from editors T H E
Welcome to the second issue of Gather Magazine we are thrilled to bring you a fresh dose of seasonal inspiration, from styling tips and recipes for your own gatherings to heartfelt conversations with our Gathered friends This edition offers a special opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Gathered, with features on our founders, behind-the-scenes glimpses from our latest photo shoot, and a chancetobecomemoreconnectedwithourgrowingcommunity
In this issue, explore the charm of ‘A Victorian Revival’ in Nicola Huthwaite’s home, engage in an enlightening conversation with the founder of Atelier Ellis, and discover ideas for making the most of the summer months We hope these pages inspire creativity and provide you with a wealth of suggestions to enhance your ownhome Enjoythejourneythroughthebeautyandwarmthofsummerwithus
with love, ALI, MEG & ABBI x
Gathered
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G A T H E R & G R O W
Capturing the essence of summer living
As the summer sun warms the days, doors are wide open and golden light streams through the windows
We enjoy afternoons lounging in the garden, enjoying the melody of chirping birds and the aroma of blooming flowers As the long days stretch on, we revel in the magic of summer and the vibrant carefree spirit it brings
Enjoy taking inspiration from our summer photo shoot, which encapsulates all that the season has to offer From delightful garden gatherings and outdoor living to the simple pleasures of hanging out your washing, immerse yourself in the essence of summer and all its charming comforts
Discover how these moments can be woven into your own home, bringing a touch of seasonal warmth and joy to every corner
Introducing Ali Collison Founder, Home Enthusiast & Tea Addict
Following Meg's founder story in the last issue, we ' re pleased to share stories from Ali Embarking on our GL journey, we, as founders, forged our path and defined the ethos of our vision We soon discovered a collective passion for interiors and a love for our homes. With a shared enthusiasm for thoughtful living and sourcing pieces that become interior heirlooms, our mission to make everyday life beautiful began at home Despite being at different phases of our lives, our common love for interiors revealed that our priorities for thoughtful living varied slightly making our offerings uniquely diverse
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We’ve lived in our current home for 16 years now it’s the home where our 2 boys have grown up (now 19 and 22), something they remind us of when we talk about moving one day they are very attached!! We had sold our previous house and couldn’t find anything to move to, so we dropped a leaflet through the door as we’d always liked this area It really felt like fate when we got a call a few days later to say the owners would like to sell! We were only allowed one viewing as the previous owner was ill, but as soon as we walked in the front door we knew it was for us It had a lovely large entrance hall and a beautiful big garden which was perfect for our young boys It was built in 1936 and was owned for 60+ years by an avid gardener and had lots of character and quirks, including an underground boiler room that had been used for drying tobacco and a well in the garden
I’d say my taste is traditional and eclectic, working in the interiors world you see lots of different styles and I often find it difficult to stick to one look! I’ve learnt to just go with what I love rather than thinking about what the lastest trends are
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Homely and relaxed I like to use lots of different lighting to make it cosy and always have candles burning We have lots of people coming and going with the boys friends so it’s a busy home, often with spare beds made up for sleepovers!
“In
the winter, the kitchen & family room there’s always music and chatting going on, we all love to cook so it’s a very busy space. ” W H A T I S T H E F A V O U R I T E P
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In the winter, the kitchen & family room – there’s always music and chatting going on, we all love to cook so it’s a very busy space Quite often on a weekend the furniture gets pushed back after dinner to make a dance floor!
In the summer, the garden is just lovely, we have a big L-shaped garden that’s really peaceful On summer evenings we sit up on the top of our cabin roof overlooks fields and a pine forest, it’s so relaxing to watch the sun go down up there with a glass of something cold!
Our pottery pieces and brassware I love a good mug and have to have the right sized mug for the right drink – my morning tea goes in our chai mug, coffee from one of our coffee beakers and an evening drink goes in one of our huggable koko mugs! I love the brass range too over the years of home owning I’ve flipped between chrome and brass fittings in the house but in recent years I’ve really settled on brass, I love the warm quality of the colour and it’s always timeless
Growing up our house was filled with beautiful pottery as my uncle was a potter He made unglazed earthy toned stoneware and when I started to buy things for my own home I struggled to find pottery as nice as his without spending a fortune – everything was mass produced from China When we were looking for something to complement our textile ranges my first thought was affordable handmade studio pottery It’s now our best selling range, although it often gets critiqued by Uncle John!
