Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2017 i Country Homes & Interiors

Easy breezy summer style was our catchphrase when planning this issue. From warm-weather design ideas to waterside homes and gardens, we’ve searched for the light-hearted people, relaxed places and live-in looks that sum up the month in all its loveliness. If you want to revolutionise the way you live, be inspired by lantern roofs, lofty beams and pretty terraces; all of which were on our owners’ wishlists when renovating their country barns, new-builds and village houses (from page 22). Talking of trends, the outdoor kitchen is here, and here to stay. We shortlist the buys you need to prep, grill and serve in the fresh air (see page 72). Finally if, like me, you’re loving the upbeat freshness of this season’s calming blues and sunshine yellows, turn to page 63…

Just what you need now... With so much weeding to do in the garden this month, you’ll need the help of a good pair of gloves. Delicate weeding is easier if your gloves act as a second skin and allow you a sense of touch. We love these Birds & Branches Magenta Seed & Weed gloves, which have excellent grip, plus a stretchable, breathable liner, fitted cuffs and a waterproof coating, £4.49, Briers. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER Which bean would you recommend? This year is ‘Year of the Bean’, so we asked chef Raymond Blanc to tell us about his top choice. Which beans are you growing in your garden? In my Asian garden at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, I am growing seven different beans all in…

As more and more of us work from home, creating a dedicated space is vital. Designed for motivation, creativity and purpose, a desk’s raison d’être is to support those knuckle-down moments when you need to get things done. Choosing the right style and – just as important – setting, elevates a simple table top into a dedicated piece of furniture suitable for reading, writing and working. WHAT’S THE STORY? Intended to hold heavy tomes and documents, the first desks were primarily found in religious or educational environments and featured sloped tops and sturdy supports to aid reading. The printing press changed all this and as books became smaller, the desk evolved. Originally intended for commercial use, level-topped tables are now preferred for the home. Once seen positioned in uniform lines…

David’s style secret Resist the urge to over-fill a large space – instead choose statement pieces that add interest without detracting from the architectural detail. An exposed oak framework makes a fabulous backdrop to a country kitchen. Tempt your guests with delicious home-baked treats displayed in mouth-blown glass. Aurelia dome and stand, H34x25cm diameter, £60, LSA International. Keep an eye on the time with this stylish skeleton timepiece, complete with distressed metal patina and Roman numerals. Lascelles outdoor clock, 50cm diameter, £45, John Lewis. Choose a timeless design to pop under the breakfast bar. Hambledon Raw Oak Tall stool, H80x33cm diameter, £130, Garden Trading. The chiselled good looks of this Lincolnshire limestone will feel wonderful underfoot. Aged Jervaulx Stone flooring, col Sand, from £110 sq m, Martin Moore Stone. Liven…

Arrange a signature shelfie Mix and match pattern and colour to make a summery-looking shelf display. See page 70 for details. Add zing to summer dining Combine modern graphics on accessories and soft furnishings with classic country wares and furniture to bring an on-trend look to mismatched ceramics. See page 70 for details. Go bespoke with beautiful linens Upholster armchairs with patterns and plains for a unique-to-you look. Arrange near windows featuring gauzy linens to make the most of natural light and garden views. See page 70 for details. Draw the eye with dyed details Create a focal point with a bespoke light installation by grouping ombré and tie-dye designed pendant shades. See page 70 for details. Bring pattern to the bathroom Choose a contemporary print for a simple blind…

Textile designer and scion of the legendary David Austin family – famous around the world for their breeds of English roses – Ellen Calvert brings her background in flowers and a cast-iron artistic heritage together in a passion for print. Having grown up in the Shropshire countryside, surrounded by plants, birds, hedgerows and flowers, she loves to incorporate the colours and textures of nature into her work. Ellen now juggles her job as a freelance design director and trend forecaster, working for the likes of Zara and Anthropologie, with her own business, Mae, designing and manufacturing stunning printed scarves and other accessories. We headed to Shropshire to meet her… WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE SHROPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE? I enjoy the feeling of space and freedom, and being surrounded by…

