The English Home June 2021

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Celebrating the essence of English style June 2021 | Issue 195 | £6.99 | UK Edition

IDYLLIC INSIDE & OUT

Explore four beautiful homes, from rural manor to city cottage DESIGN ROYALTY India Hicks on the art of entertaining

UPLIFTING IDEAS • The latest in eco chic • Clever ways with tiles • Smart garden furniture

NEW CREATIVES The makers thriving in a year of adversity

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN Transform outdoor spaces into dreamy, elegant escapes

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CONTENTS JUNE 2021

34

70

Notebook

English homes

15 NEWS Monthly digest of noteworthy

34 MANOR OF STYLE Zesty colour and

people and inspiring products.

22 DESIGN DISCOVERIES Beautiful new

style finds on our radar this month.

28 CHIC CONNECTION Trellis designs.

30 SUNNY OUTLOOK Accessories for

outdoor entertaining.

32 THE EDIT Jo Downs, David Hunt

Lighting and The Headboard Workshop catch our eye.

33 SUBSCRIBE The perfect gift for a

loved one or a treat for yourself – a subscription to The English Home.

6 THE ENGLISH HOME

playful patterns meet in joyful unison in a Victorian house in Suffolk.

42 CREATIVE HARMONY A collaboration

between a Hampshire homeowner and interior designer Gavin Houghton.

52 REIMAGINED COLOUR Subtle hues

and simple charms form the focus of a former worker’s cottage in West London.

60 COTTAGE IN THE WOODS A West

Sussex cottage in the heart of the South Downs becomes a welcoming home.

42

104 60

98 Style inspiration

Quintessentially

69 BATHED IN BEAUTY Creating a

109 NATURAL INSPIRATION Bring a breath

70 SET THE SCENE Design inspiration to

110 FROM PATCH TO PLATE: MATTHEW FORT Our food columnist on the

decorative, indulgent bathroom. make the most of time in the garden.

80 WAYS WITH TILES A guide to adding

colour and pattern, inside and out.

88 STYLE WITH A CONSCIENCE How to

make sustainable decorating choices.

96 LEADING LIGHTS The story of The Soho

Lighting Company.

98 FURNITURE FOR LAZY, HAZY DAYS

Enjoy outdoor living with our guide to garden furniture.

80

of fresh air to walls with floral designs.

delights of fresh herbs.

112 THE ART OF HOSTING & OTHER PERILS

India Hicks’s advice on entertaining and humorous family anecdotes.

120 CELEBRATING CREATIVITY IN LOCKDOWN Discover the noteworthy

makers to emerge during the last year.

130 ONE FINAL THING Create an alluring

outdoor space with characterful decor.

80 THE ENGLISH HOME 7

A letter from home We are looking forward to creating special settings for entertaining and making the most of outdoor living this month. See page 70 for stylish ideas for setting the scene.

Accessories and tableware, The White Company

T

here is a sense of anticipation in the air as we work on this special edition of The English Home.

It’s a heady mix of excitement at socialising outdoors finally being on the agenda following months of lockdown and of the weather looking likely to permit it. So, is your garden ready?

However big or small your outdoor space at home, this issue is brimming with ideas for tranforming it into an additional room outdoors that will revitalise how you live, relax and entertain. From the practicalities of choosing new garden furniture (p98), to styling ideas combining function and fun to achieve a cohesive look and set the scene for outdoor living (p70). You’ll also discover our edit of the best picnic accessories (p30) and a deliciously simple recipe from our columnist Matthew Fort to pack in the hamper (p110).

As always, we feel that the secret to success when planning a gathering is keeping preparations relatively simple so that they can be enjoyable. We are, therefore, delighted to share insights on entertaining from India Hicks, whose irreverent and laid-back approach is something we hope to emulate (p112).

After so many months of expectantly waiting to host friends and family, we hope that you’ll find ideas within our pages to thoroughly enjoy long, lazy summer days and moonlit evenings outdoors. Have a wonderful time!

Samantha Scott-Jeffries, Editor Follow us on Twitter @englishhometeam Pinterest at pinterest.com/theenglishhome Facebook at facebook.com@theenglishhome Instagram at instagram.com@englishhomemag

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chelseamagazines.com/shop 8 THE ENGLISH HOME

PORTRAIT GRANT SCOTT

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Made in England samuel-heath.com teh@samuel-heath.com Showroom at Design Centre - Chelsea Harbour

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Celebrating the essence of English style June 2021 | Issue 196 | £4.99 | UK Edition

IDYLLIC INSIDE & OUT

Explore four beautiful homes, from rural manor to city cottage

CONTACT US Editorial 0333 014 3215 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 Sub Editor Lea Tacey Decorating Editor Katy Mclean Features Editor Eve Middleton Homes & Lifestyle Editor Clair Wayman Editor-at-Large Kate Freud Editorial Assistant Nell Whitaker

DESIGN ROYALTY India Hicks on the art of entertaining

UPLIFTING IDEAS • The latest in eco chic • Clever ways with tiles • Smart garden furniture

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN Transform outdoor spaces into dreamy, elegant escapes

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NOTEBOOK

Our monthly edit of news, shopping inspiration and inside information

SPOTLIGHT ON… Escapism At Home

Finding a sense of escapism at home has never been more important. How to achieve this soothing sense of openness, freedom and possibility varies from person to person, such as adding a focal point to

draw the eye down the full length of the garden, or placing mirrors opposite each other making narrow hallways and other tight spaces feel vast. A bespoke approach ensures maximum delight.

Dating back to ancient Greece, the art of trompe l’oeil has long been used to extend a feeling of space beyond four walls. Ornate

Renaissance ceilings that seem to soar skywards achieve an awe-inspiring sense of calming space.

On a smaller scale at home, a clever window-view mural like this one (above) by artist Andrea Haase at Wallsauce enables us to look ‘through’ a familiar wall and feel stylishly transported. wallsauce.com  THE ENGLISH HOME 15

NEWS

Convivial Gatherings

New table linen collections by India Hicks Family is everything to India Hicks, from her parents – the late, great design icon David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks – to her partner David Flint Wood and their five children. So it is fitting that she chose to name her new tablecloths, napkins, table runners and placemats The Family Collection. Motifs pay tribute to family life past and present, from the flower in her grandfather’s buttonhole, to the swaying palm trees and sea ferns around her Bahamas home.

These hand-blocked designs are intended to be mixed together at the table. “I really can’t cook, so I try to make up for it by setting a pretty table,” says India.

“I want everyone around it to laugh, to argue, to create memories and stories.” indiahicks.com See p112 for India Hicks’s advice on outdoor entertaining.

Celebrating Our Queen

Officially marking Her Majesty’s birthday To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, a limited-edition range of official chinaware has been launched by the Royal Collection Trust.

Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent using methods that have remained unchanged for 250 years, the range is hand-finished with 22-carat gold and includes a teacup and saucer, mug, plate, pillbox and tankard.

The design was inspired by the pink roses growing in the East Terrace Garden at Windsor Castle which bloom in June, the month of The Queen’s official birthday. It also incorporates the Royal coat of arms above a garland of roses, shamrocks and thistles, the national emblems of the United Kingdom.

All profits from sales will go to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity, for the care and conservation of the Royal Collection. rct.uk

Divine Inspiration

Nina Campbell with Halcyon Days Design legend Nina Campbell vividly recalls a magical moment whilst on safari in Africa. “The first animal I saw, which rustled through the trees, was the wonderful neck of a giraffe,” she says. “That has always stuck in my head. Then seeing elephants drinking out of our swimming pool, and naughty monkeys used to hang around our cabin.”

This inspired The Serengeti Collection – one of two new fine bone china tea and dinnerware ranges in collaboration with Halcyon Days – adorned with bamboo shoots, tall grass, animals and basketweave illustrations. The equally charming Marguerite Collection has a pretty floral motif depicting the blue star-shaped blooms of Lithodora diffusa.

Both are 100 per cent hand-crafted in Stoke-onTrent. ninacampbellinteriors.com; halcyondays.co.uk 16 THE ENGLISH HOME

ARTISAN ABODE

Home . . . it’s different for everybody

SS21 Palazzo Collection Here comes the sun . . .

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NEWS

Havens For Heroes

Room makeovers for NHS keyworkers Interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden founded Design Havens For Heroes last year, galvanising the interiors community to create room makeovers for NHS keyworkers on the front line of the Covid-19 crisis.

With support from over 300 interior designers and generous donations by more than 400 brands, the first few makeovers have now been completed.

NHS doctor Claire Fraser Taylor has been treating Covid patients at St George’s Hospital in London. She worked with designer and stylist Amy Davies Pereira to create a beautiful and calming room at home (left), with blush pink tones, soft edges and plants galore.

Claire says: “When Amy asked me where I relax in the house, I got tearful as I had nowhere to relax as the place was full of half-started projects needing professionals to complete. I had no sofa, as that had been caught up in Covid delays. I had nowhere to ‘zen’ and the thought of having a magical space has really been something for me to hold on to.”

Midwife Vanessa Dodds, who has been working on the NHS front line in Dagenham, East London, desperately needed the small flat she shares with her young daughter, Ariella, to become a

sanctuary. She collaborated with interior designers Julia Alexander and Fiona Duke to achieve a refreshed, functional space (above and below) combining practical needs with a calming quality and plenty of comfortable seating. “It is a joyful space to be in now,” says Vanessa. designhavensforheroes.org.uk

Seasonal Refresh

Artisan Abode’s new travel-inspired collection Escaping to tropical climes remains tantalisingly out of reach for now, making the exotic and evocative charms of Artisan Abode’s new collection all the more alluring.

Pattern, texture and colour abound, with luxurious throws, jewel-like cushions, tactile trims and vintage-style linens inspired by the architecture of Marrakech.

Many of the new-season additions to all five of the brand’s main collections – Coastal, Heritage, Riad, Palazzo and Loft – were designed in-house and made by Artisan Abode’s team of skilled artisans and craftspeople in Devon, whilst others were gathered from across the globe.

The uplifting colour palette encompasses warm terracotta and zingy citrus, deep lagoon blues and greens and sophisticated

18 THE ENGLISH HOME

neutrals. Limited-edition pieces add an air of exclusivity, with freshly upholstered antique chairs, vintage vessels and woven rattan. Artisan Abode is the retail arm of design studio Artisans and Artists, founded by Susan Folwell and Robert Allen. artisanabode.co.uk

BALHAM - HARRODS - HAMPSTEAD 0208 675 4808 www.indian-ocean.co.uk

NEWS

Diary

Liberty Reimagined New wallpapers & fabrics

The Museum of the Home (formerly The Geffrye Museum) is due to reopen in May after an £18.1 million renovation. The London venue features homes through time. museumofthehome. org.uk

Glyndebourne’s opera festival returns from 20 May until 29 August with Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Verdi’s Luisa Miller, Rossini’s Il turco in Italia and Janáček’s Kát’a Kabanová, plus Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde semi-staged with a full orchestra. glyndebourne.com Enjoy exceptional artworks from the comfort of home by viewing The Viking Cruises British Art Prize online virtual exhibition of shortlisted art from 14 May to 10 June.

This major new national contest is open to artists of all levels. thevikingcruises britishartprize.co.uk

20 THE ENGLISH HOME

FEATURE SARAH FEELEY PHOTOGRAPHS P15 WINDOW WITH TROPICAL BIRDS MURAL BY ANDREA HAASE AT WALLSAUCE.COM. P16 (MIDDLE LEFT) © NEWSPHOTO/ALAMY; (MIDDLE RIGHT) ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST/© HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2021; (BELOW LEFT) © HARRY SOAMES, (BELOW RIGHT) © TIM YOUNG. P18 (HAVENS) TOP LEFT © TANIA AHEARNE, REST © ANNA STATHAKI. P20 (TOP RIGHT) © JAYNE LLOYD; (MIDDLE RIGHT) © JAMES BELLORINI.

Arthur Lasenby Liberty had a vision of a great ship crammed with treasures from around the world, docked in the streets of London. In 1875 when he opened the now-famous London emporium which bears his name, customers were dazzled by its global fabrics, ornaments and objets d’art.

The Modern Collector collection tips a hat to the founder’s adventurous spirit.

Archival Liberty prints have been reworked to create what the brand calls “the beating heart of the collection”, which also features new artworks crafted by its in-house artists.

These luxurious Liberty interiors fabrics and wallpapers are all designed to combine harmoniously, paying homage to Liberty’s proud design and craftsmanship heritage, and to collectors past and present.

With six colour stories and a special focus on surface, the designs were informed by artisan techniques. There are three designs: Floribunda draws from Victorian botanical illustrations balanced with reimagined small-scale Liberty florals. Art Nouveau features a reworking of the stylised beauty of floral forms from the Liberty design archive.

Long a symbol of growth and rebirth, the ancient Tree Of Life motif has been reimagined for a new era. libertylondon.com

Staircases | Libraries | Panelling | Doors +44 (0)1935 826659 | stuartinteriors.com

DESIGN DISCOVERIES

Welcome the brighter days ahead and add a touch of joy with our style finds

SECOND SERVE Handcrafted in Denby’s historic Derbyshire pottery, the Quartz Jade collection is the brand’s second with John Lewis & Partners, and features plates, bowls, mugs and jugs, as well as a candle, diffuser and vase.

Denby Quartz Jade, from £10, John Lewis & Partners

INDOOR OUTDOOR With a name fit for purpose, the Anywhere sisal-style carpets from Alternative Flooring can also cleverly be made into outdoor rugs from any one of the five designs in the range – perfect for a flooring solution both inside and out.

Anywhere Collection, £42.20 a square metre, Alternative Flooring

22 THE ENGLISH HOME

DAYTIME LOUNGING The floral forms, nostalgic stripes and plush buttoned detailing of Graham and Green’s latest offerings are a delightful addition to a naptime nook to uplift and inspire Khatia day bed, £575; Floral printed cushions, £35; Striped Woven seat pads, from £22, all Graham and Green

SHOPPING

BEAUTFUL BEDDING Consisting of three new colourways – Forest Green, Oatmeal Stripe and Lake Blue – the new Wilderness bedding from linen specialist Piglet is the brand’s first complete standalone collection. A fourth colourway – Burnt Orange – is planned for later inclusion.  Wilderness Bedding, from £36, Piglet

THE ENGLISH HOME 23

SHOPPING

GLOWING DESIGN A simple palette and elegant use of materials form the focus of the Nova collection from lighting specialist Heathfield & Co – we particularly like the Cosmo pendant’s delicate white glass grains, carefully placed to cast a soft, diffused glow.  Cosmo Pendant, £395, Heathfield & Co

TABLING A MOTION The beautiful gloss finish and uplifting colour of this smart side table bring a touch of joy as one of the pieces amongst interior designer Susie Atkinson’s latest collection.

Cube Lacquered side table, £1,040, Studio Atkinson

A STYLISH SEAT Created in collaboration with designer David Seyfried, the Wave sofa marks Wicklewood’s inaugural step into furniture. Upholstered in Blithfield fabric, the three-seater piece is also available custom-made with choice of size and print to order.

Wave sofa, £3,300 (for three-seater in blue Damask print as seen), Wicklewood

24 THE ENGLISH HOME

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SHOPPING

DELICATE THREADWORK Using a meticulous hand-drawn hemstitch technique, this first curtain collection from Gayle Warwick includes designs such as the Whitework #42, seen here delicately worked on 100 per cent Belgian linen.

Curtains, Draperies and Sheers Collection, from £144 a metre, Gayle Warwick

BOHEMIAN BLOOMS

ORGANIC STRIPE Drawing on her collection of textiles and artefacts, designer Larissa Miloradovich’s wallpaper designs include this delightful coral pattern in a rich green, inspired by eighteenth-century copperplates.

Coral String wallpaper, £168 a roll, Milola Design n

26 THE ENGLISH HOME

FEATURE EVE MIDDLETON PHOTOGRAPHS P24 (HEATHFIELD & CO) © RUTH WARD; (WICKLEWOOD) © JONATHAN BOND

A visit to Charleston House planted the seed for the new Sussex wallpaper collection by George Spencer Designs.

Named after places associated with the Bloomsbury set and inspired by the natural world, the three designs include the sprawling abstract plant forms of the Asheham print, seen here in Robins Egg blue.

Sussex Collection, from £190 a roll, George Spencer Designs

SHOPPING Reseda Table Lamp, £156, Där Lighting Group

Curtain, Mews Trellis, Lime, £90 a metre, James Hare

Leaf Trellis fabric, Sage on White, £100 a metre, Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam Carved Lattice screen, Warm Elm, £1,695, Shimu

CHIC CONNECTION Take inspiration from garden trellis with beautiful criss-cross designs on fabrics, furniture and accessories. Trellis or latticework designs most often feature a diagonal pattern of diamonds, but can include square and even circle or hexagonal motifs. On fabrics and papers, the criss-cross pattern is a smart way to incorporate a geometric into a scheme, offering a different feel to stripes and checks. Trellis designs partner leafy and floral schemes well, drawing on the affinity with the garden. In accessories, latticework can create an intricate cutwork effect, which is rather striking.

Treillage wallpaper, Beige, Bleu, Jaune, £106 a metre, Pierre Frey

Tablecloth, Trellis, Grass & Sky, £177 a metre, Molly Mahon

Textured Trellis vase, Black, £25, Cox & Cox 28 THE ENGLISH HOME

Treillage Lattice border, Navy, £67 a metre, Samuel & Sons Lattice metal bowl, £91, Artisanti

The Kelling Chair, Green, £900, KD Loves

FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPH (JAMES HARE) © HELEN RUSHTON

Fuchsia Floral hand-painted breakfast cup and saucer, £120, Nina Campbell

Entertain Effortlessly Enjoy the finest luxury dining and lounging outdoor furniture delivered in a matter of days.

