Swealthy Luxury Home & Lifestyle | June '23

Page 1

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE JUNE 2023. ISSUE 19 MIDLANDS Join us on the sofa with Luke Tipping Chef Director Simpsons swealthy.co.uk GRAYPAUL FERRARI Pole position PAGE 6 CURATED FROM COVID Aura Fine Art PAGE 10 SIMPSONS Chat with chef Luke Tipping PAGE 16 PROPERTY EDIT JUNE ‘23 Arden Estate Agents PAGE 35 CR E A TE WITH 24-YEAR MICHELIN STAR Mushroom Soup Pickled Japanese Mushroom, Wild Garlic & Truffle Pesto Croutons

POLE POSITION FOR GRAYPAUL FERRARI

The Midlands is a prime spot for fast cars. We talk to Customer Service Manager, Alexander Mills, to find out why

CURATED FROM COVID: AURA FINE ART

In a few short years, Aura Fine Art has grown from an Instagram-only online store to three large galleries in the Midlands. How did Beth Parnham do it?

MAN v MANOR: A MAMMOTH RENOVATION

Check out the incredible transformation of this dilapidated 16th-century manor house into a cosy, stylish home

SIMPSONS: CHAT WITH A CHEF, LUKE TIPPING

We talk to the Chef Director of Simpsons about seasonal food, plant-based meals, and celebration plans for 30 years in business

PAINTINGS WITH PURPOSE: KERRY HUSSAIN

Is art essential to your wellbeing? Kerry Hussain thinks so! Read her article on the importance of art in your home

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE 6 10 14 16 24
HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

06

COVER Sponsor: Simpsons

30

POLE POSITION FOR GRAYPAUL FERRARI

The Midlands is a prime spot for fast cars

10

CURATED FROM COVID: AURA FINE ART

How did Beth Parnham do it?

14

MAN v MANOR: A MAMMOTH RENOVATION

Transformation of a dilapidated 16th-century manor house

16

SIMPSONS: CHAT WITH A CHEF, LUKE TIPPING

We talk to the Chef Director of Simpsons

20

CREATE THE PERFECT READING NOOK

Want to turn a cold corner into a cosy reading nook? We tell you how!

22

FUTURE CREATIVE: OLAJUMOKE ADEBIYI

Top tips from the next best thing in interior design. One to watch!

24

PAINTINGS WITH PURPOSE: KERRY HUSSAIN

Is art essential to your wellbeing?

28

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: MILAN TOPALOVIC

Skilled artist Milan Topalovic talks freelance life, finding inspiration, and the fun of art workshops

FIVE SWEALTHY HOME HACKS

Keeping your home looking nice is hard work. Here are five ways to make your life easier

32

INTERIOR INFLUENCER OF THE MONTH

Medina Grillo is an interior influencer with an impressive following. See what she has to say

34

WHAT’S OCCURRING: MIDLANDS

What’s going on in the Midlands over the next few weeks?

35

PROPERTY EDIT BY ARDEN ESTATE AGENTS

Looking for a new home? Check out our listings for the loveliest properties in the Midlands

42

POSTCARDS & INSPIRATION FROM POSITANO

Channel the fresh, clean opulence of the trendiest place to go on holiday

46

EVERYTHING THE MODERN TRAVELLER NEEDS

The Greenway Hotel and Spa has just undergone an extensive renovation

49

WEDDING EDIT ‘23

What’s trending in the world of weddings right now?

52

SWEALTHY: DESIGN & RETAIL

Stay up to date with all the latest Swealthy news and products

3 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

Ready to elevate your brand or just want to discuss advertising options?

Email magazine@swealthy.co.uk or call Dawn on 07796 956 752 or Thomas on 07899 750 404

Hello!

Here it is! The latest issue of Swealthy Luxury Home & Lifestyle! We are very excited to bring the Swealthy mission into your homes, along with some great lifestyle advice from the people in the know.

If you have ever visited the Swealthy store or our website, you’ll know that we champion attainable opulence. We believe everyone deserves to live in a space they love, and our magazine helps to further this mission, full of tips, tricks, and inspiration.

We speak to an interior influencer who uses her platform to show renters how they can upgrade their homes without upsetting their landlord, and a gallery founder who knows the value of a good piece of art. We give you some tips on creating a cosy reading nook, and we explore how interior design can affect your mental health – you might be surprised by what you read.

We also take a look at wedding trends, and lifestyle events in the Midlands, and we go behind the scenes with a chef from one of the country’s best restaurants – right here in Birmingham. You can also check out the incredible transformation of a local manor – a labour of love by a couple who appreciate timeless design.

With so much to read, you are sure to find some style motivation between these pages! Be sure to let us know what you think of the issue, while we get ready to roll out our next!

Your Editors

We love you too!

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

A massive thank you to our contributors this month

4 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
Vietnam? Thailand? Singapore? Wherever you want to go, we make travel a doddle. Call 0203 925 2803 or visit travelbag.co.uk to find out more R E A D E R R E CO MM E N D E D U K 2023 ALL CULTURE. NO SHOCK.

celebrates 24 years with a Michelin star and offers special menus

It’s a big year for the team at Simpsons. The longstanding Edgbaston restaurant celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and was last month awarded a Michelin star for the 24th year.

During April and May, the restaurant is offering an exceptional value lunch and dinner menu where you can enjoy three courses for £50 or six courses for £100. Sample dishes include a starter of Sea Bream, confit mushroom, onion miso purée and a main course of Quail, Fermented hispi cabbage, celeriac purée, pear and pickled walnut.

The restaurant has a private dining room for up to 14 guests and hosts business lunches and receptions. With its beautiful dining room which opens onto a stunning landscaped garden, Simpsons is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing drink in the sunshine before enjoying an excellent value Michelin-starred meal.

24For more information and to make a reservation visit www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk
6
DESIGN | RETAIL BY Passionate about brunch, lunch & cocktails 3a Stoke Road Aston Fields Bromsgrove B60 3EQ Shop exclusive interior gifts swealthy.co.uk

Pole Position for GrayPaul Ferrari

GrayPaul Ferrari Birmingham has been a fixture on the local landscape for 13 years, starting in Bromsgrove and moving to Solihull, delighting car enthusiasts with its luxury image and super shiny automobiles. This year, the showroom was named as the top dealership in the whole of Ferrari North Europe, proving that you don’t have to travel to London for the best premium cars.

We spoke to Customer Experience Manager, Alexandra Mills, about the brand and the buying process. Turn over TO READ full article

...

QWhat is it about this location that works for Ferrari?

QWhat is it about Ferrari that makes it such an iconic brand?

QHow do you create a luxury buying experience for your customers?

We are currently in a great location with access to country roads and motorways. This makes it easy for our clients to get to us, but also means we have some great roads for test drives!

Ferrari has such a rich history and heritage of power, thrills, and championships. Whether the car is racing in Formula One or weaving in and out of traffic on the roads, Ferrari has always continued to amaze its customers and the Tifosi (F1 Ferrari fans) year after year.