Shower enclosures tend to be rather contemporary by design, which can jar with the more relaxed interiors favoured in country homes. Barbara Sallick, Senior Vice President of Design at Waterworks, advises how to make this union a beautiful one. • Soften the space using a varied mix of materials and finishes. Brass is particularly effective in a country shower room, especially as the colour matures and it achieves a rich patina. Used on traditional or transitional fittings, brass also lends natural warmth. • Try to build layers of interest using a range of earthy materials. Handmade tiles in powdery encaustic, reclaimed timber tops and shelving, rattan or wicker baskets – anything with a hand-hewn, rustic element or natural provenance will boost the feeling of authenticity. • Do consider proportion and…

1 Best for... ENTERTAINING St Mawes drinks/planter bar table, £500, Garden Trading Inspired by planter boxes, this robust reclaimed teak outdoor table (H110xW120xD90cm) has a galvanised steel trough along the middle that’s perfect for filling with ice and keeping your wine, beer and water chilled. The table can be left outside throughout the year and even planted up for a pretty display when not in use in the winter. 2 Best for... WINE CONNOISSEURS KWT 6112 iG built-in wine conditioning unit, £2,399, Miele Designed to slot into a built-in microwave cavity (H45xW56x D55cm), this cooler has three temperature zones to store red and white wine together under perfect conditions. The flexible pull-out drawer layout provides space for those awkwardly shaped champagne bottles and it has UV-filtered glass to help protect…

With a wealth of garden furniture and dining and entertaining essentials, plus stylish accessories, Garden Trading’s outdoor collections will provide you with everything you need for the perfect summer. Relax in comfort and style on good-quality garden furniture, such as the luxurious Marden corner sofa set, which allows you and your family to soak up the sunshine with the reassurance that the all-weather rattan and shower-proof cushions can withstand the British weather. For effortless entertaining, choose from a wide range of options including the St Mawes drinks/planter bar table in reclaimed teak, which has an integral trough to fill either with potted plants or ice to keep your drinks chilled. If you’re short on space or are looking for seating for a sunny corner, try a simple bistro set. Or…

LEMON & MINT GRANITA This ice-cold granita couldn’t be more refreshing – enjoy it in the garden on a warm summer’s day. SERVES 8 150g granulated sugar Grated zest of 2 unwaxed limes 90g fresh mint (Ursula likes to use apple mint) 100ml freshly squeezed lime juice Lime slices, to serve 1 Pour 600ml cold water into a small saucepan, add the sugar and lime zest and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. 2 Add half the mint (there’s no need to chop or remove stalks) to the saucepan, then take it off the heat. Cover with a lid and allow to stand for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and let the mixture cool to room temperature. 3 Once cool, strain the…

How to MAKE THEM YOURSELF Party name cards Who needs a table plan when everyone can choose where they sit – and who they sit next to! Why not make table place-setting name cards and hang them on a wall for guests to unclip and use. Not only do these look good on the table, they are great when hung on the wall. Using secateurs, clip a few herb cuttings, gather and tie together with some string or florist’s wire. We added spray roses and waxflowers as a pretty detail. Make name cards or labels for your guests by printing onto paper, cutting out as label shapes and sticking onto card postal labels with double-sided tape. Clip these in front of the herb bundle, hiding loose herb ends behind the…

Setting up a business with your partner, like Vanessa Ferrett and Alex Bolton have done, is not uncommon. But it can be hard to ensure things run smoothly when you are living in each other’s pockets night and day. How can you achieve a harmonious partnership both at home and work? Mentor, life and business coach Anita Bevan has the following advice: Take your time with planning when setting up in business together. ‘Before starting, examine the challenges you will face both at home and in your future business and devise a plan to deal with them. It is essential that you share the same passion and vision, so you need to plan your business and what you want to achieve. Identify your market, which can help you see opportunities…

