit cushion fabric, Hip Hop by Peony & Sage.
If there was an award for the most dramatic house façade transformation, it would surely go to Miranda and Edward Gore Browne. ‘We simply couldn’t find a Georgian property within our budget, so we decided to create a lookalike,’ says Miranda, who readers may remember for her appearance on The Great British Bake Off. What they won’t have seen is her talent for doing up houses, which she and Edward have honed over the years. ‘This is the fourth house we have renovated together,’ she says. It all began when Miranda was taking a walk with her son, Thomas, and noticed a breathtaking view of the South Downs from the boundary of a Thirties rectory in a pretty West Sussex village. ‘I discovered the house overlooked the church where EH Shepard, the original illustrator of the Winnie-the-Pooh books, is buried. My children love Winnie-the-Pooh and one of my passions is bringing children’s literature alive by making recipes inspired by the stories, so I was instinctively interested.’ Miranda and Edward’s first attempt to buy the Old Rectory failed. ‘Then, three years later, the house went on to the market without us noticing,’ says Miranda. ‘Happily, a friend alerted us.’ Having already viewed dozens of houses without finding their Georgian forever home,
»
52
Country Homes & Interiors
*
AT HOME WITH... Owners Miranda Gore Browne, TV chef and cookbook author who runs The Kitchen School (mirandagorebrowne.co.uk) and her husband, Edward, who heads up a firm of investment managers. They live here with their children, Thomas, 13, Eleanor, 10, and Henry, six, and moved here in 2010.
House A five-bedroom Thirties rectory.
W E S T S U S S E X R E C T O RY
Boot room An old Rowntree’s Chocolate sign makes a fun statement. Find antique advertising signs at loveantiques.com
Kitchen This is where Miranda runs The Kitchen School, hosts creative workshops, makes videos and develops new recipes. Cabinets, Chalon. Bar stools painted in Middleton Pink, Farrow & Ball.
What makes this house a home... ‘Happy times, good food and making new memories with family and friends’
W E S T S U S S E X R E C T O RY
Country Homes & Interiors
55
W E S T S U S S E X R E C T O RY
Dining area Pink stripes create a cheerful atmosphere in this sociable space. Similar mugs, TG Green. Tablecloth, Susie Watson Designs.
Exterior The patio makes the perfect spot for alfresco entertaining. Striped Cornishware, TG Green.
they put in a bid, despite the offputting dark red brick façade and surrounding forest of 100ft Leylandii trees. With typical enthusiasm, they began collecting practical design ideas. ‘We must have leafed through dozens of books on Georgian architecture and found many more ideas in interior design magazines and web pages,’ says Miranda. Local architect Tom Freeborough helped them deliver their vision. ‘The house was originally built in the Thirties by the church to be rented by the local vicar, and was fairly characterless and basic. Inside was a warren of small dark rooms with tiny windows.’ The couple began by opening up vistas from the house, taking down the Leylandii trees and brambles, which obstructed the view of the South Downs and the pretty 16th-century church. Next, they commissioned local woodman Ben Law to build a treehouse that kept the children happy while the builders took the house apart. Most significantly, they re-orientated the house by adding an extension, with three tall arched Georgian windows and a door onto the garden. This became the new kitchendiner – now the most loved room in the house. ‘This was a major success,’ says Miranda. ‘It has become the heart of my work life, and as a family we really live in this room. The arched windows cost a fortune but they fit
This zesty lemon and poppy seed cake is taken from Miranda’s recipe book Bake Me A Cake As Fast As You Can.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
57
Main bedroom A brass antique bed adds period charm and Miranda has enhanced the country feel with a rose theme. Cabbages & Roses Hatley Rose bedlinen, John Lewis. Walls painted in Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball.
58
Country Homes & Interiors
*
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit… ‘West Dean Gardens (01243 818210, westdean.org.uk) near Chichester. We love to potter around the kitchen gardens and smell peach buds in the Victorian glasshouses. We sit by the pebble bottomed stream, picnicking and having a lovely time.’
Shop at… ‘Stuff & Co (01730 817658, stuffandco.co.uk) in Midhurst has an array of vintage home and interior accessories.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Anchor Bleu (01243 573956, anchorbleu.co. uk) in Bosham. We love to sit on the terrace, with the tide lapping on the wall, eating huge plates of fish and chips, and enjoying the fresh sea air and views of the water, boats and ducks.’
FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN PHOTOGRAPHS ROBERT SANDERSON
perfectly and introduced the Georgian style we wanted.’ Several elements, such as the tumbled limestone floors, were chosen to simulate the look and feel of an older property, and old wooden doors were sourced from a local reclamation company. All the doors are different sizes and the openings were built to fit them. Gradually, what had been considered one of the most unattractive façades in the village was transformed. The red brickwork was rendered, a Georgian-style front door and porch installed and new rectangular sash windows were repositioned. To further achieve the authenticity of an 18th-century property, Miranda even blocked up a ‘window’ next to the front door. ‘Not a real window, of course,’ she explains, ‘but a reminder of the 18th century window tax that forced some owners to block up a window. It is a great touch and fools many people.’ Having spent most of their budget on the build, as well as good quality curtains and beds, Miranda worked her magic on the interiors by shopping at car-boot sales, junk shops, flea markets, eBay and Ikea. An eclectic mix of old signs and paintings gives the home character and, together with the time-bending renovation, adds up to the perfect ingredients for a showstopping house.
W E S T S U S S E X R E C T O RY
What we love most about living here... ‘The light, space and lovely surrounding countryside, with the sea, beach and harbour so close’
Exterior Miranda’s vegetable garden is circled by lupins, sweet peas and hollyhocks.
" ""
ROOM IDEAS
Be inspired by
Miranda’s dining area
Dressed for everyday dining in a relaxed linen slip, this elegant piece will blend effortlessly into any setting. Echo dining chair, H100xW42xD65cm, £284 each, Oka.
Enjoy bringing the beauty of the garden to the table throughout every season with this gorgeous hand-tied posy. Romantic artificial bouquet, 70cm, £65, Wyld Home.
Miranda’s style secret…
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS ROBERT SANDERSON
Position a table close to an outside view to create the illusion of year-round alfresco dining. Indulge in a touch of kitsch decor and create a country fete bake-off look and feel with blossoming pennants of ditsy, springtime patterns. Vintage floral cotton bunting, £12.95, Rex London.
Enjoy tea time all day long with this softly coloured, handmade and hand-painted classic pottery design. Carnival stripe straight mug, col pink, H7.5xDia9cm, £18.50, Susie Watson Designs.
Choose a palette of gentle rose across relaxed ticking stripes, for the best of classic country pattern in an on-trend, modern colour update.
Beautifully honed to a soft lustre, but remarkably functional in any space, it’s the perfect choice for a quintessential flagstone floor. Carnforth Warton honed stone flooring, L50xW75cm, £64.90sq m, Fired Earth.
Modern Country Classic Rocking chair Swaying back and forth in a nod to nostalgic Americana, iconic gliders originated in the early 18th century. Traditionally associated with nurseries and porches, these laid-back designs provide the ultimate perch to relax
and while away the hours in a meditative, watch-theworld-go-by state. Forever a favourite in country homes, modern adaptations honour traditional craftsmanship through simplified shapes for wide-range appeal.
Where to buy…
•Heal’s for old school
classics in designer updates. •The Cotswold Company for old-fashioned rustic charm. •Cult Furniture for midcentury inspirations in a variety of upholstery.
Country Homes & Interiors
61
SEASONAL LOOKS
SPRING PROMISE Blossom, blooms and new beginnings‌ celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring with styling ideas and easy makes inspired by the latest floral fabrics and wallpapers
PAPER YOUR POTS Wrap potted bulbs and owers in pretty wrapping paper. Perfect for gifting, or for covering plastic pots to make a pretty display. See page 68 for details.
62
Country Homes & Interiors
BRING A BENCH TO LIFE Throws and cushions soften an old seat, surrounded by flower-filled upcycled containers decorated for Easter. Top it off with a rustic wreath: wrap a wire or moss ring with hay and secure flowers with florist’s wire. See page 68 for details.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
63
TAKE TIME FOR TEA Celebrate the season with hot cross buns and a piping-hot pot of tea, on a properly laid table. A mix of painted and natural furniture brings a modern edge to wildower wallpaper and vintage-look linen, cushions and curtains. See page 68 for details.
SEASONAL LOOKS
LAY THE TABLE Try this… Stick a lovely label to a hard-boiled egg and write a pretty place card or an Easter message. Finish with a scattering of spring flowers. See page 68 for details.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
65
SEASONAL LOOKS
DREAM OF WILDFLOWERS Rest your head on a mixed bouquet of cushions and pillows. A shared palette of sophisticated pastels and plainer pieces gathers the posy of prints together. See page 68 for details.
66
Country Homes & Interiors
SAY HELLO TO SPRING A hallway tableau of beautiful bulbs creates a fragrant welcome home. Change the display with the seasons. For now, it’s all new life with the birds and the bees on ower-strewn china plates. See page 68 for details.
Country Homes & Interiors
67
SEASONAL LOOKS
All the details
PRODUCTS AND PRICES PAPER YOUR POTS
Floral gift wrap, £1.60 a sheet, CG Design Studio Shop at Etsy. Sass and Belle flower gift tags, £1.99 for six, eBay. Twine, from £4 a spool, Nutscene. Natural blown quail eggs decorations, £5.70 for 12, Pipii. Hay, available from local farm shops. Green crate, £37.20, Ligneus. Spring bulb plants, from a selection at Dobbies.
BRING A BENCH TO LIFE
Painted bench, £180, Packhouse. Bird box, £25, National Trust Shop. ON BENCH Galvanised bucket, £30, Lavender & Leeks. Green lantern, £14.99; scalloped edge plant pot, £16; vintage green watering
Pages 64-65
TAKE TIME FOR TEA
Walls, in Emma, £85 a roll, Sandberg Wallpaper. Curtain, made in Vattenmynta, £5m, Ikea. Hebden oak dining table, from £1,085; Suffolk white dining chair, £235; Wardley oak dining chairs, £300 each; Elgin rug, from £600, all Neptune. Grey dining chair, £89, Barker and Stonehouse. Hambledon plate shelf, £135, Garden Trading. ON TABLE Wimpole Meadow Grass tea towel, £6; Wimpole Meadow teapot, £30, both National Trust Shop. Scalloped edge plant pot, £16; metal and glass container, £15; glass bottles, from £2 each, all Packhouse. Silves glass bottle vase, £22, Barker and Stonehouse. Bees jam jar, £13.50; bees side plates, £12.50 each; bees dinner plates, £18 each, all Sophie Allport. Luxe recycled green glasses, £4 each, French Connection
Pages 66-67
DREAM OF WILDFLOWERS
Curtains, made in Field Study Green, £52m, Jacqueline Milton. Botanical floral bedlinen, £45 for a double set, Sainsbury’s Home. CUSHIONS, front to back, from left: Vattenmynta blue floral pillowcase, £15 for a double duvet set including two pillowcases, Ikea. English Oak Green cushion with trim, from £45, Pippa Blacker. Flora cushion, £38, French Connection Home. Busy Bee cushion, col Dove, £49.95, Jacqueline Milton. Allium velvet cushion, col pink blush, £45, Rockett St George. Lavender Path Red with pom-pom trim cushion, from £45, Pippa Blacker. Cushion, made in Arabella Heather on White, from £45, Pippa Blacker. Side table in ash and walnut, £555, Another Country. Wooden slats table lamp, £150, French Connection Home. Wimpole Meadow Grass milk jug (as vase), £10, National
68
Country Homes & Interiors
can, £45, all Packhouse. Cushion, made in Rose Garden Green, £52m, Jacqueline Milton. Cushion, made in Arabella Sunset on Natural, £55m, Pippa Blacker. Wimpole Meadow Grass cushion, £25; waffle throw, £40, both National Trust Shop. ON FLOOR Vintage galvanised watering can, £37.50; blue wooden planter, £18; vintage small watering can, £30, all Packhouse. Galvanised dish with handles, £25, Lavender & Leeks. Painted wooden crates, from £37.20 each, Ligneus. Terracotta plant pots, from £12 each, Neptune. Floral gardening gloves, £2, eBay. Easter decorations, from a selection at Pipii. Plants, from a selection at Dobbies.
Home. Birds nest decoration, £6, I Gigi. Napkins and cushion (on white chair), made in Field Study Green, £52m; cushion, made in Apple Blossom Green, £52m; Busy Bee rectangle cushion, £52.50, all Jacqueline Milton. ON PLATE SHELF Vintage plate, from £18, Heart Vintage. Bees jug, £16, Sophie Allport. Recycled green glass bottle vase, £8, Flint. Wimpole Meadow Grass milk jug, £10, National Trust Shop. For similar postcards, try Etsy.
LAY THE TABLE
Table, as before. Bees dinner plate, as before. Bloomingville botanic side plate, £12, HomeSense. Manhattan brushed gold cutlery set, £49.50, Marks & Spencer. Napkin, made in Arabella Heather on White, £55m, Pippa Blacker. Flower tag, 32p, Bag of Tags at Etsy.
Trust Shop. Bees mug, £11.50, Sophie Allport. Green pom-pom throw, £39.99, Packhouse. Pink mohair throw, £95, Barker and Stonehouse.
SAY HELLO TO SPRING
Vintage wooden display cabinet, £275, Sunbury Antiques Market; lined with Arabella Green on White fabric, £55m, Pippa Blacker. Flower press, £9, Sainsbury’s Home. Black Rabbit print, £12, Thistle Moon Studio at Etsy. Hyacinth bulbs and vase set, from £6 each, Dobbies. Bird nest decoration, £6, I Gigi. Terracotta plant pot, £6, Packhouse. Handmade bunny egg cups, £8.50 each, Lucy and Jane Ceramics at Etsy. Green enamel jug, £8, Closet & Botts. Let Love Grow screen print, £30, Basil & Ford. Hanging glass frame, £16.95, Rex London. Vintage plates, from £18 each, Heart Vintage. Decorations, as before.
FEATURE/ART DIRECTION SARA BIRD STYLING SELINA LAKE STYLE ASSISTANT SARAH PRALL PHOTOGRAPHS DAN DUCHARS
Pages 62-63
* % , #% ' - * % / ,'%)" 0,)%/0, !% &% *)"' ) - *!% -&% -& ,- * ,%)"/*) + # .** 2 ,'%)"- * # '- % .*2 )) //- % &*2 4'*,- % &* +,% *%+- '# ! ' - **&0 !% .*% ++ /*'' ,- - 4 - -- *+ &% &% ,& , /*) #*0- / *# 2 ' 3 ) , ''%- 0,)%/0, (+*,%0( !*$!% $ *)"' ) - &)% ++ '"% &+-&% & /*, *! &.+ -/ ,- 0,)%/0, *!+-&# ,& 0,)%-# ,- *&. -2 **2 %''% - * ! ,/#0, ' 2 ''4) )&%)- *#!+# - 4- +- * # , (+/*) *0- 0,)%-# ,- #!- *& # &' /*)- *( , ) &# +- * /! ' - * *' # -/ , *! " &0 ## # + - * ,% &#*2 '' *#!% -&% ,& , /*) #*0- * 2 *)"' ) - &% +- * , ,*/# ,- .% / ,'%)" .% *$#!% #*(-*)- *,' * 0,)%/0, .$ *! + , *0,- !% .* ,/%) ,*-/ # !% ) ,-*) )"' ) 1 - * /*) ( ) *2& , .# $ &% &% ,'%)"- * # '- - + ,& , /*) #*0- # + &0 *,, -/ 0,)%-#%)" # + &0 / ,'%)" 0,)%/0, *!$+ 2 * %)-*) 0,)%/0, . *%+ 2 *+ 0,)%-#%)" .!# &* ,& , /*) #*0- **& - (%/#- # %)& % , ,- !% "# 2 0' 2 , - )/ ,%*,- &#- & , ) ,) ,- &/ ,& , /*) #*0- .## ,& , /*) #*0- %/ *% ++ %''% - %/ *% ++ / ,'%)" 0,)%/0, %/ *.*! ) ,-*)- +# & ! - 4'%-- **/# !#$ *%& " )) #%''- !% + *! / , // ,% " % * + &*&. ,& , /*) #*0- $!% -&% ' # ,/*)- + ,& , /*) #*0- ! +- * )"/*)- !% &#% # 2 !/ *'&&# -& ,- $ %)/, # %! #& + , ) 0,)%-# ,- # + # ,%"#% % ) #% #/ *% #0 , *( *" - * &*&. 0,)%/0, * / !#-&% 2% + *," ) %' , &%-*&+ 0% &- &* $ 0,)%/0, #+&% ) ' %'' " %'' 0 +-# ,& , /*) #*0- 0-&% &- , -/%" 0,)%/0, &*- %-+ *- & - !* + 3/0, )/ ,%*,- &*0! ,,*' - &--!% $ ,& , /*) #*0- *- %''% - !% $ 0& #0,-/ !% 0&& 0,'*)" 0,)%/0, #!+ .*2 4'*, 2 # *)- *, * 0+ .*2 ' ) , &#! .## # ,/*)- &.- + -%") *0- - # %+ ,'%)"- * # '- - $ &* / ( *, , ) )/, -* - &* .'&% /&% *( * /# * -* - % +-&% .' * * %1%)" *( - 0 %+ ,/#0, ' 2 ''4) )&%)- +! ,& , /*) #*0- 0" + .*2 1%'%*) ,* 2 4 !##! &.#-*2 / ,'%)" 0,)%/0, .% *! ##+ **+ ,- #- $ *&++ %-#+**'- !% +- * -%") *0- !% +&* )% '- &* +- * *''*2 4 *( , ) 0,)%/0, &/!# # ' , ( ,4 &*" ,*2)-
000(- -* ( &(."
