Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2016 i Country Homes & Interiors

This issue is dedicated to outwitting dark days and bad weather! Even in our least favourite month of the year, there are always pleasurable moments and hopeful ‘silver linings’ that make us smile – seeing drifts of delicate snowdrops is one of mine. So turn the pages and you’ll find cold comforts in abundance... Discover how to up the comfort factor at home with toasty textiles and textures in our style story ‘Deep winter adventures’. It shows you how to introduce muted ethnic pattern into classic country settings (page 58). The kick-back buys of ‘Let’s hibernate!’ (page 68) prove that cosying up in comfort should be totally guilt-free! And ‘Projects, plans and dreams’ (page 89) reveals how you can create a beautiful boot room, choose a modern heritage armchair and…

We want this now... All gardeners are secret weather nerds. Keep an eye on temperature, humidity – and the time – with this elegant weather-resistant design. It’s suitable for use indoors and out. Exeter wall clock, £26, Garden Selections at Not on the High Street. OUR FAVOURITE HORTICULTURIST Thomas Broom-Hughes Head of Horticulture at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, Surrey, Thomas has a flair for spectacular seasonal displays. He also hosts planting workshops and demonstrations at this wow-factor destination. Describe a typical day at Petersham A lot of my time is spent creating the weekly plant displays we have here to inspire our customers. I’m also often out in the cutting garden, putting together flowers for the restaurant. And what do you enjoy most? I love finding new and exciting combinations…

What we love most about living here... ’This house is the perfect children’s playground, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere you look – ideal for hide and seek’ AT HOME WITH ... Owners Sarah Stephen, a broadcaster with BBC Scotland’s rural affairs programme, Landward, under her professional name Sarah Mack, and her husband, David, a farmer, who live here with Harry, 12; Seb, 10; Jamie, eight; and Robbie, six. The couple inherited the castle in 2006 and moved in seven years later. House A 17th-century, Category A-listed castle with seven bedrooms. Living in a castle might be many a girl’s dream, but when Sarah Stephen first saw inside the castle that she and her husband, David, had inherited, she almost cried. ‘It was dark, damp and virtually derelict,’…

Modern Country Classic Glazed dresser Tucked away behind glass doors, your best china will stay dust-free and sparkling. Need to know… The classic dresser sits on a deeper base, thus creating a shelf, but glass-fronted cabinets also come with the top and bottom sections lined up for a crisp, contemporary profile. You can also buy fitted versions to customise with knobs or optional cornicing. For convenience, doors can slide, or wider cabinets can be fitted with double doors, hinged to fold as they open. To highlight the contents, fit LED strip lighting to the shelves. Where to buy… • Leporello for a painted model with arched top. • Neptune for classic glazed dressers. • The Kitchen Dresser Company for a bespoke dresser with sliding doors. FIND THE PERFECT STONE FLOORING Choose casual woven…

AT HOME WITH ... Owners Nikki Thompson, interior designer and owner of Peppercorn House, and her civil engineer husband, Stewart. They live here with sons Sam, eight, and Max, six, their three Salukis and a cat. They bought the house in August 2013 and moved in in December 2013. House A Grade II-listed four-bedroom Georgian house. Things don’t always go to plan, as Nikki and Stewart Thompson learned when they decided to sell their home. ‘Even after 18 months of renting, we couldn’t find the house we wanted – everything was too expensive or in the wrong location for schools.’ When an elegant Georgian house came up at the right price, in the right location, it seemed too good to be true. ‘We were prepared for disappointment,’ says…

Curl up in comfort Recline fireside in a comfy chaise surrounded by cushions in tactile designs. Layer chunky weaves and quilts in a relaxed palette of inky indigo and natural hues for a day of stay-at-home luxury. Stocksund chaise longue, £350, Ikea. (On chaise) Cable blanket, col Oatmeal Fleck, £75, Celtic & Co. Blue Syomen quilt, £178, Anthropologie. Sky Blue throw, £139, Bloomingville at Amara. Alessandra throw (folded), £88.99, Wool Me. Cushions, (from left) Chunky Knit, £35, House of Fraser. Bud, £55; Dune, £40, both Murmur at Bedeck. Bertie hot-water bottle, £30, Plum & Ashby. Lavender eye mask, £46, Amara. Mug, £25 for 3 assorted, Rose & Grey. Book, £14.99, Hatchards. Woven basket, £75 for 3 assorted, Nordic House. Throws, (from left) Luigi Indigo, £59.99; Roberto Indigo, £39.99, both Wool…