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Curtain, Melford, £35 a metre; wallpaper, Fencott, £59 a metre, both National Trust collection, Sanderson

SHOPPING

Cortez Cobalt outdoor rug, from £330, Designers Guild Chevron Orange outdoor scatter cushion, £23, Bramblecrest Tweedmill recycled picnic rug, £45; Mario Luca Giusti melamine plates, £24 each, and all other items, Amara

Multicoloured LED solar lantern chain, £22, Ella James

SUNNY OUTLOOK As outdoor spaces will be essential for safe socialising, take the opportunity to make meeting friends and family fun-filled occasions. Whether gathering in the garden or elsewhere for a picnic, bright accessories will add a playful touch – outdoor cushions and fold-out chairs in jaunty fabrics, a striking outdoor rug, and solar lights to keep things going past dusk. Bring a cordless radio to provide ambience, garden games for everyone to join in and serve up a portable feast, lemonade, and perhaps a cocktail or two.

Collier tumbler, £63 for a set of four, Soho Home

Glass drinks dispenser, £22, Garden Trading

Roberts Revival Uno DAB/DAB+/FM digital radio with alarm, Teal Blue, £149.99, John Lewis & Partners

Jio garden lantern, from £12.95, Nkuku

Riverlands bamboo plate, £4 each, National Trust Shop

Four-person picnic hamper, £49.99, Von Haus

Wooden Director Chair, Lemons, £40, Habitat

Table Grill ’71, £199, Morsø

FEATURE KATY MCLEAN

Traditional wooden rounders set, £29.95, Rex London

30 THE ENGLISH HOME

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NEWS

THE EDIT British-made glass designs, lighting and headboards captivate Editor-at-Large Kate Freud this month JO DOWNS When glass designer Jo Downs looks for inspiration for her beautiful pieces, she need glimpse no further than the breathtaking Cornish landscapes surrounding her Launceston studio. She has always been inspired by the coast in particular, with her signature giftware, including dishes, mirrors, vases, coasters and candlesticks, often created in beautiful sea-inspired hues of blue.

As well as creating delicate decorative pieces for the home, Downs also undertakes larger architectural and interior commissions, which can be found everywhere from cruise liners and churches to hotels and city offices.

This summer sees two new collections take centre stage. The Seascape collection includes sculptural wave stands, art frames and wall-mounted panels inspired by the rippling textures of spring waters.

These are available in fresh green tones for Dawn, and soft blues and mauves for Dusk. Meanwhile, the Spring Leaves collection (below) sees three wall-mounted designs with six, 13 or 15 leaves in a vibrant palette of greens, helping to bring the beauty of outside, in. jodowns.com

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING Despite David Hunt Lighting’s long history (which can be traced back to John Hunt, a Birmingham-based candlestick maker in the 1790s), the company is never one to rest on its laurels. Each year from its Cotswolds workshop, it continues to create innovative new launches, keeping the brand at the cutting edge of 21stcentury lighting design.

THE HEADBOARD WORKSHOP Ever since The Headboard Workshop made its first headboard in a London garage in 1982, exceptional craftsmanship has been at the heart of what it does.

Whether making headboards, ottomans, beds or sofa beds, the brand has become renowned for the quality of its products, all proudly made at the company’s factory in Wales.

Whatever size bed is being sought – from a single to an emperor – customers can choose their specifications down to the tiniest detail. From the many styles of headboard, endless fabric choices (customers can use their own, too), piping and braiding, to the style of nails wanted for the studded designs, the feet, valances and even the mattress.

32 THE ENGLISH HOME

New for this summer, David Hunt Lighting has created the Webster collection (above), which features six versatile pendants made with a combination of solid-brass metalwork and a simple bistrostyle glass shade.

Available in satin chrome or antique brass finishes, and smoked, clear or opal glass.

Another new addition is the metal Ealing pendant (above, second left), which is simpler in style and comes in the brand’s understated hand-sprayed colour finishes of Smoke Blue, Powder Grey and Cotswold Cream.

Available in two sizes, it features a coordinating chain, ceiling cup and braided cable to create just the right drop to go above a kitchen or dining table. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

This truly is a one-stop bed shop. So successful has this formula been, that the company now has a sister brand, The Footstool Workshop, to provide for all footstool needs too. theheadboardworkshop.co.uk n

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The large entrance hall doubles up as an elegant extra sitting room with chairs upholstered in Kelly Stripe by Tissus d’Hélène, and a sofa in Fine Fire by Pierre Frey. Sunburst Jewel from Marvic Textiles covers the top of the ottoman, whilst the sides are in Earth Seagrass by Moon.

The Churlish Green lamp base from Rosanna Lonsdale is teamed with a limitededition shade from KD Loves.

34 THE ENGLISH HOME

Manor OF STYLE

Zesty new colour schemes and playful patterns have given this large Victorian house in Suffolk a new, vibrant personality FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

Inherited from the previous owners, the kitchen was simply freshened up with a lick of new paint – Little Greene’s Slaked Lime Mid on the walls and Slaked Lime Dark for the cabinetry.

For a similar kitchen try Bryan Turner Kitchens.

‘The house needed schemes that reference its history and old-fashioned charm’ ABOVE Surrounded by a wide expanse of lawn and majestic trees, the Victorian manor house dates back to 1884.

BELOW RIGHT The previously dark timbers lining the front hall have been painted in White Tie

by Farrow & Ball and are contrasted by a radiator in Cape Red

by Little Greene.

BELOW FAR RIGHT Surrounded by low box hedges and shielded from the wind by the old walled garden, the heated pool is a magnet for all ages on summer days.

P

rovidential aptly describes the turn of events that led to Jane and David Smith-Brice acquiring their Suffolk home. Moving house had not been on the couple’s immediate agenda until they drove past the gates of a rather grand Victorian mansion one day and Jane made a remark that turned out to be prophetic. “I remember saying that this house could be ideal for us one day,” Jane recalls. “However, after then, I didn’t give it a second thought, as it’s the kind of property that tends to be passed down within a family. But then, by an absolute fluke, we discovered that the owners had just decided to sell, and within a year, we were the proud new owners. It was well worth the wait.”

Set in the Suffolk countryside surrounded by meadows dotted with sheep and ponies, the manor dates back to 1884 when it was built by a Londonbased aristocrat as a weekend retreat for his large family. Thick woodlands, carpeted with bluebells in spring, envelop a green area around its towering grey stone walls. Magnificent trees date back hundreds of years. Amongst its many assets is a stable block next to a walled garden, an orangery, a lake teeming with wildlife and covered with exotic water lilies, and a heated swimming pool. A big plus was the family kitchen, which had already been converted into a generously sized family living area. “Thankfully there was no need for builders,” says Jane reliving her feeling of relief.

36 THE ENGLISH HOME

Compared to the restoration of their previous farmhouse, the task of putting their stamp on this distinguished, sizeable Victorian manor was fairly daunting even for a highly trained graphic designer like Jane. “It was tricky because we’ve always been conventional ‘neutrals’ people, and, by that, I mean we’ve liked natural colours in a soft monotone shades of cream and grey. Most of the main rooms in this house were already painted magnolia with sombre oak panels below dado height, which, whilst characterful, made the house feel quite dark and dingy.”

It was by another stroke of providence that Jane was put in touch with Emma Deterding of Kelling Designs,  an interior designer well-known for her vibrant

ABOVE Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath

by Farrow & Ball provide a calm backdrop to the lively curtain fabric in the drawing room. For a similar fabric try Chenonceaux in Pink/ Kumquat from GP & J Baker. The Simon table lamps and vibrant pink shades are from KD Loves, whilst the Zamindar coffee table in blood orange is from Oka. Both sofas are from Sofa.com – the Izzy in Rustic Plain Linen 25 by Ian Mankin and the Oscar in green velvet.

ABOVE & RIGHT Oak panelled doors and walls unite the ground floor and staircase, and are brought to life with an inspired, vibrant lime green wall colour called Green Ground from Farrow & Ball. The Avon Olive stair runner is by Roger Oates.

38 THE ENGLISH HOME

‘The clever cosmetic changes masterfully energised the traditional spaces, giving them a dazzling new contemporary edge’ signature style and brave, confident use of colour.

“We met through a mutual friend and I was sure Emma understood us right from the start,” says Jane.

Emma instantly identified the key problem and declared that they would need to make the abundance of dark wood in the house sing. “This really was a house in which you had to go bold or go home,” Emma says. “It needed character and energy, but, at the same time, schemes that would reference its history and old-fashioned charm.”

Emma’s enthusiasm allayed any fears Jane and David might have had of stepping out of their comfort zone, and when she and her team eventually presented their mood boards, the couple were delighted. “The colour schemes were a breath of fresh air,” Jane recalls. “They pushed us a lot further than we would have ventured on our own. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought to use wallpapers or mix patterns in the way Emma suggested, but, of course, in hindsight, she

proved to be spot on. We made a few tweaks and then her professional team of decorators moved into the stable block to live and work.”

With the decorators living in the annexe next door, Jane and David were able to monitor the progress being made day by day. “It was fascinating watching the impact of the new paint and papers, and how quickly they brought life to the dark spaces,” Jane says. “These clever cosmetic changes masterfully energised the traditional spaces, giving them a dazzling new contemporary edge.”

Much of the furniture from the couple’s former house was too small to fit the scale of the large, high-ceilinged rooms of the manor. So bedside tables were replaced with chests of drawers, and although some of the old sofas worked well in the smaller rooms, re-covered in more cheerful fabrics in punchy colours, larger pieces such as the dining  table were sourced from local auction houses.

ABOVE Pomegranate wallpaper by Totty Lowther infuses the dining room with warmth. The table is painted in Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball and the Echo dining chairs from Oka are upholstered in Fret Elderflower by Ian Sanderson on the backs and Pumice Macrosuede from Warwick on the seats.

For a similar globe pendant lamp try Pure White Lines.

THE ENGLISH HOME 39

The master bedroom walls are papered in Centipede Stripe in Angel Pink by Neisha Crosland. The bed has been reupholstered in Quantock fabric by Fermoie. The Sarah table lamp in Ivory and bespoke shade is by KD Loves. For similar chest of drawers try the Bureau from Chelsea Textiles and for a similar mirror try the distressed grey Windsor wall mirror

by The Farthing.

40 THE ENGLISH HOME

‘It was fascinating watching the impact of the new paint and papers’ Emma’s trick with the dining table broke new ground for David and Jane, who were used to traditional oak tables. The base of the table has been left in the original natural wood, but the top has been painted in a rich intense blue, protected by a glass top, which reflects prisms of light. “It literally sparkles during candlelit dinner parties,” says Jane. “Many of our guests remark on it. Emma is a past master at cheering up traditional pieces.”

Making the most of their new home, Jane and David entertain friends and family most weekends, delighting in the sound of happy children’s voices.

Parties abound by the pool in summer, and in winter, guests move inside for gatherings, musical evenings and dinner parties. Throughout the year, Jane’s exotic culinary feasts are arguably as extravagant as the intensity of the colours and patterns that surround her. Only David’s office stands out as a reminder of their former commitment to neutrals. “He is happy and finds it relaxing,” Jane says. “What matters at the end of the day, is that we live in a house that everyone loves.” n

ABOVE A classic roll-top bath sits beneath a row of mirrored window frames that reflect light and exaggerate the space. A warm, feminine feel is introduced by the choice of wall colour, which is painted in a 50/50 mix of white and Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball.

ABOVE This guest bedroom is decorated in a bright sunny scheme of yellow and pale blue. For a similar floral fabric as is used for the curtains try Selena by Colefax and Fowler.

LEFT A wall in the playroom is decorated with a fun collection of animal plates by Paige Gemmel. For a similar mirror try the Taupe Window Pane wall mirror from Graham and Green.

The armchair in the drawing room is in a Peter Dunham fabric from Tissus d’Hélène and the sofas are in a fabric by Nina Campbell. The oil painting above the sofa is by Dominic Hills, represented

by Edgar Modern, and ‘The Haughty Woman’ bronze resin bust on the table is by Robert Hornyold-Strickland.

42 THE ENGLISH HOME

Creative HARMONY

A joyful collaboration between the homeowner and interior designer Gavin Houghton has revitalised the interiors of this idyllic Hampshire home FEATURE KERRYN HARPER-CUSS PHOTOGRAPHY BOZ GAGOWSKI

44 THE ENGLISH HOME

‘Most of our life is spent in the kitchen. It’s warm in the winter with the Aga, and in the summer we can open the French windows onto the garden’

U

sually it is the owners who painstakingly seek out their dream homes, but very occasionally it can seem as though it is the house that is in eager pursuit. The latter certainly seemed to be the case with this picturesque Grade II listed property in Hampshire. Catriona Yates had been searching for a home to rent in Oxfordshire, but this alluring house, which was for sale, kept persistently popping up on her computer screen, despite the fact that it did not fit her search criteria.

Over many months, a series of serendipitous events kept drawing Catriona’s attention to the property, until finally she drove to see it, nestled in an idyllic location, deep in rolling countryside. It immediately stole her heart. “It’s odd that although we weren’t looking in this area, we do have lots of friends nearby, and as soon as I walked in, I felt very much at home,” she says. “It felt wonderful being surrounded by so much greenery and trees, to hear birdsong and to feel a deep sense of peace. It really felt as though the house found us.”

An amalgam of several eighteenth and early nineteenth-century farmhouses, joined and extended over the years, the property has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and an inviting annexe. Whilst the house had been well looked after, it was not decorated to Catriona’s taste, so, having enjoyed working with him on a previous home, she sought interior designer Gavin Houghton’s guidance once more.

Prior to founding his design studio in 2008, Gavin had worked as an interior magazine stylist, art directing photoshoots for glossy publications.

This rare background is undoubtedly pivotal to his considered approach to the composition and details of room design. As Gavin explains, “I subconsciously decorate with vistas in mind – thinking of every angle as you would when looking through a camera so that there are interesting things to enjoy from every perspective.”

Rather than decorating this rural home solely in traditional English style, Gavin has imbued it with

ABOVE The kitchen is a substantial space with a generous dining table that was made for this room and bought from the previous owners.

Catriona repurposed her former dining chairs to accompany it. The blinds are in Constance Multi from Cabbages & Roses.

OPPOSITE An antique Italian writing desk in a corner of the drawing room is framed by curtains in Secret Garden by Sheila Coombes.

THE ENGLISH HOME 45

Covering the walls in the kitchen in Ashdown wallpaper by Nicholas Herbert has added a French-style charm and atmosphere. The riseand-fall pendant lights are from Hector Finch.

‘I didn’t want the interiors to look too English. This is such a perfect, pretty little house, it needed a few slightly French echoes’ an air of French elegance throughout. “I introduced classical elements – although still with some wit and humour – but I didn’t want the interiors to look too English. They needed to be a tad more glamorous,” he says. “Traditional English style can look wonderful in a stately home, of course, but I don’t really love it in a smaller property – it doesn’t sing in that context. This is such a perfect, pretty little house, it needed a few slightly French echoes.”

The kitchen was already a spacious, light-filled room with views to front and back and French

windows leading into the garden. The pre-existing kitchen cabinetry was perfectly serviceable, so Gavin had it repainted in a warm cream and upgraded the handles. Wrapping the entire room in a delicate green-and-cream wallpaper was a masterstroke, and this, along with character details such as the pendant lighting and green bar stools with vintage tractor seats, has resulted in a beautiful and atmospheric place for family and friends to congregate. The Roman blinds in fabric from  Cabbages & Roses were a more recent addition.

ABOVE Walls in soft pink add a cocooning feel to the dining room. The chairs are Gavin Houghton’s Josephine design, and are upholstered in a Penny Morrison fabric. The curtains are in a Cabbages & Roses print.

THE ENGLISH HOME 47

‘It’s wonderful being surrounded by so much greenery, birdsong and such a deep sense of peace’ ABOVE Nestled deep in the picturesque Test Valley in Hampshire, this Grade II listed property comprises several eighteenth and nineteenthcentury farmhouses, joined and extended over the years.

LEFT The family’s much-loved black Labradors (from left to right) Holly, Kiera and Missy.

Holly and Kiera are sisters, Missy is Holly’s daughter.

48 THE ENGLISH HOME

As the dining room lacks natural daylight, Gavin decided the walls should be painted a soft, warm pink and offset them with green elsewhere. “I use a lot of green” says Gavin. “Being a natural colour, your eyes rest on it, and I find it creates a tranquil mood. With so many variations – from grey green to olive – there is something for every space.” Meanwhile, Catriona had already bought the dining table, but wryly admits to an error. “I misjudged and went for something too small – which is why I need Gavin’s eye – so I had an MDF top made to fit the space,” she says. “The table can seat up to 12 comfortably. The MDF top stays covered with a tablecloth, but we can remove it whenever required.”

Finding the perfect wall colour for the triple-aspect drawing room took more time. The room has steps down into it from the hall and Gavin wanted to amplify this physical change with an enveloping colour scheme. He was keen to add a subtle 1930s echo, and he and Catriona painstakingly sought out the perfect turquoise paint hue which adds vivacity without being  too bold. He also had a new fire surround installed,

The entrance hall is a calm portal between the reception rooms.

The antique mahogany pedestal table was sourced through Hugh Leuchars antiques.

For similar try sellingantiques.co.uk

THE ENGLISH HOME 49

The bed and corona in the master bedroom are by Beaudesert. The walls and woodwork are in Panel by Paint & Paper Library. The daybed from Sean Cooper is in fabric from Nicholas Herbert, as are the drapes. The standard lamp is by Robert Kime.

50 THE ENGLISH HOME

‘The bed makes me think of The Princess and the Pea – I just love all that gorgeous fabric around the headboard’ sourcing it from a maker in Notting Hill. “It reminded me of a fireplace at Ashcombe – one of Cecil Beaton’s former homes,” he says.