T H I N G S T H AT M A K E U S G O O O H !
EASTER TABLE WE’VE SELECTED THREE SPRINGTIME TRENDS THAT BRING A FRESH LOOK TO CONTEMPORARY ENTERTAINING. WHICH SETTING WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Modern rustic Create a deliciously simple arrangement with handblown glass and wood platters. The finishing touch? Gathered branches – real or faux – decorated with glass eggs for a festive centrepiece.
Picot detail napkins, £25 for four; glass cloche, £45; olive wood oval bowl, £85; olive wood large platter, £55; stoneware small vase, £28; stoneware large vase, £50; Easter egg decorations, £20 for six; pussy willow branches, £38 for five; artificial wild flower spray, £12; artificial maiden hair fern spray, £16, all The White Company.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
71
& #.' ## &' #& & #.' ## '
1$-1- (,,1$$ ///% ! % #%. ! # % #%. $(")
+ ! 0 . & ' # +# &
T H I N G S T H AT M A K E U S G O O O H !
Casual china Don’t save your prettiest china for best. These flora and fauna patterns, inspired by native British meadows, make teatime a relaxed occasion.
Camelia tea light holder, £5; Wimpole Meadow Grass range: small vase, £6; large vase, £8; milk jug, £10; pitcher, £18; teapot, £30; mugs, col Navy and Raspberry/Duck Egg and Mustard, £9 each; napkin, £8 for two; Frith Sculpture bronze Garden Birds, £22 each, all National Trust Shop.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
73
T H I N G S T H AT M A K E U S G O O O H !
Pressed glass
Pressed glass cake stand, £20; galvanized mirror tray, £20; pressed high ball glass, £18 for four; pressed wine glasses, £18 for four; pressed glass dessert dish, £10 for two; pressed champagne flutes, £18 for four; Aurelia dinner set, £45 for 12 pieces; vintage style cutlery set, £25 for 16 pieces; pressed glass cake plates, £14 for four, all Next Home. 74
Country Homes & Interiors
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Textured, colourful glassware is a look we’ll be seeing a lot more of. For an update on shabby-chic style, layer pastel glasses and plates on soft linen and add flower stems in pretty bottles.
B[Whd Z[i_]d \hec _dZkijho _di_Z[hi
?dj[h_eh WdZ ]WhZ[d Z[i_]d Yekhi[i jWk]^j m_j^ _dZkijho fWhjd[hi$ AB9Éi ^_]^ b[l[b e\ YedjWYj ^ekhi WdZ YWh[[hi ikffehj ]_l[ j^[ X[ij lWbk[ \eh ced[o$ IjkZo Wj :[i_]d 9[djh[" 9^[bi[W >WhXekh eh Edb_d[ \hec ^ec[$
=ee]b[ ki0 AB9 BedZed
A[l_d CY;m[d ?dj[h_eh :[i_]d[h WdZ 9ekhi[ B[WZ[h e\ :_fbecW >; ?dj[h_eh :[i_]d
Å I^ehj 9ekhi[ Å 9[hj_ÒYWj[ Å :_fbecW Å <ekdZWj_ed :[]h[[ Å 87 >edi
C O U N T RY T R E N D
Let’s talk...
THE NAPERY
Wimpole Meadow Grass napkins, 42x42cm, £8 for two, National Trust Shop.
GRASS SILHOUETTES
THE LIVING WALL
Charlotte’s Garden wallpaper, £69 a roll; Daisy Meadow tote bag, £24, both Hannah Nunn.
Wild meadows and untamed grasslands are bringing free-spirited inspiration to home textiles and accessories. This look is all about a relaxed and rustic lifestyle abundant in natural simplicity, space to grow and freedom of thought. Think dancing-in-the-breeze grasses, scattered seed heads and delicate flora and fauna, outlined in intricate motifs and striking silhouettes in neutrals, highlighted with sun-kissed or moonstruck organic tones. It’s a seasonal scheme shake-up as timeless as ticking dandelion clocks.
THE CLOTH
Meadow’s Edge screenprinted linen fabric, in six colourways, £66m, Angie Lewin at St Jude’s.
THE JOURNAL
Cow Parsley mini notebook, H14.8xW10.5cm, £2.80, Charlotte Macey.
LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… @
THE WALL ART
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Cow parsley plaster-cast tile on wood, H28xW12xD1.5cm, £60, Fiona Gray Designs at Notonthehighstreet.com.
Displaying a trail of tall, individual stemmed grasses in handcrafted ceramics. Place them along the dining table for an informal Easter lunch setting. @ A spring guest room update with elegant bedlinen capturing layers of feathery grasses in contrasting colours. @ Papering your walls with a dreamy design of grasses, cow parsley and dandelion clocks to create a space full of calm and serenity.
THE CHINA
Somerset Meadows jug, H21xW11cm, £48, Julia Davey.
THE PLATTER
Handmade Meadow pressed-flowers plate, Dia17cm, £15.84, Embe Ceramics at Etsy.
THE FAUX FLOWERS
Silver Saltmarsh stem, £8, Abigail Ahern at Debenhams.
THE BEDLINEN
Blowing Grasses duvet cover, £55 for a double; Oxford pillowcases, £15 each; throw, £75; cushion, £40, all Clarissa Hulse.
Country Homes & Interiors
77
1
Look up for added light Arching majestically towards the sky, roof lanterns add an impressive design feature. Compared to modern, flushfitting skylights, the classical style can also prove more harmonious in country homes. ‘Go for the largest possible design – cooking in natural light is so much more uplifting and a large roof lantern will draw in sunlight from dawn until dusk,’ says Andy Barette, creative services director at McCarron & Co.
80
Country Homes & Interiors
KITCHEN IDEAS Bespoke Hampton kitchen, from £35,000, McCarron & Co.
10
light-filled
kitc e e te sions
PUT SPARE OUTDOOR SPACE TO GOOD USE BY BUILDING A LARGER, BRIGHTER KITCHEN, MARRYING MODERN DESIGN WITH FEATURES THAT COMPLEMENT A COUNTRY SETTING
Country Homes & Interiors
81
Bespoke Architectural kitchen, from £35,000, Martin Moore.
2
Focus on layout ‘A conservatory-style extension can enhance the flow between house and garden, but large expanses of glass require a resourceful layout,’ says Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore. ‘Position fixed units against the original walls, reserving the new space for freestanding furniture.’ Here, an L-shaped island provides maximum storage space and a sink area.
82
Country Homes & Interiors
KITCHEN IDEAS Urbo kitchen, from £35,000, Roundhouse.
3
Make modern work
Bespoke Shaker-style kitchen, from £25,000, Naked Kitchens. David Salisbury Joinery builds similar conservatories, from £35,000.
‘It’s tempting to go for a traditional kitchen when extending an old building, but the sleek lines and on-trend dark colours in this design play a clever contrasting role against the honey tones of the original stone wall,’ says Jonny Morris, designer at Roundhouse.
4
Go for a classic conservatory A painted timber-frame conservatory was built across the rear of this coastal home, adding much needed dining space and glorious garden views. ‘The island unit has been positioned to give the chef an interesting view that changes with the seasons,’ adds Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens. Country Homes & Interiors
83
Linear kitchen, from ÂŁ18,000, Harvey Jones.
5
Blur the boundaries Achieving a successful transition from existing property to new addition can be one of the hardest aspects of planning an extension. Here, the cabinetry has been harnessed to create a smooth-flowing connection between old and new. The ergonomically-designed L-shaped island unit crosses the threshold of the original external wall, boosting the open-plan feel of the ground floor. Make sure the walkway between rooms is at least 90cm wide, to prevent a bottleneck effect.
84
Country Homes & Interiors
KITCHEN IDEAS
Manhattan kitchen, from £30,000, Mowlem & Co.
Bespoke kitchen, from £40,000, Extreme Design.
6
Get gardenparty ready This extension features bifold doors that open the space to the garden, great for summer parties. ‘Position a generous worktop area near the doors to serve dishes within easy reach of guests,’ says Jane Stewart, design director at Mowlem & Co.
7
Select sunsafe surfaces A glazed-roof kitchen extension requires cabinetry materials and finishes that won’t suffer under the direct glare of the sun. ‘Natural timbers are prone to bleaching in excessive sunlight, so we recommend laminates, which are more resilient,’ says Marcello Cuconato, creative director at Extreme Design.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
85
8
Soften the modernism
Swathes of Crittall-style glazing may be de rigueur, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to beat the simpler charms of classic French doors to make a cavernous extension feel more homely. Here, the traditional glazing bars on the extension doors are echoed on the cabinets, backed in mirrored glass to help bring the verdant greenery from the garden indoors.
Âť
86
Country Homes & Interiors
KITCHEN IDEAS Macassar kitchen, from £50,000, Smallbone of Devizes.
Country Homes & Interiors
87
KITCHEN IDEAS
9
Harmonise sharp angles
Manor House kitchen, from £25,000, Middleton Bespoke.
88
Country Homes & Interiors
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS (5) DARREN CHUNG; (6) JAKE FITZJONES; (7) MATT CLAYTON; (9) POLLY ELTES
When designing a lean-to extension with a pitched roof, consideration is needed to create a balanced look that’s not overpowered by the unevenness above. This extraction canopy was painted to match the walls, preventing it from drawing attention to the different angles. ‘A strong colour at eye-level also helps to concentrate focus on the symmetry of the furniture below,’ adds Jasper Middleton, design director at Middleton Bespoke.
10
Make every inch count
Glasshouse-style glazing strikes the perfect industrial note in this side extension, which turns a redundant passageway into valuable living space. The owner, a chef, designed a practical layout that focuses on efficiency. Embracing the original Bath stone wall prevents precious cooking space being wasted on wall cladding.
The Sebastian Cox kitchen, from ÂŁ15,000, deVOL.
Subscription invitation YES I would like to subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors: UK Annual Direct Debit: Pay only £29.99 for 12 months, saving 48% (full price £58.40) UK 1 year cheque/credit or debit card (12 issues): Pay just £32.99, saving 43% (full price £58.40) UK 2 year cheque/credit or debit card (24 issues): Pay just £60.49, saving 48% (full price £116.80) Overseas readers can save up to 37%. Visit magazinesdirect.com/24AB for all prices.
YOUR DETAILS Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr
Subscriber benefits
Forename
Surname Address
Postcode
Enjoy the luxury of home
Home tel (inc area code)
delivery every month
Mobile phone number Email address By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy available at www.ti-media.com/ privacy. Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Country Homes & Interiors and other brands within the TI Media Limited Group by email, post, telephone and/or SMS. You can unsubscribe at any time.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO Please fill out both the recipient’s details below and your details above. To give more than one subscription, please give address details on a separate sheet.
Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr
Forename
Surname
Save money on the shop price Never miss an issue Get exclusive rewards for subscribers every month
Address
Postcode
CHOOSE FROM THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY 1. I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to TI Media Limited, for the amount of £ ..................... 2. Please debit my Q Visa Q MasterCard Q Amex Card Number
Monthly extras, exclusive to subscribers. for free to get and join Rewards ed offers, Subscribe today agazine. Hand-pick m ur yo m fro e or even m izes.† and unmissable pr unique giveaways .co.uk. rs io er nt di homesan rewards.country
Expiry Date
_
Signature
Date (I am over 18)
3. UK Annual Direct Debit: Pay only £29.99 for 12 months (UK only)
Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit
3 easy ways to order
For office use only. Originator’s reference - 764 221 Name of bank Address of bank
Online at Postcode
magazinesdirect.com/24AB
Account name Sort code
Account No
By calling Instructions to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Magazines Direct Ltd Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Magazines Direct and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank or building society.
Signature
0330 333 1113 Please quote code 24AB
Date (I am over 18)
SEND COMPLETED COUPON TO: UK: FREEPOST TI Media Limited (No stamp needed – UK only)
Please keep me up to date with special offers and news just by email from carefully selected companies. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Offer closes 30th April 2019. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. £29.99 payable by annual Direct Debit. This price is guaranteed for the first 12 months and we will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). The full subscription rate is for 12 months (12 issues) and includes postage and packaging. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. +The Rewards scheme is available for all active print subscribers of magazines published by TI Media Limited, free of charge. Full terms and conditions are available at mymagazinerewards. co.uk. Digital subscribers also get access as long as the subscription has been purchased directly through the publishers at magazinesdirect.com. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday Saturday 8am 6pm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.
XCH CODE: 24AB
Overseas readers please call +44 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday–Saturday from 8am to 6pm UK time.
By post, using the coupon on the left
Spoil mum with a subscription to her favourite magazine
from just £29.99
Save up to
48% THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE. This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Magazines Direct will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you UHTXHVW 0DJD]LQHV 'LUHFW WR FROOHFW D SD\PHQW FRQÆ&#x201C;UPDWLRQ RI WKH DPRXQW DQG GDWH ZLOO EH JLYHQ WR \RX DW WKH WLPH RI WKH UHTXHVW ,I DQ HUURU LV PDGH LQ WKH SD\PHQW RI \RXU Direct Debit, by Magazines Direct or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Magazines Direct asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your EDQN RU EXLOGLQJ VRFLHW\ :ULWWHQ FRQÆ&#x201C;UPDWLRQ PD\ EH UHTXLUHG 3OHDVH DOVR QRWLI\ XV
Modern country classic... PLATE RACKS
KEEP FAVOURITE DINNERWARE AND CERAMICS OUT ON SHOW WITH THESE PRACTICAL KITCHEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Bright charm
Create a practical focal point that’s full of personality with this unique, hand-cut, stainless steel gem of a rack. Mighty plate rack, col white, H79xW107xD25cm, £240, Stovold & Pogue.
92
Country Homes & Interiors
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
1
M O D E R N C O U N T RY C L A S S I C S
2
Utilitarian elegance
4
Made from iron with a contemporary black, powder-coated finish and wirework details, this industrial-inspired piece is the perfect storage solution for any modern country scheme. Its generous proportions make it ideal for large families. Industrial style wall unit, H84xW110xD28cm, £225, Cox & Cox.
3
French fancy
Featuring a distressed painted finish with a natural limed wooden top and pretty carving to the upper fascia and sides, this feminine rack has a shabby chic look and feel, ideal for country schemes. Lyon wall mounted plate rack, col cream, H83xW70xD24cm, £104.95, Melody Maison.
Clean and simple
Provide ultimate kitchen organisation and give a lonely wall purpose with this clean and simple, raw oak crafted design. The wooden dowels in the top shelf ensure that plates are stored neatly and securely, while the lower shelf is just the place for keeping all of your mugs, jugs or glasses. Hambledon oak plate shelf, H60xW80xD12cm, £135, Garden Trading.
5
6
Artisan appeal
Welcome classic good looks and make your crockery a key feature of your scheme with this display and store champion. With plate racks on two tiers, plus a handy bottom shelf to store mugs and bowls, this little clever clogs holds more than you’d first think and is available in two sizes. Plate rack, H80xW58-65cm, from £195, Susie Watson Designs.
Keep your plates in easy reach while adding a farmhouse aesthetic with this mango wood cabinet, which can be easily cut to fit existing cabinetry. Artisan plate rack, H67xW46xD25cm, £109.95, Roseland Furniture.
8
Timeless choice
Wash up with words
This practical and fun wall-mounted rack provides extra housing for growing crockery collections and doubles as a dish drainer. Wooden plate rack, H49xW26x L50.4cm, £125, Emma Bridgewater.
7
Space saver
The neat and tidy pick for smaller spaces, this buttermilk-hued cutie can either be wall-mounted with hooks on the bottom, or placed on a worktop with items stacked on the top shelf. Minack plate rack, H35xW54xD20cm, £30.99, Hazelwood Home at Wayfair.
9
Dishy display
For crockery too beautiful to hide away, proudly show it off with this hand-crafted, solid oak unit. You could even use it to store and display your favourite cookbooks. Witham oak plate rack, H100xW80x D11cm, £178, Rowen & Wren. Country Homes & Interiors
93
FLOOR TILES STYLE ROOMS FROM THE BOTTOM UP, WITH PATTERNED FLOOR TILES IN BOLD, EYE-CATCHING DESIGNS
DURABLE, EASY TO CLEAN AND SIMPLE TO LAY, PATTERNED FLOOR TILES COMBINE style and substance
for a brilliantly practical statement look. There’s no better way to add colour to high-traffic rooms. WITH SO MANY DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM, SELECTING THE RIGHT TILE FOR YOUR HOME CAN SEEM
overwhelming. Narrow down your search by considering the overall look you’re trying to achieve, taking into consideration the size and style of the room and the amount of light. As a general rule of thumb, the more striking the pattern, the more neutral the rest of your scheme should be, allowing the floor to take centre stage. When it comes to trends, encaustic tiles are enjoying a revival, while geometric designs remain very popular. A classic monochrome scheme is timeless and great for creating a sense of space, whereas Moroccan-inspired patterns make a colourful impact, best paired with earthy shades for a cosy feel. For something a little more contemporary, go for a geometric tile, but try to choose subtle tones that won’t clash with a country scheme. FOR LONG-LASTING APPEAL, YOU MIGHT WANT TO GO FOR MORE NEUTRAL COLOUR COMBINATIONS as
they are unlikely to date as quickly. Most tile shops let you buy samples on the spot, so you can take them home before ordering. Be sure to look at them in natural light to see the true shade, as they can appear very different under artificial lighting. Also take into consideration tile finish. The two main choices are glazed and matt. The former can be polished to a shine and works well with bright, colourful tiles, whereas a matt finish lends itself to a pared-back, more rustic look. ONCE YOU’VE MADE YOUR FINAL DECISION, YOU’LL NEED TO CALCULATE THE AREA TO BE TILED CAREFULLY
before ordering to avoid any unnecessary costs. Measure the height and width of the area in metres and multiply together, then add on 10 per cent extra to allow for cutting and breakages. If the room has doors and windows, calculate their area and simply subtract from the total. 94
Country Homes & Interiors
Laura Ashley Wicker charcoal ceramic tiles (33.1x33.1cm), £34sq m, British Ceramic Tile.