Peanut wreath Style tip This works just as well without the central birdhouse. Instead of peanuts, you could tie it with threaded popcorn or cereal hoops. Seed cookies Style tip Hang in trees with red twine or place on a bird table. Coconut hangers Style tip You can add more berries to the top of the coconut by threading them onto wreath wire and tying in place. Create as many of these wreathlets as you like! Pine cone pots Style tip To replenish the seeds once the birds have devoured the first batch, re-roll the pine cones in the seed mix. How to MAKE THEM YOURSELF Peanut wreath This is a really easy decorative arrangement to hang up in the garden – and the birds will love it. Source a…

1 Colour boost As one of the first and last rooms you walk through on entering and leaving home, boot rooms should not be neglected on the style front. Painted open units and a cheering runner provide an uplifting colour-hit and a feeling of warmth. ‘Hardy and eclectic, a brightly coloured rug brings texture and interest to any boot room,’ says Tim Moock, founder of Felt. ‘In country homes, rugs in bold earthy shades, such as reds and greens, are the ideal foil to cold stone floors and won’t show the dirt.’ 2 Personalised storage Stop your boot room becoming a dumping ground for sports kit and out-of-season coats by planning storage carefully. ‘Think about what you’re storing and ensure every item has a home, such as a shelf for…

APPLE & SULTANA BRIOCHE PLAIT The classic combination of apples and sultanas is heavenly in this brioche loaf. MAKES 2 LOAVES 2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and diced650g strong white bread flour1½ tsp saltFinely grated zest of 1 lemon75g caster sugar40g fresh yeast150g butter, very soft5 medium free-range eggs100g sultanasBeaten egg yolk, to glaze 1 Put the apples in a small saucepan with 2 tbsp of water and cook gently for 5-10 minutes until they are soft and mushy. Transfer to a bowl. Add the flour, salt, lemon zest and sugar and crumble in the yeast. Add half the butter, dotting it in with a knife, then the eggs. Mix with a round-bladed knife to make a soft, slightly sticky dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until…

A  ADDISONS 01833 690545 addisons-auctioneers.co.uk ADORED INTERIORS 01427 881956adoredinteriors.co.uk ALAN WARD 01743 464451alanwardfurniture.co.uk ALLINGTON FARM SHOP 01249658112 allingtonfarmshop.co.uk AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100andrewmartin.co.uk ANOTHER COUNTRY 020 74863251 anothercountry.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 00 800 00268476 anthropologie.eu ARLO & JACOB 03331 221537arloandjacob.com ARTICHOKE 01934 745270artichoke-ltd.com ASPACE 0345 872 2500aspace.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BAILEYS 01989 561931baileyshome.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 355 9117barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BEAR & BEAR 020 3735 9002bearandbear.com BEAU DÉCOR 01709 477705beau-decor.co.uk BEDECK 0333 200 7331bedeckhome.com BERRY RED 0845 450 3937berryred.co.uk BESWICK STONE 01285 885795beswickstone.co.uk BISCA 01439 771702 bisca.co.uk BOHEMIA 0131 555 2485bohemiadesign.co.uk BRINTONS 0800 505055brintons.co.uk BRISSI 020 7229 2323 brissi.com BRONTE 01943 873181brontebymoon.co.uk BROWNLOW FURNITURE 01829 740077brownlowfurniture.co.uk BROWNS 01642 648844brownsalternativeflooring.co.uk BURNCOOSE NURSERIES 01209 860316 burncoose.co.uk C CALCOT MANOR 01666 890391 calcotmanor.co.uk CELTIC &…

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We want this now... Gracing Italian hobs since 1933, the Moka Express is a design classic. Top tips for improving your coffee brew include preheating the water before it goes in the base; spooning coarse-ground coffee into the filter without packing it down; and using a high heat. A six-cup Bialetti Moka Induction (with iconic aluminium top, and a stainless-steel base suitable for induction cooktops) costs £54.95, Divertimenti. Find great coffee producers at fairtrade.org.uk . OUR FAVOURITE MEAT PRODUCER Roland Watkins Roland Watkins is a member of the family behind the Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill in Carmarthenshire, which won a National Trust Fine Farm Produce Award in 2015 for its venison sausages and other venison products. What’s so special about your meat? The venison comes from…