The existing armchairs were re-covered and new sofas were made to measure; Gavin describes them as “quite grand, but not too grand”. They are beautifully proportioned for the setting. The handwoven rug, sourced from specialist Robert Stephenson, anchors the room and draws together the complex and sophisticated layers of the colour palette, from the raspberry-and-indigo stripe on the armchairs, to the russet cushions, ochre lampshades and vibrant cerulean lamp base.

Progressing to the first floor, Gavin chose a trailing floral wallpaper up the stairs and around the landing to bring charm to what can be an often-neglected space. It proved to be a huge success.

Catriona’s favourite room, the master bedroom, sits on one side of the split-level landing, giving a sense of being in its own wing. Here, the elegant bed

feels perfectly positioned in the space once occupied by a fireplace, between original arched bookcases.

Fabric drapes on the half-tester bed stand out against the deeply cosseting colour of the walls and woodwork, magnifying the chiaroscuro effect.

Playful but elegant colour and pattern have been used in all the bedrooms and bathrooms, from rich olive-coloured walls to Indian block-printed curtain fabric.

Although each room in the house has its own unique character, Gavin has deftly ensured that the interiors flow seamlessly one into another, and six years after moving in, Catriona is still thrilled with the results of their creative collaboration. “Gavin and I work very well together, although I can’t take much credit for the interiors,” she says. “I know what I like, but he is my confidence. He is an artist and has an artist’s eye for colour and shape. I would never have been so bold in my choices but it all works together so well.” n

ABOVE LEFT The larger of two guest bedrooms has a softly bohemian feel with warm green walls and lovely block-print paisley fabric at the windows. For similar fabric, try Penny Morrison.

ABOVE RIGHT The master en-suite bathroom features floor and wall tiles from Fired Earth, a Marley vanity from Porter and taps from Lefroy Brooks.

THE ENGLISH HOME 51

Reimagined COLOUR Interior designer Charlotte Boundy has embraced the simple charms of her Victorian worker’s cottage, giving it a new lease of life with an infusion of subtle colour FEATURE CLAIR WAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MCDONALD

52 THE ENGLISH HOME

ART CAN YOU INDICATE WHERE THE GUTTER WILL FALL AND ENSURE WE HAVE 5MM GRAB PLS? THANKS

Robert Kime’s Cory Major fabric on a nineteenthcentury Napoleon III armchair was the starting point for this scheme.

The ottoman from Nimmo & Spooner sits on an 1880s Agra rug from Dominic Everest. The Marple sofa from Arlo & Jacob has been covered in Nantes Overdye in Madder Celadon by Lewis & Wood. The pair of shellac ink and linseed oil artworks above the sofa are by Charlotte’s brother, Toby Boundy.

A striking 1920s Moldovan Bessarabian rug from Joshua Lumley brings a splash of bold colour and pattern to the dining room.

Hand-painted shades

by Gavin Houghton sit on top of antique brass candlesticks.

54 THE ENGLISH HOME

‘I felt like it was mine immediately, so I had to make it happen. It’s very sweet and how I’d always imagined a little cottage would be’

H

aving often admired the rows of pretty Victorian workers’ cottages with their charming gabled porches on her favourite street in Kensal Rise in London, interior designer Charlotte Boundy could barely contain her excitement when one came up for sale back in 2010.

“I’d been living in a one-bedroom garden flat in Shepherd’s Bush and I really wanted to graduate to

a little house so I could go upstairs to bed,” she says. “When I started thinking about moving, I knew I would love a worker’s cottage.”

By the time Charlotte found the cottage, she had been house hunting unsuccessfully for a year. “I’d sold my flat, but then couldn’t find anything I liked.

I knew I wanted something with character. There was an awful lot out there that was very average,”

ABOVE A relief-cast plaster plaque from Lassco hangs above the space-saving bookcase designed

by Charlotte. The Scallop lampshade is by Matilda Goad.

THE ENGLISH HOME 55

Previously white, the kitchen cabinetry, door and window frame have been transformed by being painted in Ink from Atelier Ellis. A curtain made using ticking fabric from The Cloth Shop softens the space and keeps out drafts on chilly evenings.

56 THE ENGLISH HOME

On warm summer evenings, Charlotte loves sitting on the cosy back porch in her garden. A useful storage bench has been made using decking boards. The antique French tablecloth is from No.1 Lewes and the wall is painted in Cromarty by Farrow & Ball.

‘It can be scary when you put colour onto something that’s been white for a few years. It might look shocking at first, then you realise it works’ she says. As soon as Charlotte walked into the cottage, she fell for its simple charms – the slightly rounded, uneven walls, light-filled spaces, its layout and the sense of history that permeates every room.

“I just walked in and knew I wanted it,” she says.

“I felt like it was mine immediately, so I had to make it happen. It’s very sweet and how I’d always imagined a little cottage would be.”

Having renovated various properties over the years, Charlotte could see the worker’s cottage was structurally sound and had a good existing layout.

“Aspects of the house were unbelievably basic, including the non-existent kitchen,” she says, “but I loved how the drawing room and dining area had been opened up into one space. It felt like a proper home, and I remember thinking what a treat it would be to have a spacious bathroom. An added bonus, and huge selling point for me, was the back porch off the kitchen, which overlooks the garden.”

During her first year there, Charlotte decorated the house in a pared-back, off-white palette and initially

made do with a very simple set-up in the kitchen. “The kitchen had nothing in it apart from a little camping stove on legs, an old sink on a stand and a trestle table with everything on it or below it,” she says.

Charlotte’s biggest achievements during the first phase of renovations were installing a white Shakerstyle kitchen and updating the bathroom, which included adding a much-needed shower and restoring the roll-top bath that was already there. She also removed the tired carpet that was laid throughout the house, and happily discovered lovely old floorboards downstairs, which she painted white to bounce light around the space. Meanwhile, upstairs, she chose smart sisal flooring for the bedrooms.

Over the past 10 years, Charlotte’s passion for renovating has slowly evolved into a full-time career in interior design, in a somewhat accidental way. Having started out working at Christie’s, Charlotte went on to work with two highly regarded interior designers – Rose Uniacke and Max Rollitt – before setting up her own interior design business a few years ago.

ABOVE LEFT Charlotte stands outside the front of her Victorian worker’s cottage, which dates back to 1867. The front door is painted in Spruce by Little Greene. Charlotte planted the hydrangea when she first moved in, and it has now grown to such a size that it acts as the ideal privacy screen. To find out more about Charlotte’s interior design projects, visit charlotteboundy.com

THE ENGLISH HOME 57

The walls in the bathroom are in Edward Bulmer Natural Paint’s Jonquil and the bath exterior is in Farrow & Ball’s Railings. The Grignano wall lights by Richard Taylor Designs are topped with shades by Rosi de Ruig.

ABOVE To create a sense of calm, the master bedroom walls are painted in Warm White by Atelier Ellis and the woodwork is painted in Light Blue by Farrow & Ball. On the bed, an antique Suzani from Robert Kime brings a splash of vibrant colour to the space. The flooring is Tiger’s Eye sisal, and the pretty Lacy panel on the window from Nest Design affords privacy whilst allowing light to permeate the room.

In early 2019, feeling inspired by her time working alongside such talented designers as Uniacke and Rollitt, and having completed various projects for her own clients, Charlotte decided it was time to redecorate her little oasis. “I was eager to fill my cottage with colour this time round,” she says.

“Working with Max encouraged me to be braver with colour and showed me ways to layer various hues.”

Being given some Robert Kime fabric by a friend turned out to be the starting point for the colour schemes. “It’s a beautiful floral linen called Cory Major, featuring greens, yellows and cranberry reds, which are colours that go with everything.” Covering an antique armchair in this fabric proved to be the perfect foil for another favourite of Charlotte’s, Nantes Overdye by Lewis & Wood, used on the sofa.

At this time Charlotte also discovered Edward Bulmer Natural Paint’s range of beautiful paint colours and chose a warm neutral called Lilac Pink for the sitting room and dining area. “It’s a sublime colour,” she says. “In some lights it looks pink, then other

58 THE ENGLISH HOME

times it can look pale caramel or putty.” Meanwhile, in the kitchen, which had been entirely off-white for years, she chose a dark blue paint for the cabinetry.

“The kitchen was instantly brought back to life with a lick of paint and new knobs, and sanding and restaining the work surfaces,” she says.

Upstairs, Charlotte decided to use pale paint colours in each room to create a peaceful, uplifting retreat. She selected a soft plaster pink for the bathroom, powdery light blue for the guest bedroom and warm white for the master bedroom, with stronger accent colours used in the furniture and accessories. “Because so many houses in my street are all white, I wanted to experiment in this little cottage by using a simple palette of subtle colours,” she explains. “Not wanting to sacrifice any light, I’ve chosen warm tones wherever possible. It can be quite scary when you put colour onto something that has been white for many years.

It might look shocking at first and then you realise it does work. You can always change things. It’s fun to experiment and try new things out.”

‘It’s a dream – having colour and layers of textiles all around me has made me a lot happier in the space’ Bringing antiques back to life is another of Charlotte’s passions and she can often be found hunting for treasures in her favourite antique shops. “I’m a big fan of restoring and refurbishing older pieces because it makes you feel part of the process,” she explains. She cleverly combines muted colours and antiques, but also likes to mix in a few modern pieces in vibrant hues to add a sense of playfulness to her schemes.

The cottage being a compact space, Charlotte had to be creative when it came to storage solutions, so she cleverly designed a bookcase set in what used to be the fireplace in the dining room. “The dining room doubles as my home office and it was important for me to have a place to keep my favourite books and keepsakes,” she says. Charlotte’s carpenter also built a series of floor-to-ceiling, Shaker-style cupboards

and wardrobes throughout the house to maximise storage space.

An important element in the whole design process was understanding the cottage’s roots and letting its simple, wholesome charm shine. “I didn’t want to make it something it wasn’t,” Charlotte says. “That was quite key. It’s always going to be a worker’s cottage. I love camelback sofas, fine furniture and wonderful chandeliers, but that was never going to work in this house. It’s all about embracing what it is.”

Now that the house is finished, Charlotte is loving her reimagined, colourful home. “It’s a dream,” she says, “and has made such a difference. Having colour and layers of textiles all around me has made me a lot happier in the space. I just love my surroundings and I’m very lucky to be able to say that.” n

ABOVE The guest bedroom walls are painted in Light Blue, and the wardrobe is in De Nimes, both by Farrow & Ball. The headboard in Wheat Flower Border from Bennison is combined with a Kantha bedspread from The Cloth Shop and Club wall lights from Jim Lawrence. The chest of drawers is from Doe & Hope and the Papyrus lampshade is from Robert Kime.

THE ENGLISH HOME 59

Cottage in THE WOODS Lovingly transforming their nineteenth-century find, Antonia and John Cunningham have combined past and present to create a magical retreat FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

The curtains in the kitchen-diner are in Vhari Grande fabric, printed bespoke by Peony & Sage and made by Victoria Clark Interiors.

“Victoria’s idea of pulling the pink tones in Peony & Sage’s Kashmir paisley fabric used for the Roman blinds has worked a treat,” says Antonia.

THE ENGLISH HOME 61

The handmade wooden doors and windows have been painted in Farrow & Ball’s French Gray.

‘I felt that no matter what lay inside the walls of this hidden gem, the setting was so idyllic, we just had to buy it’ ABOVE Formerly a snug, the entrance hall has practical Umbrian limestone flooring from Floors of Stone. Morris & Co’s Kelmscott Tree fabric is teamed with walls in Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue.

ABOVE RIGHT Antonia and John love their new terrace. The furniture is by Kettler, whilst the pretty tablecloth is from Sarah K.

H

aving driven through enchanting woodland to view a remote, Victorian cottage she had seen online, even before setting foot inside the quaint property, Antonia Cunningham felt destined to become its next custodian. “Until that moment, I had never experienced such an instant and overwhelming connection to any home,” she says. “With my heart pounding, I felt that no matter what lay inside the walls of this hidden gem, the setting was so idyllic, we just had to buy it.”

This was back in 2017, when London-based Antonia and her husband, John, decided to search for a country bolthole for them and their children.

“Although we really enjoy many aspects of city living, we also wanted our children to experience

62 THE ENGLISH HOME

the complete freedom of life in the countryside,” Antonia explains.

Browsing the Internet for homes within an hour’s drive of London, the Cunninghams viewed dozens of properties online before spotting the intriguing West Sussex cottage in the heart of the South Downs National Park.

As Antonia was soon to discover, they were not the only house-hunters to be lured by the charms of this picturesque property in the woods. “Hearing that 20 other viewings were lined up for the following day, there was no time to hang around,” she says.

“As John was away and my parents had coincidentally relocated close to where the cottage is, I scheduled an appointment for the following day and asked my mother, Caroline, to accompany me.”

A floral tablecloth, sourced from Mrs. Alice, covers the large kitchen table from Antique Tables & Country Furniture in Wisborough Green. When choosing colours for the kitchen, Antonia chose Farrow & Ball’s French Gray for the bespoke cabinets and Shadow White for the walls.

THE ENGLISH HOME 63

ABOVE Curtains and blinds in Cassius by Colefax and Fowler complete the scheme in the drawing room.

Once the original wooden flooring was sanded and varnished, Persian rugs that used to belong to Antonia’s parents were added.

The Bluebell sofas are from Sofa.com, and the ottoman is from Neptune. A rocking horse that once belonged to Antonia’s mother is a charming addition.

Bundling the children – Charlotte, now 11, and Edward, now eight – into the car, Antonia whizzed down the A3 from London, collected her mother, and arrived outside the property, brimming with anticipation. “It was incredible,” she recalls. “The only sound we could hear were the squeals of delight as the children spotted the amazing garden.”

Antonia, who had renovated the family’s Edwardian townhouse in London, realised that the cottage, which is not listed, offered tremendous potential to become a treasured home. Originally built in and around 1840 as a home for one of the workers on the nearby Leconfield Estate, the property had been extended over the years. “The orientation was super, it seemed structurally sound, was a good size and had relatively high ceilings, plus fairly large windows,” Antonia says.

“I immediately sent an extremely enthusiastic text to John explaining that this bright and welcoming cottage was the one, and that we ought to put in an offer straightaway.”

Days later, after Antonia and John had been able to view it together, they discovered there had been

64 THE ENGLISH HOME

so much interest in the cottage that it had gone to sealed bids. However, it seemed that fortune was on their side. “We could hardly believe our luck when, soon after we placed our bid, we received a phone call to let us know that we were the next owners,” says Antonia. “Both John and I were over the moon.”

Collecting the keys, the family spent that summer holiday at their new abode, relishing every moment.

“It was the perfect opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the cottage and decide how it would work for our needs,” says Antonia. “We also got to know our neighbours, who kindly recommended local builders and joiners to carry out our proposed renovation.”

With Antonia expecting their third child in early 2018, time was of the essence. “That autumn was a complete whirlwind,” she recalls. “As project manager, I made countless trips to the cottage and endless decisions, always mindful of enhancing the character and charm of this period home.”

In regard to the layout, the couple turned a former snug into a smart hall and boot room to create a welcoming entrance, complete with a new stable door.

‘I wanted to be true to the integrity of this former worker’s cottage and give it a homely, authentic feel’

When it came to the kitchen, Antonia and John decided to keep the existing Aga in the same position and have bespoke cabinets designed and built to fit around it, providing much-needed storage and worktop space. Meanwhile, adjacent to the kitchen, a handy utility room and downstairs cloakroom were created, and, on the first floor, a new bathroom and shower room fitted. “I loved the fact that we were using excellent local tradesmen who were equally as passionate about giving this property a new lease of life as we were,” says Antonia.

Paying particular attention to the flooring for the cottage, the couple sourced beautiful Umbrian limestone for the kitchen and hallway, and had the original wooden floor in the drawing room sanded and varnished. Upstairs, they had carpets laid in the bedrooms and striking floor tiles in the bathroom.

“The narrow dirt track that leads through the woods to our cottage certainly isn’t designed for lorries, so the logistics of getting larger items such as the flooring delivered, proved to be fun and games at times, but we coped,” Antonia recalls.

Outside, the couple had a terrace built, complete with a pergola and barbecue area – perfect for al fresco get-togethers with family and friends. “On hot summer days, our new terrace, with its 80-year-old olive tree, feels almost Mediterranean,” Antonia says.

Extending the longevity of the cottage for future occupants was a priority for the Cunninghams. “We wanted to make changes that would stand the test of time for many years to come,” explains Antonia. “To this end, we commissioned handmade wooden doors and windows for the entire property.”

The project having been completed within just 10 weeks, Antonia began sourcing furniture, frequently visiting antique shops to track down unusual finds.

“I wanted to be true to the integrity of this former worker’s cottage and give it a homely, authentic feel by mixing inherited furniture and rugs with other old and new pieces,” she says.

With Christmas looming and the baby due in February 2018, having decorated throughout, Antonia postponed choosing fabric for the curtains, blinds  and soft furnishings for several months. “A chance

ABOVE Keen to give this snug a cosy feel and create a sense of cohesion with the hallway, Antonia chose Bird & Pomegranate wallpaper from Morris & Co. ABOVE LEFT A new wooden mantelshelf, designed and made locally, has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White to blend seamlessly with the wall colour.

The painting is a copy of An Anglesey Common by Chisholm Cole.

THE ENGLISH HOME 65

‘We spend hours outside playing in the woods, building dens, roasting marshmallows, or walking through the South Downs’ ABOVE The restful master bedroom features curtains in Linwood’s Tresco in Strawberry Punnet and an upholstered bench sourced from One.World. The painting above the bed is by Jeffrey Pratt and has lights from Neptune either side of it.

