Innholdsfortegnelse for Oct-2018 i Country Homes & Interiors

I always think of autumn as the season of pottering, because of all the practical but enjoyable tasks that need to be done: putting the garden to bed; pulling out the winter bedding, coats and jumpers; sorting and labelling dry goods in the larder, ready for slow-cooked stews and casseroles. It’s also a great time to update your décor, with a feast of new collections in store. Our style team has produced its essential edit of the trends to trust on page 85. And, if you’re inspired to add pattern, but tend to err on the cautious side, let our story on ‘peaceful’ pattern inspire you (page 70). These subtle, tonal and textural designs are just so easy on the eye and painless to incorporate. One of the simplest ways…

BORDER CARE As autumn approaches, some choose to cut back borders now while others wait for spring. Neither time is wrong but here are some advantages… Autumn: • Cut back perennials and it will be easier to plant spring bulbs. • Low-growing winter-flowering plants such as snowdrops will be seen. Spring: • Untouched borders provide cover for wildlife. • Seed heads and foliage can look stunning with a dusting of frost. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER Create a kid’s paradise Award-winning designer Ann-Marie Powell has designed gardens for Greenfingers, the charity that creates inspiring outdoor spaces for children in hospices. What is the most important feature for a child’s garden? Children love a space of their own. Creating a den using a rhododendron or using willow to build a wigwam to make the space…

What we love most about living here… ‘Our house is full of light and really warm and cosy’ Sheila and Geoffrey McGaughey had lived in the same pretty Surrey village for most of their married lives, having originally moved there so their children could have a countryside upbringing. Once their kids had grown up and left, the couple decided it was time to move from their family home, but were keen to stay in the same village. They had bought a nearby cottage to renovate, originally thinking that they would rent it out, but they ended up selling their house and moving there instead. ‘It overlooked fields and, as it was smaller than the house we were living in, we thought we’d try downsizing,’ says Sheila. Although living in a…

Flat-topped with a choice of shelves, cupboards and drawers, these sturdy, multi-use pieces are handy and handsome additions for dining rooms, used to store all manner of go-to mealtime essentials. For a modern country look, why not opt for a design with clean lines and a scheme-tying, colour-painted finish contrasted with a waxed wooden top – polished metal handles will provide a stylish finishing detail. Where to buy… • The Cotswold Company for smart designs in a palette of calming country neutrals. • Tikamoon for styles to suit all tastes and interiors. • Titchmarsh & Goodwin for a choice of bespoke pieces.…

Lea’s style secret... Create a cosy home-office environment with comfortable seating, and surround yourself with favourite knick-knacks to inspire creativity and productivity.…

Visit… ‘Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve (01485 210779, rspb.org.uk ). Birdwatchers come from all over the world to discover this peaceful spot on the north Norfolk coast. It really is twitcher heaven.’ Shop at… ‘Thornham Deli (01485 512194, thornhamdeli.co.uk ), near Hunstanton, an award-winning café and shop that stocks everything from tasty food to beautiful gifts and home accessories. The staff are delightful.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Duck Inn (01485 518330, duckinn.co.uk ) in Stanhoe, between Docking and Burnham Market. It is a cosy, coastal pub serving delicious bistro-style fare with an emphasis on local produce. The staff are friendly and the place has such a welcoming atmosphere.’…

When Sally and Andy Littlestone decided to move from London to Kent in 2014, Andy was planning to commute to work. The couple were looking for a family house, so when an agent tried to tempt them with a period property in Sissinghurst village that needed total restoration, they wouldn't even look at it, not believing they had the skills or experience for such a project. But as weeks passed with no suitable properties to view, they were finally persuaded to take a look. ‘We walked in, saw its dilapidated state and all the overgrown land, smiled at each other and knew this was it,’ says Sally. It was the start of a completely unplanned and life-changing learning curve for the family. The oldest part of the house dates from…