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We want this now... Designed for barbecues on the go, this stylish design has an integrated food storage tray, prep board and a porcelain enamel firebox. Easy to set up, cook with and clean, it uses charcoal to add a distinctive smoky flavour to your food. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal CUBE portable charcoal barbecue, H23xW42.5x D34.7cm, col Graphite, £149, John Lewis. OUR FAVOURITE FINE FOOD PRODUCERS Ross & Ross Based in the Cotswolds, Ross & Ross was set up in 2011 by Ross Whitmill and Ross Bearman, who previously worked at Malmaison and Paxton & Whitfield. They started by making pâté and terrines for Daylesford and independent delis and, since 2015, have focused on their range of Great British foodie gifts. Tell us about your products? Everything is made with…

They say that good things come in threes, and there is more than a touch of serendipity about how Amanda and John Willmott came to own their home in a picturesque village perched beside the River Dart. ‘We owned a boutique hotel in Bath, which we’d renovated a few years earlier,’ says Amanda who, together with John, has successfully bought and transformed various businesses over the years. ‘We lived in a lovely Georgian house in a village not far from the hotel and loved it but, with John’s 70th birthday coming up, we’d started to wonder what we should do next.’ Then fate took a hand. All at once, a hotelier came forward with an offer to buy their hotel, neighbours declared an interest in buying their home and, not…

Clare Gamble-Dale grew up loving everything to do with horses, so it’s fitting that she and her family have made their home in converted stables. The doorways where horses once looked out from have been reworked into French doors. And what was the yard is now a secluded walled garden that catches pockets of sunshine. Moving to the country also brought about a change for Clare, who switched from a demanding job in finance to running a business from a barn a few easy strides from her doorstep. The story began when her husband Dan’s parents bought a rambling old farm with lots of outbuildings. They renovated the farm’s oast house for themselves, leaving Clare and Dan, who had been living in nearby Tunbridge Wells, to buy and convert the…

ARRANGE A SIGNATURE SHELFIE Plates (from left): 1 Quail’s Egg, £10.95, Rigby & Mac. 2 Stoneware side, col Chartreuse, £10, Murmur. 3 Reactive Glaze dinner, col Black/White, £12, West Elm. 4 (On wall) Drift Markmaking side, £8, Creative Tops. 5 Japanese Floral dessert, col Chartreuse, £16, Murmur. Wide Stripe Hand Painted coffee cup, £7, Also Home. Cupola tray, £40, Imogen Heath. ADD ZING TO SUMMER DINING Walls, painted in All White; cupboard, painted in Down Pipe, both £60 for 2.5L Estate Eggshell, Farrow & Ball. Internal door, painted in Mister David, £59 for 2.5L Intelligent Eggshell, Little Greene. Large Coolie Hat pendant, col Navy Blue, £72 (with pendant kit), Pooky. Farmhouse kitchen table, £800, Peppermill Interiors. Wardley oak dining chairs, £300 each; Wardley dining chair, col Smoke, £270; Castleford tall…

AS THE SHADOWS LENGTHEN and summer days turn into balmy evenings, the country garden takes on a new ambience. This is when exterior lighting works its magic. In some areas, the light fittings themselves are the stars of the show, in others, discreet lighting throws the emphasis onto plants and garden features. Consider clever lighting tricks that will make it look good from all angles... in winter as well as summer. MOST OF THE LIGHT should be concentrated close to the house. Beautiful lanterns can highlight an entrance door, and an age-old stone or rustic brick wall can be enhanced with a wash of light from a fitting with a wide beam. The table will become a focal point for meals if set with candles or small lanterns. Place large…

• CAN I STORE WHITE AND RED WINE TOGETHER? Yes, as long as your appliance has multiple temperature zones. White should be stored at 10-12°C and red at 12-16°C. In case you’re wondering, the perfect serving temperature for our favourite bottle of Picpoul de Pinet is 8°C. • WHAT OTHER EXTRAS SHOULD I CONSIDER? Built-in water and ice dispensers can transform any party. Make sure you look for models with replaceable water filters – especially if you live in a hard-water area. Plumbed-in models are the most convenient, but you’ll need to factor in where the mains water supply comes from before positioning your appliance. • HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF A COOL BOX? Aim to keep the lid on as much as possible, move it away from…