Keep lighting simple. KTribe S2 pendant, H30x39.6cm base diameter, col Aluminized Silver, £297, Philippe Starck for Flos at Clippings.com. Maximise your space with an island. Painted island with oak and granite-centre top, H88xW140xD64.5cm, col Grey Stone, £740, The Furniture Market. Add French flair. Long-handled paddle, H41x W21cm, £39.95, Dassie. Signature casserole, W27cm, col Volcanic, £130, Le Creuset. Go for seating in fun fabric or re-cover existing. Savoy barstool, H110 (back)/ 80 (seat) xW40xD50cm, £569, London Cows. Create paper-free lists. Personalised kitchen chalkboard, H55xW45cm, £75, Yours By Design at Not on the High Street. Modern Country Classic Architectural ceilings Looking up for inspiration helps to highlight these overlooked features. Need to know… In a vaulted space, the simplicity of pure white paint highlights the supporting arches. It’s the default finish for…

What we love most about living here… ’We feel like we’ve never lived anywhere else. The rural setting in a village is perfect’ AT HOME WITH ... Owners Sam Honour, who works for a vet, and her husband Stuart, a corporate accounts manager, who live here with Black Labrador Jet. House Four-bedroom new-build. The couple bought the land in 2010, began building the house in February 2011 and finished in November 2011. What makes this house a home… ’The traditional oak frame feels cosy and welcoming and, enhanced with tactile fabrics, creates a lived-in feeling’ We caught the bug,’ says Sam Honour of her and her husband Stuart’s decision to build their own house. They’d built before and were tempted to do so again. ‘After the first property,…

Modern Country Classic Stained glass The jewel colours sparkle inside by day and light up the exterior at night. Need to know… We know it as stained glass, but most of the original glass decorating period windows and doors is coloured in production, rather than painted, then assembled into patterns and held in place by lead strips. The name comes from the ‘silver staining’ sometimes painted on and fired to depict details. Period stained glass can be protected by clear glass or sandwiched between two sheets, keeping it clean and the heat in, as well as improving security. Where to buy… • Coriander Stained Glass for Victorian and Edwardian door and stairway windows. • Williams & Byrne for bespoke stained glass windows and restoration. • Purlfrost for window film with stained-glass-effect patterns. FIND…

1 MODERN RUSTIC Make the most of the natural structure and architecture of a building when considering new staircase materials. Converted barns often have stunning timber frames that not only look fabulous when exposed but also provide design inspiration for a staircase. For a modern rustic feel, team state-of-the-art steel with the time-aged wood beams of an old property and a simple banister that echoes the lines, and the colour, of the roof timbers. 2 BE BOLD WITH BEAMS If your country home is rustic, a bespoke staircase will add to its charm. Richard McLane, Design Director, Bisca, says, ‘Draw the eye to the curve of existing beams with a design feature of hand-carved, huge treads made from green oak. With its cracks, twists and splits, the wood ages beautifully…

Known for her luxury interiors work, Emma is the award-winning Design Director at Wiltshire-based Sims Hilditch. She and her husband, John, decided to leave London to start a family and launch their own businesses 25 years ago. In 1995, Emma started her interior design practice, her big break coming when she was recommended to do the interior for a manor house. Current projects include the former family home of Laura Ashley and a new hotel in London. Emma is also the Creative Director at Neptune, the business founded by her husband and his business partner, Giles Redman, and helped create their stunning spring collection, which draws inspiration from nature with beautiful textures and colours. A long way from her first job in film production for Ridley Scott. We headed to…

1 Easy living ‘I took inspiration for this chair from comb-backed Windsor armchairs,’ says Charlie Fowler, Designer, John Lewis Design Studio. ‘The proportions and simplicity really appeal to modern sensibilities. I wanted the chair to be comfortable and inviting, so I paired the wooden frame with generous upholstery and a footstool. I see someone sitting with their feet up by an open fire reading for hours on end over the winter months.’ 2 Victorian revival ‘If you love colour and pattern, but are not feeling brave enough to use a print on a large piece such as a sofa, introduce it on an armchair to create a fabulous focal point in a room,’ says Alison Gee, Head Designer, Morris & Co studio. ‘Originally designed in 1879, Bramble has been updated…