An ancillary storage room to the kitchen, these utilitarian spaces are enjoying a resurgence in country homes. With an affectionate name derived from the French word for bread ‘pain’, traditional types included a butler’s or serving pantry and a cold pantry for dairy produce. Today’s built-in designs can be tailored to meet individual needs and styles; or you can go for a freestanding pantry cupboard for plentiful storage in a smaller footprint. Where to buy… • The Cotswold Company for standalone pieces. • Plain English for handmade options created using quality materials. • Artichoke for designs with English period detail.…

Tribal texture Take your seating on a global journey with an ultra-tactile fusion of nomad weaves, tufted geo designs and Scandi looms and fringing in a mix of neutrals and earthy reds. Artisan patterns Pretty up a boudoir with decorative block- and screen-printed repeats and motifs inspired by organic natural shapes in chalky mid-tones and country pastels. Happy scatters! Embrace the novelty factor with fun picks to perk up any room! Spread delight with cheerful brights, playful pom-pom trimmings galore and quirky, experimental shapes...…

Nowadays we’re used to all sorts of wild and wonderful natural ingredients in our beauty products – sea kelp, kale, even bee venom would hardly raise an eyebrow. But it wasn’t so long ago that finding a shampoo containing any sort of genuine plant extract was no easy task. Romy Fraser changed all that, blowing a breath of fresh air into the industry when she opened a small shop in Covent Garden in 1981, selling balms and lotions made from real herbs and flowers, all presented in elegant blue glass bottles. The business quickly flourished, with Neal’s Yard Remedies among the first to have its goods certified by The Soil Association. But Romy, a former teacher, always had a greater goal in mind: to set up a working farm where…

BE CREATIVE WITH FABRIC AND ADD VISUAL INTEREST with contemporary weaves and colours. A formal sofa can make a confident statement to any country interior. ‘Take the other elements you have in the room into consideration when picking out fabric styles and patterns,’ says Tricia Guild, founder and creative director of Designers Guild. For understated elegance opt for textural wool, felt or linen in calm, neutral shades to complement any existing natural stone floors or wooden beams. Whereas plush velvet in dramatic shades and bold patterns will bring a touch of glamour and highlight any period detailing. SIZE IS KEY TO CREATING A BALANCED INTERIOR. Traditional styles, such as high-backed and scroll-arm sofas, have more generous dimensions than neater, modern boxy styles. Lynda Rowe, buyer for upholstery at John Lewis…

Pearl Lowe has a knack for spotting pieces that will add character to the Georgian home she shares with her musician husband and family in Frome, Somerset. With an eclectic mix of one-off vintage finds from local antique shops, beautiful fabrics and contemporary pieces, she’s created a home that’s sometimes described as ‘rock’n’roll meets vintage granny chic’. The key to her look is an artful mix of four or five interesting pieces that really stand out in each room – wind your way through Pearl’s luxuriously restored home, and you’ll see fabric designs that work perfectly together in each room. For starters, there’s the spacious and elegant living room with mismatched florals, animal print, vintage tassels and contemporary, made-to-measure curtains that are perfectly in keeping with the room’s light, airy…

Heritage brand Christy is renowned for its cotton bedlinen and towels. Founded by Henry Christy in 1850 at the height of the industrial revolution in Manchester, Christy introduced the Western world to the concept of the terry towel, before moving on to weave cotton sheets and linen. The Christy HQ is still based in Greater Manchester and the company now produces a range of bedroom and bathroom essentials such as duvets, pillows, bathrobes and slippers, and is the official textile supplier of both Ascot and Wimbledon.…

PUMPKIN SEASON A bowl that you can eat, bubbling with cheesy pasta goodness, has to be the ultimate in greedy delight. SERVES 2 2 soup bowl-sized edible squashes Sea salt and black pepper 80g cauliflower, grated or pulsed in a food processor 225ml double cream 150ml Farmhouse ale 1 bouquet garni made up of 6 sage leaves, 2 bay leaves, 4 squished garlic cloves, 4 sprigs of thyme, 2 sprigs of rosemary, tied together 200g macaroni or chifferi rigati 1tbsp cornflour Knob of butter Splash of basic olive oil 150g good-quality mature Cheddar, grated 175g Gouda or Emmental, finely chopped 40g Stinking Bishop or Taleggio, finely chopped 100g chorizo picante, diced and fried until crispy chilli flakes (optional) 2g Parmesan, grated 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3 and…