ROOM ELEMENTS
CH&I
LOVES
*
Laura Ashley Artisan white and charcoal wall tiles (15x7.5cm), £64sq m, British Ceramic Tile.
Chatsworth porcelain tiles (20x20cm), £50sq m, Tile Giant.
2 1
Cottage charm
Patterned floor tiles will break up a neutral room. If your kitchen is modest in size, choose a small-scale design that complements your wall tiles, so the floor becomes the focal point without overpowering the space. Featuring one of Laura Ashley’s prints in a charcoal matt finish, this feminine design is perfect for a country cottage. ‘Hard wearing and easy to install, these tiles work well with underfloor heating and are waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms,’ says Claire O’Brien, head of design and product at British Ceramic Tile.
Set in stone
A subtle stone effect on durable porcelain works well in country kitchens, creating a rustic feel without sacrificing warmth underfoot. Tone down the effect of a busy pattern by keeping to a classic grey-and-white colour combination. The Chatsworth collection from the new Homes & Gardens range at Tile Giant features five classic vintage-inspired patterns, distressed to give an aged charm on floors (and walls, too). It also includes two plain grey tiles for contrast, used here to create a chic border around a kitchen island.
»
DESIGN TIP WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING YOUR TILES CLEAN, MOST MANUFACTURERS OFFER A GUIDE OUTLINING THE BEST PRODUCTS TO USE – AND ANY TO AVOID. NOT ALL TILE TYPES ARE STEAM MOP-FRIENDLY, SO DO CHECK FIRST. FOR STUBBORN STAINS, TRY SPECIALIST BRANDS SUCH AS LITHOFIN (LITHOFIN.CO.UK).
Country Homes & Interiors
95
Amberley Orchid tiles (45.2x45.2cm), £69.99sq m, Topps Tiles.
96
Country Homes & Interiors
3 Back in time
Encaustic-style tiles are traditionally associated with the Victorians, who made them the height of fashion, yet this delicate design with its muted colour palette offers a more modern, lived-in look. ‘The floral pattern repeats across large 45x45cm ceramic tiles, creating a lovely sense of space when laid,’ says Sian O’Neill, head of marketing at Topps Tiles. ‘Combined with soft neutral tones and traditional bathroom fixtures, it offers a nod to quintessential English design while remaining simple and uncluttered.’
ROOM ELEMENTS
3 OF THE BEST...
Brooms
Spitalfields ceramic retro star black tiles (45x45cm), £48sq m, Artisans of Devizes.
ACHIEVE THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FORM AND FUNCTION WITH THESE NEAT DESIGNS The dustpan doubles as a stand for this beech brush. Long-handled dustpan and brush, £25, Garden Trading.
This is so hard wearing, it can be used outdoors, too. Swedish broom, £21, Objects of Use.
4 In the stars
The earthy, handmade appearance of these tiles makes them perfectly suited to busy family homes – a bit of dust simply adds to their appeal. Natural patina and muted tones complement the charm of uneven walls and period features in older properties. They’re practical to lay, too. ‘These tiles have a pre-scored line, which can be grouted to give the appearance of four smaller tiles, but with much less work,’ says Hamish Smith, creative director at Artisans of Devizes.
A curved handle makes for easy storage. Sojirushi Japanese hanging broom, £85, Trouva.
5 Focal-point flooring
Room design by Cave Interiors. For similar tiles, visit cement-tiles.com.
Add an element of decorative grandeur to a classic country bathroom using a strong-patterned floor tile alongside a plain wood-effect design. Here, a luxurious freestanding copper bateau bath has been given star treatment by tiling a feature area beneath. This creates a ‘rug-like’ effect, which draws the eye and gives the room a beautiful focal point. It’s a cost-effective solution, too – plain floor tiles tend to be less expensive than patterned ones. Avoid a clash by using similar tones throughout the scheme and choose a neutral paint shade for the walls.
»
Country Homes & Interiors
97
ROOM ELEMENTS
6
Fake it
Wood-effect tiles are a great way of adding a natural feel to flooring – and thanks to advances in inkjet technology, they’re almost indistinguishable from the real deal. Durable and water-resistant, they’re a practical choice when it comes to rooms where timber isn’t recommended, such as bathrooms. We love this parquet-style design from Walls and Floors. ‘We’ve used pastel shades and a soft, faded finish to reflect light, transforming any room into a bright, spacious and relaxing place,’ says Louisa Charlotte, head of creative design.
DESIGN TIP BADLY ALIGNED TILES WILL BE OBVIOUS, SO IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO CREATE A FLOORING PLAN ALONGSIDE YOUR BATHROOM OR KITCHEN LAYOUT. THINK ABOUT Archaic painted wood-effect ceramic tiles (60x60cm), £26.95sq m, Walls and Floors.
A chequerboard-tiled floor is a traditional feature of many country homes. ‘The embodiment of style and opulence, this iconic tiling style takes its inspiration from period properties built around 1860 and is as popular as ever today – a true testament to its timeless quality,’ says Jane Addis, Original Style’s new products and design manager. Stick to a black-and-white palette, which will work well in both classic and modern schemes.
Combine chequerboard flooring with dark-wood units, plain metro wall tiles and utilitarian-style stools for a contemporary twist. 98
Country Homes & Interiors
WILL FALL IN RELATION TO CABINETS AND APPLIANCES.
Victorian floor tiles (10.6x10.6cm), £89.44sq m, Original Style.
FEATURE TARA KING
7Check mate
WHERE THE GROUT LINES
PI^M aW] [MMV \PM TQOP\' LMKWZI\Q^M TQOP\QVO NZWU XWWSa KWU
*6)) )286= 83
" + ( * ( ( " " - '). , - % ')) , ## # ( * " $( " ). ' $. (" # ( # # #( $ " *( *# - *" -!# ## " " * " " , - - * ( *" ( ( * # " ("- ( ( " #( +
HOME TECH
Choose the best...
WASHING MACHINE
FROM STAIN-BUSTING TO APP CONTROLS, THE LATEST MODELS TAKE CARE OF THE LAUNDRY WHILE YOU GET ON WITH THE REST OF LIFE
1
Removes stains at 20°C; Active Care NM111045WCA, £469.99, Hotpoint
Best for
SMART-HOME ADOPTERS
WWV 980 WPS, £2,199, Miele Like to control your home from your phone? This innovative machine (H850xW596xD643mm) connects to an app so you can set the wash cycle wherever you are. On the machine itself, a sleek touch interface makes selecting options easy, and the Wash Assistant mode recommends the best programme for each load. There's also a Stains option, which specially treats up to 23 different types of mark.
2 Best for
BUSY FAMILIES
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
Over the last few years, washing machine technology has gone from strength to strength, with clunky designs replaced by quieter, more efficient models. With so many options available, start your search by working out which programmes you need – do you like laundry done quickly? Do
you own a lot of clothes made from delicate fabrics? You’ll also need to take into account the dimensions of the model, as bulky door surrounds and front casings are often not included in the measurements. Double check these before you buy, so you know it will fit into your room.
DID YOU KNOW? YOU SHOULD ALLOW FOR AROUND 70MM EXTRA DEPTH WHEN MEASURING YOUR MACHINE, TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN SAFELY ACCOMMODATE YOUR WASTE PIPE AND WATER INLET PIPES.
WW90K6610QX, £699, Samsung Samsung’s latest machine (H850xW600xD600mm) boasts a nifty AddWash feature, which lets you drop anything extra into the wash during the cycle – ideal for those last-minute spills. With two drums instead of one, washing is faster, with a cycle working out at about 50% quicker than the previous model. Ecobubble technology mixes air, water and detergent to penetrate fabric for faster cleaning even at low temperatures.
3 Best for
KEEPING THINGS FRESH
FWD91496W, £399.99, Whirlpool The new model from Whirlpool (H845xW630xD595mm), introduces the FreshCare system, which slowly massages fabric and adds injections of steam, keeping clothes fresh and odour-free for up to six hours after the cycle has finished, meaning there’s no rush to empty the machine. The 16 programmes include Duvet, which is also perfect for any other down-filled pieces, including cushions and anoraks. Country Homes & Interiors
101
The countr y decorator
BRUSH UP YOUR PAINT SHADES FROM RICH GREEN TO SUNSHINE YELLOW, WE'VE SELECTED THE TRENDING PAINT COLOURS THAT WORK BEST IN COUNTRY SCHEMES
RICH GREEN
1 The hue that heralds the arrival of spring, green is the pick of the paints this year. Shades from the darker end of the colour chart, such as Little Greene’s Jewel Beetle, are beautifully suited to period country properties as they are sympathetic to high walls and character features. Painting the window frames white is a clever way to draw the eye to the room’s natural source of light.
Walls, Jewel Beetle absolute matt emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L; ceiling, Pique absolute matt emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L, both Little Greene.
DESIGN SECRETS Stair risers, Moonlight Bay, Powder Blue, Stepping Stone and Teal; banisters, Chalky White, all £14 for 2.5L matt emulsion, Crown.
Wall, Clocktower chalky interior matt, from £25 for 1L, M&L Paints.
2
SOFT GREY
2 Off-whites and gentle greys have a timeless
3
4
quality, but choosing the right tone is vital to retain a homely feel. ‘The Clocktower shade is ideal as it has a subtle undertone of yellow, exuding a natural warmth that complements traditional materials such as wood and stone,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ‘It keeps a room feeling fresh without looking cold.’
T RU E B LU E S
3 Spring sky shades are everywhere this season. Painting risers in tonal shades is a clever trick for making stairwells feel light and spacious. ‘Darker colours visually bring walls inwards, so use these on the bottom steps to anchor the scheme. Build up the spectrum, extending the lightest shade from the top step on to the walls and skirting for a balanced look,’ says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant.
BRICK RED
4 For an architectural feel in a kitchen or utility
Wall, Lady Bug claypaint, £40 for 2.5L, Earthborn.
room, add visual impact with a rich terracotta. ‘We developed Lady Bug in line with this season’s red revival,’ says Cathryn Helsby, marketing manager and colour expert at Earthborn. ‘It’s best paired with peachy neutrals to ground its fiery character.’ Use it on an accent wall, with pale stone worksurfaces, rustic accessories and metallic finishes. Country Homes & Interiors
103
DESIGN SECRETS Wall, By the Seashore Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings range, £28 for 2.5L, Valspar. Wall, Spiced Honey matt emulsion, £27.56 for 2.5L, Dulux.
6
7
5 Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2019 is Spiced Honey,
HONEY HUES
a cosy caramel shade that’s perfect for adding warmth to country bedrooms. ‘Inspired by colours seen in nature, from seasoned woods and soft leathers to earthy baked clays, this versatile shade complements any scheme, for a welcome alternative to traditional neutrals such as grey and white,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
SEASHORE TONES
6 With lifestyles becoming busier, we’ve seen a rise in popularity for uplifting paint colours. ‘This transforms interiors into fresh, vibrant spaces to revitalise the mind, body and soul,’ says Jason de Kauwe, marketing manager at Valspar. ‘By the Seashore’s cooler undertones evoke nature’s sense of rejuvenation, making it perfect for kitchens, halls or any room where you start the day.’
O R I G I NA L D E N I M
7 Combining serene grey with soothing blue, this rich hue was inspired by the most versatile of fabrics – denim. ‘Just like our favourite jeans, it’s timelessly fashionable and offers the perfect backdrop to any scheme,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘For added drama, use across large-scale wood panelling in estate eggshell – its smooth, silky finish is ideal for woodwork.’ 104
Country Homes & Interiors
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS (2) ANGUS PIGOTT, (3) JOHN DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Wall, De Nimes estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.
5
SU N S H I N E Y E L L OW
8 Associated with positivity and happiness, sunshine yellow is a key colour for the times, and a particularly uplifting choice for family rooms. Bold and bright by nature, it makes a strong statement, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to strike the right balance with the rest of the room to avoid it becoming overwhelming. Sandersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ming Gold sings beautifully across panelled walls here, toned down by whitewashed floorboards, wooden furniture and crisp painted woodwork.
Wall, Ming Gold active emulsion, ÂŁ43 for 2.5L, Sanderson. Country Homes & Interiors
105
P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E
THE NEW NEUTRALS
DISCOVER NEW DEPTHS AND DIMENSIONS IN EARTHY TONES WITH SUBTLE PATTERNS AND TEXTURES – IDEAL FOR INCORPORATING ONTREND SHADES INTO YOUR COUNTRY HOME
(From top, left to right) Kinect Natural Light tile, £42.96sq m; Sophia Dove Damask Grey tile, £15.75 each; Lustrum Electra Purple-Lavanda tile, £94.22sq m; Matrix Steel tile, £28sq m; Speculo Night tile, £130sq m; Hemline white tile, £44.89sq m; Split Face Elegant Grey Micro tile, £110.44sq m; Regal Etched Vanilla tile, £133.28sq m; Macrame Flint Cross Stitch tile, £78.75sq m; Macrame Flint Clover tile, £78.75sq m; Macrame Flint Diamond tile, £78.75sq m, all Topps Tiles.
106
Country Homes & Interiors
To see all of the new ranges at Topps Tiles, visit toppstiles.co.uk
*
Home notes The new
school locker
Chair, upholstered in Meadow fabric, £56m, Lorna Syson.
Putting the ‘fun’ into functional, this school-style metal locker combines storage with a punch of sunshine colour. It works great as an extra kitchen cupboard or pantry, or you could easily pair two together to create a larger storage cupboard for your home office or laundry room. This is the tall version in Mustard, H183xW35xD46cm, £199, Nordic House.
O U R FAV O U R I T E D E S I G N E R S
Perkins & Morley
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Jill Perkins and Jan Morley met more than 30 years ago, when they were both studying graphic design at Middlesex Polytechnic. Shared passions for art, design, travel and nature enticed them to Sri Lanka, where they created designs for a wooden toy manufacturer before turning their diverse design talents to tableware and giftware design. In 2010, the pair began work on their own brand with a series of original, design-led greetings cards, gifts and homeware. Tell us about your work… Our designs are very much based around the UK’s wildlife. Not only does Britain give us beautiful scenery and an immense variety of birds and animals, but there are talented craftspeople we can work with, too. We design and make everything here. What inspires you? The stunning valleys and fells of Cumbria and beautiful
Festival of flowers
coastline of Devon. What makes your designs so special? We like to think that our customers can appreciate the sense of wit in our work. What do you love most about what you do? There is nothing like seeing a design progress from a simple drawing to a real-life product… It’s wonderful! What’s next? New ideas, new techniques, and hopefully collaborations with some new makers. Perkins & Morley, perkinsand morley.com.
Blooming with joie de vivre, the bright and breezy Meadow collection by Lorna Syson will bring an uplifting spring-fling update to your home. Inspired by countryside walks with her dog, Jenkins, Lorna’s latest cushions, fabrics and lampshades feature wildflower favourites such as buttercups, cow parsley and wild geraniums in a riot of colours. Made from 100 per cent cotton, prices start at £50 for a cushion from John Lewis & Partners and Lorna’s website (from 1 March).
F R A M E YO U R V I E W Add personality to any room with Curtains 2Go’s inspirational new collection. We love the elegant Blakely Linen (shown) – a modern interpretation of a leafy English garden. Made-tomeasure curtains start at £28.45 for plain colours and £36.95 for patterns, and there are more than 350 colours to choose from. Country Homes & Interiors
107
GARDEN PLOTS & TOPIARY TALES
CLAIRE SPENDLOVE HAS TRANSFORMED A LONG, THIN COTTAGE PLOT INTO AN ACCOMPLISHED GARDEN OF ‘ROOMS’, WITH DELIGHTS AROUND EVERY CORNER
108 Country Homes & Interiors
LANCASHIRE GARDEN
The central ellipseshaped bed features topiary in the shapes of a heart, spade, club and diamond, inspired by the suits in a deck of cards. Country Homes & Interiors 109
The terrace outside the back door leads past homemade obelisks designed by Claire and made by John.
Warton, a small village near Carnforth in Lancashire, has
AT HOME WITH... Owners Claire and John Spendlove.
House Lancashire stone cottage, built around 1800.