Wrap a summery scarf Brighten up any outfit with a lightweight scarf from the National Trust’s seasonal accessories collection. Choose from a range of bold handpainted patterns inspired by the delights found inside historic English orangeries and glasshouses. Prices start from £18, with a percentage of every sale going to the conservation charity. 3 REASONS TO... Clear out your wardrobe We don’t wear all our clothes. It’s estimated that most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time! Our clothes don’t fit. At least 85% of British women hold on to clothes that are the wrong size. We keep clothes that we never wear. The amount of clothing hanging in UK wardrobes that hasn’t been worn for at least a year adds up to £30bn-worth of unused garments.…

PROJECT PROFILE Owner Sandra Mastrangelo, who runs a catering business, and lives here with her sons Dominic, 18, and David, 15. House A detached five-bedroom red-brick and timber-frame home in rural Hertfordshire. The project A dark, dated kitchen was extended internally, and also into the garden with a conservatory creating space for dining. Kitchen size 3.5x7.9m. Designer Peter Humphrey, Humphrey Munson. Cabinetry Humphrey Munson’s Nickleby range painted in Cobbles and Linen with wood accents in Westminster smoked oak. It’s like dining alfresco, all year long,’ says Sandra Mastrangelo of her country kitchen. While the entire house has been redecorated under her tasteful eye, as a professional caterer she paid particular attention to the kitchen. ‘I’ve come to realise the importance of a good ergonomic…

Thanks to its balmy subtropical climate, Madeira is home to many of the world’s most beautiful gardens. So imagine exploring these horticultural heavens in the company of top garden designer, writer and TV presenter Joe Swift. We have joined forces with Joe to offer this exclusive six-day experience, during which you’ll get the benefit of Joe’s huge expertise – he’s been presenting BBC2’s Gardeners’ World for almost 20 years, as well as reporting from RHS flower shows, including the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. You’ll be taken on private tours with Joe around the island’s most famous gardens, enjoy a scenic walk with him along the levadas – Madeira’s famous network of canals – and join him for dinner and an exclusive talk and Q&A. You’ll also enjoy afternoon tea…

Floored by style Give your feet a treat with the beautiful Carlotta Sepia rug, from £1,595, Designers Guild. We love its relaxed floral pattern in gently faded tones of white, mimosa, lime and inky graphite. Team with neutrals or fresh greens to add a summer-garden feel to any modern country scheme. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER MAKER Belynda Sharples Belynda is an artist and designer from Norfolk who creates British countryside-inspired fabrics and wallpapers. She uses traditional printing techniques and the designs are then produced in her family-run factory. Where are you based? In the north Norfolk countryside. My workspace is a bright and breezy converted chapel, full of colourful china and vintage fabrics – it’s so inspiring. What is your design process? My designs emerge from sketches and paintings, which I…

After a 20-year career as a freelance illustrator, Sam Wilson launched her own label in 2015, selling British countryside-inspired homewares in over 100 boutique stores, including her own flagship shop. Using traditional printmaking techniques, she captures the rich flora and fauna of the Cotswolds in her beautiful designs. We caught up with her to hear all about it... WHERE ARE YOU? Chipping Campden High Street in the North Cotswolds. It’s a charming market town with strong connections to the Arts and Crafts movement. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR SHOP? It was never really something we actually planned to do, but while looking for space to house our stock from our wholesale business, the shop came up to let. With its charming character and wonderful old-fashioned bay windows, we jumped…

Amanda’s style secret Create a cosy, informal style by mixing and matching patterns against a plain background using complementary colours to complete the look. Modern Country Classic Ottoman Versatile and timeless, this modular piece can be incorporated into your home in a number of ways. An upholstered version, can be matched to other accessories to create a cohesive look. Used for handy, attractive storage, as a decorative item, or somewhere to rest your feet, an ottoman will forever be a favourite piece owing to its practicality and ability to add country character to any room. Where to buy • Vanessa Arbuthnott for country-inspired pieces. • Swoon Editions for stylish, quirky models that have a mid-century twist. • The White Company for neutral upholstered designs.…