CABINETRY Pure range cabinetry from John Lewis of Hungerford, painted in Earl Grey with islandin Cardoon. Kitchens start from £17,500. SURFACES Verona quartz composite worktops, from £400sq m, Silestone. Solid walnut worktops, from £450sq m, John Lewis of Hungerford. APPLIANCES Built-in CVA 6800 coffee machine, £3,675; DGM 6800 steam oven with microwave, £4,124; H 6860 BP oven, £3,849; DGC 6860 steam combination oven, £5,799; ESW 6229X warming drawer, £1,325; G6660 SCVi dishwasher, £1,299; KWT 6321 UG wine conditioning unit, £2,549; KMDA 7774 FL induction hob with integrated extractor, £3,499, all Miele. SINKS & TAPS Stages 3761-NA stainless-steel sink with accessories, £2,506, Kohler. Fusion Round Pro3 boiling, hot and cold tap, from £1,150, Quooker. ACCESSORIES Easymaid bar stools, £235, John Lewis of Hungerford.…

Visit… ‘Llanthony Priory (01873 890487, llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk ) in Monmouthshire. It’s a magical ruined priory in a fabulous Black Mountain location, which also has an underground bar in the cellar.’ Shop at... ‘The Old Electric Shop (01497 821194, oldelectric.co.uk ) in Hay-on-Wye. It sells a great variety of vintage clothes and an eclectic mix of home and gardenware.’ Go for a meal at... ‘Tomatitos (01497 820772, haytomatitos.co.uk ) in Hay-on-Wye, for fabulous tapas in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.’…

Cosy up together Perfect for snuggling up by the fire, the Chesterfield Love Seat, £3,195 from Lombok, injects a timeless touch to any living space. Classic styling, such as the button details and hand pleating, is given a modern twist with a soft tan colourway. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER Zed & Co Unable to find kitchen textiles in simple designs that she loved, Christine Zed launched her own homeware brand, Zed & Co, in 2015. Inspired by the countryside surrounding her home, she designed a range of textiles and tableware in subtle shades. What inspires you? I love minimalist design and have always been drawn to the unfussy and uncluttered. My designs are inspired by all sorts of things in our lovely Sussex garden, from wildflowers and wildlife, to the pineapple…

Situated on Lymington’s Georgian high street, Willow Lifestyle has become a magnet for visitors to the town. Store owner Rob Burns and his team of stylists sell a curated collection of furniture and home accessories, and customers are encouraged to bring along photos of their homes to receive advice on what colours would work, or how to handle problem areas. Rob tells us more... WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP YOUR SHOP? A love of all things design, from amazing architecture to inspired interiors. My family has always been in retail, so it was a natural progression for me to open Willow Lifestyle in 2009. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SHOP STYLE? Our location on the south coast, with the New Forest on our doorstep, has led to our particular…

Visit… ‘Windlesham is a great village and close to many lovely walks and places. Our favourite is Virginia Water in Windsor Great Park, closely followed by Windsor Castle ( royalcollection.org.uk ) and Hampton Court Palace ( hrp.org.uk ).’ Shop at… ‘I love shopping and my favourite places to go are Story in Bray (01628 638941, storyinbray.com ) in Bray and Bird (01344 622312, birdsunningdale.co.uk ) in Sunningdale, which has great gifts for all ages.’ Go for a meal at… ‘We like to eat at The Brickmakers (01276 472267, thebrickmakerswindlesham.co.uk ) in Windlesham. For breakfast and lunch, Fego (01344 876464, hellofego.com ) in Sunningdale is also a must.’…

