Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2018 i Country Homes & Interiors

I have been feeling the first warmth in the sunshine the past few days and so has the Sussex landscape in which I live – the narcissi I planted in autumn are starting to flower, the garden birds dawn-chorusing and the marsh frogs calling in the waterways. They’re welcome signs that the seasons are turning. This issue shows the first spring feelings, too! In our gorgeous houses across the UK (from page 22), the fires are still lit of an evening and the Agas are humming in the kitchen, but there is a freshness and orderliness to the interiors that’s refreshing, inviting and inspiring. There is also optimism and joy in the latest home collections as we showcase a new wave of fun and fashion-forward looks and colour combinations from…

Just what you need now... Start the growing season in style with the Baby Grand Coldframe. Handcrafted in the UK from western red cedar, this attractive addition to your garden, with an adjustable lid made from toughened safety glass, is ideal for hardening off plants started in the greenhouse and for growing on cuttings. It measures H53xL113xD92cm and costs £345 including delivery, Gabriel Ash. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER What are your favourite perennials for 2018? With 22 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to her name Rosy Hardy, of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, gives advice on country-style perennials. What colour theme do you predict will be on-trend in 2018 in our borders? I predict the colours will be quite bold, with a strong use of silver foliage or the…

Running to heel with a single word or loyally lying in wait, our constant companions deserve their own personal hideaway. Whether creating a comfy snooze zone or a place for quiet play, a custom-made bed can be tailored to ensure your dog has the right amount of curl-up or stretch-out space. WHAT’S THE STORY? Family dogs have a long history of sleeping nearby if not under the same roof as their owners. While outside kennels used to be popular, particularly for accommodating larger breeds or if there are several dogs in one house, most four-legged friends are happy to be housed in their own indoor sleeping space either in a kitchen or utility room, or even at the foot of their owners’ bed. WHICH STYLE TO CHOOSE If you’re building…

Miranda’s style secret In smaller dining spaces, play with a sense of scale when you dress the table by staggering the heights of accessories. Modern Country Classic Plantation shutters Offering privacy while maximising natural daylight when open, and providing insulation and security when closed, these attractive window coverings are currently enjoying a growth in popularity in our country homes. With clean lines and available in many styles, shutters have a modern yet classic appeal. Choose from a painted finish in a shade that blends with your existing scheme, or go bold with a contrasting bright. Where to buy... • Hillarys for a large range of made-to-measure shutters. • Clement Browne for bespoke solutions guided by your own ‘Master of Product’. • Shutterly Fabulous for quality materials and designs.…

The sofa that’ll become an heirloom Fashion brand Joules brings classic heritage style to the living room with this traditionally shaped seating in its Peter Partridge design. Layer up with graphic co-ordinates, spots and checks on cushions and throws. See page 69 for details. Mix light and dark We love the illustrated medley of cornflowers, skimmia and yarrow on these curtains by Abigail Borg that’ll look good whatever the season. Echo the colourway with a rise and fall pendant and heritage-style leafy platters for everyday eating. See page 69 for details. It’s all in the detailing Make room for a signature occasional chair with a curvaceous silhouette, open oak frame and studded finish. Complement with a buttery-coloured leather ottoman that’s perfect for perching trays. See page 69 for details. Fine…

THE STATEMENT LIGHT Kraal mango wood dome pendant, 50xDia52cm, £295, Dassie Artisan. THE WALLPAPER Timber strips wallpaper, £175 a roll, Piet Hein Eek at Rockett St George. THE CHAIR Miss Holly oiled oak chair, H82xW62xD54cm, £617, Skandium. THE KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Leather strap alder wood bread boards, small L30xW18cm, £38; large L48xW20cm, £48, Rowen & Wren. THE MIRROR Oval hallway mirror, acacia, H83xW23xD2.5cm, £55, Nordic House. THE ACCESSORIES Mixed natural woods candle holders, £43 for 5 assorted sizes, Scandinavian Design Center. THE GARDENER’S MUST-HAVE Finca paulownia wood pot, H13xDia16cm, £7, Garden Trading. THE STORAGE SOLUTION Duhrer oak bookshelf, H180xW83xD33cm, £599, John Lewis. THE FLOORING Heritage Cathedral oak parquet,from £46.99sqm, Kersaint Cobb. THE DINING SET Bergen oak table, H75xW150xD95cm, £575; bench, H46xW130xD36cm, £275; dining chairs, H92x45cm sq, £400 for 2, all Cox…