Our experience is unmatched for clients joining the Ferrari family. We invite them to exclusive launches and events where they can drive the latest cars, tour the Ferrari factory in Maranello, and even whizz around racetracks in the UK and worldwide.

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
10

QHow does the buying process work?

QWhat are Ferrari’s core values?

QIs red still the most popular Ferrari colour?

Customers can either purchase a pre-owned Ferrari that has had specialist care to ensure it is as good as new, or they can purchase a brand-new model. The waiting list on cars can vary.

Delivering world-class customer service, emotive experiences, and pure driving pleasure.

Yes, I’d say so! Rosso Corsa is the colour Ferrari is famous for. It has so much significant history and heritage behind it that makes it super special. When you think of red, you think of Ferrari!

So, if you are in the market for a new Ferrari, you won’t find anywhere better than GrayPaul Birmingham!

The showroom can be found at 120 Highlands Rd, Shirley, Solihull B90 4NU.

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Aura Fine Art

When an independent gallery owner joins forces with a big publishing house, Aura Fine Art is the result. This fast-growing art house is quickly taking over the Midlands, offering art lovers the opportunity to furnish their homes with some unique and interesting pieces they won’t find anywhere else. We spoke to Beth Parnham, founder of Aura, about her love for art and how she helps others find their dream pieces.

From Insta-Art to Aura Expansion

Aura began as a COVID baby, offering an Instagram platform and a website for people to select the masterpieces they wanted to adorn their homes. When everybody was stuck indoors, they were investing in their spaces, making the art world an exciting place to be.

Beth has been in the art industry for over ten years, working with Whitewall Galleries, part of the UK’s biggest publisher. She then went to work for an independent art gallery where she was in charge of curating and finding new artists. With lockdown came the decision to set up on her own.

As the world began opening up again, Beth realised she needed a physical space for Aura to be in. “I couldn’t really do it on my own. My good friend Jonathan [Kearns], who owns Buckingham Fine Art, asked me to open some galleries in the Midlands together. So, we opened Aura in May last year.”

And the business has snowballed from there. “Nottingham opened in May, Stratford Upon Avon opened in October, and Solihull opened this February.

“There are going to be more galleries opening. I’d like to go further North with the galleries. I think we’re going to continue to build on what we have and give people these lovely experiences that we’re giving them.”

Finding Inspiration in the Unique

“What’s lovely, and what keeps us unique, is that I still have my Aura Exclusive Artists which I had before I came on board with Buckingham. I’m still an independent gallery, just with the backing of a publishing house. It means we get more limited editions and the framings all looked after.”

Beth has a well-trained eye when it comes to commissioning new artists. “I’m always looking out

for something different, something that no one else has done. Or something that other people might be doing, for example, there’s lots of artists that paint wildlife, but it’s looking for somebody that does it with a different edge.

“I’m quite passionate about finding artists from overseas and bringing them to the UK. There’s one artist, Amy Shekhter. She’s based in Florida, she’s a very American-centric artist. I found her on Instagram, and we launched her through the UK market. People love her!”

Bringing Art to Your Home

“I think art is fundamental to interior design. Trends come and go. I will always tell clients to choose a painting that you fall in love with. It doesn’t matter what it is. But then you build the room around it. Choose the painting first and then accent with your cushions and your curtains because you might tire of an orange cushion, but you’re never going to tire of an orange cushion that matches the painting that you’ve fallen in love with.”

Aura Fine Art makes this easier with their home consultation service, where they bring a selection of paintings into your room so you can see them in situ before making a decision. Beth and her colleagues are out almost every day, helping their customers in this way.

“I love beautiful things. No one can explain it to you until you have a painting in your home, no one can explain quite the difference it will make to your life. Having a painting that you completely love and connect with, on your wall, wherever that might be in your home, makes you happy every day. The opportunity to work in an environment where you’re helping people to find that thing that they love and cherish for many years to come, that’s just an amazing thing. I can never imagine working in any other industry.”

12 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE CURATED FROM COVID
An interview with founder, Beth Parnham
13 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
“I think art is fundamental to interior design”

Renovations

MAN VERSUS MANOR A Mammoth Renovation

Sat deep in the Derbyshire countryside, this almost completed manor renovation has a dramatic view that has attracted TV crews and won over the hearts of Peter and Lynn Welsh. It is located in a quiet hamlet and inside a conservation zone, bringing calming rural vibes to this property.

When they first purchased their 16th-century Manor house, Peter and Lynn knew they had a big project on their hands. It soon became clear that the work needed was more intensive than either had imagined. However, two years and several wasp stings later (they found seven wasp nests in total!), the manor is now 95% complete, and they can slow down and enjoy their beautifully renovated forever home.

A HOME WITH HISTORY

This incredible building was originally built in the 1500s by the wealthy Wooley family, who extended it in 1633 to include an upstairs and downstairs parlour. That timeline means the house has survived the English Civil War and both World Wars, coming out of all conflicts unscathed.

The grade II listed house includes a turret staircase – a rarity in this country, and four original fireplaces, including a Bressumer Firehood fireplace. Two of the fireplaces were discovered behind newer structures and were a lovely surprise for the couple.

On the panelling in the Oak room are oak leaf carvings created to commemorate King Charles II’s rise to the throne. And on the fireplaces and doors throughout the house are many apotropaic symbols that were thought to ward off evil spirits. In the garden is a 90ft deep well and a Druid’s chair, which is believed to significantly predate the house.

A LEARNING CURVE

When the couple first purchased their new home, they had thought they’d be able to live in it while work took place. Peter explains: “Maybe six weeks in, it became clear we couldn’t: the dust, rusty red bathwater, floorboards up, ceilings down, and did I mention the dust?”

Peter runs an engineering design consultancy, and Lynn is retired from her career in fashion, so

neither of them were experts when it came to renovating. They had completed smaller home projects in the past but nothing of this size, so the whole process was a huge learning curve.

Working with contractors, the couple managed the project together, drawing up the designs, selecting the materials, and signing off on paperwork. They constantly liaised with contractors, with an impressive roster including electricians, plumbers, roofers, scaffolders, joiners, stonemasons, archaeologists, structural engineers, architects, tree surgeons, gardeners, kitchen companies, bathroom companies, tilers, glaziers, drain specialists, decorators, carpet fitters, and handymen. Some days there could be up to 15 people working on the manor at the same time!

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES

Starting a project in the wake of COVID-19 meant that the cost of materials rose almost daily, making it difficult to stay within budget. Peter estimates that works to date have cost £650K

14 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
BEFORE AFTER

and expects to spend another 100K to bring it up to a finished state. There were shortages of many materials in late 2021 as well, putting timelines back significantly.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAN VERSUS MANOR?

The couple has spent a long time on their home, living out of Air BNBs for seven months and doing as much as possible while living

in the manor. With around 95% of the building completed, they are now looking at making the finishing touches.