RIGHT Daughters Charlotte and Connie love their pretty bedroom with its curtains in a Peony & Sage fabric. The chest of drawers was sourced from Northcote Road Antiques Market.

conversation with a friend pointed me in the direction of Victoria Clark Interiors, which proved invaluable,” she explains. “Victoria was incredibly patient, working closely with me to introduce a range of gorgeous fabrics and ideas to complement our cottage. I was so thrilled to have her help and support.”

Having brought their vision to fruition, the couple turned their attention to the mature garden, with its abundance of fruit trees, bushes and vegetable patch.

“We knew that plenty of love had been lavished on the garden over the years, and were determined to keep changes to a minimum, simply removing a few hedges so that the children, including Connie, who is now three, had more room to run around,” says Antonia.

The result of the couple’s efforts and attention to detail have culminated in a home that they all adore.

“We spend hours outside playing in the woods, building dens, roasting marshmallows, or walking through the South Downs to the local pub for lunch,” Antonia reveals. “We cherish our time here and feel so incredibly fortunate to be the custodians of such a very special place.” n

66 THE ENGLISH HOME

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STYLE INSPIRATION

Our special section dedicated to design and decorating inspiration begins here

BATHED IN BEAUTY

FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPH FRANCOIS HALARD

Often, bathrooms are decorated with practical concerns in mind, rarely straying from sleek, easy-to-clean surfaces. Here elements usually seen in living rooms have been brought together to create a decorative, indulgent bathroom. Largescale floral fabric covers the walls and ceiling, providing a delightful pattern to look at whilst luxuriating in the bath.

A repurposed antique console creates a bespoke, luxurious vanity, lighting choices and framed pictures add another layer of comfort and decadence, whilst a rug offers warmth and pattern underfoot.

Still perfectly practical, yet utterly enticing.

Indian Arbre fabric, £210 a metre, Schumacher

THE ENGLISH HOME 69

ABOVE Create the perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of the garden – blankets and cushions offer comfort to a wrought-iron bench.

Wrought-iron garden bench, from £725 and all textiles and accessories, Susie Watson Designs LEFT Give wooden furniture a lick of paint in a natural colour for a smart and long-lasting finish.

Swing seat in Harley Green, £73.50 for 2.5l Intelligent Exterior Eggshell, Little Greene BELOW LEFT Rattan furniture is an elegant choice, and easy to move around to enjoy a tête-à-tête in the sunshine.

Taransay three-piece lounge set, £499, Barker & Stonehouse BELOW RIGHT A linen tablecloth is an informal yet elegant choice for an al fresco lunch or supper,

70 THE ENGLISH HOME

perhaps with freshly cut flowers from the garden placed in a pitcher to decorate.

Ash pink linen tablecloth, £82, Rowen & Wren ABOVE RIGHT Bright stripes are a classic and versatile choice.

Sun collection, from £55 to £79 a metre, Casul at Houlès RIGHT Echo country garden planting with a bright floral outdoor fabric choice.

Manchu outdoor fabric, £44 a metre, Designers Guild FAR RIGHT Larger gardens can allow for a spot for dining as well as a seating area for relaxed drinks. A drinks trolley will minimise trips back to the kitchen for a top up.

Moreton Kubu entertaining trolley, £396; and all other accessories, The White Company

OUTDOOR LIVING

Set the scene Treat the garden as an extension of the home, decorating and accessorising to suit taste, location and lifestyle to make it a useful, comfortable and beautiful outdoor room

Country charm

T

his look should be about balance and feeling at one with the garden. From a bijoux cottage garden to a more rambling estate, rural properties often enjoy outdoor spaces with lots of different areas for outdoor living.

Create a spot for afternoon tea or family meals, or quiet contemplation, perhaps tucked away beneath some trees or beside a pond. Use a lawn for garden games or stretching out on a sun lounger, larger spaces might even afford a swing bench from which to listen to birdsong.

Traditional-style furniture in wood, wicker or wrought iron is ideal and works well with classic planting schemes of scented roses and cottage garden flowers.

Echo an abundance of flowers in the choice of textiles. Much like in a country house, the pattern mixing can be slightly eclectic, with florals, stripes and checks mixed with smart globally inspired choices, such as a paisley, ikat

or chinoiserie. Keeping to bright, pretty colours found in the garden will ensure a setting that is relaxed yet considered, just as a well-evolved country sitting room would be.

PERFECT BALANCE Keep wooden finishes natural, or painted in tones of green, brown, pale, unobtrusive pastels, or white for freshness. An abundance of cushions and a wool blanket or two will provide ample comfort in a sunny spot.

Set the scene for a summer lunch with a linen tablecloth, napkins and white china. Create an informal centrepiece with cut flowers or arrange single stems in glass bottles along the centre of the table.

Formal areas warrant smarter seating, such as wicker sofas, and smaller gardens suit a wrought-iron bistro set for two. Place a bench in a secluded area to go to with a cup of tea, or reposition a deckchair to catch some warmth from the sun. 

Key elements • Floral patterns echoing cottage garden flowers • Classic furniture in rattan, wood or wrought iron • Different areas for dining, relaxing and socialising

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Poolside glamour For gardens that have the luxury of a pool, the opportunity for a taste of the tropics or a touch of tasteful glamour is available.

Beautiful sun-filled days by the pool can be transformed into feeling like somewhere far more exotic than the UK – perhaps a mood closer to the sophistication of the French Riviera, the cool chic of California, or the bright tropics of the Caribbean.

Have fun with bolder, brighter fabric choices – consider palm prints or tropical flowers, or smart, bold stripes. All white with a pop of bright colour – hot pink or zesty lime – can look splendid for a more contemporary take and work well to create a counterpoint in a classical setting.

When it comes to furniture, sun loungers are an essential by the pool, but consider setting up a table and chairs near the water as well for an interesting dining venue. Pool areas may also be exposed, so a generous parasol for shade is wise. A sofa and chairs are a good option for days when swimming and sunbathing are not on

the agenda, but an afternoon cocktail and a catch up with friends most certainly is.

UP TO THE TASK Ensure fabric and furniture choices are suited to poolside use. A high-quality water-resistant fabric is key by the poolside in particular.

The range of outdoor fabrics has increased greatly over the past few years, with beautiful designs that offer fade-resistance in bright sunshine as well as being water-, stain- and mould-resistant. Several brands offer an indoor/outdoor fabric collection, including Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Manuel Canovas, Thibaut, Zimmer + Rohde, No 9 Thompson, and Zinc Textiles, ensuring high performance and a wealth of choice for pattern. Samuel & Sons has even created special trimmings suited for outdoor use, perfect for adding some pizzazz to a stylish seating area.

Finally, make sure towels are co-ordinated with fabric choices for a perfectly considered finish.

Key elements • Chic and glamorous, offering a taste of exotic climes • Practical, yet stylish, high-performance outdoor textiles • A range of seating options - sunloungers, of course, but consider a chic bar or sofa for social gatherings

72 THE ENGLISH HOME

OUTDOOR LIVING

FAR TOP LEFT Add a taste of the tropics with a bright fabric.

West Palm, Kiwi on Spa Blue, £192 a metre, Thibaut TOP LEFT A jacquard stripe provides a smart cabana mood.

Hammock stripe, £80 a metre; Osborne & Little LEFT Add a contemporary twist with modern white furniture and bright pops of colour.

Summer Garden, Paris Ice White Lounging Set, £1,699, Bridgman BELOW LEFT A spacious daybed makes a statement and is perfect for two to while away the hours.

Panama daybed, £4,100, Lagoon ABOVE Add beautiful trims to enhance outdoor fabrics.

Selection of fringes and borders,

from £33 to £130 a metre, all Samuel & Sons ABOVE RIGHT Set up a seating area by the pool for drinks.

Luccombe collection, from £495 for an ottoman, Oka RIGHT Emulate the chic feel of the French Riviera with bold hues.

Fabrics from £54 to £80 a yard, Richloom at Fameed Khalique BELOW Layers of elegant neutral tones create a sophisticated poolside scheme.

Selection of outdoor fabrics from £70 to £105 a metre, Mark Alexander BELOW RIGHT Brighten the zone with an array of colourful fabrics.

Fabric £59 to £115 a metre, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler

THE ENGLISH HOME 73

ABOVE Bring out a blanket and armfuls of cushions for a lazy day.

Medina Tangier rug, from £130, Weaver Green LEFT This statement parasol combines a classic William Morris pattern with flamboyant fringing.

William round bamboo parasol, from £450, East London Parasol Company LEFT BELOW Globally inspired outdoor fabrics.

Left: Zanzibar, Tobacco £190 a metre, Penny Morrison; Right: Sumatra, Ocean Air, £124 a metre, Jim Thompson BOTTOM LEFT For a relaxed lunch bring out a farmhouse table and dress with a jaunty fabric.

Cherry cotton table runner, £36, Denys & Fielding

74 THE ENGLISH HOME

RIGHT Serve up homemade pizzas in the garden for a relaxed supper.

Rusted outdoor pizza oven, £540, Rowen & Wren FAR RIGHT TOP Colourful lanterns are make for a bohemian evening.

Outdoor solar lanterns, from £34.95, Sparkle Lighting FAR RIGHT MIDDLE Mix and match global brights for a playful look.

Around the World collection, from £74.10 a metre, Jab BOTTOM FAR RIGHT Follow the sun with a lightweight lounger.

Cane lounger, £600; Rattan lampshade, £45, Raj Tent Club BELOW Enjoy a spot of garden glamping or simply a hideaway for the day, with a stylish tent.

Five-metre Sandstone Canvas Bell tent, £549, Boutique Camping

Rowen Wren

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Relaxed bohemian Those who have a more eclectic, globally influenced and relaxed approach to decorating the home can translate this bohemian attitude to their outdoor space too.

This style is ideally suited to gardens that have a more natural and wild feel – perhaps with unmown grassy areas, meadow flowers and several trees to provide dappled sunlight and shade. It offers a space for unwinding, for children to play in makeshift dens and for informal parties.

Blankets, armfuls of cushions, beanbags and quilts can be carried to a favourite spot, along with a picnic, drinks, a stack of books and outdoor games to make the most of long, lazy afternoons amongst the birds, bees and butterflies.

ECLECTIC MIX Fabrics might be bright and colourful, evoking the spirit of a wildflower meadow, or simply charmingly mismatched. Whilst special outdoor textiles might be

desired, just grabbing the squishiest, most comfortable cushions from inside will also do.

Outdoor rugs are useful for creating a large ground area, either for a picnic, games or sunbathing – though perhaps a lightweight sun lounger that can easily be moved into a secluded spot is a desirable touch.

Furniture, too, can be mismatched and painted in different colours, and bringing out a kitchen table and chairs makes for a wonderful, spontaneous al fresco supper.

A tent, gazebo or canopy offers a romantic, bohemian feel for adults and children alike, creating a den, as well as a sense of occasion for social gatherings. For smaller spaces, a glorious, colourful and tasselled parasol can create a similar mood.

Befitting the relaxed mood of the styling, food should be informal too – a picnic or homemade pizzas cooked in an outdoor wood-fired oven for a treat. Lanterns strung amongst the trees add colour and a playful, global character, too. 

Key elements • Mismatched, comfortable fabrics, cushions and blankets • Colourful choices for fabrics, furniture and lighting • Secluded spots to create spaces or dens in which to relax

FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

THE ENGLISH HOME 75

www.theheadboardworkshop.co.uk or call us on 01291 628216 Headboards & Beds | Ottomans | Stools & Chairs

OUTDOOR LIVING

Moonlit retreats

ABOVE Create a spot for restful repose, either for star gazing or beneath a shelter, with a generous hammock.

Striped grey garden hammock, £125, Beaumonde LEFT Create a romantic glow with outdoor lights and candles.

Woven Wooden Lantern with TruGlow candle, £25.99, and all TruGlow candles and fairy lights, Lights4Fun BELOW Set up an al fresco cinema for all to enjoy. Simply peg up a sheet to project onto, have plenty of cushions and blankets at hand and enjoy a favourite film.

All furniture and accessories from Garden Trading BELOW RIGHT Enjoy a table for two in the comfort of the garden, making it suitably romantic with candles, festoon lights and sparkling crystal glassware.

Ravenna dining table and two benches with cushions, £825, Cox & Cox

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Even after sundown, the garden can be a magical room for evening entertainment. Set the mood with soft lighting in a layered assortment of sources – from candlelight (either the real thing or LED for extra safety) to festoon and fairy lights – and a firepit or woodburner for warmth.

For spaces intended to be used at night, consider planting that can be enjoyed come nightfall. Flowers that still bloom and release sweet scent in the evening include petunias, wisteria, star jasmine and honeysuckle.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT Ensure the garden is a relaxing, enjoyable place to spend time beneath the stars. As well as lighting and some form of heat source, add blankets and cushions to keep the space warm and inviting for longer. Invest in comfortable seating, maybe even a hammock for those who simply want to lie back and absorb the languorous atmosphere of a warm summer evening.

For a special treat, transform the garden into an outdoor cinema – a white sheet pegged up against a wall or fence provides an ideal screen. Bring together blankets, rugs, deckchairs or a sofa and perhaps a firepit nearby, though, if it is lit, be sure to keep it attended at all times.

Fill up pitchers with drinks to limit trips back and forth to the house, and share out popcorn for an enjoyable night with family or friends.

Key elements • Lighting – both to be practical and to set an atmospheric mood • Warmth from a fire pit or similar, as well as blankets.

• Attention to detail creates an occasion, whether dinner for two or a film night

THE ENGLISH HOME 77

OUTDOOR LIVING

Urban chic

MODERN ELEMENTS Geometrics, or textured plains offer contemporary elegance, or seek modern prints. Keep to a curated colour palette; greys, whites and black with one accent colour – a yellow or green will feel bright and have a natural affinity with the surroundings. Consider potbased planting, with more greenery and structural, textural plants such as wild grasses and leafy shrubs rather than anything too flowery.

Adding an outdoor rug softens a paved area and creates a zone in a small space, as can decorative tiles.

An outdoor bar or drinks trolley will make this a sociable space, as will a heat source such as a sleek outdoor fireplace. As storing outdoor furniture come winter may be an issue, invest in covers to protect it, or simply bring out tables, chairs and so forth from indoors as and when needed during the summer. n

TOP A streamlined palette of yellows creates a sunny, modern look.

Bibi Multi, £50 a metre; Holkham Amber (stripe), £35 a metre, both Warner House ABOVE Smart stripes on a highperformance outdoor fabric.

Foutah Petanque and Pastis, from £45.96 a metre, Sunbrella RIGHT Choose a sleek outdoor fireplace for added warmth after dusk.

Kamino fireplace, £999, Morsø BELOW Outdoor paints can be used to create a cohesive look.

Fence, chairs, shelf and pots in Chalk Paint, from £5.95 for 120ml and finished in Chalk Paint Lacquer, £21.95, both Annie Sloan FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPHS P70 (HOULÉS) © MARC GUENARD; (BARKER & STONEHOUSE) © ALLINSON’S PHOTOGRAPHY. P72 (OSBORNE & LITTLE) © ANDREW TWORT. P74 (ODD LIMITED) © SIMON BROWN. P77 (LIGHTS4FUN) © OLIVER PERROTT

Courtyard gardens, rooftops, balconies and smaller urban spaces can echo sleeker elements from interiors to create a hidden oasis in the city. Space is often at a premium, so modular furniture can be ideal for fitting against a wall or in a corner, but prettier sofas and armchairs can also work. Often a smaller garden needs to be multi-functional, so seating should be comfortable for any occasion, whether relaxing with a drink or dining with friends. Use low walls to create extra seating, adding specially made seat pads or a selection of cushions in outdoor fabrics. Transform stonework with masonry paint, using whites or greys for a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Key elements • Multifunctional spaces for dining and relaxing • Geometric patterns, contemporary prints • Sleek, limited colour palette

78 THE ENGLISH HOME

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Creative ways with

TILES

Be bold with colour and elaborate with design to add decorative charm inside and out

F

rom natural stone to painted ceramic designs, tiles have long been used to create practical yet decorative surfaces in the home.

Nowadays, with myriad shapes, sizes, colours and configurations on offer, it is easier than ever to enliven a decorating scheme with tiles. “Tile options have come a long way from the utilitarian choices our grandparents were faced with,” Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook, says. “Decorative patterns in bold hues for floors sit happily alongside wall tiles that burst with eye-catching colours or are in natural materials in interesting shapes.”

Here we look at ways this practical and beautiful medium can be used throughout the home.

80 THE ENGLISH HOME

WONDER WALLS In a kitchen, select tile designs that balance aesthetics with functionality, bearing in mind that smooth-surfaced tiles will be easier to keep clean than textured varieties.

Consider using a combination of patterned and plain tiles to introduce decorative interest, such as a hand-painted mural or panels above a cooker, or a colourful, patterned frieze across a wall.

Tiles in richly coloured or subtle tonal glazes produce dramatic variations, adding a dash of the extraordinary to what might otherwise be a utilitarian kitchen space.

For a traditional look, seek inspiration from country house kitchens and seek out the uneven character of handmade tiles with a crackle glaze in muted hues to inject period charm.

ABOVE LEFT Add decorative interest and rustic charm with panels of hand-painted tiles depicting farmyard scenes or motifs, landscapes and florals.

Cockerel six-tile panels, £133.90 each, Marlborough Tiles ABOVE Patterned tiles inject a band of colour between a co-ordinating plain alternative.

Cabrera Jasmin Blue tiles, £4.49 each; Cabrera White Gloss tiles, £1.19 each, Claybrook Studio

DECORATING

A GOOD VINTAGE Readily sourced from reclamation yards or specialist suppliers, antique tiles have a particular charm and appeal. As Chris Gulson-Brooke, founder of Maitland & Poate explains, “Reclaimed tiles lifted from the floors of heritage properties will display tiny chips and variations in patina from many years of previous use. Its these variations in the tiles that makes them so beautiful.”