Surrounded by mature trees and paddocks filled with horses, David Kirkby’s new-build barn with its rustic wooden cladding and pretty red roof tiles occupies an idyllic country setting. So it is difficult to believe that the location hasn’t always been so picturesque. ‘Originally there was an old run-down pig farm here that had been out of use for more than 60 years,’ says David. ‘It was a bit of an eyesore, but I liked the surrounding land and the fact that it’s very easy to get to the South Downs.’ As the founder of Kirkby Homes, David knows a thing or two about building houses and he was keen to create a weekend bolthole for himself in this part of Surrey. He bought the land in 2014 and got planning…

Clare’s style secret Bring humour – as well as a talking point – to a country dining space with art inspired by life on the farm. Hang a statement timepiece and practise punctuality! Dormitory wall clock, 40cm diameter, col Posh Grey, £70, Amara. Protect high-traffic areas with this hard-wearing flatweave rug in neutral tones. Lumi handwoven rug, 170x240cm, £250, Cox & Cox. Painted pieces bring decorative charm to a country room. Add simple style with elegant glassware. Bistro carafe, H25x10.5cm diameter, £4, Garden Trading. Adorn your walls with some animal magic. Holstein cow print, £8.99, 20x25cm, James Coates Fine Art at Etsy. Turned legs and brass antiqued knobs give this handpainted storage console a traditional twist. Camille console table, H74xW94xD33cm, col White, £119.95, Melody Maison. Modern Country Classic Farmhouse table…

Choose hardwearing materials that are built to weather a life outdoors. Prep fresh seasonal ingredients beneath never-ending blue skies... 3 GO-TO SPECIALISTS FOR OUTDOOR KITCHENS * FIREMAGIC offers a full barbecue design-and-build service for your outdoor kitchen, including top-quality shelters. Prices from £4,000. * WINCHESTER OUTDOOR KITCHENS designs, supplies and installs your new external lifestyle with anything from a portable grill, through to a bespoke entertaining area. Prices start from £6,000. * OUTDOOR KITCHENS UK use a professional design team of structural engineers, steel fabricators and skilled carpenters to build high-specification, tailored designs (below) without the top-notch price tag, from £5,000. Design your dream kitchen to perfectly fit your garden space and sizzle in functional style with the latest built-in features and practical storage options.…

• IF YOUR EXPERIENCE is more pitiful drizzle than power shower, it could be time to investigate your water pressure. Low pressure is commonly caused by a gravity fed system, which is particularly prevalent in older country homes. A cold-water tank in the loft, and hot-water cylinder in the airing cupboard, are evidence of a gravity fed set-up. • AS GRAVITY IS the only thing forcing water through the pipes, water pressure will usually be less than 1 bar, so it’s important to have a shower valve and showerhead designed for low-pressure use. • OTHER CAUSES of low pressure are a leak or air lock, increased local demand and the location of your home in relation to the service reservoir or water tower. If you suspect your problem is external,…

From discreet fittings to stunning spotlights, Sally Storey, Creative Director, John Cullen Lighting, advises how to turn the focus on to your favourite garden features. • ‘A LITTLE LIGHT goes a long way at night,’ says Sally. ‘Use lighting selectively and remember that darkness can be used to conceal areas.’ • ONE OF THE GARDEN designer’s best friends is a directional spiked floodlight, which provides a wash of light across large-scale planting areas. It can easily be repositioned as the seasons change or as shrubs increase in size. • LIGHTING DESIGNERS will use a mix of designs to create layered effects; often the fittings are discreet or hidden. ‘Most garden light fittings are black, but olive green blends into the garden better. Copper fittings can also be good as they…

1 Gentle curves  Lightweight yet strong, this rounded shape is a contender for the dining room, living room or home office. Urban chair, £195, Puji. 2 Delicate comfort Soft cushions and a distressed finish give this hand-carved oak design an elegant look. Oakville Salon chair, £924, Sweetpea & Willow. 3 Vintage style The retro charm of this ornate style would make a statement in a conservatory. Nepal peacock chair in Natural, £731, Alexander & Pearl. 4 Natural good looks Crafted from all-weather willow, this generous carver seat is ideal for relaxed dining in the garden. Pesaro chair, £320, Neptune. 5 Timeless classic Combining durability and style, this is a beautiful piece from a heritage brand. Lloyd Loom Havana chair, £365, Holloways. 6 High life  Slot neatly under a breakfast bar…