Peter says: “The Orangery is a 15m long monstrosity that was built in the ’80s. Plastic roof and rotten wood. We are planning to make a 5m orangery, 5m verandah, and 5m open patio – we are currently getting prices and talking to the conservation officer.”

And to anyone considering starting a new renovation: “Be realistic with the budget, time and effort – we had a 400k budget – it wasn’t realistic – lay out what you can see and add 50% contingency. It also took its toll on our wellbeing – be prepared for stress and putting your other lifestyle things on hold – you are investing a large part of your life – be sure you want to.

You can follow their journey at www.instagram.com/manversusmanor

Renovations SPO T L I GHT RENO V A T I NO OPS T L I THG ONER V A T I ON
15

Chat with a Chef Luke Tipping SIMPSONS

There aren’t many restaurants that can boast they’ve been in business for 30 years and held a Michelin star for 24 of them, but with Simpsons set to hit that milestone in 2023, we took a minute to sit down with Chef Director, Luke Tipping, to talk all things food.

There are many reasons why Edgbaston-based Simpsons is still a popular destination for foodies. Luke has a few theories: “We’re a mile and a half outside of the city, but you could be anywhere, especially when the sun’s shining in the back garden. And it’s an iconic building too. Plus, you’ve got me!”

Turn over TO READ full interview ...

17

Food with a View

The Grade II listed building is certainly beautiful. Built in the 1830s, it needed quite a significant renovation to make it suitable for Simpsons to move in. But the aged charm and quirky additions make it more interesting to visit. While the food is exceptional, guests are awed by their surroundings too.

The food changes seasonally, led by sharp suppliers who are always quick to discover when the first asparagus has sprouted, or the rhubarb is ready. “We’ve got a back catalogue of meals, so we’ve got no restrictions if something goes out of season or comes into season. We can change the menu that day to suit.”

Something for Everyone

Luke is particularly interested in the increase of people enjoying

plant-based meals. “I enjoy creating visual and tasty food from plants. Whatever menu we do meat and fish-based, we do a similar thing with plants. If two people come for dinner, and one is vegan, they can enjoy a very similar kind of experience as their partner eating meat.

I’m interested in different textures and flavours in vegetables. There’s a lot of meat-based substitutes, but I’m not a fan. We’ve not got anything like that on the menu. I suppose there’s a need for it, but that’s not what we do.”

Tips from the Top

With culinary heroes including Alain Ducasse and Simon Rogan, Luke is keen to keep food simple and super-tasty. “Cooking is about common sense. Everyone wants to be a MasterChef these days, but new chefs need to keep

focused and humble and keep their heads down. We’ve had so many chef’s come through here, training on the job. It’s important to work in the best kitchens you can and make sure you enjoy it. It’s the hardest job in the world if you don’t.”

Birthday Plans

The team has a few ideas for how to celebrate their big 3-0. “We’re still working on the plan. But there are things in the pipeline. We’ll do a few collaborations with different chefs. We’ve done that before with friends of mine in the industry, but we’re thinking more street food. Just showcasing what great food there is in Birmingham.”

So, if you’ve yet to eat at this incredible Michelin-star restaurant, now is the best time. Sounds like their 30th year is going to be their best yet!

18

Mushroom Soup Pickled Japanese Mushroom, Wild Garlic and Truffle Pesto, Croutons

From the Eureka cookbook by Simpsons owner Andreas Antona - Serves 4

Method

For the pickling liquid

Place everything in a pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, ensuring that the sugar has dissolved. Pour into a container and leave to cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

For the Wild garlic and truffle pesto

Place the garlic, pine nuts, salt and wild garlic in a blender. Pour in half the olive oil and blend until a smooth paste has formed. Add in the rest of the olive oil, truffle oil and Parmesan and blend until fully incorporated. Check seasoning and add more truffle oil if desired.

For the Pickled Japanese Mushrooms

These are best made in advance to have a stronger pickled flavour. Trim and separate the mushrooms by cutting off the root of the stem. They should then fall away from each other. Add to the pickled liquid. Leave for a couple hours to enhance the pickle flavour throughout the mushroom.

For The Mushroom soup

Chop the button and chestnut mushrooms roughly into small dice. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened and still pale in colour. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the vegetable stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat, and gently simmer for about 15 minutes. This does not need any longer in order to keep the fresh taste of the mushrooms. Transfer to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Pass through a fine sieve. Return soup to a clean pan and place back on the heat to warm through. Add the cream. Taste to check seasoning.

For the croutons

Making croutons is super simple and adds a perfect garnish to finish both hot and cold dishes. The bread

MUSHROOM SOUP

• 60g unsalted butter

• 1 Spanish onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 400g button mushrooms

• 250g chestnut mushrooms

• 1l vegetable stock

• 1⁄4 tsp salt

• Ground black pepper

• 175ml double cream

• Pickled Japanese Mushrooms

• 150g white shimeji mushrooms

• 150g brown shimeji mushrooms

• Vegetable oil

• 300ml pickling liquid

PICKLING LIQUID (Makes 300ml)

• 100g caster sugar

• 100ml water

• 100ml white wine vinegar

WILD GARLIC AND TRUFFLE PESTO (Makes around 200g)

• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped

• 25g pine nuts

• 5g salt

• 75g wild garlic, roughly chopped 140ml olive oil

• 10ml truffle oil

• 30g Parmesan, finely grated

CROUTONS

• 340g sourdough

• Olive oil, to drizzle

• Seasoning – such as parmesan/ salt/ pepper/rosemary/garlic

choice is up to you (normally a great way to use old bread you may have) but for our dishes we use spelt sourdough – but this is completely up to you, we just enjoy the depth of flavour it has. Preheat oven to 165°C. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and set aside. Slice bread approximately 2cm thick. Remove and discard the crusts.

Cut into 2cm cubes. Drizzle olive oil and add seasoning (if applicable). Bake for 15 minutes, mixing and turning over halfway through, until crispy and lightly toasted. Store in airtight container if not using straight away.

To Finish

Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle the pesto on the soup and top with pickled Japanese mushrooms and croutons.

Recipe
Shop

CREATE THE PERFECT:

The perfect reading nook should be all about comfort and support. You want to feel cozy and snug, but you want to be able to read without hurting your neck or screwing up your eyes. Here are our top tips for making your dream reading space.

1 2 3 4 5

CHOOSE A CHAIR

The best chair will be well padded with a high, supportive back rest and arms at a convenient height. Some people like to adorn their reading nook with bean bags or daybeds, but these aren’t conducive to long hours getting lost in your favourite book.

COMPLEMENT WITH A THROW + CUSHION

This will help with both the support and comfort side of things, making your reading nook simply irresistible. And when the temperature starts to drop, you can wrap yourself up in your blanket to feel safe and secure.

CHOOSE A SMALL TABLE

This is an essential piece of furniture in your reading nook, providing a home for your immediate reading materials, snacks, drinks, and anything else you need to bring with you to shut the rest of the world out for a while.

GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT

You don’t want to strain your eyes while living in a fantasy land, so make sure you have a good lamp to illuminate those words properly.