Plain antique stone and terracotta tiles boast a depth of colour and variation in tone not found in modern counterparts, and patterned encaustic tiles are very versatile, with just a small quantity needed for a pretty splashback or floor for a walk-in shower. Alternatively, use a selection of different designs together to create a patchwork effect or juxtapose with sections of reclaimed parquet timber or exposed brickwork to further complement their rustic, salvaged charm.

RIGHT These 100-year-old antique terracotta tiles are wonderfully worn and full of character. They can be used to add period charm to an entrance hall or kitchen.

Antique Burgundy Reclaimed Terracotta, £153.76 a square metre, Artisans of Devizes

STYLISH EMBELLISHMENT Bold use of pattern and colour, combined with clever configuration, can make a bathroom very beautiful indeed.

For a modern twist on tradition, take classic brick tiles and experiment with different ways to position them.

Lay them horizontally to make a room appear wider, and vertically to visually heighten a space, or herringbone-style for a pretty decorative look. For dramatic results, position blocks of solid, contrasting colours next to each other, whilst for a more subtle application of colour, use slender pencil tiles in bright hues to create a stripe effect.

Cement tiles can be suitable for both walls and floors, so use ornate patterned designs strategically to create visual cohesion in a small wet room or to ‘contain’ a bathing area within a larger space. Elevate the design credentials of the classic brick tile with solid colour blocking and a mix of configurations.

Shoreline Ceramic Glazed Gloss tiles in Sunset (top) and Shingle (bottom) £79.80 a square metre, National Trust Tile Collection at The Sarsen Stone Group

BELOW A simple star motif is sufficient to add playful pattern to a zoned bathing area of plain tiles.

Luna Fennel tiles, £5.10 each; Plain Fennel tiles, £3.36 each, all Bert & May

BORDERLINE Use pattern to create cameos of interest by mixing tile designs and colours. Many patterned tiles come with accompanying border designs to create a rug-effect central panel in a room or to zone a section of a room for a specific purpose. As Colin Roby-Welford, creative director at Fired Earth, explains, “Border and corner tiles give floors a really ‘finished’ look, framing the floor and ensuring that it takes centre stage.”

Alternatively, a simple striped tile or a plain tile with a relief decoration can be used to create effective borders for more elaborate designs, particularly where a single colour is used, resulting in a calm, cohesive overall result. Border tiles can also be used as a dado-rail-style wall divider with different styles and designs of tile above and below.

TOP Tiles depicting traditional motifs in heritage colours add authentic charm to a period home.

Use a border tile in a hallway or boot room to create a ‘rug’ or ‘door mat’ effect.

Patisserie Sucre 2 and Patisserie Sucre Border tiles, both £3.14 each, Fired Earth RIGHT A striped tile acts as the perfect frame for a delicate leaf-patterned tile in this sophisticated but playful bathroom scheme.

Felce tiles, £8.04 each; Stripes tiles, £11.79 each, both Balineum

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Geometric designs work well and provide a degree of restrained formality in entrance halls. Large, plain-coloured tiles can make a narrow hallway appear larger when laid in a classic chequerboard configuration.

Tiled floors that were hugely popular with the Victorians are ideal for creating a welcoming feel in a dark period hallway, with their intricate patterns of tiny multi-coloured tiles. Modern-day alternatives use bold designs such as hexagons, diamonds, chevrons and heraldic-style floral emblems on larger-scale tiles to dramatic effect. Source cement tiles that are at least 15mm thick and use outdoors to add a matching pathway of pattern leading up to the front door.

82 THE ENGLISH HOME

LEFT Orderly and elegant in their design, marble floor tiles are synonymous with grand entrance halls. A traditional monochromatic colourway also allows room for a little frivolity in the decoration with a pretty fondant pink paint colour perfect for the walls.

Fitz Honed Marble tiles, £82.80 a square metre, Mandarin Stone

DECORATING

These colourful hand-illustrated terracotta tiles are the result of a collaboration between Balineum and artist Wayne Pate. Display singularly or as a series on shelving for some whimsical and affordable modern art.

Wayne Pate Tile Collection I, from £21.60 each, Balineum

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITY Tiles as works of art elevate this simple and functional design staple to a whole new level.

The flat clay surface lends itself to all sorts of creative illustration and expression, and artists’ handmade and hand-painted tiles can be sourced from independent galleries. The Crafts Council will also have listings of artists who specialise in this medium.

Create a statement surface by forming a largescale abstract mural in a bathroom or kitchen.

Alternatively, elsewhere in the home, a single, large-scale tile can be framed like a painting within plain tiles or, for a decorative installation that can be easily changed as mood dictates, place cherished pieces on shelves with other decorative objects, ceramic or otherwise. 

ABOVE RIGHT Designer Marianne Smink of Smink Studio reworks classic geometric shapes to create bespoke installations. Each tile is hand-moulded and individually screen-printed. After Lowry tiles, £300 a square metre, Smink Studio

THE ENGLISH HOME 83

VERY MOORISH Handmade using centuries-old traditions, encaustic clay tiles from Morocco and Europe are much revered for their raw finish. Created by pressing coloured clay into a mould, they are durable enough for exterior spaces, too.

“Encaustic cement tiles are great for period English homes, adding pattern and colour to more traditional surroundings,” Damla Turgut, founder and creative director of Otto Tiles, explains. “I particularly love the juxtaposition between contemporary and traditional styles, and their versatility. You can use them outdoors as well as indoors, on walls, floors, showers, splashbacks.”

For a similar injection of exotic charm, Turgut suggests light-reflective, high-gloss tiles such as the brand’s Zellige or Bejmat to add sparkle to an interior devoid of much natural light. The slightly uneven surface of each tile undergoes multiple layers of glaze, resulting in a beautiful pearlescent and shimmering finish.

RIGHT The beauty of the Bejmat natural clay tile lies in its hugely tactile and light-reflective surface with tiny imperfections – a result of each one being chiselled and glazed by hand.

Ecru Rose Bejmat tiles, £1.05 each, Otto Tiles

TAKE TO THE FLOOR A tiled floor is durable and waterproof, making it the number one choice for practicality, but preparation is key, so be sure to lay onto a subfloor that is level, structurally sound, clean and dry.

Natural materials work wonders in kitchens, complementing other popular materials such as copper, steel and wood, so embrace the enduring tactile properties and colourways of stone, terracotta, limestone or slate. Source tumbled or riven slab-style cuts for a homely rustic feel, or make an urban statement with polished

tiles in geometric shapes. A rustic choice on the floor could be combined with a sleek stone worktop in a kitchen.

Marble will always make a sophisticated statement, either softly with delicate grey hues or by adding drama and opulence, with deep veining in rich green or pink tones.

For a contemporary touch, consider a pale-toned, polished and scratch-resistant porcelain, or even a terrazzo-effect porcelain, with as much intricate detail as its original marble counterpart.

RIGHT Seal modern terracotta tiles with a layer of antique beeswax for an authentic feel and to allow the rich and varied tones of colour to shine.

Tiles from £40 a square metre, Floors of Stone

84 THE ENGLISH HOME

DECORATING

MARVELLOUS MOSAIC It is hard not be attracted to the idea of a mosaic when the beauty and elaborate design of such a distinctive aesthetic date back over 4,000 years in history. Made using tesserae – small pieces of glass, tile or stone – mosaic patterns can be as simple or intricate as desired.

Stone and tile mosaics are naturally suited to floors, both inside and out, or even as an inlaid panel on a table or work surface. Glass mosaic

tiles come in an alluring array of colours and are a particularly attractive way to tile a wall in a wet room or bathroom. The combination of water droplets and the light-reflective qualities of the glass will create a shimmering effect.

For ease of application on large surfaces use ready-to-lay sheets of mosaic tiles. Alternatively opt for a show-stopping bespoke design as a piece of tiled art, installed on site by a specialist. 

ABOVE Designed by artist Sara Baldwin, this handmade mosaic includes custom stone and glass such as emerald, tourmaline, labradorite, opal, tiger’s eye, rose quartz and pearl jewel glass.

New Ravenna Chinoiserie mosaic, £5,994 a square metre, West One Bathrooms

THE ENGLISH HOME 85

DECORATING

SELECTING TILES Interior designers offer insights on choosing tile materials and working with pattern

“I like to bring a space alive with a sophisticated combination of pattern and colour, from figurative and floral motifs, to stripes and geometrics.

Patterned tiles are great as they are big on personality, but they can dominate a room. As a tiled area is relatively permanent, I always advise clients to think twice about using anything too fashionable. Antique tiles are difficult to source, but if you can get them, use them as the key style element and design the rest of the room around them. I like to enhance a room’s sense of function using patterned tiles – I had antique-looking Delft-style tiles painted with Norfolk terriers for a US client’s mud room and dog shower. A single panel of eye-catching, patterned tiles can transform a charmless kitchen or bathroom; choose the tiles first, then paint walls a really warm colour and add coloured textiles and pictures that pick up on the detail.”

FILL IN THE GAPS A mix of cement, lime and colour pigment, grout is a fail-safe way of sealing a tiled surface and preventing dust, water and debris getting between individual tiles. It can be used as a decorative tool, too, as it comes in a variety of different colours, allowing for plenty of creativity. Dark grey or black grout are practical options as they will not show discolouration as easily as their lighter counterparts. They will also work wonders in emphasising the clean lines of classic shapes such as squares, hexagons and brick tiles, adding an additional layer of decorative interest. Use with plain white tiles for a statement monochromatic effect.

Alternatively, introduce a cheerful, contemporary note with bright colour combinations such as pink grout with grey tiles, orange grout with yellow, or blue with green for maximum visual interest.

86 THE ENGLISH HOME

ABOVE Grout colour can be used to unify different sizes and shapes of tiles within a single space. Here the same shade of grey has been used on the hexagonal floor tiles and rectangular wall tiles.

Mosaic Porcelain White Hexagon tiles (378mm x 322mm), £5.45 each; Cosmopolitan Mint Brick tile, £89.95 a square metre, both Original Tiles

TILING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS Interior designer, Robert Moore, Moore Design “Stone and marble have been used by civilisations for centuries for their strength and beauty. They come in an array of wonderful hues and eye-catching textures, both on the surface and sometimes figured with pretty vein markings, and even with tiny fossil deposits. I love working with natural materials as this is what nature created – every single piece is different. In my London kitchen, I have used a pale blue-grey-toned French limestone which gives the look of the original flagstones that had been lost. For a client’s bathroom project, I laid the marble floor tiles on a diagonal grid to make the space feel wider and add interest whilst still being pared-down and muted in tone.

Marble and stone comes in ready-formed tiles of varying sizes to solid slabs, making it more accessible to get a luxurious look that is practical too.” ■

FEATURE SARA EMSLIE PHOTOGRAPHS P80 (MARLBOROUGH TILES) © ADAM CARTER; P81 (ARTISANS OF DEVIZES) © ADAM CARTER; P83 (SMINK STUDIO) © VAN SARKI STUDIO; P85 © NEW RAVENNA

PLAYFUL WITH PATTERN Textile designer and interior decorator, Susan Deliss

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A CONSCIENCE Discover ways to make decorating choices that are sustainable, considered, innovative and enduring, from textiles to furniture

DESIGN ADVICE

S

ustainability and care for the environment are watchwords for today and the furnishings we choose for our homes are part of this story.

Some furniture and fabric companies are long-time members of the sustainable movement, others have recently joined. Their aim is to source raw materials with a fully accountable back story.

AGEING BEAUTIFULLY Antique and vintage pieces are emerging as significant flag-wavers for the movement. They salute the enduring value of things well-made. Buying at auction and seeking treasures in reclamation yards is an open secret, increasingly shared. Irene Gunter is one interior designer who sources antiques to add panache to her contemporary interiors, and Henriette von Stockausen is another designer who keeps an eye on auction sites and buys antique Howard sofas whenever she finds them. “They were so well made,” she declares. “All they need are new covers.”

That naturally leads to asking if new furniture can be made to the same standards as in the past. It was in the mind of interior designer Tara Craig when looking to commission upholstered seating and headboards for her Ensemblier collection. “I was conscious of the demise of craftsmanship and wanted my pieces made by workshops employing apprentices to learn from

master upholsterers all the skills and traditional materials, from certified indigenous woods to handsprung base, back and arms, hair squabs and downfilled cushions. We must start pushing the furniture industry to change,” she states. “When you buy a sofa, you should have it for life.” Hers come with this assurance and so does furniture from antiques dealer and designer Max Rollitt.

INTO THE WOODS Not all new furniture carries the same assurance as the antique, but companies are showing an increased commitment to levels of sustainability. Look out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo – a tick on a tree – given to wood from forests meeting the highest environmental standards. Benchmark, established in 1984 by Sean Sutcliffe and Terence Conran, was aware from the beginning of the importance of a sustainable profile. “Trees take carbon out of the atmosphere and capture it for the long term in the wood used,” Sutcliffe explains. “All the timber we work with can be traced back to the sustainably managed forest where it was grown. We prefer working with temperate hardwoods – ash, oak, sycamore and walnut – sourced as close to home as possible.”

Some furniture makers are even more hands on, among them Sebastian Cox, whose portfolio includes 

ABOVE These timeless pieces of furniture celebrate the art of steambending timber from responsibly managed forests.

Merryn floor-standing planters, from £695 each; Crib oak console table, £795, both Tom Raffield OPPOSITE This sitting room is given a relaxed mood with furniture and accessories in linen.

Sofa, Casual Dove (linen/cotton), £145 a metre; curtains, Windward Cement (100 per cent linen), £120 a metre, and all other linens, Mark Alexander

THE ENGLISH HOME 89

ABOVE The mindful scheme for this orangery includes pure linen fabrics from British makers sourced at Tissus d’Hélène, an antique chaise, flower table and tray table.

Interior design, Victoria Meale.

ABOVE RIGHT Curtaining under a kitchen worktop is a traditional alternative to cupboards.

Sackville Stripe Russet linen, £47.50 a metre, 1485 Collection in association with the Landmark Trust at Ian Mankin

kitchen design for deVOL. His pieces incorporate coppiced timber from his own four-acre ancient woodland. “Coppicing is a long-established method of cutting trees just above ground level every 10 or 15 years,” he explains. “It creates vigorous growth and encourages bio-diversity.” His woodland includes hazel, birch, hornbeam, sweet chestnut and ash, and he purchases other wood from family-run timber mills having established relationships with local estates where selective tree-felling is part of the woodland’s natural regeneration.

STEAMING AHEAD Angus Ross is another independent furniture maker and his wood comes from a 50-acre collective owned with four other families, one member a specialist in native woodland. “Our woodland is planted with mature oaks, some which are up to 300 years old,” Ross says. “Until the First World War, these were coppiced over a long period, meaning the wood cut from that growth is quite spindly. Steam bending allows us to use narrow planks of oak and ash that are not normally considered suitable for furniture making.” Combining different techniques takes advantage of the wood from his collective as well as managed native hardwoods from nearby estates, and has become a signature part of Ross’s repertoire.

90 THE ENGLISH HOME

Tom Raffield is maker with an exemplary sustainable record who bases his designs for furniture and lighting on steam bending, a skill he discovered as part of a degree in 3D Design for Sustainability.

“Steam bending is a low-energy, ecological method of manipulating wood with very low levels of wastage,” he explains.

CLEVER ASSOCIATIONS Another Country is a young furniture company inspired by British, Shaker, Scandinavian and Japanese traditions. Its ethos promises furniture of enduring quality in sustainably sourced wood and manufacturing that limits waste at every stage. It has even linked up with bed company Naturalmat to procure natural and organic fillings for its upholstery.

Naturalmat is well-known for its beds and uses a breathable combination of natural materials for its mattresses and bases which translates very well to upholstery, too, as other furniture makers have noted.

“Combining wool, natural latex foam and coir fibre, wicks away moisture and allows the ventilation essential to a healthy mattress,” says Mark Tremlett, co-founder. “Wool is also a natural insulator. We buy locally, direct from the farmer, then have it scoured and needled. The wood in our bases is European pine and larch from managed European forests.”

DESIGN ADVICE

Rattan comes a long way, from the forests of South East Asia, but is otherwise a true eco contender; it is renewable, grows exceedingly fast without chemical intervention and is biodegradable. Lulu Lytle at Soane Britain super-charged its status here when she acquired the last rattan workshop in England to keep alive the extraordinary skill of its weavers. “We create new designs, adaptations of antiques and one-off pieces,” she says.

CONTINUING YARNS Deciding on fabrics for furnishings is a complex affair when taking eco issues into account. Many weaves and prints combine a number of yarns, each offering a particular characteristic. Most yarn sources start out with good natural credentials, but their production routes can tell a different story, complicated by the input of toxic chemicals and the quantity of water needed for growing and production.

Linen from the flax plant rates highly when grown in northern Europe, usually without fertilisers, pesticides or irrigation. After flowering, it is cut and left to lie in the fields in a process known as dewretting during which the stems’ tough outer-casing breaks down and the long flax fibres can be extracted by knife or machine. Interiors textiles specialist Bernie de Le Cuona’s love of linen led her to introduce her

first 100 per cent organic linen collection, Pure, in 2020, followed by organic linen bedlinen. “I wanted to be sure that every harmful chemical was excluded from production, including in the dyes. Linen, whether it is sheer or rustic, has utilitarian elegance,” she enthuses.

Even linen weaves not certified as organic rate highly, though only 100 per cent linen is chosen by Victoria Meale, an interior designer conscious of the eco implications of every choice she makes for her clients’ homes. “I always look at pure linen for curtains and find out whether it has come from Europe,” she says. “In fact, I’m just organising the return of a client’s sofa that’s been reupholstered in a very beautiful linen and that’s given me such joy.”

Hemp and bamboo are other hardy, fast-growing plants with a high eco-rating, though they are only beginning to have a significant presence on the interiors scene. Hemp makes a good linen lookalike and bamboo is gaining popularity as bedlinen.