It’s summer all year round with country cottage flowers. tild Meadow Floral coir doormat, 73x43cm, £25, Laura Ashley. Quirky stripes make for a jolly welcome. Quex coir doormat with PsC backing, 75x45cm, £20, Margo Selby at gohn Lewis. A feathered friend on your doorstep. Pheasant coir doormat, 76x45cm, £23.50, Fallen Fruits at Cotswold qrading.…

Ever since Shirley Shadford was a little girl growing up in the city of Cambridge, she dreamed of living in the country. ‘All I ever wanted was to live in a thatched cottage with roses round the door,’ she says, ‘and now I do, I still can’t quite believe it.’ It took Shirley and husband, Paul, three years to find the house they were looking for. ‘It’s only two-up two-down, but now all our children are adults, we don’t need more space.’ They moved to Clover Cottage, built in 1620, 15 years ago. ‘What we loved was that nothing had been altered,’ Shirley recalls. ‘There were no modern extensions or additions – it was in as original a state as we could hope for.’ The garden was also unadorned. The…

1 Energy boost This aromatic blend is the perfect way to invigorate your mood. NYC Awaken organic diffuser, £25, Wildheart Organics. 2 Fresh florals An evocative scent that is reminiscent of walking through bluebell woods. Bluebell & Amber diffuser, £34, Cabbages & Roses. 3 Herbal blend Layers of herbs mixed with Sicilian Lemon creates a revitalising and restorative mood. Rosemary willow diffuser, £58, Bamford.…

If you’ve always wanted to experience the sights and sounds of this mesmerising country, then the India itinerary we’ve put together will be perfect for you. As well as visiting some of the country’s most spectacular sights – including the Taj Mahal at sunset – it follows in the footsteps of the endearing cast of characters from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s impossible to read the book or watch the hit film, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, without feeling as though you must go to India and experience it all for yourself. Our 10-day tour takes in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also gives you the opportunity to meet Deborah Moggach (left), author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, before you…

The inspiration for Sam Wilson’s beautiful, bold linocut designs comes from her surroundings – particularly the countryside around her 400-year-old Cotswold cottage in ‘the middle of nowhere’. Having spent her childhood constantly drawing, Sam went on to do an art degree at Cheltenham, specialising in print-making, followed by an MA in illustration at Kingston University. She then spent 15 years as a freelance illustrator. ‘It fitted in well with bringing up my children, George, now 14, and Molly, 12, and general family life,’ she says. However, as time went on, Sam started to look for a new challenge. The catalyst for change came about when the family moved to Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. ‘It’s a very Arts and Crafts town,’ she says. ‘I was invited to exhibitions and became…

As a teenager growing up in Birmingham, I was lucky to have family friends who would take my brother and I to spend the summers with them in their holiday home in Aberdyfi, Wales. It’s on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and on the most beautiful, unspoilt Welsh coastline. It’s a really special corner of the country. Having both the Irish Sea and the estuary on our doorstep, we spent those summers waterskiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. My brother, Antony, and I had a game our parents didn’t know about. We’d put life jackets on and jump in at the top of the estuary, then try to swim to the beach and not be swept out to sea by the fast current – without wetsuits. We longed for wetsuits, because…

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We want this now... High-quality, cast-iron cookware is always on our wish list, and the Finex collection is right at the top. Handmade and hand-dipped, the octagonal skillet has up to six pouring spouts, ideal for removing excess oil or serving sauces. What’s more, the spring handle stays cool no matter how hot the pan is. Finex cast-iron skillet, from £129, Borough Kitchen. OUR FAVOURITE ARTISAN PRODUCER Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company In 2010, Jonathan Williams quit his Swindon desk job to move back to Pembrokeshire, and started a new career collecting and enhancing produce straight from the sea, wild seashore plants and seaweed. Now stocked in 200 delis, farmshops and fishmongers, his products also sell online and from the beach trailer, Café Môr. What’s so special about what you sell?…