Modern Country Classic Encompassing small-leaved trailing varieties to those that look like miniature trees, succulents are an excellent way to create a modern look in a country garden. • Succulents store water within their fleshy leaves making them perfectly adapted to high temperatures and low rainfall, though they also do well in other conditions as long as you understand their needs. • They like full sun, good air circulation and gritty, well-drained soil – so make sure pots have good drainage and dress with fine horticultural grit to prevent damp around the plant collar. • Tender succulents such as Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ and Echeveria elegans are best taken inside in winter to a frost-free spot, so plant in containers. • If you live in a mild, coastal area, you may be able to leave some…

1 BREAKFAST BAR The curved front of the breakfast bar, which has been enhanced by vertical-grain oak veneer, creates a striking statement as you enter the room. The round top is also oak, which is much kinder on crockery, glassware, and even elbows, than stone. A round surface is also considered more sociable than a square one, as eye contact is easier. ‘Everyone naturally gravitates towards it and we use it all the time,’ says Sandra. 2 ANTIQUED MIRROR The antiqued mirror splashback is Sandra’s favourite design feature. ‘I love the way it bounces light back across the room,’ she says. ‘It also means that when I’m cooking I can chat to family and friends behind me, without having to constantly turn around.’ Mirrored glass can’t be toughened, but a…

Originally from Kent, Vanessa Ferrett was living in Bath with partner Alex Bolton and their two children, Izzy and Billy, when a conversation (and a few glasses of champagne) at a wedding led them to a life-changing decision. ‘In January 2012, we were running a tapas restaurant in Bath and life was really frenetic,’ says Vanessa. ‘Then we came down to Kent for a family friend’s wedding. My sister Mel was there and we were having a chat about our mum’s plans to move back to the county and we suddenly decided we wanted to do the same.’ Luckily, Alex was on board with the idea, and Izzy, now 14, and Billy, who is nine, were equally excited. ‘The restaurant wasn’t very conducive to family life and we wanted to…

A  ACRE CREATIVE acrecreative.com ADA & INA 020 7183 7986 linenfabrics.co.uk ADRIAN AGER 01364 653189 adrianager.com ALEXANDER & PEARL 020 8508 0411 alexanderandpearl.co.uk ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIOR DESIGN 0118 932 0828 aji.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com ALTERNATIVE FLOORING 01264 335111 alternativeflooring.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANGLIAN 0808 231 1387 anglianhome.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE 00 800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARCADIA INTERIORS 07714 954264 arcadiainteriors.net ARKTEC 01252 845335 arktec.co.uk ATMOSPHERE 00 91 99805 99805 atmospheredirect.com B  BASS ROCK GALLERY 01368 865141 bassrockgallery.com BEDROOM WORLD 0344 779 0036 bedroomworld.co.uk BELYNDA SHARPLES 01508 531171 belyndasharples.co.uk BIG GREEN EGG 0843 216 2805 biggreenegg.co.uk BLENDWORTH 02392 594911 blendworth.co.uk BRIERS 01963 269077 briersltd.co.uk BRINTONS 0800 505055 brintons.co.uk BRITISH CERAMIC TILE 01626 834774 britishceramictile.com BRONTE BY MOON brontebymoon.co.uk C  CARPETRIGHT 0330 333…

I love the outdoors and being by the sea, and I got to explore both these passions when I was a co-presenter on BBC’s Coast. The British coastline is wonderful, but I probably know the south west best as it’s closest to me, and I often head there when I have a weekend off. On just about any stretch of the shoreland, the views are amazing, and I always want to see what’s round the next point. But I also love being at sea, either sitting on a surfboard waiting for the next wave or paddling around in a kayak, looking back towards terra firma. You experience the coast and the lie of the land in a completely different way; you feel part of nature. My favourite view is from…