ABOVE LEFT This bedding is in soft 100 per cent linen, an eminently sustainable fabric that gets softer with each wash.

Violet bed linen in white, from £32, The Secret Linen Store ABOVE Using yarn spun from recycled plastics, these fabrics have a high abrasion rating, excellent for use on upholstery.

Avani, Gaia, and Tierra, £42 a metre, Eco collection, Clarke & Clarke

COTTON PICKING Cotton is the main or secondary yarn in thousands of weaves for fashion and the interior, but to keep costs down and crop yields high requires fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides, and uses vast quantities of water. Fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott came face to face with the truth when she went to India and  THE ENGLISH HOME 91

looked for cotton fabric for printing. “I was suddenly aware of the damage being done to the cotton, and the people working with it, from all the chemical agents and the amount of water needed to grow it, with pickers getting chemical effluent in the water on their skin,” she says. “There is a lot of disease and death around cotton production, and since that time I’ve only used organic cotton in my fabrics. It needs a larger area to grow and gives a lower yield, which makes it more expensive.”

More companies are now weaving with organic cotton, among them David Collinge, who owns Ian Mankin and the Lancashire mill weaving his fabrics.

“Our mill is Soil Association registered,” he says, “and we buy organic yarns from established suppliers. Many cotton farmers can’t afford all the pesticides,” he adds, “which accounts for the increased availability of organic cotton.”

ANIMAL FARM Wool from sheep and silk from moth cocoons have eco-credentials not shared by other yarns. Wool is natural, durable, biodegradable and inherently fire retardant, a star quality for furnishing homes, hotels and commercial interiors.

Much of the wool for furnishings comes from warmer climates, particularly Australia and New Zealand, where sheep grow finer fleeces than hardier British breeds. Britain does have notable wool weavers though, including Abraham Moon, Bute Fabrics, The Isle Mill and Johnstons of Elgin, each producing 100 per cent wool weaves from wool satin to tartan.

Interior designer Irene Gunter is a fan. “Nothing beats wool for the way it drapes. I choose denser qualities for upholstery, often from The Isle Mill or de Le Cuona.”

Wool from British sheep has a variety of furnishing uses including in mattresses, duvets and some textiles, particularly tweed. Vanessa Arbuthnott discovered tweed when her daughter visited the Hebrides and brought back samples of cloth woven there. “Fleeces come across from the mainland, are cleaned and dyed, mixing five colours for a subtle melange,” she says.

“Then the wool is spun and the yarn goes to the weavers, who weave the fabric in their own homes on the island. I chose four colourways that reflect the islands for my Harris Tweed collection.”

Silkworms are reared on mulberry leaves by small communities in China and India. Silk has two extraordinary features: each cocoon yields around 900 metres of thread, and this has a tensile strength TOP LEFT Every textile element in this bedroom is made using 100 per cent sustainable linen.

Beauclerc Stripe, Damson, £120 a metre; Torchon Stripe, Mouse, £110 a metre; cushions, Posy, Truffle, £120 a metre; lampshades, Ronda, Pyrus Green, £110 a metre, all Inchyra LEFT These Harris tweeds in pure new wool are dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides and woven in weavers’ homes.

Harris Tweed, £78 a metre, Vanessa Arbuthnott 92 THE ENGLISH HOME

DESIGN ADVICE

ABOVE LEFT Designed by Sebastian Cox, this kitchen for DeVOL is in sustainable English timber such as beech and ash. It is dyed blue-black to stain, rather than coat, the wood.

ABOVE Antique Howard chairs offer traditional comfort in a sitting room where antique Turkish and Aubusson textile pieces, such as the cushions and ottoman cover, celebrate the inspired use of pieces with a past. Interior design, Henriette von Stockhausen at VSP Design.

LEFT This table has a solid ash top, and legs in coppiced Kentish hazel, hand-hewn to a taper with an axe.

Hewn Trestle Table, £540, Sebastian Cox

THE ENGLISH HOME 93

DESIGN ADVICE

THE RE-FORM MOVEMENT Polyester is a strong synthetic yarn present in many furnishing fabrics and, like plastics, a by-product of the oil industry and non-biodegradable, therefore harmful to the environment. So, it is heart-warming to find a growing number of recycled textiles for the interior derived from waste plastics.

Barney and Tasha Green were among the first to recognise the possibilities when travelling in Asia, where they saw a boat tethered with rope made from reconstituted plastic bottles. Already knowledgeable weavers and committed environmentalists, they spent several years at their base in Cornwall looking at how to transform plastic bottles into yarn. They founded Weaver Green to convert their hardwearing new yarn, soft as wool, into washable woven indoor-outdoor rugs, cushions and throws.

Kirkby Design, part of the Romo textile group, has just launched three semi-plain jacquard weaves in the Flow collection that are all made from recycled plastic bottles.

Meanwhile, Clarke & Clarke has introduced Eco, a weave made from plastic waste.

Within the textile industry there is growing acknowledgement of the huge quantity of fabric waste, much of it from fashion. Kirkby Design is at the forefront again, adding new colours to its Leaf collection, which takes wool from discarded clothing, knits and off-cuts from the fashion industry, sorts them by colour before shredding, blending and spinning them into new yarn, ready to be woven. The gentle tweed effect of this 100 per cent wool weave also has a good rating for upholstery.

As more companies take environmental issues seriously, it will be easier to make informed decisions when buying for our homes. Not many of us change curtains on a whim or decide a decent sofa is too ‘last year’, so perhaps it is wardrobe doors that should be locked and bolted, as discarded fashion garments form the biggest mountains of textile waste in the world, not furnishing fabrics. Even so, the message now is to look for potential in the things we have before replacing them. Think recovering, painting, repairing or dyeing before purchasing new. ‘Buy to last’ is a proclamation we have all heard before. Now it is just getting louder. n TOP RIGHT This sofa with oak wrap-around back and sides, has a white oil finish and all natural filling upholstery.

The Sage High Sofa, from £6,950, Benchmark Furniture RIGHT The footstool and rug are woven in yarns made from recycled plastic bottles. The end result feels soft as wool.

Footstool, Dove Grey Henley Stripe, £189; rug, Dove Grey Herringbone, from £40, both Weaver Green 94 THE ENGLISH HOME

FEATURE CELIA RUFEY PHOTOGRAPHS P89 © KIRSTIN PRISK; P90 (VICTORIA MEALE) © RACHAEL SMITH; P91 (CLARKE & CLARKE) © LIGHTHOUSE DIGITAL STUDIO; P93 (SEBASTIAN COX) © YESHEN VENEMA; P94 (WEAVER GREEN) © PAUL RYAN-GOFF

described as equivalent to that of steel. The thread is incredibly fine and usually six or nine threads are spun together to make usable yarn. “Smooth regular yarn, such as for taffeta, has to come from China,” says Saffron Hare of silk specialist James Hare, “and textured wild silk comes from India. But it’s also good to know about Matka silk, as that’s upcycled from waste yarn filaments.”

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THE ELECTRIC RANGE

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THE SOHO LIGHTING COMPANY

LEADING LIGHTS

ABOVE Classically French in style, the Romilly Dome Etched Glass Pendant Light (£85) combines a simple style with delicate etching, showcasing the lightbulb within.

OPPOSITE LEFT Part of the hand-painted range, the Brewer Industrial Pendant Light (£165) is finished to emulate a timeless enamelled look. Seen here in Squid Ink Blue to co-ordinate with the sofa.

L

ighting is a fundamental part of any interior scheme, providing illumination for different tasks as well as being a key element of a room’s design. For thorough and considered lighting solutions, The Soho Lighting Company provides high-quality, handcrafted products in timeless styles for a range of interiors.

The brand was born of founder Lee Lovett’s struggle to find lighting, switches and sockets in the right finishes and quantities as part of her work refurbishing period houses. Founded in 2017, and named after its birthplace, today Soho Lighting has a passionate team of experts and artisans based at its Cornwall design studio and workshop, where products are hand finished and assembled. Together with a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, and environmentally and ethically minded production, the team specialises in tailoring products to individual tastes and is readily available to help customers with concerns about

96 THE ENGLISH HOME

installation and the various challenges of lighting a period home.

Lovett’s frustration at sourcing screwless switches only to find corresponding sockets sporting clearly visible screws led to the design of a range of tasteful, completely screwless switches and sockets. Available in period ‘traditional plate’ and contemporary ‘flat plate’, the simplicity of the design is stunning. The more recently launched ‘Fusion’ range is committed to personalisation, empowering customers to choose a blend of finishes that reflect and complement other hardware finishes within their interior.

Creating designs that are sympathetic to a home whilst lifting an interior design scheme is a pivotal part of the brand’s ethos, as well as working in tandem with clients and to their personal tastes as part of its consultancy service. To this end, Soho Lighting deliberately produces a diverse range of products to match palettes and schemes, from

FEATURE NELL WHITAKER PHOTOGRAPHS © ELLIOTT WHITE, DARREN NEWBERY, TJ HUGHES

Combining aesthetic attention to detail and the latest technology, this lighting company provides a complete design service and versatilility of products from fittings to switches

PROMOTION

hardware for switches to pendant lighting, downlights and LED bulbs.

Soho Lighting’s hand-painted enamel pendant range enables customers to match colours to their chosen products and fabrics, whilst a new range of hand-blown glass pendants in over 40 different shapes is interchangeable with a variety of fittings and colours. The brand’s range of striking lighting offers an impressive array of options to choose from, helping any homeowner or designer to find the perfect solution for the interior they have created.

Understanding light and how it enhances an interior is at the heart of Soho Lighting’s operation, from creating a beautiful lighting aesthetic to the more practical considerations of task lighting. The brand is one of the few British providers of high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) downlights (see inset) – quality

lights that emit a closer representation of natural daylight than is typically found.

High CRI provides increased colour definition, greater clarity and contrast, and reduced eye strain, along with a renowned correlation to better mental health. Perfect for task lighting.

The passion and commitment of Soho Lighting’s talented Cornish team ensures each product, from outdoor lamps to pendants to switches and sockets, is the highest quality possible. Lovett’s roots in interior design and period renovation projects have resulted in several outstanding products, whilst the personable service enhances the client’s overall lighting experience.

For more on The Soho Lighting Company’s products and services, visit soholighting.com or call 020 8106 1221. n

TOP LEFT The Glasshouse Pendant (£576), also available in nickel and opaque glass options.

TOP RIGHT The 2gang Toggle Switches (from £40) are part of the Fusion range.

ABOVE MIDDLE Lee Lovett assembling a Carlisle Outdoor Wall Light (£148.50).

ABOVE The Romilly Etched Glass Funnel Wall Light (£64.99).

INSET A Brushed Brass Downlight (£28.55), part of the high CRI range.

THE ENGLISH HOME 97

Garden grills are a great way to cook outside.

Forno Grill, £599, Morsø

COOKING AL FRESCO Outdoor kitchens have grown in popularity in recent years, and whilst sales of garden grills and ovens are still increasing, other appliances are making an appearance too.

• Garden fridges are invaluable

for chilling drinks and storing food ready for the grill or table.

Available either as built-in or under-counter models, they need to be specifically designed and equipped to cope with the fluctuating temperatures of the English climate. Door locks, ambient lighting and heated doors to combat condensation are also valuable features.

• Outdoor ice-makers eliminate

the need to continually go into the house to stock up on ice.

Compact and designed to sit under a counter or drinks bar, they can generate ice in minutes.

• Weather-resistant cabinetry

is key to an organised outside cooking area. Popular materials include oak, teak and stainless steel, and designs can be configured from pre-formed modules or custom-made units and include drawers, open shelving and cupboards.

98 THE ENGLISH HOME

BUYER’S GUIDE

Furniture for

LAZY, HAZY DAYS From enjoying a quiet morning coffee to entertaining friends and family, make the most of outdoor living with pieces designed to enhance every occasion PERFECT SETTING Beautifully designed, hardy and above all comfortable garden dining furniture elevates the experience of entertaining al fresco. The choice of materials, shapes, detailing and format will influence the mood of any dining area and help set the scene for every occasion.

Long, rectangular tables lined with high-back chairs will always add a degree of formality, whilst expansive round tables create a sophisticated yet sociable setting.

Trestle-style tables, bench seating and a mix of chair styles will promote a more relaxed feel that is perfect for family meals and impromptu gatherings.

In addition to being a pleasure to use, outdoor dining furniture also needs to look good, as it often remains on view when not in use, so opt for pieces that harmonise with the immediate surroundings.

For furniture that lasts and to keep it in peak condition, Diana Holloway, owner of Holloways, says, “Buy from a reputable company, invest in furniture covers and opt for season-proof cushions.” ABOVE LEFT Set the scene for summer dining with a solid teak table and all-weather woven chairs.

Louvre round teak outdoor dining table with six Avila dining chairs, £2,750, Holloways LEFT Preserve this garden furniture’s light-yellow tones with a timber sealer or leave to silver naturally.

Roble rectangular teak table, £699; Roble side chair, £299; Roble stacking armchair £325, all Alexander Rose FAR LEFT Draw friends and family near and create a memorable dining spot.

Didcot round garden sofa dining set, £1,899, Barker and Stonehouse

THE ENGLISH HOME 99

100 THE ENGLISH HOME

BUYER’S GUIDE FAR LEFT Tiered garden shelving units offer storage and display space.

Three-tier outdoor plant stand, £165, Cox & Cox LEFT Neat two-seater sets are ideal for creating a secluded, cosy coffee spot.

Henley glass-andteak dining table with two Cliveden dining armchairs, £1,599, Bridgman BELOW Complement beautiful planting with fine ironwork furniture in soft, muted shades.

Boscombe two-seater table in Cobble/Marble, £405; Boscombe dining chairs in Cobble, £125, Neptune

STORAGE SOLUTIONS Keeping clutter at bay and outside essentials close at hand requires thought and adequate storage. Often overlooked, adding in storage solutions can make a significant difference to the look and feel of any garden area, especially if these spots are frequently used.

• Ottomans and trunks come

in a range of different sizes and can double up as additional seating or handy side tables.

Often made from synthetic rattan, they are available with easy-glide hinged or lift off lids and have zip-up, watertight linings for added protection.

DAYTIME RELAXING Whether heading into the garden for a quiet morning coffee, to catch up with friends or to relish the unrivalled English summer, furniture that offers comfort and support, as well as reliable performance, is paramount. Hardwoods such as teak, oak and eucalyptus are ever popular, but there is also a notable rise in sophisticated weather-resistant synthetics.

“Natural-coloured materials such as wood, rattan and teak make an excellent blank canvas to accessorise with colourful cushions and throws,” says Antoni Roig, senior interior designer at Oka. “Whilst materials like all-weather rattan are sensible options if you want to leave your garden furniture outside during the warmer months.”

• Many modular lounge sets

feature storage units. Often deeper and more generous than a trunk or footstool, they sit neatly between sofas or within armrests.

• Garden shelving units are a

relatively new patio feature.

Replicating the open shelving used in many reception rooms, they offer a combination of storage and display space, ensuring smaller items are always at hand. Designs and finishes vary, and they can be positioned flush to a wall or to divide different outdoor areas.

OPPOSITE PAGE Opt for designs that echo the look and feel of interiors to create a pleasing synergy between indoors and out.

Basket dining table, £329; Basket dining chair, £290 for a pair, all John Lewis & Partners RIGHT Garden furniture in natural materials and neutral accessories creates a relaxed mood.

Colwell sofa set, £2,100, Sofa.com

THE ENGLISH HOME 101

A style guide to the outside Lisbon - Garden Lounge Set

Give your garden space a modern and stylish upgrade this year with the Lisbon Garden Lounge set. It seats 5 people in comfort and comes in charcoal grey. It includes a comfy 3-seater sofa, 2 spacious arm chairs and a rectangular slatted coffee table. The cushions are made from poly spun fabric, so soft to touch and have removable covers for washing, to maintain that fresh look. The frame of the lounge set and coffee table is electrostatically coated aluminium to give a durable and sleek finish. Normally £1299, now available at an amazing £999*, but only when you quote your £300 discount code EHMAY21 at checkout.

Contactless Delivery Available

FO N R EW 20 21

Industr y exper t and founder of Out and Out Original, Daniel Fairburn, brings you this season’s best deals on designer furniture.

Visit www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 for more exciting deals and discounts.

SAVE £300

FO N R EW 20 21

Stockholm - Corner Loungee Set

SAVE £100

Enjoy being in your garden with the Stockholm Lounge and Dining set whether reading a good book or dining alfresco.

This set sits up to 6 comfortably and the sofa is made from polyrattan which gives durability and virtually no maintenance needed. The table is 144cm long with a wood-effect slatted table top and has an underneath shelf for extra useful storage.

The comfy seat and back cushions are covered with polyspun fabric so soft to touch and the covers can be removed and washed easily to keep your lounge looking pristine clean. Normally £699, now available at an amazing £599*, but only when you quote your £100 discount code EHMAY21A at checkout.

Kingston - Rattan Lounge Set Relax in style with this stunning modular lounge set of two corner chairs, two matching ottomans and tempered glass topped coffee table. Finished in a gorgeous rattan like material with plump polyspun fabric seat cushions, the Kingston is designed to adapt to whatever suits your mood. Arrange the ottomans in front of the chairs and stretch out or push the ottomans and coffee table together for an ultra-comfortable daybed. Each piece has a powder coated frame and is maintenance free. Normally £599, it’s yours for just £499*, when you quote your £100 discount code EHMAY21A at the checkout.

SAVE £100

To receive your discount on any of these products quote discount code at checkout at www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 before 03.06.2021. *Excludes delivery. Prices correct at time of going to press.

BUYER’S GUIDE

Sink back into a deep-seated rocking chair for a spot of reading or contemplation.

