Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2017 i Country Homes & Interiors

Christmas and New Year are on the horizon and it’s time to dress up and celebrate! We love a little bit of festive glamour here at Country Homes & interiors, so inside you’ll find pages filled with rich and satisfying looks and ideas just right for this time of year. See our glamorous styling tips on page 64, where you’ll discover country-estate looks inspired by the season’s favourite dark painterly blooms blended with traditional tartans and polished leatherware. They’re all finished off, of course, with abundant greenery and deep-red roses. Beautiful! From a stunning East Sussex new-build to an opulent Aberdeenshire house, colour and sparkle, along with space to entertain, are high on our homeowners’ wishlists. Step in and take a look from page 24. ’Tis the season to also…

Why did you want to be a designer? As a child I wanted to be an artist, as I found painting so much fun. I never even knew you could be a designer then! What’s your working space like? I usually work from the kitchen table or the sofa. I have plans for a garden studio, but so far it hasn’t got beyond Pinterest boards. I can dream though! Where are you based? I live in a beautiful village in Gloucestershire on National Trust common land, with my three young daughters and my partner, Ollie. Tell us about your design process. I start with photos taken on my phone when out and about. I draw from these in pen, then scan and combine the images on screen. Once I’m happy,…

We want this now... Based in an old silk mill in the Cotswold hills, Robert Welch has been producing iconic designs for the kitchen since 1964. Beautiful and strong enough to tackle even the toughest of nuts, this cast-iron and steel spindle nutcracker from the Legacy Collection produces perfect results time and again. It comes gift boxed, too, so treat someone special! Hobart nutcracker, H15cm, £34, Robert Welch. New canapé ideas... New Year entertaining Perfect party nibbles Looking for ways to give a new twist to New Year nibbles? A mini frittata of spinach and Parmesan works a treat with cranberry relish, while mini leek and apricot Stilton quiches are a new take on a Christmas classic, as are Brussels mash and roast beef served in a baby Yorkshire, all…

What inspired you to open your shop? There were many reasons. Part of me feels like it was in my blood as many of the Welsh ancestors on my father’s side and the French on my mother’s side were shop owners through the ages. Also, during my student years I worked at a framing shop in Bristol and I soon discovered that I was pretty capable of choosing frames for the variety of artwork that customers would present us with. What is your shop style? Our customers tell us that we’re fresh, quirky, country and chic! What makes your shop different to others? I think our attitude makes our shop unique. We go to great lengths to source little known suppliers and, where possible, local crafters. We’ve always wanted to…

Brick floors Colours range from pale straw to deep red with patterns such as brick bond, basketweave or herringbone. Need to know… In the past, bricks were often set directly onto the earth or sand over a compacted base – their uneven levels and patina are part of the charm and moisture evaporates naturally. Avoid abrasive cleaning and treat them with beeswax and turpentine polish. Seal new terracotta or spillages will cause dark marks. The sealant will change the colour, so ask to see a sealed sample before you buy. Where to buy… • Artisans of Devizes for reclaimed terracotta bricks. • The Bulmer Brick & Tile Company for handmade clay flooring. • Fired Earth for a range of new and reclaimed bricks. FIND THE PERFECT BLUE FURNITURE PAINT…

Roman blinds Quite the chicest way to dress a window, this style is easy to make. Need to know… Neater than curtains, yet softer in appearance than a roller design, a Roman blind can be used to showcase a favourite fabric. And making your own blind is well worth the effort. Ready-made casings, stitched across the back of the blind, take a rod and cords*, which allow the blind to be raised in neat pleats. For hanging, the blind attaches to a batten using Velcro tape. You can buy components as kits or as individual pieces from haberdashery departments. Where to buy… • Natural Curtain Company for smart linen Roman blinds. • Vanessa Arbuthnott for Roman blinds with contrasting borders. • John Lewis for ready-made and kits. FIND THE PERFECT PUTTY-COLOURED PAINT…

Lay out a welcome tray with bubbly and lovely objects Cuddle up in chalet chic comfort with chunky knits, cashmere blends and woollen wonders… Scent the room with the sweet relaxing smell of lavender 3 STYLISH BED-IN-A-BOX SUPPLIERS… BUTTON & SPRUNG specialise in quality handmade beds and mattresses with a 10-year product guarantee. All the upholstered beds come with gas lifting for easy storage access. Prices, from £1,195 for a king-size ottoman storage bed. WILLOW & HALL’S beautiful everyday sofa beds come in a choice of three luxurious signature pocket-sprung or open-sprung sofa bed mattresses. Prices, from £542. SOFA. COM’S Henry and Hetty (below) bed in a box designs double as ottomans for extra seating with a concealed single pull-out bed. Prices, from £530.…