BRING SOME LIFE TO THE NOOK

Add a houseplant to keep yourself grounded in your sacred space. This will help clean the air while making your nook feel homely. The bigger the better, but this obviously depends on how much room you have available.

20 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Reading Nook

ADD SOME ART

For more

‘CREATE THE PERFECT’ subscibe to the next edition at swealthy.co.uk

Reading is a creative activity and nothing brings those artistic vibes better than, well, art. Hang a picture that reminds you of your favourite story, or just something that speaks to you deep in your soul.

CREATE A SPACE FOR YOUR BOOKS

These are the most important part of any reading nook. If you have lots of room, then a few large bookcases will do brilliantly. If you are scrimping for space, consider shelving, thin book racks, or choose a side table with an extra shelf and fill it with books that are next on your reading list.

LIGHT A CANDLE

Nothing sets the cozy mood better than a candle. Choose a relaxing scent that will enhance your rest time and keep it on your side table so you remember to blow it out before you go back out into the real world.

BEFORE AFTER

21
6
7 To finish

Future Creative

As a third-year Interior Architecture and Design student at Birmingham City University, Olajumoke Adebiyi favours modern design over quaint, farmhouse-style interiors. She uses her creative streak and globe-trotting tendencies to transform spaces as part of her BA (Hons) degree. If you’re looking for the next big thing in the interiors industry, she could be it!

CHARMED BY THE CITY

Olajumoke, or Jummie to her friends, was born in Nigeria. She moved to London when she was four years old and adored the change of pace. There was always so much to do and be inspired by. After studying 3D design at A-level, Jummie knew that she wanted to do something creative with her life, but she didn’t know it was interior design until it was almost time to submit her UCAS forms. Her last-minute decision has worked out very well for her.

“I find it so interesting how a space can be completely transformed. Interior design can completely affect someone’s mood, and I think that is so awe-inspiring. If something is designed well, the design almost fades into the background, but at the same time, all the details are noticed.”

Jummie favours maximalist design over minimalist, using similar colour palettes in

different textures and patterns to create bulk. She is also keen on Eco-Brutalism, a design theory that takes heavy industrial materials and fills them with greenery. She cites Ricardo Bofill as one of her inspirations. She also loves to check out the interiors of airports. “It’s your first impression of a country, and you’d be surprised at how much money they spend on getting that right.”

LIFE AS AN INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT

“For me, interior design is creating functional spaces for an end user in their daily lives, but with a focus on aesthetics.”

To enrol on her course, Jummie had to have three A-levels, one of which needed to be creative. She also sent in her art portfolio and believes that creativity is something that you are born with, “You need a creative eye. All the rest can be taught.”

“Now in her third and final year, her course is more hands-off. She is in university two full days a week and is given specific topics to study the rest of the time. Jummie said her first year was far more intensive, with a mixture of lectures, seminars, and workshops, often with guest lecturers.

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
OLAJUMOKE ADEBIYI 22

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Olajumoke believes she is still developing her signature style but leans toward contemporary designs. “There are still some aspects I’d like to incorporate, like mixing patterns and maximalism.”

She gets her inspiration from everything around her. She might see a window she likes when she is out and about and then think about how to incorporate that into her next project, for example. Her older brother is an architect, so she also bounces a lot of ideas off him. But her approach to each task is far more pragmatic.

“First, I’ll look at where the space is, how it affects what’s around it, and who uses it. Then I’ll look at things like how the sun interacts with it, what I want this space to represent, and how the user needs this space to be.

Then I’ll start to block out areas, and I’ll start designing. I find it best to work with 3D software, as it’s easier to see what’s what than with 2D software.

“I just find it so interesting how we could all have the exact same building, but each one will look totally different once we start to fill it.”

When she finishes University, she has big plans for her next step. “I want to move to Manchester. It’s such a creative city, and there’s a couple of brands there I’d love to work with. I like being in city centres, and I think it’s good to have a clean slate to start my professional life.”

And what would she say to anyone considering an interior design degree? “Go for it. There is so much diversity in design, and it’s so interesting to see everyone’s different stamp and how you are able to shape the world, almost. I think it’s definitely something that people should get into. Just make sure it is something you want to do because it’s not for the faint of heart!”

23 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Art is essential for a well-balanced interior, but if you learn to look with your heart, it’s not only your walls that benefit.

In today’s digital world, we are bombarded with a daily cacophony of information that our brains are not designed to cope with. The more we look at, the less we see and the more disconnected we become – from others, but especially from ourselves. This serves to heighten anxiety and means our stress response is always on red alert.

Constant over-stimulation keeps our sympathetic nervous system activated. Physically, this

manifests as symptoms such as elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and a rise in blood sugar levels. Prolonged states in ‘fight or flight’ mode can lead to health problems such as heart attacks, diabetes, and other inflammatory diseases.

By designing our living spaces to provide a sanctuary away from external noise, we can give ourselves the mental capacity to switch off and self-regulate. By adding tactile furnishings and using a gentle, muted colour palette that is easy on the eye we can create a soothing environment. Keeping clutter to a minimum will

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Paintings with Purpose

Artist, writer, and spiritual junkie Kerry Hussain has some strong opinions about how art can affect our wellbeing. In this eloquent article, written especially for Swealthy, she tells us exactly why she thinks everyone needs art in their life.

also help our minds to relax but making time for stillness every day is the best way to bring our bodies into homeostasis, the internal balance that we need to survive. Meditation is a growing trend – recent advances in neuroscience have proven its positive effect on our brain, lifting it out of the realm of spirituality and dropping it into the mainstream. If you want to experience its benefits for yourself but aren’t sure where to start, the good news is that you don’t have to go all ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and hot-foot it to an ashram in India for six months. You don’t have to get up at 4am and devote your morning hours to sitting in silence in the lotus position. In fact, you don’t

even have to close your eyes. Introducing a few consciously considered and strategically placed pieces of art to your home can be an easy and effective way to encourage moments of mindful contemplation.

Seeing with your heart

Slow looking, or visual meditation as I call it, is a directed mindfulness practice that uses art to take us off auto-pilot and bring our awareness into the present moment. All art provokes an emotional reaction, and by purposely engaging with it, it acts as a mirror, reflecting your true

25 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

feelings back at you. Understanding the artwork itself is not important, it’s simply a tool you can use to understand yourself. The late Buddhist monk and Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, said, “To see deeply, we have to first learn the art of stopping.” Looking at art forces you to stop, and taking the time to study a piece with deliberate intention (I recommend a minimum of ten minutes) helps you to connect with your inner self. It then coaxes you to go deeper, to explore the emotions that arise and to become aware of the sensations inside your body while doing so. Studies have shown that viewing art can reverse the effects of stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

Choosing art that will elicit this reaction is instinctive. Quite often, it is difficult to explain why you like a specific piece in the same way that you are unable to define exactly why you find certain individuals more romantically attractive than others. Indeed, aesthetically pleasing art triggers the same physiological response as falling in love: blood flow to the brain increases by as much as ten percent and when the pleasure zones are activated, serotonin and dopamine (aka ‘the bliss chemicals’) are released.