DeCamp rocking chair, from £5,940, Mackinnon and Harris

A MOMENT OF PEACE ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING Extending the time that can be spent outside and providing a spectacle to be seen from within the house, illuminating the garden is a project every homeowner should consider.

• The emergence of low-voltage LED lighting has led to an ever-growing variety of outdoor lighting products that are easy and safe to install. Add different layers of lighting in the garden to create the desired ambience come nightfall.

• Professional lighting designs are tailored to suit individual spaces and can be as simple or complex and multi-layered as desired. Ideal for highlighting existing and previously unrecognised outdoor features, they offer the perfect balance between atmospheric and practical lighting solutions.

ABOVE For a naturally cohesive look, place garden furniture in a place it fits aesthetically as well as physically.

Tranquillity Heart-Back swing seat and frame, £3,585, Sitting Spiritually ABOVE LEFT A decorative fire bowl ensures warmth as well as charm.

Woodland fire bowl, £399, Graham & Green

Escaping to the garden to indulge in some quiet time to read a book, contemplate a favourite feature or simply take in nature’s sights and sounds nourishes the soul. This sense of tranquillity can be further encouraged by seating that enhances and fits in with its natural surroundings always. Consider circular tree seats, smart timber benches, partially or fully upholstered swing seats, perhaps with an awning, or even a tree swing in which to be gently rocked by a soft summer breeze.

Siobhan Lancaster, marketing director of Sitting Spiritually shares this advice: “In garden furniture, wonderful woods such as oak and western red cedar provide longevity and strength. Always buy the best quality you can afford, and your furniture will be with you for many years. View it as an investment, not only in the furniture itself, but in your garden as well, as these are places we have come to treasure now more than ever.”

• Automated lighting systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the majority being controlled remotely through smart phones and handheld devices. Individual lights or circuits can be set to come on and go off automatically, whilst a number of lighting systems can offer infinite colour combinations and phasing too.

ABOVE LEFT Teak has water repelling oils and a fine grain, enabling it to be crafted into shapely, slender forms. Byron Bench, £722, Rowen & Wren

ABOVE RIGHT Hang a swing seat from a strong branch to savour nature in a soothing way.

Allaperto Nautic hanging chair, £POA, Ethimo

THE ENGLISH HOME 103

BUYER’S GUIDE

Cook and keep warm at the same time.

Plain Jane firepit with Swing Arm BBQ Rack, from £233, Firepits UK

MOOD ENHANCERS Entertaining outside should be a pleasurable and stressfree experience. The addition of home comforts such as heating, lighting and music makes a considerable difference.

ELEGANT ENTERTAINING

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• Flickering flames have a mesmerising appeal, so it is no surprise that firebowls and firetables are proving popular centrepieces. Recent designs feature both coffee and dining tables with gas-fuelled flames at the centre, enchanting guests and providing warmth.

TOP Make a seating area a standout feature with upholstery in a vibrant hue.

Calypso 135 bench, from £2,805; Calypso 77 low chair, £1,850, both Indian Ocean ABOVE Create a sense of occasion with bar-style seating.

Maze Lounge Outdoor Regal four-seat round bar set, Taupe, £1,349, Cuckooland BELOW Handcrafted oak seating will age gracefully and last for years.

Splash lounge corner sofa, £8,370; double seat, £5,490; single seat, £3,570; rectangular table, £2,970, all Gaze Burvill

• Outdoor gas heaters now double as stylish floorstanding lamps, whilst wall-hung electric infrared models are sleek, boast programmable timers and remote operation.

• Outdoor audio systems bring an extra dimension to time spent in the garden. Compact allweather speakers can be wallmounted, attached to trees or sunk into flowerbeds, with some even disguised as rocks to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Speakers are described either as passive – requiring an external amplifier and outdoor speaker cable, or active – equipped with Bluetooth technology and only needing a power supply.

Achieving a balanced sound requires careful planning, with the number of speakers needed based on the size of the garden. n

FEATURE JILL MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS P103 (MCKINNON AND HARRIS) © KIP DAWKINS; (ETHIMO) © BERNARD TOUILLON; P104 (FIREPITSUK) © EMMA DRABBLE

Gathering friends and family in a garden setting can create memorable moments and ensuring everyone is at ease is key to a happy ambience. The choice of furniture and its arrangement plays an important role in this. Whilst outdoor sofas and armchairs invite guests to relax and are perfect for larger groups, be sure to include other types of seating for smaller parties and impromptu gatherings. Bar stools around a tall bar table or pulled up to an outdoor food preparation area are ideal for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, whilst a pair of high-backed armchairs can form a dreamy spot for a sundowner or nightcap.

Paula Cole, lifestyle consultant at Bramblecrest notes: “Consider space, function and place. Corner sofas make effective use of space and can be paired with a dual-height table (dining and coffee table heights) or a firepit table. Stools and benches add versatility to seating arrangements and can be tucked away when not in use. Place furniture to allow people to move around it easily, as well as to maximise a view or sunny aspect.”

LENNOX CATO ANTIQUES & WORKS OF ART Est. 1978

1 The Square, Church Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5BD T: +44 (0)1732 865988 M: +44 (0)7836233473

www.lennoxcato.com

THE ENGLISH HOME 105

THE STORY OF A PLACE IN THE GARDEN

PERFECTLY IN ZINC

I

nterior designers Richard and Jane Clifford launched A Place In The Garden 12 years ago with the intention of filling what they saw to be a very clear gap in the market, discovered whilst they were working on a project in Tuscany.

The couple were involved in renovating and redecorating both the inside and outside of a property, but when they began searching for products for the outdoor space, they discovered that no one in the UK was specialising in zinc garden products.

Deciding to seize the opportunity, the Cliffords launched A Place In The Garden in 2009, just two weeks before RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They managed to nab a last-minute place on a small stand to display their elegant zinc planters and decorative objects, and found themselves delighted at the public’s response to their modest collection.

Fast forward to today, and the company has won several five-star awards from RHS Chelsea Flower Show – the place where it all began. The brand has a very clear aesthetic and continues to build on its succcess by every year adding new products and designs to its collection, including water features and outdoor lighting as well as limited-edition lead art sculpture and fire pits.

A Place In The Garden prides itself on its customer base. “We have a fantastic relationship with our clients and wouldn’t be here today without them,” explains Sam Clifford, managing director of the company and Richard and Jane’s son. “Our biggest event of

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the year is RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where we always aim to create a stunning exhibition stand, and have a chance to catch up with our customers, which is lovely.”

The personal touch is key to what A Place In The Garden does. “Although at the moment we are a relatively small family business, we have big aspirations to become one of the largest garden companies in the UK,” says Sam. “But despite our big plans we want to keep the same high level of customer service, which we feel has been paramount to our success.”

A Place In the Garden’s offices, show garden and warehouse are all based in Cowfold, West Sussex – between Gatwick Airport and Brighton – with factories scattered throughout Europe and the UK. Despite all the pieces being handmade and hand-finished, the company keeps a large amount of stock of each product, which means they can keep the lead times low for delivery.

So, what lies ahead for A Place In The Garden in a year when, more than ever, we are making the best of our own homes and gardens? “We are in the process of launching A Place in The Garden Europe as an online shop selling our collections on the Continent,” says Sam. As well as a first range of Arras inspired furniture alongside new planters, water features and decorative objects for the UK market. But the brand is never one to forget its roots, as Sam says, “It goes without saying that we already excited for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 and have big plans.” aplaceinthegarden.co.uk n

FEATURE KATE FREUD PHOTOGRAPHS P91 (ABOVE LEFT, LEFT & RIGHT) © ANDY APPLETON

When their search for zinc garden products proved fruitless, interior designers Richard and Jane Clifford created a company designing and selling their own

OPPOSITE Mayfair Lanterns and Bath Coach Lamps perfectly complement each other.

Mayfair Planter, from £395; Bath Coach Lamp, from £295 ABOVE LEFT This smart water feature creates a visual and sensory delight in a garden.

Leaf Ball Water Feature with Octagonal Base, from £2,495 ABOVE RIGHT A dining set perfect for an Italianate garden.

Arras set of table and four Carver chairs, £4,250

LEFT These handmade sphereshaped decorative objects work well grouped or individually.

Lattice Ball, from £225 RIGHT Made of hundreds of individually cut leaves, Leaf Balls create year-round interest.

Leaf Balls, from £225 BELOW A Place In The Garden’s Round Fire Pit makes a sophisticated addition to Bridgman furniture’s Mayfair modular sofas.

Round Fire Pit, £2,195

THE ENGLISH HOME 107

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QUINTESSENTIALLY

Inspiration for seasonal pastimes and making the most of life at home starts here

NATURAL INSPIRATION

FEATURE KATY MCLEAN

Each design in Elizabeth Ockford’s new Floral wallpaper collection is named after inspiring women – from Gertrude Jekyll to Kamala Harris. The inspiration behind ‘Marianne’ (shown here) is Victorian botanical artist Marianne North, whose work is displayed at Kew Gardens. We think it provides the perfect excuse to indulge in an artistic endeavour, whether sketching, painting, photography or simply pressing flowers for sweet mementoes of the season. Take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of flowers, leaves, grasses and trees as a creative outlet that will soothe the soul.

Wallpaper, Marianne, Noir, £145 a roll, Elizabeth Ockford

THE ENGLISH HOME 109

MY ENGLISH HOME

Matthew Fort FROM PATCH TO PLATE

S

ummer – the ‘sweet season’, as Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey called it – is creeping in, bringing sunshine, warmth, the smell of cut grass, and long drawn-out days. It’s the time of salads, peas and broad beans, when the air is suffused with the perfume of herbs: tarragon, parsley, thyme, mint, rosemary, savory, marjoram, basil and so on.

Herbs are a marvel. They’re such amiable, agreeable companions; easy to grow inside or out, and transformative in the kitchen. Just a handful of seeds in a pot, adequate (but not excessive) watering, and light, and you have sources of flavour and delight for months on end. They’re like colours on an artist’s palette, capable of producing almost infinite effects when it comes to cooking.

Herbs have been at the heart of English cookery since the dawn of time. Well, at least since the Romans, who introduced a good many of the herbs we now see as part of our own culinary culture. Think of rosemary and lamb; tarragon and chicken; savory and broad beans; basil and tomatoes; and parsley and just about anything. They even make it into popular song. ‘Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,’ carolled Simon & Garfunkel in the refrain of Scarborough Fair way back in 1968 in the soundtrack to The Graduate. Actually, the origins of ‘Scarborough Fair’ go back much

110 THE ENGLISH HOME

further than that, to the nineteenth century and beyond, and parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme weren’t even in the original line up of herbs. That was savory, sage, rosemary and thyme, although some scholars claim that that should be ‘savoury sage, rosemary and thyme’, which makes no sense at all.

Within those individual species are hidden a multiplicity of variants. Take mint: there’s peppermint, cat’s mint, apple mint, Moroccan mint, water mint and pennyroyal. Or thyme – golden thyme, creeping thyme, lemon thyme, Lorna Doone thyme and so on and so on. Even parsley has two distinct versions, curly and flat-leaf, with different tastes and textures, and don’t get me started on basils. There are dozens of basils, each with a particular part to play in the making of flavours.

Over the years I’ve learned to treat herbs with affection and respect. I add them to salads, make custards out of them (a dainty first course), infuse vinegars with them, build sauces around them, sprinkle them on scrambled eggs, spike fish with them, and turn to them to transform disaster into triumph.

Quite possibly the most useful thing I’ve learned about herbs is when to add them when cooking. The general rule is the later the better. Herbs are sensitive, delicate creatures. In their raw state, they’re light

and lively, precise and pointed. But apply too much heat and the delicate volatile oils that produce the flavours evaporate and you wonder what happened to the parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.

If you want your sauce, soup, stew, whatever, to actually taste the way you think it should, add the herbs in generous quantities at the end, as the dish cools slightly. At this point, I plunge in a hefty bouquet of parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme (or savory, basil, marjoram or mint, come to that), and leave them to steep for 10 minutes or so. The result? The sauce, gravy, jus or juice is suffused with the ethereal odours and flavours of the herb in question.

Herbs can be easily grown from seed, but if you can’t be bothered to do this, buy pots of herbs at a supermarket. These invariably have too many plants in them for good health, so break them up into individual plants or clumps and transplant them to other pots or into the herb bed outside, where they’ll be decorative as well as delicious.

About Matthew Best known as a judge on BBC2’s Great British Menu, Matthew is an award-winning food writer and critic.

He was the Food & Drink Editor of The Guardian for 15 years and is the author of four books.

PORTRAIT GRANT SCOTT ILLUSTRATION OLIGA / SHUTTERSTOCK. PHOTOGRAPH © STOCKFOOD / KAREN THOMAS

The food writer and critic tells of his passion for growing fresh, fragrant herbs in the garden and how for relatively little effort they reap abundant rewards in flavour

FOOD

COUSCOUS, CUCUMBER, TOMATO, RED ONION & HERB SALAD Many years past I used to make lunch boxes for my daughter to take to school. That’s when I learned about the versatility of couscous and how it made a splendid base for a scrumptious summer salad. Well, I thought it was scrumptious – fresh and fabulous and simple to put together. And the herbs make it sing. Of course you can change the herbs according to supply and demand.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 250g couscous ½ cucumber 1 small red onion 3 very ripe tomatoes 1 pomegranate 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp chopped chives 1 tbsp chopped mint 250ml yoghurt 100ml sour cream

METHOD • Put the couscous into a bowl and pour 225ml boiling water (or vegetable stock) over it. Cover and leave for 15 minutes then pour in a tablespoon of vegetable oil and fluff up with a fork.

Leave to cool.

• Cut the cucumber and tomatoes into small chunks (peel them if you like, but I’m too lazy, and I think the flavour is better), and

finely chop the red onion.

• Stir almost all the herbs into the couscous. Do the same with the red onion. Gently add the cucumber and tomato. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and the remaining herbs.

• Mix the yoghurt and sour cream in a separate bowl.

When you help yourself to the salad plop a spoonful of the yoghurt and sour cream mixture on top. n

THE ENGLISH HOME 111

The art of hosting & OTHER PERILS India Hicks – granddaughter of Earl Mountbatten of Burma and daughter of interior designer the late David Hicks – like her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks, loves to entertain. Here she shares her laid-back style tips interwoven with humorous family anecdotes

ABOVE & RIGHT “My father built a house in the Bahamas by mixing sand from the beach with rough cement,” says India, seen here and on the following page. “Just after he completed it, he decided that sand was an annoyance and got into everything. He never returned to the house of sand but the rest of the family did, and we found ways to avoid sandy sandwiches on beach picnics by bringing a folding table and stools, or creating a makeshift table from old pallets.”

ENTERTAINING

M

y grandparents were always entertaining, as were my parents, as am I. It must be in our blood. I always enjoy our parties. I have fun setting the table in various ways, moving locations, and thinking up new decorations. Whether a simple supper, lively lunch, or formal black-tie gala, every celebration should always feel, in my opinion, like a family

affair. I recruit as many of my children as I can to help, however they can, both in the setting up and, I am afraid, the taking down. Or even just covering a cake in roses. One trick I’ve picked up over the years is to incorporate something specific from my surroundings to give the occasion a native flair. At home in the Bahamas, for example, it’s a table sprinkled with lucky nuts we have collected from the beach,

or towering vases with palm fronds, or a simple assortment of shells mixed with votive candles. When I’m in England, it’s small posies of English roses or setting the dinnerware I inherited from my mother, given to her on her wedding day. Of course, there are tears when a side plate or saucer has met an untimely end, and what was once a handsome complete collection is then reduced to a few orphans.  THE ENGLISH HOME 113

‘Cream tea means you can expect scones with clotted cream; if there’s no clotted cream, then it’s a fake’ Afternoon tea My parents once invited the king of Tonga for afternoon tea. He was exceptionally large, and their London house was quite small. Going down the narrow entrance hallway, he had to turn sideways in order for his vast belly to be accommodated. My mother had bought a substantial chocolate cake from Fortnum & Mason for the occasion. She cut a slice of the cake and offered it to His Majesty, who, without batting an eyelid, took the entire cake, leaving only the tiny slice behind.

Afternoon tea, cream tea, high tea. It can be confusing. Afternoon tea brings the expectation of at least a biscuit or two, even if the cake’s been eaten by a king, with a cup, saucer, teapot, and cozy. Cream tea means you can expect scones with clotted cream; if there’s no clotted cream, then it’s a fake. And high tea is something else altogether. It normally involves something hot, like spaghetti hoops on toast, and tends to happen in the early evening; during my childhood, it took place hidden away in a nursery with a nanny.

Teatime is also a time for trivial conversation or polite pleasantries – or not-so-polite ones. I had been invited to speak at an event in North Carolina. They thought because I was English, it would be fun to serve tea for the audience before I spoke. I was seated at a table with several of the committee ladies. A more elderly one leaned across to her neighbour and whispered loudly, “Who is this India Hicks?” There was an awkward silence. 114 THE ENGLISH HOME

ABOVE My mother’s tea setup, complete with tea strainer and chuckleberry jam. Apparently, the chuckleberry is fast becoming the berry of the moment. Ah, the avant-garde world of jam making.

RIGHT This is a tea tent we erected in my mother’s garden. More than 50 American women I worked with came to explore a proper English tea. It was proper in that it was drizzling with rain, and there were Victoria sponge cakes, cucumber sandwiches, and cream scones; it was not proper in that there were jars of Licorice Allsorts and Dolly Mixture – that’s not proper at all. That’s just mad.

XXXXXXXXXXX ENTERTAINING

THE ENGLISH HOME 115

I turned to my own neighbour and said, “Oh, dear, I do hope she’s not too disappointed.” “Well, we were expecting Martha Stewart,” my neighbour told me, just as the lights went down and the podium lit up. It reminded me of the time my grandfather was invited to tea with a grand English hostess and seated next to a young chap who only seemed interested in motorcycles. After tea, the hostess called my grandfather over to see if he had been amused by his companion, and my grandfather confessed, “Not much.”