How to MAKE THEM YOURSELF Hand-stitched parcels Begin by wrapping your gift in bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent sharp edges tearing the wrapping paper. Place your wrapping paper face down and put the gift on top. Draw the desired shape around, allowing enough extra space to fit around the gift and for the stitches. Cut out and use as a template to cut another shape to match. Using a bodkin, thread with string or twine and begin to stitch the shapes together, around 2cm in from the edge, leaving a long thread end at the start. When halfway around, insert the gift then continue to stitch. When complete, tie off the ends in a knot or bow and add a hand-stamped label. For extra detail, insert a layer…

CHECK FOR PERMISSION A porch can usually be built without planning permission, provided that it does not exceed 3 sq m in area, is no higher than 3m and is no closer than 2m to any highway, and your home is not a listed building or within a conservation area. Do check with your local authority first. SCALE IT DOWN Consider a canopy above the front door as an alternative to a heavier-looking porch. Garden Requisites supplies scoop or arched door canopy designs in standard and bespoke sizes, in zinc-galvanised solid steel, which can be adapted to accommodate architectural features. CONSIDER THE STYLE The design of the porch is important if your home is close to other houses, especially if they are similar in style, since it will have an…

1 BEST FOR… Holiday homes/ rentals Tado°, from £3.99 a month, or £199 (not including installation) When the last person leaves the house, Tado° will automatically turn off the heating and hot water, and then warm things up again when you’re on the way back. It’s also the only system available to hire, making it ideal for a rental property or if you want better control over your holiday home. 2 BEST FOR… Routine-lovers Nest Thermostat, £199, or £249 (including installation) With its designer looks and intuitive smartphone app, Nest is extremely user friendly. Thanks to its sensors, the thermostat can tell when you’re at home and how warm you like it. Over time it then creates a unique heating schedule based on your family’s routines, so that you should…

THE CARNARVON ARMS, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE We love it because… This rural inn boasts Highclere Castle as its neighbour – it was a favourite watering hole for the cast of Downton Abbey during filming. Love the rooms Each of the 19 boutique-style bedrooms is individually designed and offers the comfiest of beds and luxurious bathrooms with fluffy white towels and beauty treats. Food and drink Enjoy a continental breakfast, a show-stopping roast lunch or a hearty dinner menu featuring classic British dishes. Take time out Explore the ruined medieval Donnington Castle set in the North Wessex Downs, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. How much? From £100 a night for a double room with breakfast. The Carnarvon Arms, 01635 278222 thecarnarvonarms hotel.com . THE GEORGE, SHIPSTON-ONSTOUR, WARWICKSHIRE…

The one lesson I have learned...‘NOT TO TRY TO PREDICT DAILY SALES. OUTSIDE FACTORS IMPACT HUGELY, SO LOOK AT MONTHLY FIGURES FROM ALL REVENUE STREAMS’ Entrepreneurs and would-be business owners can have great ideas but many wrongly assume that their idea will never get off the ground unless they have major funding. The reality is that no amount of money can turn an idea into a successful venture unless it is combined with hard work and sound judgment. For those that want it badly enough it is possible to get started with minimal funds, just as Ali Hocking has demonstrated. The following tips may help you get started on the way to realising your dream… Start a company around what you already know. Utilise your skills and knowledge to develop…

Colour of THE MOMENT…

We want this now... Organisational happiness comes in the form of this brilliant little tray, in a rich shade of raspberry, designed by Sophie Conran. Nine pots will keep all your gardening bits and bobs neat and tidy and easy to reach in the shed or under the kitchen sink. Gardener’s Gubbins Pot, £19.95, Annabel James. Eco friendly... good for the garden Start a New Year compost If you do one thing this year, get into compost and recycle kitchen and garden waste into rich, crumbly fertiliser that’s rocket fuel for plants, shrubs, and fruit and veg. It’s best to have an enclosed composter. Try a homemade one made from old boards; buy a plastic bin, or invest in a beehive composter – a feature in itself. Position it where…

How did it all start? My grandparents had a dairy farm and I spent a lot of time there when I was young, learning how to look after animals. I took delivery of my first pigs in 2003 and started the business in 2006. What’s so special about Gloucester Old Spots? I chose Gloucester Old Spots because I wanted to help preserve a rare breed. Plus the meat has an outstanding flavour. My pigs are free-range with access to the outdoors for their whole life. Pigs have an instinct to root around in the earth for food and nutrients, which is why the meat tastes so good. Where can we buy your meat? Farmers’ markets, from the farm butchery and online. We send by next-day courier to Scotland, Yorkshire and…