Landscapes and scenes of nature are widely regarded as the best at invoking inner tranquility, with works by French Impressionist painter Claude Monet cited as among the most relaxing. A well-balanced composition is essential. Avoid anything that is too busy or graphic, or text-based pieces with heavy, angular lines, as these can actually increase anxiety and tension – a definite no-no for bedrooms! A Harland Miller piece might look cool but it isn’t exactly conducive for a relaxing night’s slumber.

Colour me happy

Regardless of the subject matter, colour can play a huge role here. It stands to reason that soft, muted colours will have a more calming effect than bright, vibrant ones. Pale pink is the

colour of love and compassion and has been scientifically proven to reduce anger. After a stressful day, walking into a hallway and seeing a painting with subtle rose tones can instantly dissipate any commuter rage and ensure you leave work at the door. For obvious reasons, art with elements of pink also makes a great choice for bedrooms, but if that feels too feminine, try something with natural, earthy tones to help you get grounded and increase your sense of safety and security.

The bathroom is often the place to which we retreat when in need of some peace and solitude. Hanging art in here can invite you to linger for longer and fully unwind. Green is a very restful colour, particularly shades of sage or jade, so gaze at pieces that use these while you soak in the bath.

Colour can arouse different emotions depending on the individual, so it is important to become aware of how they make you feel on a personal level, despite what definitions may be accepted across the board. For example, blue is regarded as a deeply restful and calming colour, but for me, growing up on a small island surrounded by the sea with a lot of unhappy memories, it triggers feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia. I feel much more centered when I’m surrounded by the colours of the forest, as this is my happy place. Recognising your ‘safe’ colours is critical to finding art that will cultivate inner peace.

This holistic approach to viewing art – seeing with your heart, not just your eyes – strengthens the mind/body connection, which can enhance the meditative experience. While it may not replace medication for more serious conditions, it can certainly be used to combat everyday stress and mood-based challenges. By using art to create a peaceful environment and learning to unlock its healing power, you are not only enhancing your home but also adding a valuable asset to your self-care toolkit.

For more from Kerry, visit: www.kerryhussain.com or check out her instagram @artforthesoul_11

26 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
Put simply, art is good for you.
27 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Milan TopaloviĆ

THE PATH TO SUCCESS

Spring has been busy for Milan, working on a range of greeting cards, some map covers for British Cycling along with a mural measuring 11.8 metres. At the time of our conversation, the location was top secret so follow his Instagram account for updates! Milan has been delivering painting and craft workshops in the city celebrating Mother’s Day and Eid, these sit alongside his regular drawing classes on Zoom and he’s even finding time for some personal skill development!

“I’ve been drawing since I was very young, and I was always fascinated by the ways in which I could make a drawing better. I have a BA in Visual Communication from BCU, and my specialism was illustration –specifically picture books. Then I started entering competitions to get my name out and challenge myself with live briefs. I am quite a meticulous worker, so looking at

competition briefs allowed me to find deadlines I could manage nicely. Sometimes, briefs might be set in the morning, with a final illustration expected in the evening. So quite a cosy turnaround!”

IN CONTROL OF HIS ARTISTIC DESTINY

He’s always been freelance, enjoying the freedom this gives him in his career. Every day is a little bit different for this indemand illustrator. Aside from two evenings a week when he teaches portrait drawing via Zoom, his inbox dictates his schedule. “I am either wrapping online orders, working on new designs, or planning teaching sessions and workshops. In my spare time, I have been painting in oils and practising pastels, as I think it is good to learn new skills and processes so that I can pass them on to my students.

It Is hard work, and there is a lot to juggle. Changing with the times is important, but not necessarily changing with the

trends because it is important to find a home for your work and do what you love. One of the lovely things about freelancing is being in a position to take on projects where clients can see how your imagination reacts to a brief.” His work can come from almost any angle. “I am always surprised by the reach of social media, whether local or overseas. The nature of how the industry has progressed means I can complete my work remotely. This flexibility has allowed me to produce work for clients which would have previously been onsite only.”

INSPIRATION IS ALL AROUND

He finds inspiration in diverse places, filling his social media accounts with colours, styles, and atmospheres that he wants to replicate in his own drawings. “I have a few favourites in art history from Romanticism onwards to modern artists. I love illustrations with little narratives woven through and often hide little Easter eggs in my work

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
ARTIST PROFILE
28
Milan Topalovic eats, sleeps, and breathes art. When he is not drawing, he is thinking about drawing, practising another art discipline, or planning his next workshop. His passion and talent are evident in every piece he produces. We managed to snatch a moment of his time for a quick chat about his work.

which people discover down the line, whether it references them or the cat on my road, which chases my hot bag of sausage rolls when I walk down the drive.

“I have always been in awe of the dreamy and thoughtful aesthetic of Studio Ghibli, and the ever-enduring charm of Milt Kahl and Marc Davies’s classic Disney illustrations. As far as contemporary illustrators, I love Heikala, Loish, Benjamin Lacombe, Tom Haugomat, and Lab Partners.”

So, what’s next for Milan?

“Once I have completed the big mural project, I have some lovely little projects with National Trust to work on, and then I will continue to develop my everyday cards range. I have a few art workshops at different venues, which gives me a breather from my laptop.

I am planning workshops for Birmingham Heritage Week, having previously taught drawing sessions on canalboats with Roundhouse Birmingham! History

and sentiment are always a big part of my illustration, and I am always grateful to celebrate Birmingham and fly the flag!”

Look at some of Milan’s personal projects and private commissions at:

IG @milanillustrator

IG @milanportraitartist

You can find out more about the artist at:

www.milanillustrator.com

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Want perfectly spaced-out curtains?

Getting your curtains to hang beautifully can be a challenge, but not if you have a few toilet roll tubes lying around! Why waste money on spacers when you can simply cut your tubes into equal lengths and place them on your curtain rail between each hoop? The result is perfectly spaced folds that hang just right!

FIVE life changing (yes... LIFE CHANGING!)

HOME HACKS

Sometimes, the efficient running of a household requires a few sneaky hacks along the way. Work smarter, not harder, with these helpful tips. Got any home hacks for us? We’d love to hear them! Head to instagram.com/swealthy.co.uk

Don’t Cry Over Spilt Candle Wax

Spilt candle wax on your furniture can be a nightmare, but there is an easy way to clear it up. Simply wrap a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and leave it on the patch until the wax hardens. You can then effortlessly peel it away, leaving no evidence of the disaster.

If you spill wax on carpet, you need to take the opposite approach. Place a paper bag over the top and use a steam iron to loosen the wax. Remove the bag and hey presto!

Want more wardrobe space?

We feel like we’re in a never-ending battle between never having anything to wear and never having anywhere to put new clothes, but there is an answer! Swap out all your hangers for matching slimline ones, and your wardrobe will be smarter, and you’ll be surprised at how much extra space you have.