I’d wanted to live in Scotland so when husband always , my Alan asked if I wanted to move here, I was overjoyed,’ says Rebecca Checkley-Mills. The possibility of relocation came about because Alan, who had been in the RAF in Oxfordshire, decided he wanted to work for a commercial airline based in Edinburgh. ‘My grandfather was Scottish,’ says Rebecca, ‘so I had happy memories and roots here. Scotland has always been my second home as we used to come during the summer holidays.’ So Rebecca, Alan and their daughter Eliza, now 16, headed north. At first, the family rented outside Perth and waited for the right house to come up – it took a year. ‘The search was dictated by the distance to the airport as we needed to…

Di’s style secret Show-off beloved cookware and serveware collections with open shelving to add colour and interest. Modern Country Classic Refectory table Originally used for dining in medieval monasteries, these sturdy pieces later became banqueting tables in castles and noble residences. Long and narrow in shape, classic designs have legs joined by rails around the top and stretchers at the bottom. Choose one with a rustic character to complement a generously proportioned country kitchen, and gather your nearest and dearest around for a feast! Where to buy... • Titchmarsh & Goodwin for magnificent pieces featuring strapwork carving. • Turnbull & Thomas for designs with painted details. • Hadley Rose for good quality reproductions.…

(Opener) Wallpaper,Acanthus, col Moss, £59 a roll, Designers Guild. Astier de Villatte bowl, £85; botanical bookmark, £2.50; fern vase, £7.50, all Petersham Nurseries. Fabric samples,from a selection, Abigail Borg. Scissors,string,similar from Dee Puddy. Ceramic flower, from £15, Home Address. Quail,£28 for 2, Cox & Cox. THE SOFA THAT’LL BECOME AN HEIRLOOM Wallpaper, Acanthus, col Moss, £59 a roll, Designers Guild. Ilkley sofa, £1,198; Ilkley armchair, £1,019, both in Peter Partridge Velvet, Joules for DFS. (On sofa, from left) Cushions: 1 & 4 Peter Partridge Velvet, part of Ilkley sofa (as before). 2 Pretty Maids, col Damson & Winter, £52m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. 3 Pheasant, col Pink on Cream, £54m, Barneby Gates. 5 Muscari, col Slate, £65, Abigail Borg. Rome wool throw, col Pink/Natural, £75, Bronte by Moon. Esme scarf, col Silver/Multi,…

1 STATEMENT PIECE A pantry cupboard painted in rich hibiscus is in punchy contrast to the smoky green-grey hue used for both walls and units in this imposing Shaker-style kitchen. ‘Marrying opposite shades on the colour wheel is a classic decorating trick,’ explains interior designer Eliza Price. ‘The key is to ensure that the tonal depth of both is the same, then introduce another accent shade – in this case, a bright green – in very small doses to balance the overall look.’ 2 SHELF LIFE Brilliant crimson – used for both wall and shelving – has given dramatic resonance to this room, with its pinkish quarry-tiled floor and dark beams. ‘Such a bold colour creates a lasting impression – a neutral shade would never have been so effective,’ says…

1 Simple elegance The pared-back sophistication of Shaker style is hard to beat and this inspired design, with its beaded drawer surrounds and turned legs, has it in spades. Bala four-drawer chest, H87xW110xD48cm, £599, Croft Collection at John Lewis. 2 New England inspired A timber top, cup handles and chamfered drawer fronts equal East Coast style. Dawson Country three-drawer chest, H81xW95xD50cm, £499, Marks & Spencer. 3 Clean lines Inspired by mid-century design, this sleek model will bring a modern feel to your room. Penn chest of drawers in Oak, H86.5x W105xD44cm, £499, Made. 4 Slim silhouette A refined but colourful tower that features handcrafted details and works amazingly well in small spaces. Larsson tall chest of drawers, H116xW64xD49cm, col Old Rose, £1,040, Neptune. 5 Dovetail joints Robust enough for a…