Garden A garden of formal and informal ‘rooms’ of almost one-third of an acre, with neutral well-drained soil. Featuring year-round planting interest, topiary, a rill, vegetable garden, meadow, grass garden, hot and cool schemes, arbors and various seating areas.
an intriguing claim to fame. It is said to have been home to ancestors of George Washington, and their family coat of arms – on display in the local church – is believed to be the inspiration for the design of the flag of the United States of America. Here, on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooked by the wooded heights of Warton Crag, is an historic main street with buildings from different eras, including three pretty cottages from around 1800. One day in 2004, Claire Spendlove stood in the sunny back garden of one and knew that this was the right place to make a fresh start. ‘The cottage was small and needed renovation,’ she says, ‘but it had an enormous garden. It was very untidy, but a complete blank canvas.’ Claire knew she had the chance to create something special, and to fulfil her dream of creating and maintaining gardens for a living. But it would prove a challenge. The long and thin garden, about 60m long by 10m wide, was once part of a ‘burgage plot’ shared by all three cottages, giving the families that lived there a means to grow vegetables and fruit, raise hens and keep a shared pig. Claire decided to overcome the narrow layout by converting the space into garden rooms. ‘I didn’t have a plan for the entire plot at that stage, so it progressed a bit at a time,’ she says. ‘My initial thought was to get the area by the house right. I wanted a formal garden as an entertaining space – it’s a tiny cottage, so I needed an outside area to share with friends.’ In her previous garden, Claire had grown pieces of topiary from cuttings in heart, spade, diamond and club shapes, inspired by the suits of a deck of cards. In their new home, they became
»
110
Country Homes & Interiors
LANCASHIRE GARDEN
What we love most about this garden... â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The planting, which attracts so many different birds, butterflies and bees and creates a contemplative oasis of calm.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Country Homes & Interiors
111
This Lutyensstyle bench is painted lime green, to tone in with the planting.
Claire is pleaching the hornbeam hedge herself over many years.
Modern Country Classic
Pleached hedging the main design concept for the formal garden, which is quartered by paths into four box-edged beds, with a central ellipse. Nailing the shape of the formal garden was key. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is on a very slight slope, so I had to try to trick the eye to see it as flat,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Claire. The next room on the journey up the garden features coolcoloured flowers such as Nepeta â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and silver foliage plants including cardoons, with painted benches and the first of Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two greenhouses, where she raises plants from seed and coddles more tender specimens. Further along is the grass garden, which comes alive later in the season with a variety of ornamental grasses as well as bright blooms of late-summer perennials, including Verbena bonariensis and red hot pokers. Towards the end of the garden, Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shed is cleverly concealed behind a bulbous cloud hedge, and a path of stepping stones winds through a mini wildflower meadow. And that might have been it for Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden, had the chance not arisen in 2015 for her and her husband John to buy the cottage next door. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We bought the adjoining house to rent as a holiday let, which enabled us to join its 5m by 60m plot to ours, making the garden almost a third of an acre.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The couple set about creating more rooms on this stretch of new land, for themselves and guests, keeping the gardens divided except for a few gateways, so someone starting their journey from either cottage will naturally walk up one side of the plot and then down the other. The new rooms included a vegetable patch, a tranquil garden with pleached hornbeam hedges and yew domes, and a stunning contemporary water garden. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wanted a blade of light in the
Âť
112
Country Homes & Interiors
Screen an eyesore or increase privacy by pleaching a hedge like Claire has. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how... Ĺ&#x2DC; 3OHDFKLQJ LV PDQLSXODWLQJ KHGJH SODQWV DV WKH\ JURZ WKURXJK SUXQLQJ DQG WUDLQLQJ WR OHDYH VWHPV EDUH DQG UHWDLQ OHDI FRYHU LQ WKH WRS RQH WKLUG 7KH UHVXOW ORRNV OLNH D KHGJH RQ VWLOWV Ĺ?,W VFUHHQV GLIIHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH JDUGHQ Ĺ&#x2018; H[SODLQV &ODLUH Ĺ?EXW DOVR OHWV OLJKW LQ DQG SURYLGHV SULYDF\ Ĺ&#x2018; Ĺ&#x2DC; ,W FDQ EH GRQH ZLWK GLIIHUHQW SODQWV EXW KRUQEHDP LV D SRSXODU FKRLFH DV LW FDQ PDQDJH PRVW VRLO W\SHV DQG ZKHQ FOLSSHG UHWDLQV LWV EURZQ OHDYHV RIIHULQJ DOO ZLQWHU FRYHUDJH $OWKRXJK \RX FDQ EX\ PDWXUH VSHFLPHQV WKH\ DUH H[SHQVLYH &ODLUH UHFRPPHQGV SDWLHQFH Ĺ?, DP JURZLQJ PLQH IURP VFUDWFK IURP YHU\ VPDOO ZKLSV Ĺ&#x2018; Ĺ&#x2DC; 2QFH SODQWHG LQ D URZ &ODLUH VWDUWHG WR SOHDFK WKH ZKLSV IURP WKH ERWWRP FOLSSLQJ WUDLQLQJ DQG FKHFNLQJ HYHU\ \HDU Ĺ?, GR LW E\ H\H WDNLQJ RII WKH ORZHU EUDQFKHV WR OHDYH WKH VWHPV EDUH $W WKH WRS , PDNH VXUH OHDGLQJ EUDQFKHV JURZLQJ RXW WKH VLGHV DUH WUDLQHG LQ 7KHQ , JHW ULG RI DQ\ EUDQFKHV FRPLQJ RXW RI WKH IURQW RU EDFN Ĺ&#x2018;
LANCASHIRE GARDEN
What makes this garden so special... ‘We’ve created it together, in our own style, and now we can share our vision with friends and visitors’
A woven live-willow bower with stone seat offers a viewpoint while screening the greenhouse.
$& & # !*'
! " ! " # ! "
! " !
)))"$& ) ) #$" "(
LANCASHIRE GARDEN A rustic path of randomsized flagstones recovered on site leads to the shed, wildflower meadow and vegetable patch.
garden and I had always wanted a rill,’ she says. ‘The Brazilian slate paving gives a nice, clean effect and is a good foil for the blue and white planting, which changes throughout the year.’ Claire grew all the plants from seed or bulbs, or from cuttings over a period of years. The dry stone walls were rebuilt by John using recovered stone from around the garden. ‘We had to work with the materials we had available, and we use reclaimed materials as often as possible,’ she says. The pair also made their own wooden obelisks and laid paths of stone and brick. One set of garden features not found on site, but bought specially, are the large Greek pithoi-style pots that dot the garden. ‘They represent special occasions,’ Claire explains. ‘The first one was for my 50th birthday, and others were for our first and 10th wedding anniversaries.’ The pots are large and sculptural, acting as repeated focal points throughout the garden, and Claire also uses plants to draw people from one room into another. ‘There is always a little wow factor as you turn a corner,’ she explains. Tulips are the show stoppers in the spring months, but when they finish flowering, they are replaced with annuals such as salvias, scabious, Ammi majus and nigella, and by dahlias in late summer. And though the main design of the garden is complete, Claire adds and tries new things every season. ‘We never stop refreshing the planting and layout,’ she says. ‘I always tell people that this garden is a work in progress. Gardens never stop evolving, and it is wonderful to see it developing over the years.’ Explore Claire’s garden for yourself by staying in the holiday cottage, onezeronine.co.uk
ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit... ‘Cumbria’s Levens Hall (01539 560321, levenshall.co.uk) for the extraordinary and ancient topiary – it’s quite simply the most exquisite garden in the world.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The New Inn, Yealand Conyers (01524 805037, thenewinnyealand.co. uk), a stylish country pub with unpretentious bistro food using locally sourced ingredients.’
Shop at... ‘Atkinsons Coffee Roasters in Lancaster (01524 65470, thecoffeehopper.com) for the best coffee, beans and tea leaves in the Northwest.’
»
Country Homes & Interiors
115
LANCASHIRE GARDEN
1
2
3
Claire’s April all-stars 1 Tulipa ‘Spring Green’, a classic green-and-ivory favourite. 2 A relative of cow parsley, Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’. 3 The heart shaped leaves of Brunnera macrophylla. 4 Epimedium perralchicum, a good shade-lover. 5 Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ with its deep-red flowers. 6 The stunning blue of the bulb Camassia cusickii. 7 The nodding flowers of Trillium cernuum. 8 The delicate whites of Galium odoratum and Convallaria majalis. 4
116
Country Homes & Interiors
7
8
FEATURE STEPHANIE MAHON PHOTOGRAPHS FIONA LEA/GAP PHOTOS
6
5
C O U N T R Y H O M E S & I N T E R I O R S PA R T N E R S H I P
Fashion-focussed art RUNWAY GALLERY ARTIST BELINDA FRIKH TALKS ABOUT HER PASSION FOR DRAWING, INFLUENCES AND INTEREST IN THE FEMALE FORM wning a piece of art is as easy as clicking a button with Runway Gallery. This digital platform gives you the chance to snap up inspirational prints and designs for your home. Annecy-based artist Belinda Frikh is one of the gallery’s latest members.
O
When did you start drawing? For as long as I can remember, I was always drawing, much to the exasperation of my parents. I drew on anything and everything – cereal boxes, books, documents, letters from school complaining about me always drawing at school… Mon truc en plumes, As I hit my teens, £460, Belinda Frikh I began turning my work into a portfolio. At the or an iconic female figure, or a age of 12, I entered a character in a book. Then I trawl drawing competition in a fashion through magazines and cut out magazine and won second prize. and collect fragments to incorporate Later, I went on to study at L’École into my illustrations. This stage Supérieure d’Art in Annecy, then of the composition can take days the École d’Arts Appliqués in Lyon. until I’m satisfied. Finally, the When did you move to London? print is retouched by hand. I arrived in 1996, straight after my studies. It was supposed to Does fashion influence your work? be for three months but I ended Yes, definitely. I wanted to be a up staying for 21 years. I was fashion illustrator when I was instantly drawn to the buzz of a kid, then later on I worked as the city, the cultural heritage and an in-house illustrator for many the cosmopolitan feel. I’ve only fashion designers. In the past, recently moved back to France. I have worked for commercial clients like Bonds Australia, Topshop, MTV Describe your creative process and Levi, but I’m now working I often begin by drawing a figure with galleries, hotels and taking I’ve been inspired by, from a movie, on private commissions. 118
Country Homes & Interiors
What is it that draws you to the female form? When I visualise the female form, I see different codes of beauty – a wit, a certain mannerism, a unique imperfection, a look, a trailblazing attitude. I find these attributes in many women in literature, in strong cinematic female leads, and historical heroines.
What are you working on at the moment? I’m working on a special commission for a lady who lost her home during the California wildfires last year. She has lost everything, but then told me that what she needs most at this time is the artwork I did for her a few years ago. So she’s at the top of my list.
Buy artwork from Belinda Frikh and other artists at runway-gallery.com – a new digital platform showcasing contemporary art. Simply go online to browse the work of exciting artists, and select affordable and original pieces at the click of a button.
*
NEXT MONTH Artist and founder of Runway Gallery SYRETT discusses his thinking behind the new online platform and tells us all about his favourite artists and artworks.
I N A C O U N T RY G A R D E N SIMPLE DESIGN
ALL HEART
Apple bird feeder, H14xW9.5xD9cm, £8, Manufactum.
DID YOU KNOW? AVOID PUTTING OUT LOOSE PEANUTS, DRY OR HARD FOODS, LARGE CHUNKS OF
Plant stake love birds feeder, H119xW28xD16cm, £18, National Trust Shop
PERSONAL TOUCH
Customised bird feeder, H4.5xDia12cm, from £75, The Oak & Rope Company.
BREAD OR FATS DURING THE BREEDING SEASON (SPRING AND SUMMER) AS THEY POSE A CHOKING RISK FOR CHICKS.
BLEND IN
FEATURE LAURA VINDEN/HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPH (SARAH RAVEN) JONATHAN BUCKLEY
Dewdrop wild bird feeder, H21xW13x D12cm, £19.95, Sarah Raven.
A feeder
FOR THE BIRDS
MODERN EDGE
Urban bird feeder, H16xW16xD15.5cm, £28.50, Wiggly Wigglers.
BED & BREAKFAST
Larkin birdhouse and bird feeder, both H16x Dia22cm, £32 each, Rowen & Wren.
VINTAGE GEM
Enamel bird feeder, H11xW15xDia5cm, £8.95, Rex London.
SCANDI SCENE
Wildlife Garden bird feeder, H28xDia12cm, £23.95, Hus & Hem. Country Homes & Interiors
119
P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E Decorating with blue creates a feeling of tranquillity and calm. Juliette chair in Coniston Blue, £1,146.
Relax in the elegant Devonshire range of sofas and armchairs. Devonshire large two-seater pillow-back sofa in Bexley Smoke, £1,727; Devonshire armchair in Austen Stripe Dove, £1,080.
Sit pretty in heritage style THIS YEAR PARKER KNOLL CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF QUALITY SOFAS AND CHAIRS THAT COMBINE CLASSIC CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN COUNTRY STYLE ritish upholstery brand Parker Knoll knows the importance of comfortable seating. It all began in 1869 when Frederick Parker founded the company. He had been taught the trade by his cabinet-maker father – and later passed these skills on to his own sons. From humble beginnings in a simple London workshop, Frederick took pride in designing and manufacturing well-crafted, quality designs that boasted elegant proportions and supreme comfort. Fast-forward 150 years and these founding principles remain as strong as ever. Still produced in the UK, all Parker Knoll sofas and armchairs
B
120
Country Homes & Interiors
are handmade in Nottinghamshire by the finest craftspeople. The brand is committed to creating furniture of the highest possible quality, and the team has developed innovative construction techniques to deliver the very best designs that offer unprecedented levels of comfort and support. Parker Knoll’s core collections combine classic heritage style with up-to-date contemporary twists, and the range includes something for everyone. Looking to make a bold style statement with pattern? Turn to the Maison collection for a curated collection of floral prints and geometric waves on deep-seated sofas with beautiful
White leather updates this classic country shape. Amersham large twoseater sofa in Como Dove leather, £2,475.
scroll arms. Sleek, contemporary shapes make the Lifestyle collection perfect for modernising a country home, while the Classic collection offers a sophisticated spin on traditional manor house style. With 150 years of expertise going into each and every design, you’ll be enjoying your new sofa or chair for years to come.
*
To browse the full collection of sofas, chairs and footstools at Parker Knoll and to find your local retailer, visit parkerknoll.co.uk. Find inspiration on Instagram @parkerknoll
Make Life Lovely
FASHION, WELLBEING, ECO, PETS AND OTHER NICE THINGS
Make your garden beautiful Indulge in Petersham Nurseries’ new collection of terracotta pots, gardening tools and botanical stationery. Wander around the Richmond and Covent Garden shops, or buy online at petershamnurseries.com.
STAY PERFECTLY PUNCTUAL With the clocks springing forwards, the Flip Click Clock, £42, from Gingko at Notonthe highstreet.com will wake you up right on time. It’s sound and touch activated – click or clap to display the time. Tap the top to turn off the alarm, before leaping out of bed!
LOOKS A LOT LIKE SPRING!
Inspired by the bright blooms in the Japanese gardens of Iford Manor near Bath, the Floating Flowerhead skirt, £39.99, and Mia cardigan, £44.99, from Mistral, are spot on for those breezy yet sunny spring days.
FRESHEN UP Helping dogs keep on top of their teeth-cleaning routine, organic pet food brand, Lily’s Kitchen, has worked with an expert vet dentist to develop Woofbrush. The tasty chews are made from all-natural ingredients including fennel, parsley and coconut oil, and help to break up plaque for healthier gums, fresher breath and a happier pooch! From £1.20 each or £6 for seven. Country Homes & Interiors
121
HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS
3 REASONS TO LOVE…
HOME-MADE CLEANING PRODUCTS
1 IT’S BETTER FOR YOU. All-natural, toxin-free concoctions are healthier for you and safer for the planet. Those warning signs on store-bought products are there for a reason, after all. 2 IT’S COST-EFFECTIVE Most simple cleaning recipes require the same basic ingredients; many are found in the kitchen cupboard – combining just white vinegar and lemon juice can make a simple surface spray, for example. 3 IT’S EASY AND FUN TO DO Intimidated by the process? Don’t be! Simply measure, pour and mix… In just a few minutes you’ll have all sorts of sprays, soaps and liquids that’ll last for months on end. Feeling inspired? Read Natural Home Cleaning (£15, Hardie Grant Books) by Fern Green and learn how to make more than 100 allnatural products to keep your home sparkling clean.
Lay an unforgettable Easter table Host a celebration lunch to remember by dressing the table with gorgeous Easter finds, rustic linens and layered crockery in pastel shades. Painted eggshells make for a sweet keepsake, while hand-written place names offer a personal touch that’s guaranteed to make guests feel extra special. Habitat has similar crockery.
FINE SCENT Bring a touch of spring to your bathroom with the new bath and body collection from Sophie Allport. Choose from Hedgerow Berries, Neroli Lakes or Honey Spiced Lavender, all of which come in pretty packaging with Sophie’s signature illustrations. From £5 for a bar of soap. Country Homes & Interiors
123
HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS
Cups for keeps Did you know that the UK uses enough disposable cups per year to fill the Royal Albert Hall 1,000 times? This stylish infuser, £24, by GlobalWAKEcup is a great alternative. Made from sustainablysourced bamboo and glass, it keeps drinks hot or cold for up to an hour and has an infuser for loose leaves or teabags. Pop the kettle on!
UPCYCLE MUCHLOVED PIECES Discover how to breathe new life into old favourites on a full-day furniture painting course at Daylesford Farm in Gloucestershire. Through expert tuition, you’ll be taught basic upcycling techniques. The course is on 30 April and costs £125 per person (includes lunch and materials). Book at daylesford.com.
BUY BRITISH This quality bed manufacturer started life 40 years ago, when its first design was a waterbed made from recycled roof joists! It’s come a long way since then, no longer offering waterbeds but solid bed frames, hand-built using sustainable timber. We love the rustic Raj four-poster design available in oak, maple and walnut – a true statement piece. Prices start at £1,550.