A peaceful early start before everyone else wakes up, always with a cup of tea, preferably in the garden if it’s sunny reading an interiors magazine I like to cook a nice breakfast for everyone, it’s a lovely feeling to know you ’ ve fed them well before they go off on their day Then I’d potter around the house catching up on jobs, something productive like doing some DIY or sorting cupboards! In the early evening I’d start to prepare food for everyone coming back in, then sit in the garden until after dark with music and maybe a bit of dancing, watching the bats flying around at dusk Perfect!
I love a good mug and have to have the right sized mug for the right drink my morning tea goes in our chai mug, coffee from one of our coffee beakers and an evening drink goes in one of our huggable koko mugs!
S U M M E R R E T R E A T S B A T H & B E D E D I T
One of the best parts of these hot summer months is the moment we retreat to the cosy comfort of home Having a simple ritual for those days you need to reset is so important We like to call them ‘Gathered Moments’ a way of appreciating the little things that make such a big difference
Simple pleasures that require minimal effort, but bring peacefulness and a welcome escape to the busy everyday In this issue we focus how to make your bedroom and bathroom a summer retreat
Here is our bath & bed checklist for creating a calming sanctuary to call your own
O U R C A N D L E H O L D E R S & S N U F F E R
Whether propped on your bedside or bath side never underestimate the stress busting aid of lighting a candle The aromas will help to relieve anxiety and relax your mind and body
G O O D Q U A L I T Y L I N E N S
Patterned or plain, floral, flouncy or frilly, a beautiful set of bed linen makes a bedroom sanctuary even more enticing, especially after a long and busy day
Layered with a textured throw adds a sense of depth and luxury enveloping you into a sense of instant calm
B A T H T I M E
The greatest simple pleasure and one to make room for as part of any daily routine Add the Burnham Bath Board to ensure everything you need for ultimate relaxation is within reaching distance Add a Vintage Marmalade Jar with greenery foraged from the garden to bring a sense of the outdoors in and a night set to keep hydrated A Rustic Reclaimed Stool propped close to the bath with fluffy fresh linens
Summer is the perfect time to pamper yourself or a loved one Enjoy the longer, slower days, indulge in a summer retreat, and share your ‘Gathered Moments’ with us
A Victorian Revival Nicola Huthwaite’s Nottinghamshire Restoration
The home of Nicola Huthwaite in Nottinghamshire is an inspiring example of making a house a home and bringing it back to its former glory With a beautiful restoration journey, this stunning family abode encapsulates a sense of how to bring heart to a home
Every room is designed to complement the next, stepping inside this Victorian abode you embark on a charminfused journey which leaves you feeling truly enchanted
“We bought our 150-year-old Victorian property back in 2022 as our first project home We always wanted an old period property with all the original features, and this house definitely had that It took us four months to bring it back to life after it had been left empty for two years and run down by the previous owner ”
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What drew me to the house the most was the large Victorian windows that let in an abundance of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere The old floorboards, which I took the time to expose and restore, added a touch of historical charm and character to the space Additionally, the large hallway with its grand proportions was definitely a selling point as it provided a sense of openness and elegance that is hard to find in modern homes The intricate details and craftsmanship evident throughout the property also played a significant role in my decision, as I have always appreciated the unique beauty of period features
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I’ve filled the house with antiques and traditional paint colours creating a timeless and classic ambience We brought the original fireplace back to life, restored its former glory, and replaced all the windows with wooden sash windows, as they were originally designed, to maintain the authenticity and charm of the Victorian era Additionally, we ’ ve carefully selected vintage furnishings and period-appropriate decor to enhance the historical character of each room
Definitely my collection of antique teapots that I sourced from Sweden Each teapot has its own unique history and craftsmanship, which adds a touch of elegance and charm to my home They are not only beautiful but also frequently used, making them both a practical and sentimental addition to my collection D E S C R I
A perfect ‘Gathered’ moment for me is to have a fresh bouquet of flowers from my favourite florist, which adds a touch of natural beauty and fragrance to the room I love to sit by the window, looking out onto the garden when it’s in full bloom, while sipping tea from my favourite mug
IMy main inspiration came from old home interior books, which offered a wealth of historical design ideas and timeless aesthetics Beautiful traditional interior shops also played a significant role
The house is particularly beautiful when the wisteria is in full bloom, with all the purple flowers draping elegantly over the windows and doors This was another reason I fell in love with the house, as the wisteria covers the entire front facade and creates a stunning, almost magical appearance During this time, the combination of the rich flowers and the soft, dappled sunlight that filters into the house is my favourite part
W H Y ?