While it may not be considered the glamorous face of home decor, the kitchen bin has a lot to offer these days. Designs are more attractive and come in a huge range of colours to match your scheme. They’re not just putting a pretty face on waste either, as they can now provide everything from rubbish compaction to odour filters. The biggest change? Hygiene is vastly improved, with powder-coated steel and hands-free solutions. Here are our top three picks for bins you’ll be happy to put on display... DID YOU KNOW? THE AVERAGE UK HOUSEHOLD THREW AWAY £470 WORTH OF FOOD BY BINNING UNNECESSARILY IN 2015, SO KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT YOU’RE PUTTING IN THE RUBBISH*. 1 Best for... MAXIMISING SPACE Titan Trash Compactor, £199, Joseph Joseph Bins get…

BUY BRITISH Hill & Ellis Following a fruitless search for a stylish bike bag, Hill & Ellis founder Catherine Ellis decided to design one herself… and so the company was born. In 2013 the brand (named after Catherine’s grandparents who taught her to cycle) launched its British Made collection. Materials are sourced up and down the UK, before being hand-cut, stamped and stitched into leather panniers. Designs include this satchel style, Bradley, in sunshine yellow, £195. In the pocket! Add a lovely touch to place settings or an early-season picnic with this pure linen cutlery pocket. Available in Natural (above) and Light Grey, it costs £25 for 2, Finch & Crane. GO WILD IN WELLIES With a shared passion for the great outdoors, Hunter Field and the National Trust have…

‘In darker spaces, use colours on main features, and paler tones on worktops and cabinetry, to create a lighter, less hemmed-in effect’ Two years ago, Lara Cole and Ian Fox began renovating their dream home in a picturesque Norfolk village. Built in the 1600s and then extended during the Victorian era, their thatched house was once a pub, before being reinvented as The Old Vicarage, as it is still known today. On the Victorian side is the kitchen, which the couple have recently expanded, adding a large orangery that leads out to the pretty garden. The colours of the East Anglian coast provided inspiration for the refurbishment. ‘We love to walk the dogs and go sailing there,’ says Lara. ‘There is always a new shade or detail in the landscape.…

Sam Wilson wanted to create a shop with a vintage rustic interior to mirror her products. She and her husband, Mark, didn’t have a big budget so renovated the old Post Office they rent in Chipping Campden themselves. ‘te found some photographs of the shop from the 1900s and were keen to take it back to that old-fashioned general store look. te thought it should be part-shop, part-museum and part-home. te were able to salvage the original elm and oak floorboards and they helped to set the scene.’ Sam then filled the shop with antiques, using them as props to display her products. She incorporated vintage tables, coat pegs, ladders, easels and mannequins. qhere is also a traditional wooden-topped, tongue-and-groove counter. qhe shop façade still has an old postbox lending…

Shine a new light One of Britain’s longest-surviving lighting manufacturers – since the 1800s – David Hunt Lighting has extended its paint service with Marston & Langinger to its Shoreditch pendant (left). Choose from 10 new country-inspired shades for a contemporary update. Group together above an island or hang solo. Prices from £222. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER Crisp & Dene Suffolk-based textile designer Will Crisp has created the new Best in Show utility range for Aga, elevating kitchen linens to an art form with its livestock design. Where are you based? I live and work in Felixstowe on the Suffolk coast. I’m lucky to live three minutes’ walk from the sea. I find this pretty coastal town inspirational and often work from my beach hut. What appealed to you about this…

With20 ’ years experience in interior design, Miranda Snow set about finding a pretty country cottage to turn into the perfect weekend retreat for herself and her husband, Ian. Along with the fact that their children had flown the nest, they had many things to take into consideration during the house-hunting process, but everything fell into place once they found a classic stone cottage in the heart of the Sussex Downs. ‘The style was exactly what we were looking for,’ says Miranda. ‘It was originally the village school and had been carefully restored and maintained by the previous owner, but needed re-organising and refurbishing to our tastes.’ Sadly the sale didn’t go to plan. Their offer was rejected and the couple were forced to continue their search. ‘We were thrilled…