3 OF THE LOVELIEST…
Gardening gloves
CELEBRATE NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK (25 MAY TO 2 JUNE) IN STYLE WITH THESE PRETTY PICKS
1
Top tweed
Crafted from soft yet hardwearing fabric, Burgon & Ball puts comfort first with extra padding and adjustable straps. Tweed gardening gloves, £17.50, John Lewis.
124
Country Homes & Interiors
2
English rose
The elegant linen cuffs on these handmade gauntlet gloves are ideal for protecting against stinging nettles and brambles. £27.95 from Annabel James.
3
Meadow magic
Untamed meadows and wildlife-rich grasslands are the inspiration behind this colourful Sutton Lane design, £16, from The National Trust Shop.
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS (NATURAL HOME CLEANING BOOK) DEIDRE ROONEY
The Natural Bed Company
E S C O RT E D WA L K I N G T O U R S
Walk & Discover: Slovenia & Lake Bled
Walk & Discover: Majestic Provence
Departs in September & October 2019 6 days from only £729pp. Price includes: Fall under the spell of Lake Bled and its fairy-tale island and pretty villages on a guided walk Explore picturesque Ljubljana on a guided tour and see why it’s nicknamed ‘Little Prague’ Discover the less-famous but equally stunning Lake Bohinj on a guided walk to the beautiful Savica Falls Watch an equestrian ballet by the famous Lipizzaner horses on a tour of the Lipica Classical Riding School Spot the Venetian influences in the captivating coastal town of Piran Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus overseas transfers Stays in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast A local specialist guide to accompany you on all walks The services of our experienced tour manager throughout
Departs in September & October 2019 8 days from only £999pp. Price includes: Experience the famous light of the Luberon Mountains on a guided walk Stroll around the stunning landscape around Mont Sainte-Victoire Take a guided walk through the Alpilles Enjoy a guided tour of Aix, the ‘City of a Thousand Fountains’ Learn about Arles’ Roman and Van Gogh heritage on a guided tour Discover medieval Avignon and hilltop Les Baux Visit the Camargue wetland, famous for its pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus overseas transfers Stays in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast and four dinners A local specialist guide to accompany you on all walks The services of our experienced tour manager throughout
Walk & Discover: The Italian Lakes
Walk & Discover: Florence & Tuscany
Departs in September & October 2019 8 days from only £1,129pp. Price includes: See quaint villages, ruined castles and colourful gardens on a guided walk around Lake Maggiore Take a walk with a specialist guide through the medieval villages around Lake Como and admire the elegant villas Enjoy a guided walk around Lake Orta, seeing lovely villages, such as Orta San Giulio, and a Moorish palace Cruise the enchanting Borromean Islands and tour the splendid Isola Bella palace with a guide Travel through the Simplon Pass to Zermatt and the Matterhorn Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus overseas transfers Stays in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner A local specialist guide to accompany you on all walks The services of our experienced tour manager throughout
Departs in September & October 2019 8 days from only £1,199pp. Price includes: Discover a less-visited ‘other side’ of Florence on an urban trek with a local guide Explore the breathtaking Tuscan countryside on a guided walk through the renowned wine region of Chianti Savour the spectacular scenery around the hilltop village of San Gimignano on a guided walk See Pisa’s incredible Leaning Tower and explore the medieval walled city of Lucca Marvel at the medieval splendour of Siena on a tour led by a local guide Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus overseas transfers Stays in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all A local specialist local taxes, with breakfast and four dinners guide to accompany you on all walks The services of our experienced tour manager throughout
*
*
*
*
*
* *
**
*
*
**
* *
*
** *
*
*
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd. ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print.
OUT AND ABOUT
The family’s much-loved heirlooms decorate the grand interior.
Guests can enjoy the surrounding nature by day, and comforting bedrooms by night.
A 16TH-CENTURY HUNTING LODGE IN SKYE
Kinloch Lodge
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
ESCAPE TO THE ISLE OF SKYE FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND CULINARY EXCELLENCE Set on the shores of Loch na Dal on the Isle of Skye, Kinloch Lodge has stood proud since the 17th century. First built as a farmhouse, Kinloch was later developed into a grand hunting lodge for the Macdonald clan in the 18th century. Steeped in more than 400 years of history and with touches of tartan and tweed throughout, the lodge feels cosy yet full of grandeur. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME The Macdonalds continue to run the lodge, and have made the atmosphere instantly inviting. Guests are encouraged to unwind in the drawing rooms, where they can sit surrounded by heirlooms. Service is offered with warmth and attention to detail that is
characteristic of the friendly ambience the hotel has worked so hard to create. Whether whiling away an evening in front of one of the log fires, or sampling limited editions at the dedicated Whisky Bar, this is a retreat where you can truly kick back and relax. DELIGHT YOUR PALATE Kinloch is a place for culinary indulgence. Lauded chef Marcello Tully oversees the destination restaurant, which is almost certainly the best in Skye. His inventive tasting menus draw from the island’s abundant produce and principally feature local seafood and wild vegetables. Budding gourmets will love the guided foraging tours by local experts who share their knowledge
of where to scout out mushrooms, sorrel, samphire and mussels. FILL YOUR LUNGS Set in spectacular seclusion on the south of the island, the lodge enjoys magnificent views and a true sense of calm. The grounds and surrounding area are ideal for walking and hiking, and Kinloch staff can also help arrange fishing and wild walks. Once back in the warmth of the lodge, there’s an indulgent selection of wellbeing treatments with which to unwind, before retiring to one of the cosy bedrooms for a restful night’s sleep. HOW MUCH? Double rooms start at £280 a night. Kinloch Lodge, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland IV43 8QY, 01471 833333, kinloch-lodge.co.uk.
Country Homes & Interiors
127
A subscription makes the perfect gift for
y a D ’s r e h t o M
Mother’s Day 31st March
£17.49
from just
Treat your Mum with a subscription to her favourite magazine.
Reasons to subscribe... Ɣ
Special savings
Ɣ
Never miss an issue
NEW! BEST FOR SKY&VIRGIN CLEA RER
Ɣ
Subscriber Rewards
New
Ɣ
Money back guarantee: cancel any time
Ɣ
Over 40 magazines available online
12 issues £29.99
12 issues £29.99
50 issues £47.49 12 issues £32.99
£60.55 SAVE £30
£52.80 SAVE £22
£63.94 SAVE £16
6 Christmas plant ideas s!
6
Great for decoration
Amateur
heathers to plant now
TV GUIDE
3 9 Novembe 2018
Only £1 99
£58.40 SAVE £25
CTICAL ADVICE SINCE 1884
This week! ut back potted dahlias ow to move a tree! rune fruit trees arvest leeks
Watchlist Your gu de to Netflix Amazon and more
NEW
OUTLANDER
Tap protectors tested
Jamie and Claire in the New World
How to cut pea sticks
PLUS
THE WALKING DEAD
Rick’s last stand in a must see episode
Po tias: t s for their care
Plant to help
Wildlife
BRITISH DRAMA
PREVIEW
12 issues £17.49
51 issues £58.99
51 issues £77.99
Let her choose... The Magazine Gift Card
£28.99 SAVE £11
£107.53 SAVE £48
£125.95 SAVE £47
just £35.00
Get better car parsnips
How your garden can help birds in winter
Anne’s tips on growing small trees
the line-up of brilliant L her joins shows com ng soon LES MISÉRABLES
DominicWest
CATHERINE THE GREAT
He enM rren
GOOD OMENS
Dav dTennant &M chaelSheen
Whether she is interested in ideas for the coolest home, the inside scoop on the latest fashion and beauty trends, or keeping her garden looking beautiful, a subscription is the gift that keeps on delivering. Subscribe online at
magazinesdirect.com/16AD
Complete the coupon below
0330 333 1113 Quote code: 16AD Lines open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 6pm (UK time)
Complete this coupon and send to: FREEPOST TI Media Limited (No further address needed. No stamp required – for UK only)
I would like to send a gift to:
Your details: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss:
Please also fill out ‘Your Details’ opposite. To give more than one subscription, please supply address details on a separate sheet.
Forename:
Surname:
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss:
Email:
Surname:
Address:
Email:
Choose from 2 easy ways to pay: 1. I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to TI Media Limited, for £______ 2.
Forename:
Please debit £
from my:
Q Visa Q Visa Debit Q MasterCard Q Amex Card No:
Address:
Expiry Date:
M M Y
Y
Postcode: Postcode:
Home Tel No: (inc.area code)
Magazine title:
£
Mobile No. Date of Birth:
Signature:
Date:
(I am over 18)
Magazine title:
£
By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy available at www.ti media.com/privacy/. Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from magazinesdirect.com and other brands within the TI Media Limited Group by 쏔 email, 쏔 post, 쏔 telephone and/or 쏔 SMS. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Total order amount: £ Q Please keep me up to date with special offers and news just by email from carefully selected companies. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Offer closes 31st March 2019. All prices are discounted from the full subscription rate advertised in each title, include P&P and are correct at time of going to press. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. TI Media Limited may cancel a subscription and provide a pro rata refund if it ceases to publish the relevant title for any reason. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.
code: 16AD
Food notes We want this now... Cheese graters aren’t usually the most inspiring of objects, which is why we love this option from Sagaform. The stainless steel grater is dishwasher safe, and easily lifted out of the oak frame, which allows your guests to help themselves to cheese directly from the holder. Now we’re off to buy some artisan ParmigianoReggiano to give this a(nother) test run… Nature cheese grater, £23, Forma House.
O U R FAV O U R I T E G L U T E N - F R E E B A K E R Y
HONEYBUNS
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT; RECIPE ENJOYASPARAGUS.COM
After completing her degree, Emma GossCustard decided to swap academia for baking, and started making cakes for cafés and delis in Oxford. A yearning for a farmhouse she could convert into a bakery led to a move to the tiny village of Howell, Dorset, still home to Honeybuns bakery 20 years on. Emma tells us more... What’s so special about your cakes? They’re baked slow and low for maximum development of flavours. Why did you start baking? My mum and both grandmas were talented home bakers. It was a natural step to try to make a living from my hobby. Why did you decide to go gluten free? I was naturally inclined to bake with ground almonds, pistachios and polenta, which I found to be superior in flavour and texture to wheat flour. We’ve used ‘free from’ ingredients from the beginning, and in 2002 we decided to make our bakes completely gluten free. Tell us something we might not know about gluten-free baking… Flavour and texture are often better than using wheat flour. For instance, our signature blend of polenta and ground almonds is naturally moist, sweet and packed with nutritional benefits.
A speedy dish that’s ideal for unexpected lunchtime guests. What’s your favourite product? Heathcliff Brownie, a sophisticated chocolate orange in cake form. I love the ground almond base and the purity of the orange flavour from zest and cold-pressed oil. What’s the best thing about running your business? The team. When everyone is pulling together and motivated to attain a common goal, there’s nothing to beat the feeling of purpose and support. What do you love about being based where you are? The number of interesting people carving out livelihoods and keeping local skills alive. What’s next for your bakery? Developing our growing range of plant-based, vegan cakes and continuing to improve on our service to customers. Three words to sum up your company? Honest, fun, innovative. Honeybuns, honeybuns. co.uk.
Try a tempting tortilla
Heat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Fill a large dish with iced water. Cook asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3min, then plunge into iced water. Meanwhile, in a non-stick frying pan, fry a thinly sliced courgette and 2 crushed garlic cloves in 15g unsalted butter on medium heat for 6-7min. Parboil 200g peeled, cubed potatoes, add to the pan with a sliced red onion and cook until softened. Add the asparagus and pour in 6 beaten eggs, seasoned. When the eggs are just set around the edges, transfer the pan to the oven for 6-8min or until the tortilla is set. Turn out onto a plate, cut into slices and serve with salad leaves.
A P R I L S H OW E RS Are there many scents more evocative than rain after a dry, sunny day? That Boutique-y Gin Company has bottled this earthy but refreshing moment, known as ‘petrichor’, as part of its new range of gins inspired by poignant scents. More than 95% of our perception of flavour comes from the fragrance of the food and drink we consume. So Fresh Rain Gin creates an emotional response while also tasting delicious – think golden beetroot, pine needles and lemon. £42 for 500ml; harveynichols.com. Country Homes & Interiors
129
Spring pea, pea shoot, pancetta and goat’s cheese salad »
Springtime
SUPPER CLUB Follow Clodagh McKenna’s example and host a festive supper for family and friends this Easter. We’ve picked a menu from her favourite spring recipes
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
Asparagus Mimosa »
Country Homes & Interiors
131
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
SPRING PEA, PEA SHOOT, PANCETTA & GOAT’S CHEESE SALAD
ASPARAGUS MIMOSA
This has to be the prettiest spring salad! The delicate peppery taste of the pea shoots alongside the crispy
combination of the roasted asparagus with the egg flecked on top, finished with the sweet and citrusy
smoky pancetta, sweet peas and creamy goat’s cheese is
flavours of the lemon and basil in the dressing, is so
divine – or try using watercress instead. The dressing lightly scented with orange is my favourite with this
delicious! You can serve this on one or two big platters if you are feeding a large crowd, and the eggs
salad, but if you prefer a lemon dressing, then simply replace the orange with a lemon. Double up the dressing
and dressing can be prepared the day before, so it’s quite an easy starter to pull together.
recipe, as it will last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
SERVES 4
These green spears look so beautiful on the table. The
SERVES 4 20 asparagus spears, 1tbsp olive oil
For the dressing
120g diced pancetta 200g pea shoots
100ml extra virgin olive oil Grated zest and juice of
200g freshly podded peas 200g soft goat’s cheese,
1 orange
crumbled
1tsp Dijon mustard Sea salt and freshly ground
ground black pepper
For the dressing
80ml extra virgin
black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
olive oil
*
* SEASONAL TOUCHES
*
*
It makes me happy to showcase the seasons throughout my home. If you live in or visit the country, pick wild growing flowers from the hedgerows – I do this most weekends. I like to use up to three types of flowers on a table, as it gets too busy with any more in the mix.
Country Homes & Interiors
2 hard-boiled eggs Sea salt and freshly
1tbsp torn basil leaves 1tsp Dijon mustard A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 Place a frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the olive oil, followed by the pancetta. Cook the pancetta for about 8min until crispy. 2 Meanwhile, add all the ingredients for the dressing to a bowl and whisk together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. 3 Combine all the remaining ingredients for the salad in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing, add the crispy pancetta and gently toss together. 4 Divide the salad between four plates and serve.
132
woody ends trimmed 1tbsp olive oil
1tbsp finely chopped shallot
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. 2 Toss the asparagus spears in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray and bake for 10min, or roast on a hot griddle pan over a high heat for 5min, turning often so they are evenly cooked. 3 For the dressing, whisk the lemon juice, shallot, basil and mustard together in a small bowl, and season with salt and the pepper. Then add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly. 4 Shell and halve the eggs, then push through a medium-mesh sieve into another small bowl, or finely chop. 5 Toss the asparagus with 1tbsp of the dressing in a large bowl, then divide the dressed asparagus between four plates. Spoon the remaining dressing over the asparagus and sprinkle the egg on top.
Roast butterflied lamb with salsa verde Âť
Pistachio and rosewater florentines
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
ROAST BUTTERFLIED LAMB WITH SALSA VERDE
PISTACHIO AND ROSEWATER FLORENTINES
Butterflied and boned is the fastest and easiest way to roast a joint of lamb, and if you aren’t great at carving
These are a staple after-supper treat at most of my suppers. They are without any doubt the most
a joint, you will really love the fact that this roast
delicious chocolate recipe that I have made and they
requires slicing rather than carving.
are so simple to put together! It’s literally a case of melting, stirring, spooning, sprinkling and chilling.
SERVES 8 3tbsp olive oil
For the salsa verde
They take about 15 minutes to prepare. I sometimes serve them placed on top of a scoop of ice cream, like
2tbsp red wine vinegar 3 garlic cloves, finely
1tbsp white wine vinegar 4 basil sprigs, chopped
a Philip Treacy hat! There are lots of variations – orange blossom water with almonds, espresso coffee
sliced 2tbsp finely chopped
2 flat-leaf parsley sprigs, chopped
with hazelnuts or candied orange peel.
rosemary leaves 1.5kg boned and
2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 anchovy fillets,
butterflied leg of lamb Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
MAKES AROUND 20 300g dark chocolate
finely chopped
chopped 2tbsp capers
(70% cocoa solids), chopped
1tbsp rosewater 10g dried edible
200ml extra virgin
100g pistachio nuts,
rose petals
olive oil
PHOTOGRAPHS DORA KAZMIERAK
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. 2 For the marinade, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and rosemary to a small bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix together until well combined. 3 Place the lamb, skin-side up, in a roasting tin and pour over the marinade. Using clean hands, rub the marinade into the lamb and then leave it to sit for 30min. This allows the flavours to be absorbed into the lamb and also gives the meat time to come to room temperature before roasting. 4 When the 30min is up, roast the marinated lamb for 40min. 5 While the lamb is roasting, add all the ingredients for the salsa verde to a bowl and mix together well. 6 Remove the roasted lamb from the oven, cover with a loose tent of foil and leave to rest for 15min. 7 Thinly slice the roasted lamb onto a warmed platter and spoon the salsa verde down the centre of the lamb. Serve. COOK’S NOTE: If you would prefer a classic mint sauce to the salsa verde, it’s simple to make. Whisk together 25g chopped mint, 1tsp caster sugar, 1tbsp hot water and 2tbsp white wine vinegar and leave to stand for 20 minutes for the flavours to infuse.