It was a love of nature that swayed Lea and Jonty Hampson’s decision to move from the east end of London to the heart of the Lake District National Park. ‘Growing up in Texas, I spent most of my childhood outdoors, and Jonty had spent most of his playing in the surrounding woods of the very same farmhouse we’re lucky enough to be living in now,’ says Lea. ‘Moving here was a chance for us both to revisit our rural upbringings and have a bit more room and air to breathe.’ Jonty had lived in the property as a young boy in the Seventies, and when his family later moved away, rather than selling the house, they rented it out. ‘When the tenants moved out in 2015, it seemed crazy…

Safety first! Traditionally these grids were placed in front of an open fire to prevent burning wood and glowing embers from falling onto the floor. Now taking on a double function in many modern homes, screens in a variety of sizes and decorative finishes are used as an attractive focal point, even sans fire. Choose an arched-brow design for a romantic and traditional look, or opt for minimalist chic with a simple glass silhouette. Where to buy… • Chesneys for practicality with distinctive design. • Black Country Metal Works for functional and artistic artisan makes. • Fireplace Products for ceramic glass screens.…

Amanda’s style secret... Embrace your home’s history and story – exposed beams make a charming feature in a light and airy scheme.…

Visit… ‘Sissinghurst Castle Garden (01580 710701, nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurstcastle-garden ). Just a short walk from us, it’s always inspiring to take a stroll around the amazing gardens while admiring the castle.’ Shop at… ‘Symonds Salvage Yard (01233 820724, symondssalvage.co.uk ) in Bethersden. I love upcycling and am always finding old treasures here that I can get creative with.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Curious Eatery (01622 299359, thecuriouseatery.co.uk ) in Boughton Monchelsea. It’s a quirky and fun restaurant within The Albion pub which is equally perfect for casual Sunday lunches with your close family and special birthday suppers with a big group of friends and relatives.’…

CHOOSE SUBTLE LAYERS OF PATTERN Create a refined feature wall with designs based on the silhouette of grasses and foliage. An intricate rug brings the floor into focus, while mid-tone cushions on a slouchy sofa and a reclaimed wood table add to the relaxed feel. STYLE UP A SEASONAL TABLE Dine off delicately detailed dinnerware with patterns inspired by nature, and textural and imprinted finishes. COSY UP FOR SUPPER Gather around the table with the crackling of the fire as the soundtrack to your evening. Hang patterned panel curtains at the window to filter the light and create an intimate, laid-back mood. FALL FOR ELEGANT PATTERN Create a bespoke splashback with a sycamore wallpaper framed and finished with on-trend protective glass panels. DISPLAY NATURE PRINTS Celebrate the season with a…

REVERSE BOTANICAL PATTERNS Sometimes it really is as simple as black and white… Embrace the versatile appeal of simplistic mono with nature-inspired motifs in contradicting switched, inside-out and flip-flopped repeats. This trend is all about the striking contrast between dark and light. Go for dramatic grandeur with a statement feature wallcovering in ditsy or large-scale print, or amp up everyday and occasional dining with charcoal designs decorated with stylised, eye-catching florals. LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY... • Sainsbury’s Home for pretty hedgerow patterns on two-tone dinnerware sets. • Morris & Co at Style Library for white and grey juxtaposed across awe-inspiring wallpapers. • National Trust Shop for fallen leaves and preserved plants reflected on home accessories. MUSTARD SQUASH Add a warming colour condiment to your home with this cosy, harvest-hued palette – earthy…

Open wide Think generously when planning the entrance to a pantry – double doors will lend an expansive feel. ‘The larder feels like an extension to the kitchen, rather than a separate space, and the look is brought together by fitting shaker-style doors and knobs similar to those of the kitchen cabinets,’ says Ashley Brunt, senior designer, Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection. ‘If you have the space, a walk-in larder will store all those family essentials, and this one even has room to incorporate a large wine cooler, too.’ » Essential ingredients ‘Our love of pantries and larders harks back to more traditional values in living, as seen in the current trend for home cooking and growing your own food,’ says Melissa Klink, head of design, Harvey Jones. Kitted out with…