Definitely the kitchen/dining room The large windows on the front looking onto the garden bring in so much light and create a warm, inviting atmosphere
“I’ve filled the house with antiques and traditional paint colours creating a timeless and classic ambience”
MY GATHERED MOMENT
“A perfect ‘Gathered’ moment for me is to have a fresh bouquet of flowers from my favourite florist, which adds a touch of natural beauty and fragrance to the room I love to sit by the window, looking out onto the garden when it’s in full bloom, while sipping tea from my favourite mug ”
S U M M E R E D I T
View the latest collection of our favourite finds to enhance your everyday and bring simplicity to your home
Antique European Rustic Chopping Board - From £95
T H E I N T E R I O R S Y A R D
Set - £22 50 M W H O M E
- £38 A L S O H O M E
set of 4 - £19 95 R A I N E & H U M B L E
Bowl - £29 95
50
Fern Night
Kuten Round Basket Small
Antique Terracotta Olive Pot - From £120
Washed Stripe Chai Mug - £15
Rustic Round Stool -£159
Bold Stripe Cushion - £42 50
Lemon Marmalade Napkins
Berry
If there’s any beverage that is the embodiment of warm summer days, it’s lemonade This quintessential drink, with its bright, refreshing taste, is the perfect companion to sun-drenched afternoons and lazy evenings
In this edition, we ’ ve elevated this classic recipe with a few delightful twists, making it even more irresistible Perfect to whip up for your own gatherings this season our enhanced lemonade will not only quench your thirst but also impress your guests with its fresh and vibrant flavours
T H E I N G R E D I E N T S
Makes 6 servings
1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx 8 lemons worth)
60g fresh basil, plus a little extra to garnish
1 cup of sugar
5 cups of water
1
As I said in my last recipe, I like to get all my ingredients out and prepped first, arranging them in pretty little bowls and jugs It makes cooking easier and makes me feel like I’m hosting my own little cooking show
2
In a saucepan, muddle your sugar and basil together with a wooden spoon to help the basil break down and infuse with the sugar
3
Add a cup of water to the sugar mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved
4
Once the sugar has dissolved and small heat bubbles start to appear take the pan off the heat and allow the basil to steep until the mixture has fully cooled
5 Once cool, strain the simple syrup into your favourite jug to remove the basil leaves
6 Add the lemon juice and remaining water and stir well to combine
7 Serve over ice and garnish with extra basil sprigs and lemon slices
E N J O Y
M e g ’ s N o t e s
You can adjust the quantity of simple syrup and lemon juice to your taste, making it more or less sweet
Try freezing your lemon slice garnishes they won’t dilute your drink as they melt like ice does I also like using whiskey stones or reusable ice cubes for the same reason
If you plan to make this recipe frequently, consider making the simple syrup in bulk and storing it in a glass bottle in the fridge
In Conversation with the renowned paint company Atelier Ellis
Discover the artistry and innovation behind Atelier Ellis in this exclusive Q&A Dive into the inspiration, sustainable practices and creative processes that make this renowned paint company a leader in transforming spaces with colour and elegance
Atelier Ellis was founded in 2018 by colourist Cassandra Ellis Having always made her own colours for interior projects, and always being driven by colour as a storyteller, she launched her first colour collection of 18 shades From there it has grown both in number of colours, and more importantly, in our own manufacturing and putting materials and best practice first
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All aspects of the Atelier Ellis approach to paint and colour are informed by a philosophy of making paint as a conduit to helping people tell their story of home and place We place humans at the centre of what, how and why we make, which is why our colours often feel emotive and familiar, and why our paint is carefully formulated to be better for people and place We’re guided by beauty, knowledge and goodness This includes the materials that we useand don’t use; where we source our materials - and don’t; how we treat our customers and how we treat each other
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Our ingredients are carefully chosen by Cassandrawe know where everything in our paint has come from and how it has been sourced, and how far it has travelled Our colours are designed with an artistic approach by mixing various pigments until the hue and tone feel just right - means they are entirely unique Our samples and colour charts are hand painted by our team using our paint We harness a lean production philosophy Our paint is tinted to order from our factory and each tin arrives with our customers completely fresh
H O M E ?