Clean with Ketchup

While most cleaning hacks focus on how to get ketchup stains out of things, this one does the opposite! Turns out, it is surprisingly good at cleaning your pots and pans. Ketchup contains something called acetic acid, which reacts with the copper oxide build-up that occurs during cooking. Simply spread your tomato sauce over the offending area and leave it to sit for 30-60 minutes. Then wipe away for pans that look as good as new!

Got an Empty Wine Rack?

What’s one of those, right?! But, if you do have a spare wine rack lying around, it could be a really great storage space for your child’s art supplies. In the spaces where you’d usually place your wine bottles, you can put clear cups filled with pens, pencils, crayons, and anything else that needs organising in an easy-to-reach craft space. Just don’t ever get this wine rack mixed up with your usual one!

30 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE 33 11 55 22 44
LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE R C PHILLIPS GARDEN & DRIVEWAY DESIGNS LIMITED 111 Bakers Lane Knowle Warwickshire B93 8PR email: russcp@icloud.com 01564 775 709 | 07875 654 251 Building gardens and driveways for over 25 years

Interior Influencers

MEDINA GRILLO @grillodesigns

Midwife turned social media star, Medina Grillo, juggles two young children with her full-time Instagram role. What started as a side hustle in between shifts has spiralled into a role in which she has amassed 213k followers, written a book, and created a video series for people who want to give their home that personal touch within the confines of renting. It’s about as far away from hospital life as you can get, but Medina is showing others how it’s done.

BUILDING AN AUDIENCE

Despite not having any creative qualifications or a background in social media, Medina has built up an impressive audience. “I don’t have any professional training. But I’ve always been quite creative. When I started, there was a huge focus on DIY, but then as the years changed, it became more about interior styling. I think it’s about having a good eye and knowing how to put certain pieces together. So, a lot of playing with different textures and colours. There’s no right and wrong; a lot of it is about how it makes you feel.

“I used to get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest. You can visualise how things would look in your home from Pinterest. But now inspiration can come from anywhere. I might go to a restaurant and decide I like the look of a chair, and that might start off a whole train of thought. During

COVID I went on a lot of walks and would be inspired by nature. My mind is always open to being inspired from wherever.”

Her content curation style has changed in a big way since having her children. With her youngest son having just turned two, Medina has to be strict with her time. “At the moment I can’t give you any advice on how to manage your time. I create my content in my son’s nap time and then do my admin in the evening. It’s a bit of a juggle. Before children, I had a bit more time, and I would have set days for making content, so I was a lot more organised and scheduled.”

TOP TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR HOME

Medina’s social media focuses on how she styles her rental, without doing anything that will upset her landlord, but her tips are useful for anyone, whether you own or rent. “Always start small. Go room by room and make sure to live in a space for a couple of months before you start changing things, so you get a feel for that space. Take your time. Start with small accessories and build up from there. Don’t get stuck on one theme – mix and match styles.

“Invest in timeless pieces that will stand the test of time. In my opinion, this is almost always vintage pieces.”

32 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Influencers

INFLUENCING THE INFLUENCER

Medina really is an Instagram queen, following lots of other inspirational accounts when she is not making her own content. “I really like @Mishkashoe – I love the way she is creative with her DIY. I love @Dabito from America – I think his style is very similar to mine. Very colourful and eclectic. @Loft208, her style is very different to mine, but I can appreciate the different aesthetic without having to implement it in my own home. I also like @sgardenerstyle. So, I like a variety of things.”

FOLLOW MEDINA GRILLO:

Instagram: @grillodesigns

Facebook: /grillodesigns

Pinterest: /grillodesigns

Tiktok: @grillodesigns

www.grillo-designs.com

KITCHENS · BATHROOMS · BEDROOMS TILES · STONE WORKTOPS our full advert on page 44
DESIGNING LIFE See

WHAT’S OCCURRING?

1

Benjamin Grosvenor Plays Chopin cbso.co.uk/events/benjamin-grosvenor-plays-chopin

4

Wedding Fair Buckatree Hall Hotel, Telford www.facebook.com/Sparklingdayevents/events

4

BBRC Royal Sutton Fun Run, Royal Sutton town centre royalsuttonfunrun.org

8-10

Birmigham Royal Ballet Apollo/Interlinked/Still Life at the Penguin Café, Hippodrome Birmingham www.brb.org.uk/shows/apollo-interlinked-still-life

9-11

Birmingham Design Festival birminghamdesignfestival.org.uk

10-11

Oswestry Antique and Collectors’ Fair, Oswestry Showground www.jos-events.co.uk

11

Crowne Plaza Solihul Wedding Fayre, Solihull www.ttcountryevents.co.uk/fairs

16-20

Men’s Ashes Series Cricket: England vs Australia www.icc-cricket.com

18

High Grosvenor House Wedding Fayre, Claverley www.tiedwithabowweddingfayres.co.uk

23

On Earth and Space: Chris Hadfield’s Guide to the Cosmos, Symphony Hall, Birmingham www.fane.co.uk/chris-hadfield

24

Oswestry Antique and Collectors’ Fair, West Midlands Showground www.jos-events.co.uk

25-26

Shrewsbury Food Festival, Shrewsbury Quarry www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

1

Waterfront Charity Festival: Run to the Beats, Canal Street, Nottingham waterfrontnotts.com

1

Women’s Ashes Series Cricket: England vs Australia www.icc-cricket.com/news/2798269

2

Wedding Fair The Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton www.facebook.com/Sparklingdayevents/events

7-9

Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival, Moseley Park, Birmingham mostlyjazz.co.uk

9

Race for Life, Markeaton Park, Derby raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

9

Newport Show, Chetwynd Deer Park www.newportshow.co.uk

9

Some Guys Have All The Luck: The Rod Stewart Story, The Alexandra, Birmingham www.atgtickets.com

15-24

Birmingham, Sandwell, and Westside Jazz Festival, selected venues across Birmingham www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

18

Anton and Giovanni – Him & Me, Baths Hall, Scunthorpe

www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk/whats-on/anton-andgiovanni-23

23

Wedding Fair The Great Barr Hotel, Birmingham www.facebook.com/Sparklingdayevents/events

34 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
June July MIDLANDS
Swealthy concise guide to what’s occurring near you!
to appear in a future edition? Email magazine@swealthy.co.uk & we’ll be in touch
The
Want your event
35 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE Turn over TO DISCOVER Your next dream home ... FOR SALE edit PROPERTY JUNE ‘23 EDITION SPONSORED BY

Mearse Lane

Barnt Green | £2,150,000

6 4

5

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

A rare opportunity to purchase a truly exceptional residence and arguably one of the finest examples of late Victorian architecture in Birmingham, situated on a plot of over 2 acres. Built in 1884, Langdale House is a most impressive property with great character. The extremely generous accommodation (amounting to 6,895 sq. ft) is of exceptional quality and provides every modern convenience whilst still retaining many of its period features.

It’s who you move with.

