Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2017 i Country Homes & Interiors

Here at Country Homes & Interiors, we are going all-out for creature comforts this month as we battle the deep-winter weather and the slow times of a new year! In my mind, downtime living is seriously under-rated and I find it’s the perfect time to shut the door on the cold and post-celebration blues... and just be! In my country home, that means cuddling up with cosy layers, the warmth of a real fire and lots of glowing candlelight. Plus, spending the evenings making, creating or musing on plans for the year ahead. If you’re the same then head over to our seasonal style ideas on page 68 for the latest homespun looks using the season’s furs, wools and glimmering metallics. Turn to page 88 for little crafts using colourful…

Textile artist Carola combines hand-cut fabric pieces found at vintage fairs and auctions to create her unique textile taxidermy wall art. Where are you based? I live in Hastings, but my studio is in a converted barn in Firle, a historic village in the South Downs National Park, East Sussex. How did you discover textile taxidermy? It all started with a doll’s house that my father made for me as a child. I wanted to add colour, so I covered everything from walls and furniture to little lamps in patterned fabrics from my mother’s clothes-making stash! As I grew older, I loved the beauty and skill of taxidermy but felt uncomfortable with the traditional concept, so decided to create my own using fabric. Describe the design and making process. Instead…

We want this now... Winter afternoons are just made for cooking and these kitchen scales will add a touch of retro styling to proceedings. With a 2L-capacity stainless steel bowl, measurements in both metric and imperial, and manually adjustable zero positioning, these scales are user-friendly, too. Dexam Stainless Steel Retro kitchen scales, £19.99 (also available in black and cream), Amaroni Home. Broccoli? Cauliflower? No, it’s romanesco! Try an unusual vegetable Nutty flavoured and with a crunchy texture, vibrant green romanesco is now regularly turning up in veg boxes and at farm shops and markets. With a flavour halfway between cauliflower and broccoli, the small florets and finely sliced stalks can be used in stir fries and gratins, grainy winter salads with quinoa and roasted root vegetables, and a multitude of…

Gloucestershire shop owner Jon Madeley and his team design, make and sell furniture influenced by English, Gustavian and French styles, offering customers a choice of painted and unfinished pieces, plus bespoke designs. What inspired you to open your shop? About 20 years when customers came to my dusty workshop in an old converted wool mill to collect their furniture orders, they started asking about other items they could see there. When a local brocante business moved on I seized the opportunity to take on its spacious premises, which also offered parking and a superb decorators’ merchant next door. Describe the shop’s style: Scumble Goosie’s look was heavily influenced by 18th-century Gustavian-style furniture, which took the French Louis look and pared it down to suit the more rudimentary carpentry skills of…

Freestanding stoves Break free from the fireplace with a stylish woodburner. Need to know… The cylindrical shape and large curved glass windows of a contemporary woodburning stove provide a wide-angle view of the flames when the stove is positioned prominently. A glass panel hearth is a modern alternative to traditional slate or brick. The flue pipe can exit through an adjacent outside wall, or via the ceiling to the roof, adding another dimension to the design, especially if in shiny steel. Where to buy… • Eurostove for a tall, cylindrical stove with log store. • Morsø for contemporary cylindrical stoves. • Stoves Online for a large range of contemporary stoves. FIND THE PERFECT GREY LIMESTONE TILES…

New Shaker kitchen Simple units, updated to suit contemporary living, are a winning formula for country kitchens. Need to know… Shaker design goes back a long way, but the latest kitchens are still influenced by the craftsmanship of the furniture once made by the Shakers, a religious sect, in New England. A key feature is the panelled doors, without fancy mouldings, finished in contemporary cool grey or china blue paint. Instead of the small round knobs and cup handles typical of the style, give a twist to the design with bar handles. Basket storage, built-in tray spaces and wine racks complete this charming look. Where to buy… • Harvey Jones for painted units. • Neptune for an oak Shaker kitchen. • Tom Howley for contemporary and classic Shaker kitchens. FIND THE PERFECT CUPBOARD…