1 Timeless charm Supple waxed leather that softens beautifully over time covers the ever-popular traditional shape. Fitzwilliam leather sofa, £4,329, Multiyork. 2 Style and substance Chunky feather-filled seat cushions combined with tailored details update the classic look. Charlotte sofa in Clara Natural, from £1,880, Neptune. 3 Space to lounge The extra-deep, squishy seat is guaranteed to encourage stretching out. Medium Dixie sofa in Bumblebee Clever Velvet, £1,595, Loaf. 4 Day to night This clever Chesterfield works a double shift with its convenient pull-out bed for occasional overnight guests. Algernon sofa bed, £2,100, Perch & Parrow. 5 Britannia made Crafted in Lancashire and covered in Harris Tweed, this design is ideal for a modern country look. Castlebay sofa in Bracken Herringbone, £2,429, Tetrad. 6 Petite perfection Its smaller size makes this…

What makes this house a home... ‘Surrounding ourselves with beautiful things ensures we feel that our house is our own’ What we love most about living here... ’The sense of space is amazing yet we have Aberdeen on our doorstep, plus some very pretty towns and villages’ The six in Brazil before into her years living moving home in the Scottish Highlands were an inspiration to Gillian Alexander, who was born and bred in Aberdeenshire. ‘The interiors we came across there were fantastic, with such big spaces – I learnt not to be afraid to mix things up,’ says Gillian. ‘And, over the years I have collected Chinese furniture and all sorts of exotic pieces of art.’ As a result, there are many global touches throughout the new-build home…

Leaded lights These heritage windows deserve sympathetic care and attention. Need to know… Leaded-light windows have been around since medieval times when only small pieces of glass could be made, joined by lead cames (strips) and inserted into frames. Old windows need gentle treatment as the glass can easily be scratched; distortion caused by the lead ‘creeping’ is not unusual. The style was also popular in Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts buildings, as well as 1920s and 1930s homes. Where to buy… • Architectural Bronze Casements for bronze leaded-light windows. • McCarty & Smith for repairs using old glass, and replica windows. • The Cotswold Casement Company for repairs and refurbishment. FIND THE PERFECT CERAMIC FLOOR TILES…

Toast the season Style up a painted wine cabinet into a mini bar to display your mixology skills, with polished metallic and gleaming glassware alongside must-have cocktail buys. See page 72 for details. Share fireside tales Add the club lounge look with plush velvet armchairs teamed with fabulous floral cushions and tweedy weave throws. Tabletops in on-trend black, polished wood and metalwork let guests rest their drinks. See page 72 for details. Choose signature lighting Catch up on reading in the glow of a table lamp finished with lustrous metallic detailing. Accessorise with toasting cups and stag ornaments. See page 72 for details. Give stairs stage presence Dress stairways with classic lantern shapes to illuminate festive garlands and decorations. Plush plum runners underfoot make for cosy and quiet padding about.…

1 BRING A NATURAL TOUCH Make a design statement above a dining table with a coastal-inspired fitting. A distressed ivory paint finish gives the metal fitting an authentic driftwood feel and blue shades will bring a contemporary look to a country home. Alternatively, shades in rich red or berry tones will suit the mood of a cosy room. Experiment with the height of the fitting before it’s finally wired into place. 2 INTRODUCE METALLIC HIGHLIGHTS Great kitchen lighting creates zones for different activities, and a single pendant works well over an island. Sophie Amini, Designer, Pooky, advises choosing one with an interesting interior finish if the inside of the shade is visible. ‘We’re seeing a mix of materials, and copper brings a warm glow and echoes an element seen in…

I couldn’t live without... ‘COLOUR AND PATTERN, CONSTANT INSPIRATION AND MY MANY UNUSUAL COLLECTIONS INCLUDING SKULLS, HATS AND MIRRORED FRAMES’ Jenny is the co-founder of RE, a treasure trove of quirky homewares, tucked away in a converted workshop at the back of a petrol station in the beautiful Northumbrian market town of Corbridge. With careers in fashion design behind them, she and her business partner, Simon Young decided they wanted a new challenge – to set up a unique retail environment selling lifestyle and home accessories. Inspired by some of the fashion and lifestyle retailers they had visited around the world, they embarked on their vision in 2003 with the result being a large industrial space selling the offbeat, eclectic and colourful things they love. We headed north to meet…