1 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the base of the bowl touch the water). 2 Remove the bowl from the pan and stir half the pistachios and all the rosewater into the melted chocolate. 3 Place separate dessert spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture onto a sheet of baking paper and form into even-sized rounds. 4 Sprinkle the remaining pistachios and the dried rose petals on top, then gently press into the melted chocolate. Chill in the fridge for an hour until set.
Clodagh is a chef, restaurateur and cookbook author. Recipes from Clodagh’s Suppers by Clodagh McKenna (£20, Kyle Books)
Country Homes & Interiors
135
Original Art & Limited Edition Prints w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m / c o u n t r y h o m e s a n d i n t e r i o r s in association with
Pictured: Rule Brittania by SYRETT, limited edition print, ÂŁ495
C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S
I T S TA RT E D W I T H T H E TA B L E … A RELAXED LAYOUT CENTRED AROUND A CLASSIC COOK’S TABLE CREATES A WELCOMING KITCHEN, PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING
*
PROJECT PROFILE Owners Elizabeth Watkins and her fiancé Robert Parkes live here with their dog, Monty, and two cats, Walter and Clement.
House A detached, threebedroom, 18th-century stone cottage in North Yorkshire.
Project A rear extension was built to accommodate a large
kitchen-diner with a better connection to the garden.
Kitchen size 6.5x5.1m Designer Alan Jones of Harvey Jones Kitchens.
Cabinetry The Original Range by Harvey Jones Kitchens, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Mole’s Breath and Dulux’s 88BG.
The generous dining table and upholstered chairs are comfortable and sociable.
Country Homes & Interiors
137
A trio of wicker baskets helps break up the uniformity of fitted cabinetry, bringing texture and character to the mix.
The kitchen-diner extends into a comfortable seating area, surrounded by oak-framed glass.
Instead of the usual kitchen island, Elizabeth Watkins chose to place a large dining table centre-stage in her new kitchen. ‘I know it’s a bit controversial, but I’m really not a fan of island units,’ she says. ‘If you’ve got plenty of worktop space, a dining table is far more practical, not to mention sociable.’ It was the pursuit of a more sociable kitchen that prompted Elizabeth and fiancé Robert to build a large extension at the rear of their cottage as part of their house renovations. When they bought the property in 2016, the kitchen was at the front of the house. ‘It was a galley-style space that never got any sun,’ she says. Finding a kitchen designer who could fulfil the couple’s brief took a bit of legwork. ‘We visited all the main kitchen studios in and around Harrogate but it wasn’t until we reached Harvey Jones that we found cabinetry with the fluidity and finesse we were after. Plus, we got on well with the designer, Alan, which always makes life easier,’ says Elizabeth. The cabinetry in question has a traditional in-frame design, with beaded panelling and ornate cornices. Elizabeth is 138
Country Homes & Interiors
particularly happy with the classical mantelpiece, which anchors the range cooker as a focal point and, along with two impressive oak beams above, helps the new extension feel like a natural addition. Keen collectors of salvage and antiques, Elizabeth and Robert’s weekends are often spent trawling reclamation yards and antiques fairs for treasure that can be turned into quirky decor, such as the copper beer funnels that Robert used to create the vintage pendants that hang above the dining table. The house renovations have been a long labour of love for the couple, who have done much of the work themselves. There are still a few rooms to go but Elizabeth is delighted to have completed the kitchen, not least because they now have a beautifully finished space to escape the inevitable DIY chaos. Her advice for planning a new kitchen as part of a ‘whole house’ project is just to go for it. ‘You’ve got to have a lot of stamina,’ she says. ‘But if you stay true to your vision, and don’t become sidetracked by trends, you’ll end up with a kitchen that suits the way you live.’
»
C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S
CH&I
LOVES
*
Exeter pendant lights, £118.75 each, Jim Lawrence, are similar.
The cabinet interiors are lined in oak veneer for a handcrafted, traditional feel.
‘A modern kitchen wouldn’t have suited the traditional cottage style of our home but this classical design is a beautifully natural fit’
Range
Sink
Living area Table
Table
Fridge freezer
The layout
Arranged for ergonomic efficiency with plenty of prep space around key elements, the U-shape layout features cooking on one elevation, washing on another, and food storage on the final elevation. A generous table provides a bridging point between the three zones, while leaving a clear perimeter around the table ensures smooth traffic flow through the space. The soft seating area is kept safely away from the cooking action and closer to the garden.
Stepping the sink unit forward helps recreate the more relaxed feel of freestanding pieces.
Country Homes & Interiors
139
3
design solutions TO INSPIRE YOU
1
The oak box shelving has hidden support brackets to achieve a clean, unfussy look. 140
Country Homes & Interiors
B OX S H E LV E S
As the kitchen has plenty of storage, Elizabeth didn’t feel the need to overload the walls with cabinets at eye-level. Instead, she chose simple box shelves, which add interest and display space for recipe books and pretty china. ‘I think wall cupboards could have felt overbearing, and they would have blocked some of the light from the skylights above,’ she says.
C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S A faux chimney breast beautifully frames Lacanche’s Macon range cooker.
The details CABINETRY
The Original Range kitchen, painted in Dulux’s 88BG 62/005 eggshell (main units), and Farrow & Ball’s Mole’s Breath estate eggshell (food storage unit), prices start at £18,000, Harvey Jones.
SURFACES
Worktops and splashbacks in Steel Grey granite, from £380.40sq m, Harvey Jones. Brazilian Black slate flooring, from £26sq m, Prices Paving.
APPLIANCES
RF540ADUSX4 fridge-freezer, £2,199, Fisher & Paykel. Macon range cooker in black, from £4,420, Lacanche. Sleek integrated extractor fan, £499, Elica. S515T80D2G dishwasher, £758, Neff.
SINKS & TAPS
Yorkshire ceramic sit-on Belfast sink, £185, Caple. Fusion Flex boiling water, hot and cold tap, from £1,150, Quooker.
ACCESSORIES
Versaille wood pedestal leg dining table, from £1,059; Kipling fabric dining chairs, £175 each, both Barker and Stonehouse.
2
S TA T E M E N T R A N G E C O O K E R
3
FRAMED FRIDGE
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS DARREN CHUNG
Elizabeth’s pride and joy, the Lacanche range cooker, is an investment piece that’s been given extra impact via a glossy granite splashback and elegant mantelpiece. ‘I’d never heard of Lacanche until Harvey Jones introduced me to the brand, but as soon as I saw the Macon range cooker I recognized that it was not merely a cooking utensil, but something that would give me pleasure for many years,’ says Elizabeth. ‘The range we bought for our old kitchen was practically falling apart when we moved, but this one is far more durable and comes with a long guarantee that, I hope, will make it a much better long-term investment.’
There are many benefits to choosing a freestanding fridge-freezer over fully-integrated versions, including easier replacement and repair, and the money saved from not needing cabinet doors to be made or fitted. However, you will lose the streamlined benefits of built-in, an issue that Elizabeth and the Harvey Jones team have overcome with this stylish all-in-one larder and refrigerator cabinet. Bridged at the top with a smart wine rack providing a purposeful connection, the tall larder units on either side make this a one-stop collection point for all food and drink – whether it’s cool, frozen or room temperature.
Oak detailing in the wine rack mimics the timber beams above.
Country Homes & Interiors
141
Use squares of fabric to gift wrap chocolate eggs. Use pinking shears to finish the edges, then secure with twine and a hand-stamped gift tag.
Make more of
EASTER
ADD A HANDMADE TOUCH TO YOUR CELEBRATIONS WITH COUNTRY-INSPIRED MAKES, USING STAMPS, FABRICS AND FEATHERS – IT’S A LOVELY WAY TO SPEND A FEW CREATIVE MOMENTS BY YOURSELF, OR WITH THE FAMILY…
DECORATED EGG WREATH
Decorate blown eggs to make an Easter wreath. Paint stripes onto the ends of the eggs, using acrylic paint. Once dry, secure speckled quail feathers with PVA glue. To finish, open up a wire coat hanger, carefully bend it to form a circle, then thread the eggs onto it. Cover the hook with lengths of jute string. Brown parcel twine, £2.50 for 20m, John Lewis & Partners
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Spring is the season of new beginnings, so why not embrace the abundance of natural materials on your doorstep, along with a few repurposed materials, to create charming Easter gifts and decorations. Scraps of textiles left over from previous projects, garden twine and pretty feathers found on a spring walk are ideal for using in all kinds of country crafts. Look out for vintage stamps and illustrated cards at markets and fairs for making handcrafted adornments for an Easter lunch, as well as unique gift-wrap ideas.
142
Country Homes & Interiors
G E T C R E AT I V E
EASTER GARLAND
Set the scene for a spring celebration with a garland made from vintage egg illustrations, interwoven with swathes of greenery and seasonal blossoms. Download free nostalgic Easter illustrations from sites such as thegraphics fairy.com and print. Cut out, then thread on to a length of embroidery cotton or twine. Layer several garlands above a window or door, or across a country dresser, as pictured.
*
*
CARD CREATIONS Recycle old Easter cards by cutting out the motifs to make brand new cards, tags and decorations.
*
*
M Y K I N D O F C O U N T RY
‘BEING IN THE FRESH AIR EVERY DAY MAKES ME MORE CREATIVE’ Kristina Lindhe, founder of Lexington
t’s the stunning lakes, forests and scenery of Sweden’s archipelagos, close to her home just outside Stockholm, that inspire Kristina Lindhe, the founder, CEO and creative director of furnishing and fabric company, Lexington. The brand is the perfect expression of her love of the coast, combined with Swedish and New England style. We made a special trip to Sweden to meet Kristina at her home...
I
TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE… I live in Bromma which is 15 minutes from the centre of Stockholm. It’s historically an old villa area with lots of gardens and greenery and there’s forests and a lake on my doorstep. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART? I come from a small town south of Stockholm called Nyköping. It’s actually quite similar to the place I live now but is a smaller town on the edge of the Baltic Sea coast. The house was in the old area with a garden. Nyköping has a marina and river so waterside living was part of my childhood. We had a sailing boat and summertime was all about being on or near the sea and spending time outdoors. 144
Country Homes & Interiors
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE? The natural world is really important to me. I’m a person who wants to be in the fresh air every day as it makes me more creative in my work. The speed and busy days of work mean I crave the peace and quiet I find outside. It’s how I find balance in my life. WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE LANDSCAPE? I think being outside is the best way to come up with ideas. I get a lot of inspiration from nature’s colours and the different seasons. WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNINGS? I love to stay in bed because at Lexington we have such nice bedding! But because my job is so varied from day to day it’s easy to get up. Life never gets boring as every day is different. HOW DID YOUR DESIGNING LIFE START? When I was growing up, I lived in a very creative household and textiles were just part of the fun. My grandfather was a carpenter and my parents also made things. I actually graduated from college as a teacher, but
Swatches for Spring's new print collection.
The Stockholm store is beautifully styled to make you feel at home.
The Hamptons are the inspiration for the brand.
Mood boards and tear sheets in the studio.
Kristina with items from her new collection.
Kristina’s home just outside Stockholm.
Zeta’s garden and lifestyle store is one of Kristina’s favourite spots.
Denim and navy stripes are synonymous with the Lexington look.
The entrance to Lexington’s Stockholm store.
The new Hotel Collection of bedlinen features inky blues and crisp whites.
I couldn’t live without...
MY NEAREST AND DEAREST, OF COURSE. I ALSO LOVE INSPIRING STAYS IN THE HAMPTONS. BUT ALSO COFFEE AND MY COSY BED WITH OUR SUPER COMFORTABLE BEDDING!
Zeta’s sells lots of lovely plants and has a café.
146
Country Homes & Interiors
Pancakes with fruit and cream are a spring favourite for Kristina.
Towels and linens for beach and home.
M Y K I N D O F C O U N T RY
I’ve been able to transfer some of the skills I learned then into what I do now. WHEN DID LEXINGTON COME ABOUT? I founded Lexington in 1997 as a small shop. After that I started another brand selling wool blankets called Arctic Wool Design. The blankets were very colourful and produced in a small factory in the Arctic Circle and sold in lots of countries. The only problem was that business was very seasonal. Lexington began because I really fell in love with New England and the American East Coast area and style. I could see there were lots of possibilities with this look, how it could work from season to season and how I could build it into an international brand. WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? To build the brand and strong concept of Lexington. You can shop and see our product in prestigious stores across the world.
FEATURE, STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHS SARA BIRD, DAN DUCHARS, THE CONTENTED NEST
WHAT IS THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? I think it’s the concept and the designs but also the quality of the product. I make sure our ranges are of the highest quality, the items are carefully made and they last our customers a long time. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE WORK AND FAMILY LIFE? When you’re an entrepreneur, you have to accept that sometimes you can spend more time with your family and your kids and sometimes you cannot. I think the things that can be really difficult to balance with your family can also be really good things to teach your kids – for example, that they can do what they want and see possibilities in life. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? We are finalising the Fall 2019 collection both for fashion and for interiors. I’m working with colour cards and thinking of new materials that we can use in the collections. This is the really fun part of the process because it’s creative and all the possibilities are still open. IT’S TIME TO KICK BACK, HOW DOES YOUR WEEKEND SHAPE UP? To be honest, my perfect weekend is to do nothing as I’m so
K R I S T I N A’ S C O U N T R Y VIBE What’s your favourite spring recipe? Pancakes with fruit and cream. What will you be doing for spring? May Day is a big celebration here, when people get together with groups of family and friends. What do you love about this time of year in Sweden? It’s so dark in winter but come the spring it is starting to get lighter and people are more relaxed.