It turns out that there’s more to the modern kettle than simply boiling water. The latest models overflow with features designed to make boiling water faster and easier. If you’re a lover of decent coffee and delicate herbal teas, you can now adjust the temperature of the water to create the perfect drink. But the hottest feature is the ability to control the kettle with a smartphone or even voice control via Amazon Alexa, so you can set the kettle to boil at specific times and temperatures – great for groggy mornings, or if you’ve got a baby and a night feed to negotiate. 1 Best for… RAPID BOILING Signature Collection Polished Multi-Temp, £80, Cuisinart The 3kW element of this brushed stainless-steel kettle will boil your water before you’ve had…

• Source sleepers at reclamation yards or timber merchants. • These wooden supports are an ideal foil for plants as they change colour with the weather – pale when dry and dark when wet. • To make sturdy steps, measure carefully and leave 10cm at the back of each riser. Fill the spaces with sedum or other tough plants to soften the effect. • Take design inspiration from Manhattan’s High Line and create a horizontal garden feature. Lay sleepers in rows on the ground and grow sedums or other low, spreading plants in the gaps.…

GO FOR SOCIAL SOAP The Soap Co is a social enterprise that creates luxurious, ethical, handcrafted bath and beauty products, while providing training and jobs for visually impaired, disabled and disadvantaged people. Made from natural ingredients, all of the products are free from chemicals, and the packaging is a mix of recyclable, biodegradable and compostable materials. We love the Geranium & Rhubarb body wash, £19. CHOOSE A CRAFT TOOL Perfect for crafters and DIY enthusiasts, the Stylo+ by Dremel, £56, allows you to carve a pattern on wood, personalise and engrave leather, or polish a piece of metal. The lightweight gadget can also be used on stone and glass, as well as for sanding. CARRY OFF A CAPE Keep warm and toasty on country rambles with this gorgeous tweed cape,…

1 Kinn Living Choose a washing up liquid that’s gentle on your hands but tough on grease. Kinn Living Eco washing-up liquid, £3.50 for 500ml, has a plant-based formula that uses pure essential oils and is free from petrochemicals, all other harsh chemicals and dyes. 2 Wilton London This luxury concentrated non-bio laundry liquid detergent uses natural oils to leave your washing with a long-lasting botanical scent. The chemical-free formula, £9.95 per litre, is as kind to delicate skin as it is to the environment. 3 Mangle & Wringer Pure Liquid soap by Mangle & Wringer, £7.80 for 500ml, is a gentle castile soap made from organic coconut and sunflower oils. It can be used to clean just about anything – from floors and worktops to wall tiles and carpet…

PROJECT PROFILE Owners Paul and Jane Howard, who are both retired. House A four-bedroom, detached barn conversion in rural Surrey. Project The space was increased for a sociable modern kitchen, and bifold doors were installed to create a seamless connection with the terrace and stunning views. Kitchen size 5x6m. Designer Graham Jones of John Lewis of Hungerford. ‘We’ve always loved the style of converted barns and when we saw this space, we knew it would make for the most incredible kitchen’ Cabinetry Pure Kitchen range from John Lewis of Hungerford. » Drinking in the glorious views across the Lower Wey Valley, it’s easy to see what attracted Paul and Jane Howard to their new home. ‘We wanted breathing room,’ says Paul, ‘and this area…

Just as Layla Robinson has found, gaining commissions takes time. Caroline Jackman, Talent Development Manager at the Crafts Council, has been supporting makers for more than 15 years and has worked for the Crafts Council for the past two. She understands fully the importance of good marketing strategies to bring in income. Here are her tips on gaining a regular source of commissions… Listen to your client. ‘What are they asking for exactly? Can you fulfil the brief within budget and to deadline? What particular conditions and details of the project are they asking for? If you need to be competitive in applying for a commission, it’s good to do as much additional market research as possible so that you have the competitive edge – find that special something that…