Make filing a pleasure with gorgeous storage solutions. Switch on with statement task lighting in molten metallics Clock off, shut down and enjoy life! 3 SUPPLIERS OF ALL-IN-ONE WORKSTATIONS * NEPTUNE’S designs will provide you with all you need for your home office, including a pull-out desk, adjustable shelves and space for cable runs. Chichester Deluxe (below), from £2,810. * THE DORMY HOUSE’S hideaway study cupboards are ideal if you need to incorporate a home office into another room, allowing you to keep your essentials close at hand without compromising on style. Prices from £560. * HOUSEOLOGY’S New England Houston home office unit is a versatile design with a pull-out desk, shelves and drawers. Available in three colours with two handle choices. Prices from…

How to MAKE THEM YOURSELF Pompom bookmarks Everyone loves pompoms and this is a very easy idea that friends can do together as all you need is wool and a few long-pronged forks! To begin, thread a long piece of cotton twine or wool through the middle space in the fork and hold the ends down on the handle. Next, wind wool around the base of the prongs and keep going until you have amassed a fat bundle of yarn. Pull the cotton twine taut and tie over the middle of the wool, then snip the ends. Remove the wool loops from the fork and snip through the loop edges. Fluff the wool into a pompom shape and snip the ends to neaten. To make into bookmarks, thread a bodkin…

1 Organic wood ‘Including oak in any part of the home will always help to root your scheme in nature,’ says John Sims-Hilditch, Co-founder, Neptune. ‘Designs such as this are the modern country way to add a touch of ruggedness. We use a finishing process which accentuates the oak’s natural grain for a textured, organic feel.’ This beautiful unit is also topped with a marble worktop and the two storage shelves provide invaluable space for keeping toiletries and towels. 2 Shaker style ‘The elegant, double curved doors in this traditional vanity unit help to use every inch of storage space,’ says Helen Shaw, Marketing Manager, Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection. ‘The marble worktop, timeless, classic Shaker styling and cotton-white finish will stand the test of time and help to create a…

1 Wake up feeling happy Start the day feeling healthier, happier and more alert with just a few small changes to your wind-down and wake-up routines… • Chill out. Relaxing before bedtime makes falling asleep easier – try yoga or a camomile-scented bath and leave your phone out of reach. • Go to bed an hour earlier. You might not drift off straight away, but giving your mind time to switch off will make you feel more rested come morning. • Put a plant in your bedroom. Studies show that seeing fresh flowers in the morning gives you an instant mood boost. Lavender, jasmine and gardenia are ideal bedroom blooms, all proven to improve quality of sleep. • Wake up to sunlight. Bodyclock lamps wake you up gradually with a simulated sunrise – find…

We make tweed with a twist,’ says Sue Longmore, co-founder of Dorset-based Maude & Fox, which makes practical yet chic country clothing and accessories. ‘We’re all about making urban country chic come to life through traditional materials – mostly tweed – and great design.’ The ‘fabulously British’ tweed is selected from mills in Yorkshire and Scotland and then transformed into stylish gilets, waistcoats, coats, skirts, capes, scarves, hats and bags in a coach house workshop at Sue’s rural home in Dorset. Sue and her husband Michael moved to Dorset some 15 years ago for a lifestyle change and to bring up their sons, Ollie, now 16, and Freddie, 14, in the country. Sue, a landscape architect, grew up in Wiltshire and has worked in the design world in Hong Kong,…

Colour of THE MOMENT…

We want this now... This beautiful panel is from an award-winning British design team. They make a range of aluminium or weathered-steel panels, but this floral version is our pick for a country garden, either as part of a fence or as a stand-alone screen. Drift panel in weathered steel, H180xW120cm, £339.60, Stark & Greensmith. Make a pretty feed station for feathered friends Make bird-seed cakes You can serve your bird food in an old yogurt pot (make a hole in the base and thread through a good length of twine before you begin), but an old china bowl or tea cup looks prettier. You’ll need proper bird seed, suet or lard (at room temperature), and grated cheese. You can add raisins and peanuts, too. First cut the suet or…