36 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Cherry Hill Road

Barnt Green | £1,875,000

6 4 3

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

Trevarthen House is a truly exceptional, castellated detached property with many character features. Occupying one of the best private settings in this much sought after village, it is surrounded by a very generous plot being just under 1 acre, positioned at the end of a gated sweeping driveway and located just a short walk from Barnt Green amenities and railway station. The property extends to approximately 3,549 sq. ft and boasts six bedrooms, four bathrooms, three reception rooms, beautiful country style kitchen/diner, surrounding mature gardens, and a heated swimming pool.

It’s who you move with.

37 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Crabmill Close

Knowle | Offers Over £825,000

4 3 3

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

An immaculate and truly beautifully presented four bedroom detached house, which has been lovingly refurbished throughout, and offered with a contemporary open plan kitchen/ family room, lounge, dining hall, study/play room, two modern en suites and family bathroom, landscaped rear garden and driveway with garage fronted storage area, situated in the sought after village of Knowle, Solihull.

It’s who you move with.

38 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Greyfriars Drive

Bromsgrove | £850,000 5 3 3

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

A truly impressive and beautifully presented five double detached executive family home, offered with no upward chain, three reception room, a stunning re-fitted breakfast kitchen/ family room, conservatory, two re-fitted en-suites and family bathroom, landscaped rear garden, block paved driveway providing off road parking and a detached double garage, situated within a private gated development, located idyllically near to Sanders Park and Bromsgrove town centre.

It’s who you move with.

39 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

Parkmore Farm Barn

Kidderminster | £1,000,000

5

5

6

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

Nestled within the heart of the semi-rural village of Torton, near to Kidderminster, sits the truly impressive four bedroom detached property Parkmore Farm Barn, offered with spacious accommodation and rustic character features throughout the main property including flagstone flooring, exposed beams and brickwork, vaulted ceilings and a beautiful oak staircase, plus lovely private grounds and gardens to include an additional self-contained one bedroom detached annexe and a double garage with a further bedroom and en suite above.

40 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
It’s who you move with.

Bouts Barn

Inkberrow | Offers Over £850,000

4 3 2

BEDROOMS BATHROOMS RECEPTIONS

Bouts Barn is a unique country residence dating back to circa 1900. The residential estate consists of one two/three bedroom detached barn conversion with a separate two bedroom semi-detached barn conversion within the curtilage. This unique and versatile layout offers a wealth of charming characteristics within both properties and has been lovingly styled and maintained by the current owners. Set within approx. quarter of acre of an idyllic, tranquil country style gardens within the historic village location of Inkberrow.

It’s who you move with.

41 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

But it’s not just the outside views that have got us lusting after this unique destination. Take a little inspiration from this lavish part of the world and bring it indoors for a luxury interior feel.

Fill Your Home with Ceramics

Positano is renowned worldwide for its ceramics, with people travelling to the region just to add to their clay collection. Some of the most popular pieces include circular ceramic patio furniture, often adorned with lemons, flowers, and other bright and cheerful motifs.

Grow Climbing Plants Indoors

Le Sirenuse Hotel has hosted some of the biggest stars in the world, including the Kardashians, Anne Hathaway, and Reese Witherspoon. Take a note from this luxury hideaway and train your climbing plants to grow up the walls by using

tiny nails and natural raffia strips to keep them in line. Make sure there is plenty of space between the branches, so they don’t become tangled.

All Day Long on The Chaise Longue

The lobby of Le Sirenuse is filled with citrus chaise longues, inviting guests to take a load off when they first arrive. Add your own yellow chaise longue to your reception areas to replicate this irresistible offer in your own home.

Keep Those White Walls

One thing that is prevalent throughout the Mediterranean is the white walls. Both exterior and interior are painted in this neutral shade to help reflect heat and provide a uniform look. You can then break up this expanse of whiteness with bright shades of lemon yellow. Whether you do this with furniture, rugs, paintings, or well-

placed vases of yellow flowers, is up to you. A central bowl of lemons might be all you need! Pick and choose or do it all!

Bring the Beach Home

Being on the coast with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is no wonder that the sea has inspired so many interiors in Positano. Add seashells to your interior to emulate the romance of the Marina Grande Beach.

Bring Bursts of Blue

A beautiful partner to lemon yellow, bold blue accents will finish your Positano design perfectly. You’ll often find white homes with blue doors and shutters as you walk around the Amalfi coast, and even Le Sirenuse complements its white and yellow interiors with blue accessories. This colour is also reminiscent of the beach, bringing seaside vibes to your home.

42 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
Positano is one of the most scenic locations in the world. Situated on the breathtaking Italian Amalfi Coast, it has become a playground for the rich, famous, and yacht-owning tourists.
Inspiration FROM
Postcards &
Positano

DESIGNING LIFE

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS TILES 44
45 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE GET IN TOUCH 01527 833 300 sales@stoneandearth.co.uk www.stoneandearth.co.uk 23 Sherwood Road Bromsgrove B60 3DR OUR SERVICES - Full Project Management - Optional Supply Only Service - Kitchens - Bedrooms - Bathrooms - All Solid Surface Worktops - Indoor & Outdoor Tiles - Major Building Works Undertaken - Specialists in All Trades STONE WORKTOPS Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 4pm 10am - 4pm

GREENWAY HOTEL

EVERYTHING THE MODERN TRAVELLER NEEDS

Looking for a local luxury getaway that covers your every travel need? The Greenway Hotel and Spa boasts 4 AA red stars and 3 AA rosettes, all awarded before the recent refurbishment project. So, if you visited before October 2022 and thought the hotel was good, you’ll be delighted by what’s on offer now.

THE BEST OF CITY AND COUNTRYSIDE

Part of the prestigious Eden Group, which has hotels all over the Midlands and one down in Dartmoor, the hotel has always been known for its unique location. Despite sitting just ten minutes from the centre of Cheltenham, with everything the city offers, the rooms provide awe-inspiring views over the Cotswolds, with sweeping landscapes and rolling hills giving you that back-tonature vibe. And it’s incredibly easy to get to, with the M5 just a two-minute drive away.

A SUBSTANTIAL REFURB

The six-month refurbishment saw the renovation of the lavish bedrooms, a new hot tub in the spa and an upgrade to Temple Spa products. Other areas of the hotel had been completed a few years prior, so they stayed open while work took place.

The contractors stripped everything back to brick to build a modern environment offering all the

conveniences the discerning traveller expects. The in-house design team gave every room its own personality so that every stay offers something different.

A BESPOKE EXPERIENCE

Craig Routledge, General Manager, is keen to provide the most exclusive service for each guest: “We bought this hotel 12 years ago, and probably, at the time, it was substantial and suitable for the traveller. But expectations have moved on, and I think what we can offer as a hotel now is very much about service and experience. But we’ve also got to have a basic core standard in terms of our offering. As people have got that in their own homes and we want to at least match that. And then, we can wow them.