‘A well thought out lighting scheme will make your porch an attractive, inviting space. A lantern, box wall lights or exterior bracket lights by the front door will also enable you to find your keys in the dark,’ says Peter Bowles of Davey Lighting. ‘It’s worth investing in good quality lighting that can withstand the elements. The lantern in this covered porch is rated at IP20; for a more exposed area choose our version with a closed top, rated IP43.’ LIGHT UP This solid-brass design, rated IP65, is sealed to withstand any weather. • Salcombe in Antiqued Brass, H24.4xW15.5x D13cm, £194, Jim Lawrence. LET IT SHINE Ideal for a period property, this lantern is rated IP44 and has a drop of 89.5cm. • Abruzzo, H37.5xW22x D12cm, £695, Christopher Wray. ON TREND Available…

DARK CHOCOLATE AND PECAN COOKIES These melt-in-the-mouth cookies are great served with freshly brewed coffee for elevenses. MAKES 18 100g dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa solids, chopped 120g golden caster sugar 120g dark brown sugar 225g unsalted butter, softened 2 small free-range eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 280g plain flour 80g cocoa powder ½ tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 110g pecans, chopped 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Grease and line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper. 2 Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and place over a half-filled pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. 3 Beat the sugars with the butter in a bowl until…

We want this now... This French-inspired Megève armoire, crafted from recycled pine, has been hand-finished and distressed to create an antique feel – the perfect piece for a country bedroom. A painted dark blue interior adds drama, while three generous removable shelves and a hanging rail provide plenty of space for storing clothes, linens and towels. It costs £1,855 from Oka. Blend geometric, damask and paisley patterns in cosy greys Go for patterned wools Known for its classic cottons, British fabric house Ian Mankin has launched its first patterned wool collection. Ashfield includes 10 reversible designs in understated shades – Grey, Dark Navy, Sage, Mulberry and Burgundy. It is named after the traditional family-run Lancashire mill where the yarns are spun, while the individual fabrics are named after towns and…

longer lived than popularly believed, and the Celtic maple or sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), from Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire. What’s your favourite variety this year? A special beech tree from Rutland. It seeds infrequently but last autumn it was full of them! When is the best time to plant a tree? October to March, when it’s dormant. Could you recommend one for a country garden? If space isn’t an issue, then you couldn’t leave a finer legacy than offspring from the Fotheringhay oak. And for a smaller garden? Lovely at this time of year is the native birch, often called Why should we plant heritage trees? If you’re interested in history, then you can’t beat a heritage variety. We have sweet chestnuts grown from a parent tree at Burghley House, Stamford,…

Spinning around... in the shadow of history The place to go… Winchester This medieval city situated at the gateway to the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, has a bustling Christmas market packed with gifts, food and drink (from 18 November to 20 December, winchester-cathedral.org.uk). Get your skates on and take a twirl on the ice at the cathedral’s open-air ice rink (18 November to 2 January, winchester-cathedral.org.uk). Explore the 13th-century Great Hall or walk up to St Giles Hill for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the city (visitwinchester.co.uk). Enjoy a delicious brunch or tuck in to dinner, with artisan coffee, wine and music at The Corner House (the.littlepubgroup.co.uk). Stay in the city centre at The Winchester Royal Hotel (winchesterroyalhotel.com) with its elegant rooms, walled garden and country-house feel.…

Old school radiators Once a stalwart of our schools and hospitals, these practical heaters have never lost their warmth or charm. Need to know… It’s not difficult to find reproductions of this classic early radiator, and new copies are often in steel, so they heat quicker than the original cast-iron kind. Originals come in varying degrees of chunkiness, with anything from two to nine columns. If you happen upon radiators in a salvage yard, they will need expert restoration, involving pressure testing for leaks, flushing to remove sediment, sandblasting or stripping and repainting or polishing, adapting to take new valves, and possibly new brackets. Where to buy… • Bisque for a reproduction radiator. • The Old Radiator Company for restored cast-iron radiators. • Paladin Radiators for traditional ornate cast-iron designs. FIND THE PERFECT…

What makes this house a home… ‘The light, the open fires and the generous-sized rooms where we can fit a large number of family and friends’ What we love most about living here… ’The well-stocked garden and topiary, and the far-reaching views’ The view of Jane and Dominic Nathan’s country home after snowfall, or even on a frosty night, is breathtaking. ‘It’s pretty in summer, but winter has the edge,’ says Jane. ‘The house looks so romantic – just like a Victorian Christmas card, with lights outlining the pretty bay windows sparkling in the snow or frost.’ The couple bought their villa in spring so didn’t initially appreciate what a great Christmas house it would be. The large rooms with high ceilings are a true bonus. The hall,…