A shared passion for home interiors brought friends Danielle Tolson and Helen McRae together – so much so that they joined forces to create luxury blanket company, Tolly McRae. ‘We met when our children were at preschool,’ says Helen. She has three children, Charlie, nine, Anna, six, and Olivia, two, while Danielle has two children, Adam, 15, and Alex, nine. At the time, they were both doing home renovation projects as they had recently moved to neighbouring Cotswolds villages. ‘We bonded sharing tips on builders,’ says Helen. ‘At children’s parties, we always talked about fabric swatches!’ Both Danielle and Helen have corporate backgrounds – Danielle worked as a head of communications at a global data company, while Helen worked in recruitment within the banking industry. Having left full-time employment (Danielle…

ELEPHANT TRADING COMPANY Visit elephanttradingcompany.com or call 07795 254176 for a fabulous selection of Valentine’s Day gifts and gorgeous homewares to delight and inspire. Standard and Next Day delivery available. FREE delivery on orders over £75. Make life easy with our gift wrapping service! HIHO SILVER This divine rose gold cherry roller bangle, designed by the country brand Hiho Silver and adored by eventer Emily King, is subtle beauty at its finest... you won’t want to take it off. Visit hihosilver.co.uk. ANIMALS IN WIRE Discover our bespoke life-sized wire portraits of beloved pets or your favourite creatures. Handcrafted in rust-proof wire mesh, they are ideal indoors or out. Visit animalsinwire.co.uk or call 07951 039663. THE OAK & ROPE COMPANY Perfect presents for all occasions, including personalised money boxes (left). See…

We want this now... This stunning cast-iron teardrop pendant is part of the exclusive Farrier’s Cage collection at Heal’s. Individually made to order using centuries-old blacksmithing techniques in rural Suffolk, each piece is finished in natural beeswax to highlight every hammer blow – a true heirloom piece. Prices start from £1,200. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER Lindsay Alker The Sussex-based textile designer loves the irregularity that comes with using handmade lino blocks. Lindsay’s rustic designs are silk-screened by artisan printers onto natural linens and wallpapers. How did you get into textile design? I had a great art teacher at school who told me that designing prints for fabrics was an actual job – much to my surprise at the time! From that moment I strived to make it as a textile designer.…

Enjoy a romantic ramble Go in search of a magnificent country view this Valentine’s Day. In North Yorkshire, take the easy stroll from Sutton Bank National Park Centre to the cliff top, which claims to have England’s finest view (above). Or head south along the dramatic glacial-carved escarpment to reach the famous Kilburn White Horse, 01439 772700, northyorkmoors.org.uk. Or, if you prefer nocturnal skies, wrap up warm and try a star-gazing stroll in Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park where constellations and glittering star clusters compete to impress you. Observe from quieter spots such as Bulby’s wood in the Breamish Valley or Elf Kirk in Kielder, visitnorthumberland.com. ON COURSE FOR MACAROONS Learn how to create French macaroons, butter cream and whipped ganache with award-winning chocolate master and pastry chef Ruth Hinks at…

AT HOME WITH ... Owners Lisa Barber, a business mentor who runs Roots and Wings (rootsandwings.biz), and her husband, Jules, a GP. They live here with Sam, five, and Emily, four, and moved here in 2012. House A semi-detached farmworker’s cottage with four bedrooms, built around 1900 and extended by the previous owners. What makes this house a home… ’We’ve poured our hearts and souls into it to create a place we love; somewhere we feel very much at peace’ Discovering an idyllic cottage in a pretty Hampshire village was one of the strangest experiences of Lisa Barber’s life. ‘I had a newborn baby and a one-year-old, so I had gone to bed early,’ says Lisa. ‘We had put house-hunting on hold, but I was drifting off to…