“Post-pandemic, there has been a real shift in consumer behaviour. That has been considered in this refurbishment – dwell space has really been put into the forefront. In the larger rooms, we have designated spaces for dining

46 LUXURY
&
HOME
LIFESTYLE
“Postpandemic, there has been a real shift in consumer behaviour”

HOTEL & SPA

if they want to have that full in-room experience.

“We’ve really looked at the guest journey and said what are the things that people need and want, and we’ve made sure that’s all been embedded within the room themselves. The main enhancement is that we’ve been able to lighten the space up. We’re very lucky in a traditional manor house to have the grandeur and the space that these buildings offer. Still, traditionally they are quite dark, so we probably didn’t get the full experience, especially when most of our bedrooms have natural views over the hillsides. So, we wanted to lighten the inside to get that connection with the surrounding environment.

“Every room has something a little bit different. Our suite and four-poster in the Manor House have been done in a neutral palette. Very much led towards couples and the wedding market – they have a natural backdrop. But when we move over to our Coach house, we’ve really gone at it with some colour. Each room is completely bespoke in design. My favourite room is up in the converted attic space because the views from

Want to experience this unique hotel for yourself? Visit www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com or call

the back of the building are stunning. They’ve all got something to offer.”

A COMMUNITY FEEL

It is this individual approach to customer service that makes Greenway special. Craig said: “We never have more than 40 guests at any one time. So, we should know all the guests’ names; we should be able to anticipate their needs. We talk to them before their stay and ask how they would like their room, if they want extra pillows, and how we can improve this experience for them. With 21 bedrooms, it’s all about creating a truly bespoke service.

“We are a full-service hotel. We have something for everyone. We are open for tea and coffee, we offer dining to residential and non-residential. We have great outdoor grounds; we recently installed the Hive, our outdoor structure that can be hired out for events and gatherings – perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony.

We are open to everyone. We want to be part of the community, and we want people to come and enjoy the space.”

47 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
862 352
01242
“Every room has something a little bit different”
48

Wedding EDIT ‘23

You’re about to marry the love of your life in front of a room full of your closest friends and family. Or are you? Turns out, weddings this year will be more about the after-party than the main event.

It might be a knock-on effect from the costof-living crisis (cozzie livs, if you prefer), but engaged couples are prioritising their receptions over their nuptials. Not only does this save a few pounds on the big day, but it gives them a chance to experience a more intimate wedding before going all out on the celebrations.

Some couples are choosing to get married earlier in the day, too, giving themselves a proper rest and some time to spend alone together before they dance the night away.

Take Naomi Biden and her husband, Peter Neal. The US president’s granddaughter got married in her grandfather’s back garden last year with only her closest friends and family present. Granted, that was the back garden of the White House, and she had 250 people present, but by her standards, that was pared down. And the

service took place at 11am, giving them plenty of time to enjoy a long ceremony and a long lunch and still have time to relax and take it all in before heading back to the evening reception.

But while time traditions are falling by the wayside, floral ones certainly are not. In fact, they are back and bigger than ever! If you can decorate it with a flower, do it! Bonus points if you use faux plants that can be given to your guests as favours. Check out www.swealthy. co.uk for some beautiful options. Whether they are used as decoration for your over-the-top wedding cake or adorning your statement aisles, flowers add another level to your wedding room.

If you want to create a reception room to remember, fill your ceiling with floral decoration. Think bigger than a flower wall; this is the biggest day of your life!

FREE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE.

Salon open Tuesday - Saturday, late nights

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

Also welcoming clients to our beauty room

Thursday, Friday & Saturday with Caroline for all aspects of beauty from gel manicures to brow lamination and eyelash lifting.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON.

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
LO V E HAI R .. . LO V E B E AUT Y .. . WWW.LOVEHAIR-LOVEBEAUTY.CO.UK T. 0 121 4 2 7 4 3 0 0
B17 9DW
349 Harborne Village Apartments, High Street,Harborne, Birmingham
ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR FIRST HAIR APPOINTMENT
LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE ENJOY £100 of accessories when you order your dream wedding dress True Romantica Bridal 74 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HL 01926 854159 | 07772 148450 Info@trueromanticabridal.co.uk Facebook.com/trueromanticabridal Insta @true_romantica www.trueromanticabridal.co.uk The perfect bridal boutique located in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Stockist of award winning designers · Justin Alexander · Lillian West · Mori Lee · Sincerity

Few things feel more special than wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery that’s been designed and then meticulously handmade to fit with your own equally unique and wholly individual style

www.stevencharlesquance.co.uk

51

To discuss your next project or book your FREE 15 MINUTE DESIGN CONSULTATION email hello@swealthy.co.uk

OUTDOOR OPULENCE

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE DESIGN | RETAIL BY
LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE swealthy.co.uk DESIGN | RETAIL BY Holiday vibes

moving house or renting your property...

WE CAN HELP YOUR HOUSE SELL FASTER + FOR MORE

Our team of style gurus stage properties to sell quickly at the highest possible price. By staging the perfect blend of furniture, accessories and art, we make potential buyers fall in love, and most importantly, make an offer!

Research tells us that most buyers can’t visualise beyond the current style and make their decision to buy (or not to buy) in a matter of seconds. It’s our job to stage your property with inspired schemes, helping buyers picture the space working for them and their future. Contact us today to book your FREE 15 minute consultation

swealthy.co.uk

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE

new home or time for a refresh...

SWEALTHY RE-DESIGN RESIDENTIAL SPACE FROM £99

No, it’s not a typo. We’re on a mission to remove the financial barriers associated with interior design; making exceptional interiors attainable for all.

For a limited time, *we have 50% off all packages + the purchase of one of our packages gives you access to our exclusive trade discount platform.

Most of our customers save enough on their new furniture to cover the cost of their market leading interior design purchase!

Contact us today to book your FREE 15 minute consultation

swealthy.co.uk

55 LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE
*
LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE DESIGN | RETAIL BY To discuss your next project or book your FREE 15 MINUTE DESIGN CONSULTATION email hello@swealthy.co.uk TRUST SWEALTHY TO RE-IMAGINE YOUR HAPPY PLACE swealthy.co.uk
DESIGN | RETAIL BY

Our team of interior experts have access to over half a million exquisite interior products. Contact us today to discuss your next project!

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE?

LUXURY HOME & LIFESTYLE DESIGN | RETAIL BY swealthy.co.uk
DESIGN | RETAIL BY To discuss your next project or book your FREE 15 MINUTE DESIGN CONSULTATION email hello@swealthy.co.uk Accessory edit swealthy.co.uk
& HOME
JUNE 2023
OUR PERFECTLY CURATED FURNITURE, LIGHTING, HOME ACCESSORIES, ART & EXCLUSIVE GIFTS FROM THE
LUXURIOUS BRANDS SW E A L T HY BRAND S P O T L THGI · WS E A L T YH DNARB S P O T L IGHT · swealthy.co.uk Wax opulence
EXQUISITE FURNITURE
ACCESSORIES
SHOP
WORLD’S MOST
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.