Pages 64-65 DRESS UP AND CELEBRATE! Picture frame, stylist’s own, painted in Purple Brown 8 and Chocolate Colour 124, both £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Flower arrangement, Amie Bone Flowers. TOAST THE SEASON Wine cabinet, painted in Charcoal, £890, Neptune. Cloth, Faria Flowers vintage velvet, col Woodpecker, £120 m, Liberty. Champagne saucer, £68 for 6, The Vintage List. Baroque wine glass, £14, House of Fraser. Hammered copper serving jug, £45, The Forest & Co. Glazed tealight holders, £7.70 for 2, both St Eval Candle Company. Cocktail measure, part of 3-piece bar set, £12.95, Emporium Cookshop. Cocktail shaker, £13.99; copper tray, £16.95, both Eddingtons at England at Home. Wild strawberry liqueur, £27, The Wiltshire Liqueur Company at notonthehighstreet.com. Antler wine cooler, £69.95, Parlane. Concepts Stag bottle stopper, £19.95, John Lewis. Rosalie…

Cox & Cox believes we shouldn’t have to compromise our individual interior style to make way for Christmas decorations. Each one of its three key looks this year – Natural, Opulent and Traditional – offers a wide-ranging assortment of festive treasures, from Luxury Midwinter Forest crackers (right) and Copper wrapping paper (above) to Wooden Star table scatters and Brushed Gold cutlery. The Natural forest look is inspired by the Scandinavian winter, pairing warm white lights with cool grey and muted silver tones, while Opulent pairs pretty blush with rich copper, and the Traditional tree is adorned with warm cream and deep burgundy. How to claim your discount To claim your 20% discount at Cox & Cox on any item from the Cox & Cox range, simply shop online at coxandcox.co.uk…

1 Rustic charm Add to the farmhouse feel with a substantial porch that makes a feature of natural, weathered timber. Glazed side panels counteract any heaviness in the design, protecting the front door while still allowing light to stream through. Traditional red floor tiles that are suitable for exterior use can be run from the porch across the threshold and into the hallway without any worry of damage by the cold weather. 2 Grand illusions Porches or porticos with classical-style architrave and columns are particularly associated with Georgian houses, doubling as a grand entrance while sheltering visitors from the worst of the weather. When planning the design of your porch, pay particular attention to the proportions since a large portico on a modest home will look out of place. 3…

1 Lustrous look While some people are happy to allow their copper bath to develop an aged patina over time, for many the appeal of the material comes from its luxurious, golden glow. ‘Quality copper baths will have a baked-on lacquer finish to seal in the hand-polished surface,’ says Lee Hunwicks, Director, The Cast Iron Bath Company. ‘Maintenance is simple – just wipe down with warm soapy water and buff with a soft cloth to enjoy a dazzling shine.’ 2 Interior glow Keeping the polished metal finish on the inside rather than all over the bath creates a subtle effect and offers flexibility. ‘For example, this bath could take centre stage in a sophisticated monochrome scheme, or prove equally at home against a backdrop of colour,’ says Fired Earth’s Senior…

1 Get creative with poinsettias Also known as the Christmas star, these vibrant winter flowers symbolise good cheer and success. Here’s how to keep them fresh and enjoy them to the full this season… Position in a bright spot. They’re tropical plants, so need plenty of light and heat to thrive. Don’t overwater. Wait until the surface of the soil dries out and feed weekly with fertiliser. Make a wreath by bending florist’s wire into a circle and securing with string. Use more wire to attach bunches of seasonal foliage and poinsettias. Hang from a loop of ribbon or raffia. Decorate the tree. Roll brown paper into cones and staple, then attach pipe-cleaner loops as hangers and fill with mini poinsettias. Fill an old welly with poinsettia plants and foliage…

Ever since Ali Hocking was a child she wanted to be a shopkeeper. In August 2015, four months before her 50th birthday, she realised her dream and opened her store, Betty & Violet, in the picturesque Cotswold village of Broadway. ‘Having studied History of Art, an appreciation of design has always been in my blood,’ says Ali. At 21, Ali started work in London for Warners, a furnishing fabric company. ‘I handled fabrics every day and fell in love with their tactile appeal. It was an invaluable experience – exposed to endless creativity but working behind the scenes, learning how to run a business. The company had a wonderful archive of 19th century chintz fabrics and this collection ignited my love of vintage textiles.’ After working with other fabric houses,…