Modern Country Classic Trompe l’oeil wallpaper Create a faux study, bring the garden in or build an architectural feature – all possible by pasting up a wallcovering. Need to know… We might be reading on Kindle but creating the illusion of a library at home gives a room a snug, welcoming feel. The art of trompe l’oeil is not new. The Romans used it to simulate marble on painted plaster, stucco detailing through shading and perspective, or objects on a painted table or shelf. We can have it today by commissioning an artist to create a bespoke design, or by using trompe l’oeil wallpaper. Where to buy… • Andrew Martin for a huge range of country-style trompe l’oeil wallpapers. • Rockett St George for traditional and contemporary library-design and other trompe l’oeil…

Put your feet up! For a casual, comfy feel, choose cushions and a footstool in weaves and designs inspired by far-flung places, which sit beautifully with a country-style sofa and rustic fireplace. See page 67 for details. Pull it all together Subtle soft-hued ethnic patterns on curtains, cushions and rugs create a cosy atmosphere against a backdrop of honey-coloured wood and stone walls. A glint of copper and a few rugged baskets bring in warming tones and texture. See page 67 for details. Collect your memories Frame decorative maps of favourite places in simple slim frames above a desk accessorised with a globe and glass bottle lamp. Bohemian patterns on throws and cushions add layers of cultural interest. See page 67 for details. Love artisan elements At breakfast time, use…

Looking to renovate your home or transform an outside space? My Design School at KLC offers a fun and innovative way to learn all the skills you need! Focusing on your own home or garden project, course tutors and guest experts will guide you through the creative process, giving you the know-how, confidence and inspiration to expand your ideas and develop your own design style. Presented entirely online, you can participate any time of the day or night, at home or on the move! Plus, the interactive online community allows you to chat with like-minded people, share sources and discuss trends. TO BOOK Visit klc.co.uk/mds  and quote CHI0116 for Design Your Own Home and CHG0116 for Successful Gardens or call 020 7376 3377 KLC is world renowned for…

1 BEST FOR… Multiple functions Dualit, 1.5L, £199 The all-metal Dualit Espresso Auto 3-in-1 (H28.4xW31.6xD36.8cm) is feature-packed for the price. You can you use ground coffee, ESE coffee bags and pods, including Dualit’s Nespresso-compatible NX range, plus there’s a tea function that uses Fine Tea capsules and adjusts the water temperature to create a proper cuppa. 2 BEST FOR… Reliability Nespresso, 1.4L, £359 Made with the same cast metal quality as the iconic KitchenAid Artisan food mixer, the 19-bar Artisan Nespresso espresso maker (H33xW20.8xD33cm) has six strength settings. Available in gloss red, black, cream and silver, it uses mess-free Nespresso capsules that guarantee the perfect shot of espresso in just 30 seconds. 3 BEST FOR… Coffee snobs Sage, 2L, £549 Designed with the help of chef Heston Blumenthal, the 15-bar…

1 Follow a country food blog DISCOVER DELICIOUS RECIPES SHOWCASING THE SIMPLE DELIGHTS OF COOKING WITH SEASONAL PRODUCE FROM OUR FAVOURITE BLOGGERS. Lavenderandlovage.com Childhood memories of foraging for wild herbs with her grandmother inspired Karen from North Yorkshire to develop her own recipes using traditional cooking methods, from slow-cooked stews to soothing fruit crumbles. Thenaturalpantry.co.uk ‘Straight from the earth and as unprocessed as possible’ is Suffolk-based Sally’s food motto and her meat-free recipes combine vegetable-patch pickings and pantry-shelf staples for hearty dinners that are packed with rustic flavour. Wellwornwhisk.co.uk On her blog Rachel shares ‘family-proof’ meal ideas tried and tested on her little ones, as well as happy musings on living and eating in the beautiful Peak District countryside. 2 LIGHT A WOODEN WICK Add a third dimension to your…

Going into business with a friend has many advantages, but it needs to be thought through carefully. ‘People are often advised not to mix business with pleasure, but as with many things in life, you can’t be that prescriptive,’ says Bobby Lane, small business adviser, radio business agony uncle and partner at accountants Shelley Stock Hutter. ‘I have known businesses, founded by friends, that have become hugely successful and they remain the very best of friends. On the other hand, there are some less happily-ever-after stories and those former friends are now staunch enemies.’ Bobby’s top tips if you are thinking of setting up a business with a friend include: Trust your instincts but have your eyes wide open. ‘Depending on who you ask, you might be told that going…