“Oh, my dear boy,” continued the hostess.

“How unfortunate, because that was Lawrence of Arabia.”

116 THE ENGLISH HOME

The culinary idiot

‘Even I can produce a platter. Trays laden with edible displays are on-trend for a reason’ ABOVE Surely there must be enough choice here to navigte the increasing and confusing dietary requirements of the modern man and woman. If you can’t find something on this platter to munch on, I give up.

How much you like your guests coming over for drinks depends on how far you go [in feeding them]. Perhaps a troublesome neighbour is not offered even a peanut, but a potential investor or a new mother-in-law needs some seducing.

It seems that trays and platters laden with edible displays are on-trend for a reason. First, even an unskilled culinary idiot like me can gather together some inventive ingredients and lay them out temptingly; think black rice sticks or local honeycomb, exotic dates and fruity

ENTERTAINING

salami, seasonable figs and stinky cheeses.

And second, with all this choice, we can navigate the increasing and confusing dietary requirements of the modern man and woman.

We are blessed to live between the Bahamas and Britain, and we take full advantage of both climates. We have drinks by a roaring fire on a Sunday morning in England or drinks on a floating dock in the Bahamas in the evening. If a floating dock is not available, I would encourage you to still think imaginatively about where you could possibly have a few friends over for a drink: a tree house in the garden, under the shade of a shed in the yard, or around an unusual table inside the home.

We once had Mick Jagger round for a drink, oh you know, as you do. We didn’t really know each other. In fact, when he called the first time after a friend put us in touch, my other half, David, answered the phone, said “Hello”, and heard a raspy, vaguely familiar voice. “Who is this?” said David. “It’s Mick Jagger,” said Mick Jagger.

“Very funny,” said David, and he hung up, knowing it was a prank. There was a terrible storm when Mick and his kid came over, so we ended up cross-legged on the floor around a short table in our sitting room, drinking and playing Jenga and eating from a platter of random delights I had managed to pull together.

RIGHT “It appears here that we only packed Orangina in the basket,” says India of this particular picnic hamper, “but cushions and a sun hat are nearly as essential.” India considers china tableware and metal or wooden cutlery (rather than plastic) not only sustainable, but also an enhancement to eating food outdoors.

Picnicking As a small child, I asked my father to write in my little autograph book. In his distinctive hand, he left the phrase ‘Good taste and design are by no means dependent upon money’. I had no idea what that meant. Always the discerning tastemaker, aged eight years old, my father called the local tailor to his parents’ house and commissioned a dinner jacket. The only problem was, he had nowhere to wear the little dinner jacket. He was truly an individual. A room with too many

small objects was considered restless, and bright blue swimming pools were vulgar.

(Ours was painted black.) He ran over the daffodils that grew outside his library window because they were the wrong shade of yellow. He would rearrange the furniture in the guest room of the surprised friends he was staying with.

And he was never, ever afraid to speak his mind: “I loathe the colour used on modern buildings. Red dogs are hideous.

I hate satin, I hate wrought iron, and  THE ENGLISH HOME 117

ENTERTAINING

RIGHT: English summer lunches are always held under the threat of rain, so we set this table in the shade of our oak tree hoping it would also act as an umbrella. Possibly more interesting are the roses and peonies arranged in teacups on the saucers down the middle of the table.

‘I have fun setting the table in various ways, moving locations, and thinking up new decorations’

I hate picnics.” My mother, on the other hand, loved them – picnics, that is.

We enjoyed a great deal of time holidaying in the summer between Ireland and Scotland. Not with my father, obviously, but with my aunt, uncle, and a herd of cousins. An inordinate amount of time was spent on the edges of rivers, whisking away mosquitoes, in drizzling rain waiting for a salmon to bite. We would each have made up our own little picnic to sustain us through the day, often wrapped in a tea towel and ever so slightly tasting of peat. n 118 THE ENGLISH HOME

READER OFFER An Entertaining Story by India Hicks, with a foreword by Brooke Shields, (Rizzoli, £37.50). Readers of The English Home can buy a copy of the book at a special price of £30 (including P&P, UK mainland only).

To order, please call 01235 465577 and quote code RIAES1. This offer is open until 31 December 2021 and is for UK readers only.

Celebrating CREATIVITY IN LOCKDOWN The challenges of the past year have provided an opportunity for many designers and craftspeople to forge a new path in their creative endeavours, from diving into exciting collaborative projects to fulfilling long-held ambitions

T

he unparalleled joys of creativity offer calm, respite and a more mindful approach to life. Engaging in an attention-absorbing process has long been highlighted as beneficial to well-being. In its February 2021 policy brief, the Crafts Council pointed to an increase in the amount of time contributed to creative groups during 2020, and to the creation of the National Centre for Creative Health. The latter was formed in response to a report detailing how the creative process helps increase well-being, with testimonies from Grayson Perry amongst others.

For several designers and craftspeople, lockdown allowed time for personal and professional growth. Over the next few pages we learn how the changes that played out on the world stage have shaped the career paths of a number of creatives. Plus we provide a list of resources to help take the first steps to a pastime or career in the creative world.

120 THE ENGLISH HOME

CREATIVE INSIGHT

SYSONWHYTE

P

rint designer Lorna Syson and furniture upcycler Emma Whyte embraced lockdown as an opportunity to channel their creative skills, resulting in a collection of pieces brought back to life with Lorna’s designs and Emma’s expert decoupage, paintwork and artisanal skills.

“Emma and I had worked together previously in 2015, but had lost touch,” explains Lorna. “It was pure chance that five years on, we reconnected when I was looking for a new home and arrived at a house viewing in Oxfordshire to find Emma greeting me at the door!”

Inspired by this chance meeting, the duo decided to collaborate on pieces for Oxfordshire Artweek. “I was already working on the idea of a large-scale mural based around Oxfordshire’s wildlife and it just seemed perfect to also use these designs in our collaboration, as it was the county that brought us back together.

We have many shared values and both love nature.”

Lorna and Emma work together closely with clients on bespoke projects, breathing new life into clients’ existing furniture or alternatively sourcing special pieces on request. All designs are made to measure and can be tailored to include choice of species, painted colour accents and hand-cut decoupage details. Each piece is numbered, bears the SysonWhyte maker’s mark and includes a ‘species index’ of the flora and fauna in the design.

“When lockdown happened, the usual structures of time were removed,” says Lorna. “It became a time to take a step back and reflect. It truly was an opportunity to break the business mould and rebuild it, allowing for more creativity and collaboration all round. Emma is such a talented craftsperson and it’s a pleasure to see designs come to life on such lovely pieces that fit perfectly for our shared vision.” sysonwhyte.co.uk 

ABOVE Emma Whyte (left) and Lorna Syson (right) with designs from their collection.

Clients wishing to extend the motifs elsewhere in their home can also opt for the flora and fauna design made available as a full-wall mural.

Cupboard, £1,425; sideboard, £1,386; wardrobe, £1,735.

Full-wall mural, from £275 for a threemetre panel

THE ENGLISH HOME 121

LAM LIGHTING

L

aunched in lockdown, Lam Lighting was born of a meeting of minds. “The seed of the idea had been germinating for a few years,” explains fine art ceramicist Julie Lam, one of the three names behind the brand along with her husband David (a designer) and image maker and photographer Hannah Thompson. “But when the first lockdown happened, it had a massive impact on us. In the atmosphere of Covid, the whole situation gave us the opportunity to step back and take a view on what we were doing, and subsequently brought what now seems like an obvious decision into perfect focus.”

Having worked together in various capacities at other lighting companies for over half a decade, the trio had long been aware of parallels in their approach, and decided to join forces to create their own vision.

“We all knew that we loved lighting and lighting design but had our own ideas on how we might be able to

start something new and progressive,” says Julie. “The pandemic made us re-evaluate our priorities and gave us the chance to focus our energy on the new brand.”

The Lam Lighting brand ethos is testament to its founders’ aesthetic: “We knew that ‘local’ and ‘British made’ were important factors to us, and craft skills were an essential element. We knew we wanted to produce lighting sustainably with an ethical conscience, and we knew we could design lights that were beautiful both in look and in materials.”

“The first few weeks of lockdown were instrumental – David produced sketches of our first designs and I set to work on creating them in my garden ceramics studio. It took around 10 months to perfect those simple designs, and we launched the brand this spring with our first, 12-piece-strong, collection, of which we are enormously proud.” lam-lighting.co.uk



122 THE ENGLISH HOME

ABOVE LEFT & ABOVE RIGHT Each design is crafted from a slip developed from sustainable Limoges porcelain.

Ophelia pendants (left), £140 each, and Cottage pendant (right), £78 BELOW LEFT As part of its commitment to sustainability, the studio always ensures a full kiln for firing.

BELOW The founders at work; Each piece is made by hand in the Constable Country studio on the border of Suffolk and Essex.

CREATIVE INSIGHT

DUO-HUE

F

or Royal College of Art graduate and textile designer Amelia Ayerst, the global pandemic presented an opportune moment to revisit a digital embroidery project she developed during her time as a Mixed Media Textiles student. Having been made redundant from a colour, material and finish (CMF) role at engineering firm Dyson, Amelia had the means to purchase her own digital embroidery machine and the time to further develop her project.

As a result of her endeavours, in early 2021 Amelia launched Duo-Hue, a range of textiles designed, embroidered and made in the UK that are in complementary colourways and differing stitch densities to create a colour-morphing effect. “I have always been fascinated with colour, and how it can transform thoughts and feelings,” says Amelia. “Digital embroidery allows me to combine craft and technology to realise ideas and explore new avenues.”

The distinctive creations born of her lockdown work include interior products such as cushions, footstools and wall hangings, which are designed to allow clients to grow a look unique to their home: “The idea is that customers can build their own wall-hanging grid from the range of designs,” she explains.

Keen to foster creativity with other brands, collaborations are also key to Amelia. As part of Duo-Hue’s launch offering, she worked with Cornwallbased bag designer Francli to create a range of rucksacks using repurposed army bags given a new lease of life with embroidery. Plans for the future, meanwhile, include further collaborative work with furniture designer Tom Collison, and Juliet Bailey of Bristol Weaving. “The level of support I have received from other designers and creatives during this period has been wonderful, as has their feedback and advice,” says Amelia. “In many ways the lockdown seems to have brought out the very best in so many people.” duohue.com 

ABOVE LEFT Grouping the designs in number amplifies their clever illusion of movement.

Floating Framed Textile Panels, £295 each ABOVE Influenced by her travels around India just before the first lockdown, Amelia’s collection combines bold shapes with strong colours.

Clockwise from top left; Floating Framed Textile Panel, £295; Scatter cushion, £165; Rucksack, £565; Footstool, £1,465; Scatter Cushion, £165; Large Cushion, £195 LEFT Textile designer and Duo-Hue founder Amelia Ayerst.

THE ENGLISH HOME 123

CREATIVE INSIGHT

RESOURCES TO INSPIRE AND SET CREATIVITY ALIGHT Take time to explore and develop artistic expression with our suggested resources

H

aving worked as head designer for Morris & Co and Sanderson for more than 22 years, in 2016 Alison Gee made the decision to go freelance. She soon had a steady stream of work from brands including Schumacher, Zoffany and GP & J Baker amongst others, as well as from her previous employers, but lockdown brought with it a change of pace. “In March 2020, all this stopped. So I made the decision to make the most of this time to work on my own collection,” she explains.

“I wanted to create something that I thought to be the most usable, beautiful and timeless set of designs for use throughout the home, picking the best sources of inspiration from all over the world,” Alison continues. “Designs that I would like to find if I were looking to decorate. Designs that co-ordinate beautifully, using lots of different scales.”

Alison set to work to fulfil her vision and develop it into an online business idea. “I wanted to create a

one-stop shopping place for the consumer who appreciates beautiful designs and co-ordination, and who wants to be able to access these online,” she says.

“Clients can put together schemes by looking at the different combinations I have put together on my website, which also has a special pinboard function that allows them to create their own mood boards.”

The 22 designs in Alison’s wallpaper and fabric collection are testament to her vision and include a Fortuny-style damask, an intricate paisley design, an elegant tonal stripe, and large-scale Indian palampore motifs, and all can be custom-coloured. “The variety is made possible because I print to order, and do not need to hold stock of any products,” she explains.

“The lockdown was such a strange period, but the uninterrupted time was a chance to create,” Alison says. “The collection really gave me something to focus on, and was a wonderful way to finally fulfil a long-held dream.” alisongee.com

THIS PAGE Alison’s work draws on inspiration including natural surroundings close to her family home in rural Buckinghamshire.

All designs are available as fabrics and wallpapers.

Fabrics from £60 a metre; wallpaper from £90 a roll

124 THE ENGLISH HOME

WEST DEAN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND CONSERVATION This internationally recognised institution in West Sussex offers short courses, degrees and diplomas in arts, crafts and conservation. westdean.org.uk MIDLANDS ART CENTRE Located near Birmingham and offering a wealth of classes from ceramics to painting and print. macbirmingham.co.uk NEW BREWERY ARTS Cirencester-based centre in the heart of the Cotswolds with classes and courses available online and in person. newbreweryarts.org.uk n

FEATURE EVE MIDDLETON PHOTOGRAPHS P121 (PORTRAIT) © EVÁ NÉMETH; P123 (LIFESTYLE) © YESHEN VENEMA

ALISON GEE

CRAFTS COUNCIL National charity for craft, with directories and information on supporting and engaging with makers and courses. craftscouncil.org.uk

COMING NEXT MONTH

JULY EDITION ●

Choose a kitchen by colour to add character and impact

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Explore hotel design style secrets to recreate at home ●

Head to English holiday destinations loved by those in the know

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Step inside four beautiful homes dressed to make the most of an English summer

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PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) © BOZ GAGOVSKI; © JAMES MCDONALD; © ROBERT SANDERSON; © RACHAEL SMITH

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WIN A GREAT BRITISH HOLIDAY

Enter our competition for your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two, including free flights YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP INCLUDES: international flights (if applicable) • One-night London stay • Two-night stay in Edinburgh • Visit to Edinburgh Castle • Tickets to Blenheim Palace • A night in a Cotswolds hotel • West End tickets with dinner

• Free

Enter our competition for your chance to win a holiday in Britain for two worth up to £5,000, including free international flights What would your dream holiday to Britain include? A five-star stay in London and tickets to a West End show? A trip to historic Edinburgh?

How about a stay in the Cotswolds, including a visit to one of Britain’s finest stately homes? Well, with our Great British Holiday competition, you can win all of this and more.

LONDON LUXURY Starting with free flights (for overseas entrants), the winner and their guest will travel to London for a luxury one-night stay at the Athenaeum, a five-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair – just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus and the Royal Parks.

Your visit will also include tickets to a top West End show of your choice, with a lavish three-course meal with wine at Prezzo to make your night one to remember.

HISTORIC EDINBURGH Next, our winner and their guest will head to Edinburgh for a stay at the luxury Radisson Collection Edinburgh, located on the famous Royal Mile, with stunning views of the Old Town. During your stay you’ll visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, followed by a special three-course dinner.

THE CHARMING COTSWOLDS To conclude your trip, it’s time to escape to the countryside to visit one of Britain’s finest stately homes and the birthplace of Winston Churchill: Blenheim Palace.

Accommodation for the night will be at Minster Mill, a glamorous and luxurious hotel on the banks of the River Windrush in the historic village of Minster Lovell.

After a full English breakfast, you can take advantage of the hotel’s top-class facilities – from its spa to its croquet lawn – or explore your surroundings: the idyllic Oxfordshire Cotswolds are home to some of England’s most beautiful villages.

COMPETITION

Two annual tickets to Blenheim Palace, one of the country's finest stately homes and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. www.blenheimpalace.com

One-night stay for two at The Athenaeum, a five-star hotel in London's Mayfair district, near Buckingham Palace. www.athenaeumhotel. com

One-night stay for two at Minster Mill, a luxurious Cotswolds hotel near Blenheim Palace.

Includes breakfast. www.minstermill.co.uk

Two-night stay for two including breakfast at the Radisson Collection Edinburgh on the city's Royal Mile. www.radissonhotels.com

Two premium theatre tickets, plus a threecourse meal at Prezzo for two with wine from Buyagift, the UK’s leading provider of experience days. www.buyagift.co.uk

Visit Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish capital's unmissable historic attraction, followed by a three-course dinner for two from go-to gift experience company Red Letter Days. www.redletterdays.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER Go to www.theenglishhome. co.uk/GBH2021 or fill in the

✁

PHOTOGRAPH DAVID IONUT/SHUTTERSTOCK

coupon on the right with the answer to the question:

Question: Which famous Brit was born at Blenheim Palace? a) Isaac Newton b) Queen Victoria c) Winston Churchill TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Closing date for entries is 31 July 2021.

The winner will be announced on www.theenglishhome.co.uk on 9 August 2021, and the holiday can be taken between 1 September 2021 and 31 May 2022, subject to availability.

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14:08

ONE FINAL THING… We hope this issue has brought plenty of inspiration for making life outdoors, whether as a household or for meeting loved ones, beautiful and functional. We could not resist this final, rather indulgent idea of an outdoor living room, complete with a comfortable sofa for the ultimate place to unwind al fresco. Using masonry paint to decorate and create a defined room scheme truly makes this an alluring outdoor space. Here the rich green unites indoors with out, an affinity further amplified with natural textures such as linen, painted tree stumps for side tables, and pot plants and rustic wood finishes. Recreate a similar style in a decked or paved area beneath a pergola, painting walls or fences in a confident, statement colour to delineate the room.

Walls in Puck, £71 for 5l Intelligent Masonry Paint, Little Greene

130 THE ENGLISH HOME

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