busy all the time. I just love to be outside, maybe doing some exercise or having the time to sit down and read a book. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE UK? St Michael’s Mount, a small island off the coast of Cornwall, which is only accessible by foot at low tide or you can catch the boat across at high tide. AND IN SWEDEN? I must say it’s got to be the Baltic coastline. There are some fantastic places there; my favourite is a small town called Trosa. WE’RE COMING TO STOCKHOLM, WHAT MUSTN’T WE MISS? The evening bonfires celebrating Walpurgis on 30 April. It’s an old custom from when merchants would celebrate the end of the fiscal year. Or take a boat trip to the archipelago; take a look at stromma.se to find a tour. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP LOCALLY? The beautiful garden and lifestyle store Zeta’s, with all its lovely plants and homeware. It also has a gorgeous café serving delicious cakes and buns. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT LOCALLY? The Oaxen Krog & Slip, it’s a welcoming restaurant serving modern interpretations of Swedish cuisine made from seasonally available, locally sourced and foraged ingredients. To see Lexington’s new collections, go to lexingtoncompany.com Country Homes & Interiors
147
Shopping DIRECTORY YOU’LL FIND ALL THE COMPANIES IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE HERE
AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com ANNABEL JAMES 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk ANOTHER COUNTRY 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARTISANS OF DEVIZES 01380 735888 artisansofdevizes.com ARUN VALLEY UPHOLSTERY 07710 630219 ASHLEY WILDE 01707 635201 ashleywildegroup.co.uk ATKIN & THYME 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk
A
62
B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BALMAIN & BALMAIN 01963 220247 balmainandbalmain.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BASIL & FORD basilandford.com BELLA ART bellaart.co.uk BEN LAW ben-law.co.uk BIG GREEN EGG 0843 216 2805 biggreenegg.co.uk BRITISH CERAMIC TILE 01626 834774 britishceramictile.com BRONTE BY MOON brontebymoon.co.uk BULLDOG VINTAGE 07885 082668 bulldogvintage.co.uk
B
CABBAGES & ROSES 020 7352 7333 cabbagesandroses.com CAPLE 0117 938 1900 caple.co.uk CARPETRIGHT 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk CAST IN STYLE 0800 009 6233 castinstyle.co.uk CATH KIDSTON cathkidston.com CAVE INTERIORS 020 7722 9222 caveinteriors.com CHALON 01458 254600 chalon.com CHARLOTTE MACEY 07890 642454 charlottemacey.co.uk CHELSEA TEXTILES 020 7584 5544 chelseatextiles.com CJ HOLMES 01386 852564 cjholmes.co.uk CLARISSA HULSE 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com CLOSET & BOTTS 01273 945398 closetandbotts.com CLOTHESMAID 01283 576080 clothesmaid.com COUNTRY BASKETS countrybaskets.co.uk COX & COX 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk CROWN 0330 024 0281 crownpaints.co.uk Country Homes & Interiors
HANNAH NUNN 01422 646118 hannahnunn.co.uk HARDIE GRANT 020 7420 9340 hardiegrant.co.uk HARVEY JONES 0800 389 6938 harveyjones.com HEAL’S 0333 212 1915 heals.co.uk HEART VINTAGE heartvintage.co.uk HICKS & HICKS 01872 530761 hicksandhicks.com HOMESENSE 01923 473561 homesense.com HOTPOINT 03448 224224 hotpoint.co.uk HUS & HEM 01531 631044 husandhem.co.uk
H
I GIGI 01273 775257 igigigeneralstore.com IKEA 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk INDIGO indigo-living.com
I
JACQUELINE MILTON 01935 891198 jacquelinemilton.co.uk JIM CLAYTON 07719 822083 JIM LAWRENCE 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com JOY’S CURTAINS 01386 841264 joyscurtains.co.uk JULIA DAVEY 07969 014721 juliadavey.com
J
C
148
GLOBALWAKECUP globalwakecup.com
CULT FURNITURE 020 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com CURTAINS 2GO 0800 862 0463 curtains-2go.co.uk DAVID SALISBURY JOINERY 01278 764444 davidsalisbury.com DAYLESFORD 01608 731700 daylesford.com DEBENHAMS 0344 800 8877 debenhams.com DENBY 01773 740899 denbypottery.com DEVOL 01509 261000 devolkitchens.co.uk DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES 0131 561 6406 dobbies.com DULUX 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk DUNELM 0345 165 6565 dunelm.com
D
EARTHBORN 01928 734171 earthbornpaints.co.uk EBAY ebay.com ELICA 01252 351111 elica.co.uk
E
EMMA BRIDGEWATER 01782 407733 emmabridgewater.co.uk EMZO 01449 782061 emzo.co.uk ETSY etsy.com EXTREME DESIGN 01344 627567 extreme-design.co.uk FARROW & BALL 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com FIRED EARTH 01295 812088 firedearth.com FISHER & PAYKEL 0800 088 6605 fisherpaykel.co.uk FLINT 01273 474166 flintcollection.com FRENCH CONNECTION HOME 0333 400 3285 frenchconnection.com
F
GARDEN TRADING 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk GEMMA WIGHTMAN CERAMICS 07803 601061 gemmawightmanceramics.com GISELA GRAHAM 020 7708 4956 giselagraham.co.uk
G
KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING 01386 820100 karndean.com KIRSTEN COLTART coltart.org KYLE BOOKS 020 7692 7215 kylebooks.com
K
LA MAISON CHIC 0800 133 7828 la-maison-chic.co.uk LACANCHE 01202 733011 lacanche.co.uk LAVENDER & LEEKS lavenderandleeks.co.uk LEXINGTON lexingtoncompany.com LIGNEUS 01453 884600 ligneus.co.uk LILY’S KITCHEN 020 7433 1863 lilyskitchen.co.uk LITTLE GREENE 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com LLOYD LOOM 01775 767011 lloydloommanufacturing.com LOAF 0345 468 0697 loaf.com LORNA SYSON 020 8465 9819 lornasyson.co.uk
L
MANDARIN STONE 01600 715444 mandarinstone.com MANUFACTUM 0800 096 0938 manufactum.co.uk MARKS & SPENCER 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com M&L PAINTS 01730 779911 mandlpaints.com MARTIN MOORE 0845 180 0015 martinmoore.com MCCARRON & CO 01380 859299 mccarronandco.com MELODY MAISON 01302 741000 melodymaison.co.uk MIDDLETON BESPOKE 01403 864446 middleton-bespoke.co.uk MIELE 0330 160 6600 miele.co.uk MISTRAL 01249 823901 mistral-online.com MOWLEM & CO 020 7610 6626 mowlemandco.com MULBERRY MOON 01257 448018 mulberry-moon.co.uk
M
NAKED KITCHENS 01328 838854 nakedkitchens.com NATIONAL TRUST SHOP 0300 123 2025 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk NATURAL BED COMPANY 0114 272 1984 naturalbedcompany.co.uk NATURALLY MED naturallymed.com NEFF 0344 892 8989 neff.co.uk NEPTUNE 01793 427300 neptune.com NEXT HOME 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk NORDIC HOUSE 01872 223220 nordichouse.co.uk NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM 020 3318 5115 NUTSCENE 01307 468589 nutscene.com
N
OAXEN oaxen.com OBJECTS OF USE 01865 241705 objectsofuse.com OFICINA INGLESA 020 7226 4569 oficinainglesa.com OKA 03330 042 042 oka.com ORIGINAL STYLE 01392 473000 originalstyle.com OUT THERE INTERIORS 020 8099 7443 outthereinteriors.com
O
PACKHOUSE 01252 781010 packhouse.com PEONY & SAGE 01289 388650 peonyandsage.com PERIOD HOUSE STORE 01748 821500 periodhousestore.co.uk PERKINS & MORLEY 07732 926787 perkinsandmorley.com PETERSHAM NURSERIES 020 8940 5230 petershamnurseries.com PIPII 01342 823921 pipii.co.uk PIPPA BLACKER INTERIORS 07790 813191 pippablackerinteriors.co.uk POOKY LIGHTING 020 7351 3003 pooky.com
P
PORCELANOSA 0844 481 8959 porcelanosa.com PRICES PAVING 01677 470999 pricespaving.co.uk PRIMROSE 0118 903 5210 primrose.co.uk QUOOKER 0345 833 3555 quooker.co.uk
Q R
RACHEL REDFERN 07590 825343 rachelredfern.com RAFT 020 8450 5078 raftfurniture.co.uk REX LONDON 020 8746 2473 rexlondon.com RICHARD HARVEY 01608 662168 rhcollection.co.uk ROCKETT ST GEORGE 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk ROMO 01623 756699 romo.com ROSELAND FURNITURE 01872 672111 roselandfurniture.com ROUNDHOUSE 020 7297 6220 roundhousedesign.com ROWEN & WREN 01276 451077 rowenandwren.co.uk RURAL URBAN 01208 812221 ruralurban.co.uk
SAINSBURY’S HOME 0800 636262 sainsburyshome.co.uk SAM WILSON 01386 841116 samwilsonstudio.com SAMSUNG 0330 726 7864 samsung.com/uk SANDBERG WALLPAPER 00 46 321 53 1660 sandbergwallpaper.com SANDERSON 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com/sanderson SARAH RAVEN 0345 092 0283 sarahraven.com SCARAMANGA 01334 657642 scaramangashop.co.uk SHIMU 0800 088 6800 shimu.co.uk SMALLBONE OF DEVIZES 020 7589 5998 smallbone.co.uk SOFA.COM 0345 400 2222 sofa.com SOPHIE ALLPORT 01778 560256 sophieallport.com ST JUDES 01603 662951 stjudesfabrics.co.uk ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT stmichaelsmount.co.uk STOVOLD & POGUE theplaterack.co.uk SUE PARKINSON 01386 859233 sue-parkinson.com SUE PRESTON suepreston.com SUNBURY ANTIQUES MARKET 01932 230946 sunburyantiques.com SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS 0344 980 8185 susiewatsondesigns.co.uk SWEETPEA & WILLOW 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com
TOWN & COUNTRY FLOORING 01993 824331 towncountryflooring.co.uk TROUVA 020 7193 6444 trouva.com TW GAZE 01379 650306 twgaze.co.uk
SWOON 020 3319 6332 swooneditions.com TG GREEN 07867 787946 tggreen.co.uk THE BARN 01728 652 159 the-barn.co THE CONTEMPORARY HOME 0845 130 8229 tch.net THE COTSWOLD COMPANY 0844 984 0444 cotswoldco.com THE LIGHTING COMPANY 01643 707505 lightingcompany.co.uk THE OAK & ROPE COMPANY 01227 469413 theoakandropecompany.co.uk THE RANGE 0345 026 7598 therange.co.uk THE SHOPHOUSE theshophouse.com THE WHITE COMPANY 020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com THOMAS KENT 03303 632222 thomaskentclocks.com TILE GIANT 01782 597777 tilegiant.co.uk TOM FREEBOROUGH 07753 566436 freeboroughandco.com TOPPS TILES 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk
T
S
VALSPAR 0344 736 9174 valsparpaint.co.uk
V W
WALLS AND FLOORS 01536 314730 wallsandfloors.co.uk WAYFAIR 0800 169 0423 wayfair.co.uk WEARTH LONDON wearthlondon.com WHIRLPOOL 0344 815 8989 whirlpool.co.uk WHITE STUFF 020 3752 5360 whitestuff.com WIGGLY WIGGLERS 01981 500391 wigglywigglers.co.uk WOVEN 020 3176 8993 woven.co.uk WYLD HOME 01743 588820 wyldhome.com
Z
ZETAS zetas.se
*
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? GENERAL ENQUIRIES 020 3148 7190
SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES 0330 333 1113
DECORATING ENQUIRIES 020 3148 7195
SPECIAL OFFERS 0800 138 2826
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Display 020 3148 7639 Classified 020 3148 2635 International 020 3148 7620
BACK ISSUES
01733 688964, mags-uk.com/timeinc
EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS
We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/ IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation). If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.
TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, 020 3148 5000. Website: ti-media.com. ©TI MEDIA LIMITED 2019. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, London E14 5HU, 020 3787 9001. Country Homes & Interiors, ISSN 0951-3019, is published monthly, 12 times a year. Manuscripts and illustrations are welcome but on the understanding that we cannot be liable for their safe custody or return. We are sorry that manuscripts and illustrations cannot be returned, nor letters answered or acknowledged unless sent with a stamped addressed envelope. Published monthly by TI Media Limited. Colour origination by Rhapsody. Printed in the UK by Walstead UK Limited. Country Homes & Interiors is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire includes VAT) and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS MAGAZINE One year full subscription rates for 12 issues including postage & packing: UK £58.40; Europe €148.40; Rest of world £175.60. For subscription enquiries please call 0330 333 1113, overseas call: +44 330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK Time) or email help@magazinesdirect.com. The US annual subscription price is $148.40. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Subscription records are maintained at TI Media, 3rd floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Air Business Ltd. is acting as our mailing agent. All prices include postage and packaging. US Postmaster: Enquiries and address changes should be sent to: TI Media Ltd, Rockwood House, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DH or call +44 330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK time) or email help@magazinesdirect.com.
Country Homes & Interiors
149
Complete Patio Potato Kit
COMPLETE PATIO POTATO KIT
NOW JUST
£16
.99
NO Digging! NO Effort! NO Garden Required! Harvest in JUST 10 WEEKS From Planting! YOUR COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES:
SAVE £8!
• 18 Seed Potato ‘Turbo Tubers’ (6 x 3 varieties)
HOW TO PLANT, GROW AND ENJOY IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS! Rocket (Early)
Fast cropper just 10 weeks from planting. Abundant, gorgeous, soft new potatoes.
STEP 1 Half fill your 30L pot with compost and place your Turbo Tubers about 4” deep
Desiree (Maincrop)
Red skin, yellow flesh. Great for boiling, mashing or as jackets with lovely crisp skin.
YOU SAVE £8.00! Harvest over 30lbs of simply delicious potatoes within weeks of planting! SAVE £8.00 when you buy the Complete Kit for just £16.99! Imagine growing the freshest, tastiest crops of delicious home-grown potatoes – all from your own patio, with no backbreaking digging whatsoever! Simply add compost and water and enjoy the unbeatable flavour of the freshest new potatoes just 10 weeks from planting! Plant now and pick your first crops as soon as early-July!
The freshest, tastiest, most delicious ‘tates’ you’ve ever tasted! 6 ‘Turbo Tubers’ each of 3 varieties selected for a range of harvest dates 3 durable and reusable 30L pots AND organic fertiliser included! Harvest in succession for 4 months from July to October COMPLETE PATIO POTATO KIT Includes: 6 ‘Turbo Tubers’ each of 3 Seed Potato Varieties, 3 Heavy Duty 30L Pots and 1Kg Organic Potato Fertiliser
NOW ONLY £16.99 SAVE £8.00!
HALF PRICE BONUS OFFER Charlotte (Salad)
All-time-favourite variety! Perfect as a new potato in salads or for boiling.
STEP 2 As your potato plants establish and grow, just keep topping up the compost
• 3 Heavy Duty 30L Pots • 1kg Organic Potato Fertiliser
Strawberry ‘Sweet Colossus’ 6 Jumbo Plugs
Grow your own simply-gigantic fruits that can each weigh over 40g and grow as big as tomatoes – whilst still packing a punch when it comes to that all important strawberry flavour!
JUST £6.49 – ITEM 320072
HALF PRICE – SAVE £6.50!
3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER NOW! 1 Visit YouGarden.com/CHI101 STEP 3 Feed and water (don’t soak) for a heavy crop of delicious, tasty new potatoes
2 Phone 0844 6 569 569 Calls cost 5p per min plus your network’s access charge.
3 By post using coupon below Offer CHI101, YouGarden, PO Box 637, Wetherby Road, York YO26 0DQ Offer available while stocks last. © YouGarden Ltd 2019
Please post completed coupon to: Offer CHI101, YouGarden, PO Box 637, Wetherby Road, York YO26 0DQ
YOUR ORDER DETAILS ITEM
DESCRIPTION
Complete Patio Potato Kit SAVE £8.00! 350007 6 ‘Turbo Tubers’ each of 3 seed potato varieties 3 Heavy Duty 30L Pots and 1Kg Potato Fertiliser. HALF PRICE! Strawberry ‘Sweet Colossus’ 320072 6 Jumbo Plugs. SAVE £6.50! Complete Blueberry Growing Kit 310022 3 Established Plants in 9cm Pots Buy 2 for £19.98 SAVE £6.00!
YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS PRICE QTY SUBTOTAL
£16.99
£
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss
Initial
Surname
Card No.
Address
£6.49 Start Date
Expiry Date
Issue No.
— JOIN THE YOUGARDEN CLUB NOW — Get £20.00 FREE vouchers & SAVE 10% on EVERY ITEM you order!
Add PP&I
ORDER TOTAL
Security Code
Postcode
£12.99 £19.98
820005 Subscription Membership*: SAVE £15.00! £5.00 £10.00 820001 1 Year Membership: SAVE £10.00! DON’T FORGET: Deduct 10% (10p in every £1) if you joined the YouGarden Club: *We’ll automatically renew your membership every year, so you can keeps saving - AND the price will NEVER go up... GUARANTEED! Full details at YouGarden.com/Club. Orders dispatched within 7 days. n £6.00 surcharge will apply to the following postcode areas: AB, BT, DD8-11, GY, HS, 2 20-80, PH19-50, TR21-25 & ZE. [ ] Yes, I’d like to sign-up to the FREE YouGarden Newsle l here if you would prefer not to receive offers other than from us.
YOUR DELIVERY DETAILS
I enclose a cheque/Postal Order payable to YouGarden (name & address on back) for Or charge my Visa / Mastercard / Maestro card
£
£6.99
USE CODE
CHI101
My DOUBLE GUARANTEE to you!
Tel
1 If you’re not totally happy with your order it within 30 days and we’ll replace or refun 2 Should any hardy plants fail to thrive thereafter, we will replace free of charge. You just pay the P&P. Peter McDermott, Head Gardener
Yes, I would like to sign-up to the FREE YouGarden Newsletter. Please tick here if you would prefer not to receive offers other than from us. © YouGarden Limited 2019.