We have chosen to create one exceptional wall finish - a beautiful bio-based True Matt Emulsion with a very low sheen (3%) It is exceptionally breathable, virtually VOC free, washable and wipeable - but most importantly is bio-based This means fossil fuel free It’s safe to use everywhere and it also smells rather delicious For wooden and metal surfaces we have three finishes - Matt, Eggshell and Soft Gloss - each providing a respective sheen level We have created these so that they work on interior and exterior wood and metal - including cast iron radiators, front doors and kitchens It makes them super versatile whilst still being super fit for purpose
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We believe that you should ask yourself “how do you want to live?'' This includes many other aspects than colour and materials - but by starting there, your route to choosing the colours that end up in your home will be a much more satisfying one So you shouldn’t use social media/other peoples homes as the driver for your own personal choices
Our approach purposely steers away from colour trends, as we believe that telling your story of home is a very personal journey, and what comes ‘in’ will almost always go ‘out’ Instead, our colours are designed to offer a point of connection to both the intangible and emotive aspects of home, as well as the very simple and pragmatic truths of how you’d like to live
“Our approach to paint and colour are informed by a philosophy of making paint as a conduit to helping people tell their story of home and place ”
Neutrals are of course always the most popular shades - but our favourite colour at the moment (and our customers’) is Pollen It is such a joyful yellowbut also easy to live with A really happy combination is with Bread & Butter and Tea & Toast Cosy yet optimistic And we feel this is what most people are looking for in their homes right now
Our recently launched ‘Maps of Colour’ is our gift to everyone who would like to engage with our colour palette to tell their story of home It’s a tool that provides pathways from one colour to another – all combinations which we know will work well together – in order to help you find your personal scheme You might choose one lead colour and find a whole scheme of complimentary whites, neutrals, mid tones, a deep colour and a surprise; or you may decide on just two or three Customers can receive the Maps of Colour as complimentary with a paint chart order, or they can download a digital version for free from our website
Create A Captivating Backyard Cinema Experience with Us
The nostalgic Great British Summer We all have our own cherished memories of summers spent by the seaside fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, sandy buckets and spades, sheltering in the car from sudden downpours, and enjoying picnics no matter the weather It's all about mastering the art of joyful living and making the most of every sun-kissed moment when the skies grace us with sunshine
Summer brings long, lazy days and balmy evenings, and there's nothing more magical than embracing the outdoors as the sun dips below the horizon Whether you ' re planning a gathering large or small, everyone has the opportunity to host a backyard cinemastyle picnic
With a bit of thought and some carefully chosen accessories like a pretty selection of ceramics, cosy blankets and cushions, and plenty of interesting foods to feast on you can transform ordinary family gatherings into something truly special and memorable
Here are our top styling tips for creating a summer backyard cinema night:
There’s no better way to create an uplifting seating arrangement than by using a simple tablecloth or blanket to provide instant comfort and add a pop of pattern to set the scene Just like setting a table for a dinner party!
Adding atmospheric lighting really sets the tone so bring along some props to perch a tea light, candle, or lantern, allowing you to lounge in style well into those balmy summer evenings
Keep it simple yet captivating by adding interest with timeless and playful stripes Flowers are also a great way to enhance a simple setting place them in a jug or terracotta pot for an instant burst of joy!
Bring as many flouncy, oversized cushions as possible to create a comfy haven to enjoy throughout the evening. Elevate food on a sturdy picnic basket or rustic stool, keeping the blankets as a warming layer But most importantly, savour every summer moment!