Tell us what is so special about your tea? Our tea is of the highest quality and ethically sourced. We are a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, which works to improve tea sustainability, the lives of tea workers, and the environment in which tea is produced. When it comes to our tea blends, as well as all the classics, we have lots of different exciting blends like Chilli Rooibos and our Blooming Marvellous green tea with sunflower petals, sweet vanilla and tangy fruit. Have you won any awards? Numerous Great Taste Awards over the years and our new Sea Buckthorn blend won Best Tea in the Café Quality Food Awards 2016. We also won the Best Tea Room and Online Store (Scotland) Award in the Lux Magazine 2016 Food…

1 Nautical looks The perfect addition to a coastal-themed room. Window mirror, 90cm diameter, £220, Decorative Mirrors Online. 2 Textured finish Beautifully woven to bring subtle texture to understated schemes. Walton mirror, 90cm diameter, £300, Laura Ashley. 3 Boho chic The antiqued finish on this Moroccan-inspired design creates a bohemian feel. Bargello mirror, 103x55cm, £360, India Jane. 4 Statement style An oversized mirror makes for a show-stopping focal point, whether hung on a wall or propped up against one. Kendal mirror, 90x180cm, £695, Lombok. 5 Art Deco inspiration An extra-tall arched design suits rooms with high ceilings. Window pane mirror, H207x W109cm, £385, Graham & Green. 6 Contemporary curves A quirky frame handcrafted in reclaimed elm is a fun take on an overmantel mirror. Cinch mirror, H97xW75cm, £145, Loaf. 7…

What we love most about living here... ’Scenery, friends, family and the large open spaces both inside and out. My parents moved to this area when I was a child and they still live nearby’ What makes this house a home… ’Objects that tell a story. I love the way everything has come together to create a home’ When house hunting in Aberdeenshire back in 2001, Emma Clanfield looked at just two properties, but that was enough. ‘I saw the view from this house and I bought it,’ she says. Steve, her husband, was abroad at the time and didn’t see their new home until the day they moved in. ‘Moving day was a difficult day to say the least,’ says Emma. ‘It was snowing so much that…

ROOM IDEAS Pitched roof windows The right design can turn an unloved loft space into a light-filled room. Need to know… These windows let in light without the need for a dormer. For loft rooms in older homes, barn conversions and listed homes, the conservation window with its slim profile, dark surround and glazing bar is a good option. Top-hung roof windows have a handle and springs to help them open, while centre-hung versions provide an easier reach when cleaning. Also look out for electric or solar-powered remote-controlled windows with rain sensors which can be operated by a control pad. Where to buy… • Clement for steel conservation roof windows. • Roof Maker for roof windows in contemporary designs. • Velux for a wide range of options. FIND THE PERFECT SOFT CREAM CARPET…

Sink into snug sofa seating Soften statement buttoned and pleated upholstery with chenille weaves, plush knits and cosy throws. Choose luxurious details to bring a refined touch, such as brass tack finishes, hammered metal surfaces and glimmering gold accessories. See page 77 for details. Enjoy fabulous everyday dining Dine like a queen from dawn to dusk with signature seating, plump cushions and oversized floral displays. Pep up plain table linens with a glorious cloth and add va-va-voom with faux fur. See page 77 for details. Enhance earthy tones Stock up and serve soulful food from a simply designed sideboard. Counter this subtle look with designer details, such as a brass tray and feather-motif aromatic candles to bring a touch of sophistication. See page 77 for details. Shine a light Soft…

The White Company has been making stylish, beautifully designed products – principally in white – for more than 21 years. Inspired by precious moments of uncomplicated happiness, the clothing, children’s and home collections are created with quality and attention to detail in mind. You can already make great savings in The White Company sale – which is on now – but we’ve teamed up to offer you an additional 10% discount off sale items when you buy soft furnishings, home accessories and clothing, plus you’ll get free UK mainland delivery. • How to claim your 10% discount in the sale To claim your additional saving, quote code AP244 ONLINE Visit thewhitecompany.com BY PHONE Call 020 3758 9222 IN STORE Please present this page at the till – you will find your…