Laura’s style secret Use a favourite fabric across a variety of made-to-measure furnishings such as cushions, runners and curtains for a cohesive look. Modern Country Classic Mahogany furniture Distinctively reddish-brown in hue with a durable nature, this globe-trotting timber hails from the Bahamas and has been used for furniture since the 1730s. It became popular for making large tabletops without the need for joins, as it could be sourced in big pieces. Thanks to its strength, it was used extensively in cabinet making and today remains a favoured wood among those who love traditional, heritage style. Where to buy... • AKD Furniture for solid wood, handcrafted furniture. • Lock Stock & Barrel Furniture for reproduction and modern designs. • The Lifestyle Collection Ltd for fine hand carving.…

Country animals Let native, country-life characters charm their way into your scheme with animated motifs playfully captured across quality linens and made-to-measure soft furnishings. Hedgerow florals Be inspired by spring stirring in the countryside and awaken your interiors with pretty, trailing designs featuring beautiful blooms dancing freely across delightful embroideries and chalky, bright linen and cotton blends. Relaxed stripes Rewrite the ‘rule’ book and embrace a gentle approach to linear patterns on soft furnishings, with understated tickings and stripes in hand-drawn designs and fluid, organic lines.…

Bethany Holmes takes her artistic inspiration right from her doorstep. Described by Bethany as a mix of abstract expressionism and contemporary impressionism, her canvases are a visual delight, filled with her take on the colour and character of the British countryside. On a spring day, we headed to North Essex to sit and chat about her passion for colour... TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE… I live on my boyfriend Ben’s family farm in North Essex, where I also have my studio. It’s quite isolated and surrounded by fields yet within five minutes of lots of villages. The horizon is as far as the eye can see, but I can watch the weather coming in and see the most amazing sunsets. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART?…

EASY TO LIVE WITH AND REASSURINGLY HARDWEARING, natural flooring encompasses a wealth of tempting designs ready to weave some magic into your home. Texture is the byword for flooring made from natural plant fibres – some are deceptively soft, others coconut-shell rough. Sisal is an immensely versatile option, with a variety of styles and patterns to choose from. The silky finish of jute makes it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, and it comes in a range of finishes, from fine herringbone to chunky designs. Prickly coir, a favourite for robust doormats, can be rolled out to the length of a hallway, practical for a busy family home. Tough seagrass has a natural waxiness that will shrug off stains, though this slipperiness makes it unsuitable for stairs. A LARGE PART…

1 Buff up dull surfaces with cloths soaked in two-parts water to two-parts white vinegar, plus a few drops of lemon essential oil. Store in jam jars with fresh lemon peel. 2 Blitz bathrooms with scented descaling bombs. Measure 300g bicarbonate of soda and 100g citric acid into a bowl, add 10ml of essential oils and stir. Place into silicone moulds to dry, then store in sealed, moisture-resistant jars. 3 Spritz a herbal cleansing spray. Blend 10 drops each of clove and lemon, 5 each of cinnamon and eucalyptus and 2 of rosemary. Add 8 drops of the blend to 250ml witch hazel distillate to make the spray.…

CREME CARAMEL This simplest of baked custards really is heaven on a plate. SERVES 4 For the caramel 100g caster sugar For the custard 1 vanilla pod 400ml whole milk 50ml whipping cream 4 large eggs 125g caster sugar 1 Put four 9cm ramekin moulds in a roasting tin and preheat the oven to 150°C/Fan 130°C/Gas 2. 2 To make the caramel, put the sugar and 3 tbsp of water in a small pan over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the syrup is clear, stop stirring and allow to caramelise. Once the caramel is a dark copper colour, remove from the heat and divide among the moulds. 3 Cut the vanilla pod in half and scrape out the seeds. Put the seeds in a…

1 BAR AREA This mini bar area allows an evening drink to be made without cook and bartender getting under each other’s feet. ‘Ian will make us a G&T on a summer evening, while I prepare dinner,’ says Lara. Having the small sink right next to the drinks cupboard is an added convenience, and the Carrara worksurface doesn’t stain, despite its light colouring. Ian and Lara’s names are engraved on the his and her crate drawers – ‘it is a lovely rustic touch,’ says Lara. 2 AGA SPLASHBACK The main kitchen doesn’t have much natural light – in fact, two unusually narrow windows, which are listed features, are the only source. Yet the room does not feel dark. One reason is the antique mirrored splashback behind the Aga. ‘It draws…

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