A letter from home

Classic English homes never go out of style, but few were originally designed for how we live today. As our homes have taken on a new significance in recent years, we increasingly look to them to provide a sanctuary for relaxation, rooms for entertaining friends and family, as well as energising spaces for creativity or work. We crave indulgent bathrooms, decadent en-suites (page 72) and kitchens that function beautifully and are a pleasure to spend time in (page 90). It’s perhaps no surprise that we find ourselves seeking ways to add space and light to our homes to achieve all we need to facilitate our new-found lifestyles (page 102).

In this issue of The English Home, you’ll find small updates that offer big impact, as well as large, transformative ideas that can effectively shape classic homes for contemporary living –none of which compromise on timeless style. In fact, some of the key ideas at the very heart of the English country house look have never felt more relevant – the desire for comfort and layering pieces from different eras over time to create eclectic homes with personality, for example, are perhaps also a result of us spending more time at home today.

We are hugely grateful to the owners of the four creative homes for opening their doors and sharing their unique interiors for this issue. While our feature on the history of country homes and how to decorate them now (page 80) provides plenty more inspiration to mix old and new. At a time when homes need to provide us with so much, we hope this issue sparks creativity, practical ideas or escapism for you.

Scott-Jeffries, Editor

CONTACT US

Editorial 020 7349 3700

The English Home, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ

Email theenglishhome@chelseamagazines.com Website theenglishhome.co.uk

Advertising/Publishing 020 7349 3700

The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd Email info@chelseamagazines.com

EDITORIAL

Editor Samantha Scott-Jeffries

Managing Editor Sarah Feeley

Art Editors Claire Hicks, Rebecca Stead

Acting Art Editor Andrea Lynch

Sub Editor Lea Tacey

Decorating Editor Katy Mclean

Features Editor Suzanna Le Grove

Homes & Lifestyle Editor Clair Wayman

Editor-at-Large Kate Freud

Editorial Assistant Charlotte Dunford

ADVERTISING

Group Sales Director Catherine Chapman 020 7349 3709; catherine.chapman@chelseamagazines.com

Head of Sales Operations Jodie Green

Group Account Director Natasha Scroggs 020 7349 3733; natasha.scroggs@chelseamagazines.com

Advertisement Manager William Bernard 020 7349 3749; william.bernard@chelseamagazines.com Senior Sales Executive Laurna Barry 020 7349 3712; laurna.barry@chelseamagazines.com

Advertising Production 01202 472781; allpointsmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHING

Chairman Paul Dobson

Managing Director James Dobson

Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin

Publisher Caroline Scott Marketing Manager Bret Weekes Operations Manager Sarah Porter

ONLINE

Group Digital Manager Ben Iskander Email & Digital Creative Manager Jenny