Tamsin Westhorpe has worked in horticulture since the age of 16. She spent a year training in a plantsman’s garden before going on to study at Sparsholt College in Winchester, and her subsequent career has seen her working variously as a greenkeeper, parks gardener, horticultural lecturer, writer and magazine editor. She now looks after Stockton Bury Gardens in rural Herefordshire as well as writing and lecturing. We put on our coats and went to tour the gardens... WHAT DOES THE COUNTRYSIDE DO FOR YOU? I thrive on the beauty – whatever the season. I feel passionate about protecting this pocket of Herefordshire. Stockton Bury has been in my family for five generations, so we know so much about the soil, weather and growing conditions. I feel responsible for my heritage…

1 BEST FOR... Compact kitchens Lakeland Small Space bread maker, £99.99 Simplicity itself, this 12-setting model (H26.5xW26xD34cm) turns out loaves in two sizes and is ideal if space is limited on your worksurface. Recipes include basic white, wholewheat and gluten-free bread, all with variable crust control. The bread pan lid makes a square loaf for easy slicing. The pan, lid and paddle are dishwasher safe. 2 BEST FOR... Speciality loaves Panasonic SD-ZB2512 bread maker, £189.99 If you want to bake sourdough, artisan loaves or scones, try this 33-programme model (H38.2xW25.6xD38.9cm), which has temperature sensors to measure the heat both inside the loaf and in the kitchen to ensure bread is kneaded, proved and baked to perfection. The machine even adds yeast at the optimum moment. 3 BEST FOR... Pro-style results…

WATERLOCK HOUSE, WINGHAM, KENT We love it because… B&B guests are inspired by stylish interiors, a Provençal-styled garden, and a boutique shop. Shop! Branching Out (branchingoutwingham.co.uk) sells French decorative antiques, distressed painted antique furniture, unusual vintage objects for the home and garden, jewellery, mirrors and artwork. Love the rooms. Elegant greys and whites harmonise with gorgeous antiques and squishy sofas in this Georgian townhouse. Guests stay in their own spacious loft apartment set over two floors with continental breakfast served downstairs. Out and about. Country walks can be enjoyed straight from the B&B or take the short trip to the fascinating city of Canterbury. How much? £120 a night for a double room with breakfast. Waterlock House, 01227 721792, sawdays.co.uk . CARO B&B, BRUTON, SOMERSET We love…

The one lesson I have learned... ‘GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING AND GET ON WITH IT! I AM DEFINITELY SOMEONE WHO LIKES TO LOOK FORWARD’ ‘Your brand is what people expect, experience and remember about your business and your brand identity is a powerful tool that’ll help you show the right impression to the world,’ says Fiona Humberstone, branding expert and author of How to Style Your Brand – Everything You Need to Know to Create a Distinctive Brand Identity. ‘Whether you plan it or it comes together organically, your logo, website and even the fonts you use, all send out a message, so it makes sense to understand how your brand identity works as you can then make better choices for the business.’ When it came to setting up…

We want this now... Effortlessly stylish, the iconic Reclamation pendant light from Cotswold-based lighting manufacturer David Hunt is a real find. Available in an industrial-style weathered bronze finish, it makes a striking focal point when hung above a dining table or kitchen island. The pendant is 42cm in diameter and costs £177 from The Lighting Company. A modern take on an ancient decorative art Decorate in shibori style This season sees designers draw inspiration from the Japanese art of shibori. This ancient craft involves shaping fabrics by hand before immersing them in a vat of dye, resulting in beautiful patterns. Vanessa Arbuthnott has used this technique to create her latest Artisan collection. ‘I usually hand-draw my designs, but I really enjoyed this different approach,’ she says. Four geometric floral patterns…

Why are Latin names important? Apart from telling us about similarities between plants, Latin is the definitive naming system, as common names are different in every country and can even vary from region to region. My book tells you about the most useful and widespread Latin names, organised into thematic chapters including Colour, Size, Form and Habitat. How does Latin naming work? The first part of the name is the genus (eg Geranium), which is used for a family of plants with some features in common. The second part is the species name (eg phaeum), used for recognisable entities within the genus. In quote marks you see the cultivated variety forms of that species (eg ‘Alba’). What Latin words are the most useful? Some handy word endings include -phyllus and…