AD CODE
CHI101
1\Z[ MVY @V\
78922-2+ &)743/) æ æ fS¼ N/t à ¦f¼ £® ¼¦ t®F ¦r/' St ' æ &0-2(7 94 83 3** 5YEVX^M^I TVSHYGIW E FIEYXMJYP UYEVX^ WXSRI TVSHYGX NþűĢěƢþǼƷĩĢ Ŏű Ʒʼnĩ Ãf ĚǢ þ Ʒĩþů ŻŁ ĩǡƟĩƢƷƪ Ʒʼnĩƪĩ ƪƷƿűűŎűł ĚŦŎűĢƪ ȀƷ ƟĩƢŁĩěƷŦǢ Ŏű þűǢ ƪƷǢŦĩ ŻŁ ěŻűƪĩƢǛþƷŻƢǢ ŻƢþűłĩƢǢ ƢŻŻŁ ŦþűƷĩƢű łþĚŦĩ ŻƢ ĚŎ ŁŻŦĢŎűł ĢŻŻƢƪ ʼnŻŻƪĩ ŁƢŻů þ ŁþűƷþƪƷŎě Ƣþűłĩ ŻŁ ƪƷǢŦĩƪ þűĢ ěŻŦŻƿƢƪ ǜŎƷʼn ůþűƿþŦ ŻƢ ƢĩůŻƷĩ ěŻűƷƢŻŦ ŻƟƷŎŻűƪ
XLEX SZIVPE]W ]SYV I\MWXMRK [SVO WYVJEGIW EW MJ F] QEKMG 8LI GSQTER] QERYJEGXYVIW ERH MRWXEPPW MXW WXYRRMRK UYEVX^ SZIVPE]W XS IRLERGI ]SYV OMXGLIR [MXL E VIEP WXSRI PSSO ERH JIIP 8LMW MW E WYTIVFP] WMQTPI [E] XS MQTVSZI ]SYV [SVO XSTW [MXLSYX XLI QIWW SV JYWW SJ VIQSZMRK XLI I\MWXMRK SRIW 5YEVX^M^I GER EPWS ƼX RI[ WMROW XETW ERH LSFW XS KMZI ]SYV [LSPI OMXGLIR E GSQTPIXIP] RI[ LMKL UYEPMX] PSSO 5YEVX^M^I EVI L]KMIRMG PSRK PEWXMRK IEW] XS GEVI JSV ERH XMQIPIWW
5YEVX^M^I EVI GYVVIRXP] SJJIVMRK JVII ƼXXMRK I\GPYWMZIP] XS EPP .YWX *SV =SY VIEHIVW E WEZMRK SJ YT XS e 'EPP RS[ JSV E *6)) UYSXEXMSR SV ZMWMX [[[ UYEVX^M^I GSQ
%98,)28-' &6-8-7, 73*%7 ,%2(1%() 83 36()6
ŻűƷþěƷ ŻűƪĩƢǛþƷŻƢǢ ŦŎűĢƪ hŎůŎƷĩĢ ŁŻƢ ǢŻƿƢ ŁƢĩĩ ĚƢŻěʼnƿƢĩ ŻƢ ơƿŻƷþƷŎŻű þűĢ ƪþǛĩ ƿƟ ƷŻ ! ŻDzŁ Ʒʼnĩ ůŻƪƷ ƟŻƟƿŦþƢ ĚŦŎűĢƪ ¼ĩŦ àĩĚ ǜǜǜ ěŻűƪĩƢǛþƷŻƢǢĚŦŎűĢƪ ěŻ ƿţ$ŻDzŁĩƢƪ
ƿƷʼnĩűƷŎě FƿƢűŎƷƿƢĩ Ŏƪ þŦŦ þĚŻƿƷ ŻDzŁĩƢŎűł Ʒʼnĩ ǛĩƢǢ ĚĩƪƷ ěƿƪƷŻůĩƢ ƪĩƢǛŎěĩ þűĢ þ ƪƷƿűűŎűł Ƣþűłĩ ŻŁ ʼnþűĢůþĢĩ ƪŻŁþƪ ƷʼnþƷ þƢĩ þƪ ƟĩƢ Ʒʼnĩ ǛĩƢǢ ĢĩȀűŎƷŎŻű ŻŁ ƿƷʼnĩűƷŎě# ƢĩŦŎþĚŦĩ ʼnŻűĩƪƷ þűĢ ƷƢƿƪƷǜŻƢƷʼnǢ ƿƷʼnĩűƷŎě Ŏƪ þĚŻƿƷ ĢĩƪŎłűŎűł þűĢ ůþţŎűł ƢŎƷŎƪʼn ʼnĩƢŎƷþłĩ ƪŻŁþƪ ƿƪŎűł ƷƢþĢŎƷŎŻűþŦ ƷĩěʼnűŎơƿĩƪ þűĢ Ʒʼnĩ ƪţŎŦŦƪ ŻŁ ƷŎůĩ ƪĩƢǛĩĢ ěƢþǼƷƪůĩű þŦŻűłƪŎĢĩ þ ĚƿǢŎűł ĩǡƟĩƢŎĩűěĩ ƷʼnþƷ Ŏƪ ƪĩěŻűĢ ƷŻ űŻűĩ ÃűĢĩƢƟŎűűĩĢ ĚǢ þ ĢĩĩƟ ţűŻǜŦĩĢłĩ ŻŁ ŻƿƢ ŁƿƢűŎƷƿƢĩ ĩǛĩƢǢ ƿƷʼnĩűƷŎě ƪŻŁþ Ŏƪ ʼnþűĢ ěƢþǼƷĩĢ ƷŻ ŻƢĢĩƢ ǜŎƷʼn ůþűǢ ĚĩƪƟŻţĩ ŻƟƷŎŻűƪ þǛþŎŦþĚŦĩ ĩűþĚŦŎűł ƿƪ ƷŻ ěƢĩþƷĩ ǢŻƿƢ ƟĩƢŁĩěƷ ƪŻŁþ
® ß/ t ®¼ÃttStG ü' ¦ h ÃtG/ ®/¼
;EW e MXƅW RS[ NYWX e JSV VIEHIVW [LIR ]SY UYSXI GSHI .*9 *)& E WEZMRK SJ e
8 )% ) +6 %09 :
8LI 1EVFIPPE GLEMWI WX]PI PSYRKI WIX MW XLI TIVJIGX EHHMXMSR XS ]SYV SYXWMHI WTEGI 8LMW SJJIV MRGPYHIW E XLVII WIEXIV WSJE [MXL XLMGO WIEX ERH FEGO GYWLMSRW % ƼXXIH SXXSQER [MXL GYWLMSR JSV EHHMXMSREP WIEXMRK ERH E QEXGLMRK EVQGLEMV EPWS [MXL E XLMGO WIEX ERH FEGO GYWLMSR *SV IRXIVXEMRMRK XLIVI MW EPWS E QEXGLMRK GSJJII XEFPI [MXL LMKL UYEPMX] XIQTIVIH KPEWW XST XLEX QEOIW XLI 1EVFIPPE ER MHIEP PSYRKI WIX JSV VIPE\MRK SYXHSSVW
FŻƢ ůŻƢĩ ŎűŁŻƢůþƷŎŻű þűĢ ƷŻ ŻƢĢĩƢ ǢŻƿƢ F¦// ƪþůƟŦĩƪ ǛŎƪŎƷ% ǜǜǜ þƿƷʼnĩűƷŎěŁƿƢűŎƷƿƢĩ ěŻ ƿţ ŻƢ ěþŦŦ ƿƪ Żű ) ژڑ
' t&¼ r ß/ dî¼ Sr£¦ ß/ -W ]SYV GSRWIVZEXSV] XSS LSX MR 7YQQIV ERH XSS GSPH MR ;MRXIV# &VMRK ]SYV GSRWIVZEXSV] FEGO MRXS ]SYV LSQI [MXL 'SRWIVZEXSV] 6SSƼRK 9/ 0XH ;I GER GSRZIVX ]SYV I\MWXMRK KPEWW SV TSP]GEVFSREXI VSSJ YWMRK E LMKLP] MRWYPEXIH PMKLX[IMKLX W]WXIQ IREFPMRK JYPP YWI SJ ]SYV GSRWIVZEXSV] EPP ]IEV VSYRH
7TIGMEPMWXW MR XMPIH GSRWIVZEXSV] VSSJ 8S SVHIV ZMWMX [[[ SYXERHSYX GSQ W]WXIQW GSZIVMRK EPP WX]PIW ERH WLETIW SV GEPP F] XL 1EVGL SJ GSRWIVZEXSVMIW
71%68 +%6()2 63317 3**-')7 %2( 789(-37 ƢþǼƷĩĢ þűĢ ůþűƿŁþěƷƿƢĩĢ Ŏű Ʒʼnĩ Ãf ®r ¦¼ Ŏƪ Żűĩ ŻŁ Ʒʼnĩ ŦĩþĢŎűł łþƢĢĩű ƢŻŻů ƪƿƟƟŦŎĩƢƪ ŻDzŁĩƢŎűł þ ǜŎĢĩ ěʼnŻŎěĩ ŻŁ ƪƷǢŦĩƪ ƪŎǬĩƪ þűĢ ŻƟƷŎŻűþŦ ĩǡƷƢþƪ ĩűþĚŦŎűł ǢŻƿ ƷŻ ěƢĩþƷĩ ǢŻƿƢ ƟĩƢŁĩěƷ łþƢĢĩű ƪƟþěĩ ŻþƪƷŎűł ŁƿŦŦ ƷʼnĩƢůþŦ ŎűƪƿŦþƷŎŻű ĢŻƿĚŦĩ łŦþǬŎűł þűĢ ƟƢŻŁĩƪƪŎŻűþŦ ŎűƪƷþŦŦþƷŎŻű Ŏű ǢŻƿƢ łþƢĢĩű ƢĩĢĩȀűŎűł ǢŻƿƢ ŦŎǛŎűł ƪƟþěĩ ʼnþƪ űĩǛĩƢ Ěĩĩű ĩþƪŎĩƢ ŻűƷþěƷ ƿƪ ŁŻƢ þ ěþƷþŦŻłƿĩ ŻƢ þ F¦// űŻ ŻĚŦŎłþƷŎŻű ƪŎƷĩ ěŻűƪƿŦƷþƷŎŻű àĩĚ ƪůþƢƷłþƢĢĩűŻDzȀěĩƪ ěŻ ƿţ ¼ĩŦ ژ ڑ ڑ
'SRXEGX YW JSV E *6)) IWXMQEXI 8IP ;IF [[[ GSRWIVZEXSV]VSSƼRKYO GS YO )QEMP LIPPS$GSRWIVZEXSV]VSSƼRKYO GS YO
(SS JVTWHUPLZ SPZ[LK HYL ^OVSS` PUKLWLUKLU[ >L YLJVTTLUK [OH[ `V\ JHYY` V\[ `V\Y V^U JOLJRZ ILMVYL LU[LYPUN PU[V HU` HNYLLTLU[ >OLU THRPUN HU` W\YJOHZLZ ^L ^V\SK YLJVTTLUK [OH[ `V\ \ZL H JYLKP[ JHYK WYV]PKPUN WYV[LJ[PVU PU [OL \USPRLS` L]LU[ VM HU` PZZ\LZ 5V WHY[ VM [OPZ WHNL TH`IL YLWYVK\JLK ^P[OV\[ [OL WLYTPZZPVU VM *HUVW` 4LKPH
ōŊƯ
', #" ( (
, $ ( $$
'
ǔ ǔǔ
$ * Ǖ ǔǕ Ǖ Ũ
% ' #!! " * ( "+ #" , #' #+ ( # ( " " !!+" *, ##(*$& "Ǘ ǘ $ @ . Ǘ Ǘ !* ǘ
ǘ ǖ ǘ 75 ǘ
0 ļ œ $Ć Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ $)& ř$ Ǖ Ś ǔ Ǖ ǕŕǔǕ Ǖ Ǖ \ + Ǖ ļ ǔ ǔ \ & $Ć Ǖ
Ǖ ǔ ǔ Ǖ - 6 \
Ǖ Ĩ
Ǖ Ǖű - 6 ) ǔ \
ŸŇŏ\Ŋō
3 Ǖ ǔ ű Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ ǔǔ $Ć \ 0 ŎŊ#(% #ą Ǖ ǔǕ ǔ
3%0 ŸʼnŌ\ōō
ŷņŎ[ʼnŌ
Ǖ ŇŊŅ Ǖ Ř Ǖ ŷňŋ[ŌŌř ǔ ǔ Ǖ Ǖ 1" Ǖ
[
- 6
) ǔ ( Ǖű $Ć
. Ǖ - 6
1 ǔ Ǖ ǔ
1 $)& / Ǖ
°ÝÝ ƹƺƽƾƾ ǁǂƾǂƾǂ
Ũ $ * ǔ Ľ ǔǔ $ * Ǖ ǔǕ ǔ ǔ œļ ŋōŊ Ōʼnņ Ǖ 5 0 \ 1 ōŊư Ǖ ǔǔ $ * Ǖ ǔǕ ǔ ǔ \ !
Ǖ Ǖ \ǔ
\ \ Ů
M A R K E T P L AC E KITCHENS
FLOORING
ϬϭϱϬ ϮϯϰϬϬϬ ǁǁǁ ŇŽŽƌƐŽĨƐƚŽŶĞ ĐŽŵ ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐΛŇŽŽƌƐŽĨƐƚŽŶĞ ĐŽŵ
]VNQ\\ML KW ]S FASHION
&* "
* ( & ! ( &* ) && &) ! $
LIGHTING
$OH[DQGHU -RVHSK
/X[XU\ &RUGOHVV /DPSV
+ '' ' +##
))) ) ! &" " (
! ! !"
)UHH EHVSRNH VKDGH DW ZZZ DOH[DQGHUMRVHSK FR XN KRPHV
2YHUVHDV UHDGHUV SOHDVH FDOO /LQHV DUH RSHQ 0RQGD\Ŋ6DWXUGD\ IURP DP WR SP 8. WLPH 2IIHU FORVHV 'HFHPEHU 7HUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV DSSO\ )RU IXOO GHWDLOV SOHDVH YLVLW ZZZ PDJD]LQHVGLUHFW FRP WHUPV
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E VERANDAS
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
0 ! 1#. &.#, # - *3-*$"
O O O
' ! # (%# ( !( / . # # ' # #.'( ! 0 , '%'## ! ( ( !. ,.' ! ( % ( ! ( 2 ( ,# (. , 1#.' #
O O O O
'# (( #! 1 !(, 1 ( ' ,( ! .' (( / ' ! ( ! #!/ ', !,# ! #% ! (( '## , !1 , %, #! ! ' 1 !, , ! ! , ! $3 1 ' . ' !,
'FHP +WTR 'QFHP 'JFR 7JST[FYNTS 1YI 7JST[FYNSL 'JFRX 8NSHJ
3 33 $3) -)-)
& - & . ". 3- "& .3:$ ( & - & . 3 , 6- - ".3 - - .. ". &"3 )4 -%.3-(& $$ (63!8(( 6."& .. -# -& (-(6 ! ) ; , , (, ; 5 '4' , - 63!(-". & - 6$ 3 : 3! "& & " $ (& 6 3 63!(-"3: ;)04 , - - "3 -(# - & &(3 $ & - & ( - - "3 "$"3" . -(% * & $ ( $ & -., *- . &3 3"7 9 %*$ .! *-" 2 ;;; *(."3 25;;; 3(3 $ %(6&3 ( - "3 20;;;,
:% &3 8"3!"& )5 %(&3!. ;+ "&3 - .3, &(3 . 33$ "& 3! -- * -"( ' %(&3!$: * :% &3. 3! - 3 ( 2) ,// & (& * :% &3 ( 2) ,);, (3 $ %(6&3 * : $ 2)) 5 , 4, ) ,'+, -%. (& "3"(&. **$:,
´:HOO ZKDW FDQ , VD\ WKH URRP ORRNV IDEXORXV VR PXFK OLJKWHU ZLWKRXW ORVLQJ FKDUDFWHU DQG KDV H[FHHGHG RXU H[SHFWDWLRQV 7KDQN \RX IRU FRPSOHWLQJ WKH ZRUN ZLWKRXW DQ\ PHVV μ
ZZZ EHDP UHQRYDWLRQ FR XN
CHARITIES
"
!
!
!
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E SOFAS AND SOFA BEDS
& ! % ! ) ) % * ! $ & * + $"'
$ ) % ( $ %! )"
+++#! $ $ (# !#*
*** ! ! (
,"&
( ( , ' ''"
! $ !$
#
' " ###
%%% ! &
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E FURNITURE
6$/(
Ă&#x2019;)DXOWOHVV TXDOLW\ ZRQĂ?W EH EHDWHQ E\ DQ\RQH Ă&#x201C;
12: 21
0U $ODQ -RQHV WK -XO\
5HTXHVW D )5(( EURFKXUH FDOO 4827( &+ , +
62)$6%<6$;21 &20 BEDS & BEDDING
+DQGFUDIWHG IRU \RX LQ 1RWWLQJKDPVKLUH
8LI &QFEWWEHSV +SYV 5SWXIV 'IH
< ** $*^JĂ * Ă&#x2C6; Jj ¢ ^^ ¢Jsj Ă&#x2C6;* =Š j¢**
( ' " " $) $ ) # # ))
) &
% % " (
7IUYIWX ]SYV JVII FVSGLYVI ERH [SSH WEQTPIW Ç&#x2C6;Ĺ&#x17D;Ć&#x20AC;Ć&#x20AC;Ć&#x20AC; ĂĆ&#x2026;Äż Ć&#x2026;Ć&#x2026;Äż ` ųüƴÄ&#x153;ƴ¹ďĂ&#x2020;ĂĽĂ&#x161;ŸţĂ?Ĺ&#x2026;ĹŁĆ&#x161;ÄŠ
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E BATHROOMS
KITCHENS
"
! #
#
L" 8 3B 4Z
! " "
" #
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M Y F AV O U R I T E V I E W
‘I LOVED GOING TO BELTON PARK WITH MY FATHER’ Sophie A llport, homeware designer
Trust location in Lincolnshire with wonderful gardens, woods, a stunning house and a great adventure playground. It covers around 1,300 acres, most of which is an amazing deer park, but my favourite place has always been the bluebell woods, where I go to see the first signs of spring peeking up through the earth.
It’s in early spring that the grounds become carpeted in swathes of daffodils, snowdrops, aconites, cowslips and my favourite flower, bluebells. On a fresh and cold day, under the canopy of just-blossoming trees, with blue, sunny skies beyond, there’s nowhere better to take a stroll and watch the countryside coming to life again. I think it’s the spring bulbs creating colour but also the re-emergence of wildlife – the dawn chorus begins, the hibernating hedgehogs start to wake up, bees and butterflies make an appearance again... Belton creates such a magical setting to witness it all.
I still love being in those same woods as it brings back very happy memories of my visits there as a child with my brother Jem and my parents. We often went there for a family walk on a Sunday morning before heading home to enjoy a roast lunch. I would do anything to spend another 158
Country Homes & Interiors
morning there with my father, who we sadly lost a while ago now. But because of all the happy memories and inspiration I get from it, it’s absolutely still a happy place for me to visit. Although it reminds me so much of my childhood, it still manages to be such a relaxing, peaceful place with all that wildlife and spring colour bursting to get out. It’s quiet and calm, unlike my life at work and home which is very busy and usually noisy with my three boys!
These days I love to go there to walk our two dogs, Florrie and Mabel, while my sons race around in the woods playing hide and seek and building dens. There’s also a brilliant box hedge maze. It was replanted from a 1902 drawing as the original was removed, having become overgrown when the garden staff left to fight in the war – it thankfully creates hours of entertainment for the boys! In the summer we take a picnic and a cricket set.
I remember walking along the River Witham at Belton as a child and I’m sure this is where I caught sight of my first dragonfly. I’ve always been fascinated by them and I am so excited to launch our new Dragonfly collection this spring. It’s a design I’ve wanted to do for years and am so happy I’ve finally been able to. See Sophie’s designs at sophieallport.com.
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH ALAMY (MAIN IMAGE)
As a child, I grew up walking through the woods with my family at Belton Park. It’s a beautiful National
# 1$- $$) . !! $ #)$# 1$- ( #. )+ # # '- ! +1 )%$ -(# +-( ++ #+ $# +$ + ! # )-% ( -)+$" ( ) (. & $( $. ( ,2 1 () / . # -) # + # )+ " + ( !) # ( +)" #) % +$ ( + 0'- ) + ++ -(# +-( / + !$# . +1 # )+1! &
!$ # $ " " %%% ! ! $
, )55 ,( !1, ,"/"-! -" ' , /-& '-!"* /"('3" -" ' ,2" )5 , 1 , '/ 14 (3 4 "' )0 ('/!-
2"-"/ ' 2"%% #(!'-('+ (+1$ (, (1, % / -/ ,( !1,
+ +