Historic... lively... musical... The place to go... Beverley Surrounded by the rolling countryside of East Yorkshire, this bustling market town is packed with character, from its charter market to the magnificent minster. Explore the Georgian Quarter, North Bar gate, and Beverley Minster (above), where pilgrims have flocked for centuries to see the tomb of St John (beverleyminster.org.uk). Eat at Vanessa’s for homemade soups and organic deli treats (vanessadelicafe.co.uk). Stay at five-star Newbegin House B&B, a welcoming townhouse with a walled garden, cosy rooms and an award-winning breakfast (newbeginhousebbbeverley.co.uk). Enjoy entertainment for all tastes and ages at Beverley’s music festival, Stage4Beverley, 17-19 February (stage4beverley.co.uk). Create a stir! At West Dean College in West Sussex, woodworking tutor Nic Webb shows students how to craft a spoon from greenwood using traditional woodcarving tools.…

My favourite thing in the room... ‘It definitely has to be the woodburner. It casts such a lovely glow, making it so relaxing’ What we love most about living here... ’The beautiful countryside and friendly village community. We have an award-winning shop and the butcher serves amazing produce’   My dream was to live in a barn conversion,’ says Tracy Head. What makes this house a home... ’We put our heart and soul into building our dream barn and wouldn’t change a thing. The woodburners, lit each night in winter, make it so cosy, too’ ‘I kept a photo of one I’d found in a magazine and fallen in love with.’ Tracy and her family were living in an Edwardian house outside Reading when they decided to…

Built-in seating Perch in comfort on a made-to-measure window bench. Need to know… A fitted bench can easily be slotted in to create a window seat when planning new kitchen units or fitted bedroom furniture – simply ask the company to match the style and finish. If you decide on adding a seat at a later date, a joiner can create a bespoke version, which can be customised with a drawer or hinged lid to provide valuable extra storage. Alternatively, for a simple solution go for a ready-made freestanding bench with a box cushion. Where to buy… • Barnes of Ashburton for a kitchen with bespoke window seat. • The Dormy House for a bench and cushion in your choice of fabric. • Neville Johnson for fitted furniture solutions. FIND THE PERFECT PATTERNED…

What makes this house a home… ‘When we are all together as a family for Sunday dinner with the logburner lit, there is nothing better’ It is every homebuyer’s fear that their sale will fall through at the last minute, but Victoria Summers thought the risk had passed. Her furniture was packed, she had waved off the removal van and her children were happily distracted at a soft play centre, and then the call came. ‘My husband, Phil, phoned to say the sale was off,’ she says. ‘We tried offering more money, but no. The sellers wouldn’t change their minds and we were never given a reason.’ In the hours when she thought she would be picking up keys and unpacking boxes she found herself cancelling the fitted kitchen…

Pages 68-69 (Opener) Brass pots, from £14.95 each, Nkuku. Jug, £90, Emma Lacey. Nikita cotton velvet, £106 m, Lewis & Wood. SINK INTO SNUG SOFA SEATING C-Five woodburner, £894, Charnwood. Bagsie love seat in Wolf brushed cotton, £1,545, Loaf. Honeycomb throw, £69, Graham & Green. Cushions: 1 Nikita, (as before). 2 Harris Tweed, col Sky, £68 m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. 3 Kelburn Check, col Old Blue, £98 m, Colefax and Fowler. 4 Haddon Stripe, £69 m, Mulberry. 5 Tribal, £112.80 m, Lewis & Wood. Blue Belle throw, £140, Loaf. Shanxi stool, £95, Lombok. Coffee table, £245, Loaf. Everyday mugs, £27; plates, £35; jug, £45, all Emma Lacey. Bowl, £25, by Kirsty Adams at notonthehighstreet.com. Brass tray, £32.50; Myra bowl, £21.50, Parlane. Basket (under table), £28 The Basket Company. Lamp base,…

1 THINK ARCHITECTURALLY ‘Position furniture in clean lines to follow the room’s architecture,’ suggests Emma Sims-Hilditch, Founder and Creative Director, Sims Hilditch. ‘In this living space, symmetry works at various heights and levels, helping to incorporate the high ceilings and original beams.’ A structured layout will also add boldness and definition to your room scheme, helping to invigorate a neutral colour palette. 2 DESIGN IN PAIRS Section off a large room by mirroring favourite pieces of furniture in key areas to maximise the space. Here, two armchairs positioned to echo each other in a bay window create a cosy conversational area. They highlight the windows’ symmetry while also making the most of the light and the awkward floor space. A central display of flowers anchors the scene and establishes a…

1 Frame the view The window in your utility room doesn’t have to be this commanding to make it a key feature. Centre your sink to enjoy garden views while you’re washing up. Then use vintage wall lights and a Roman blind made from country-style ticking to firmly anchor the window as the focal point. Boost storage potential with a vintage cubbyhole unit (Cox & Cox stocks various sizes), which is perfect for stashing garden twine and spare candles. 2 Access all areas ‘Tall cupboards are a must in any room where you store mops and brooms, a vacuum cleaner and the ironing board,’ says interior designer Gabriel Holland. ‘With external venting, you can also use tall cupboards to conceal the washing machine and dryer in a single stack. And…

What makes this garden so special… ’The location – it is on a hill and the views towards Ashdown Forest are absolutely spectacular’ What I love most about this garden... ‘The sun on my back when working in it, and feeling part of something real and dynamic’ What is it about snowdrops that sets so many gardeners’ pulses racing? Individually these delicate little plants could easily be missed, but growing in neat clumps throughout the borders or romping away in naturalised drifts across grassy banks during winter, they are a cheery sign that the coldest, darkest months will come to an end and spring is round the corner. Having decided she would like to have more winter interest in her spectacular garden at Hoath House in the High Weald…

RICE AND BARLEY PORRIDGE WITH BLUEBERRIES AND CACAO NIBS Make this warming breakfast at the weekend when you may have more time to linger over it. Blueberries and cacao nibs make it really special. SERVES 4 75g pearl barley 750ml whole milk or rice milk 40g white or brown flaked rice 1 tsp vanilla extract 3-4 tbsp double cream, optional 100g blueberries 25g chopped hazelnuts or almonds 2 tbsp cacao nibs, such as Naturya Organic Cacao Nibs, £9.49 for 300g, Holland & Barrett, or grated dark chocolate, to sprinkle Muscovado sugar or coconut blossom sugar, to stir in 1 Put the pearl barley and milk in a large saucepan and heat gently until the milk is simmering. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes until the pearl barley is just tender, but…

A   ABEL & COLE 0345 262 6262 abelandcole.co.uk AGA 0845 712 5207 agaliving.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMARONI HOME 01205 260384 amaroni.com ANNIE MO’S 0141 331 0333 anniemos.com ANNIE SLOAN 01865 713089 anniesloan.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 00 800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com A PLACE IN THE GARDEN 01403 864866 aplaceinthegarden.co.uk AUTENTICO 01233 878303 autentico-chalk-paint.co.uk B   BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 355 9392 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BARNES OF ASHBURTON 01364 653613 barnesofashburton.co.uk BATTLESBRIDGE ANTIQUES 01268 769000 battlesbridge.com BAUHAUS 0845 873 8840 bauhaus-bathrooms.co.uk BAYTREE INTERIORS 0808 168 9242 baytree-interiors.co.uk BEAR & BEAR 020 3735 9002 bearandbear.com BERT & MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BESSELINK & JONES 020 8689 9405 besselink.com BIRDIE FORTESCUE 01328 738634 birdiefortescue.co.uk BORDER OAK 01568 708752 borderoak.com BRINTONS 0800 505055 brintons.co.uk BRONTE BY MOON brontebymoon.co.uk BRORA 0345 659 9944 brora.co.uk…