We want this now... It's preserving time! Turn foraged blackberries and apples into tasty jam using this stainless steel Maslin jam pan, £29.99, Lakeland. At 4.5L, it's a nice and compact size, and works on all hob types. The thick base means a longer boiling time, so you won't have to worry about burning or sticking, and it’s oven safe up to an impressive 260°C. OUR FAVOURITE PIE MAKERS Brockleby’s Founded in 2003, Brockleby’s is headed up by farmers and pie makers of Melton Mowbray. The company bakes up to 10,000 pies every week from their own beef, other meats and locally sourced ingredients. Managing director Ian Jalland tells us more... What’s so special about your pies? Our pies are special because not only are they delicious but provenance of…

Position a wall clock low down and off centre for a designer finishing touch. Statement, sizable and striking in both time and style, a handsome, oversized clock has become a classic addition to a country home, adding individuality to walls and rooms. Due to its scale, it draws the eye, adding character and a modern note to the space. WHAT’S THE STORY Clocks, whether mantel, wall hung, alarm or freestanding, have been a mainstay in our homes since the early 1900s, earning a place in family hearts and routines with their individual chimes and sounds. The trend for accessorising with oversized clocks first became popular with the rise of the industrial look and loft living, and more recently with mid-century style. What was once a timekeeper for the warehouse, office…

Sheila’s style secret... Create a social eating space with a harmonious blend of blush pinks, warm woods and delicate floral accents.…

Visit… ‘Windermere ( visitcumbria.com ) and the surrounding lakes and fells that are only a few miles from our house. It’s a brilliant area for walking, as well as hiking, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing.’ Shop at… ‘Low Sizergh Barn (01539 560426, lowsizerghbarn.co.uk ) in Kendal. It’s a 17th-century working dairy farm, which sells its own raw milk and delicious local produce. It’s the perfect place to take friends and sample treats from the tea room.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Punch Bowl (01539 568237, the-punchbowl.co.uk  ) at Crosthwaite. Their contemporary restaurant is a good place to eat on special occasions, while the informal bar is great for everyday. You can sample the local Barngates beer while you’re there.’…

We’ve rolled up the carpets and sent them to the moths! Eye-catching and easy to maintain, a wood floor can provide a lovely backdrop. Get down and dirty with a spot of DIY, or opt for a quick fix update with a pre-finished supply. Magic up a light, spacious illusion with bright whites, natural shades or subtle greys, or for high-fashion maximalist flair, dare to go dark with blacks that have undertones of green, blue or red. Where to buy… • Farrow & Ball for richly pigmented colours. • Little Greene for hard-wearing, washable and eco-friendly recipes. • The Healthy House for safe, allergy-friendly options.…

Sally’s style secret... Keep your space tidy and organised with deep cupboards fitted with internal sockets so that you can use appliances in situ.…

PEACEFUL PATTERN Wall, papered in Ripple concrete, col White, £370, Surface View. Beech Leaves wallpaper,col Kraft, £69 a roll, Hannah Nunn. Luna linen-mixin Wild Rose, £64.90m, Linwood. Elements teacup,£24, The Future Kept. Small spotted vase,£25; tall vase, £40, both Olivia Jeffries. Fern vase,£95, Lindy Barletta Ceramics. Limited Edition bird vessel, from £49, Abigail Edwards. Bowl,£15, Olivia Jeffries. Lali terracotta pot,£6, Rowen & Wren. CHOOSE SUBTLE LAYERS OF PATTERN Wall, papered in In The Tall Grass, col Kraft, £130 for three 330cm panels, Hannah Nunn. Radley large sofa,col Calm Linen, £2,622, Collins & Hayes. British herringbone throw,col Ochre, £59, The Future Kept. Cushions(front to back): 1 in Kabalya Indigo, £95m, Mark Alexander. 2 Milan Gold, £49.95, Bronte By Moon. 3 Liberty Curry, £39, Idyll Home. 4 in Luna, col Wild Rose,…

A quintessentially British brand that can trace its heritage back to 1837, Leeds-based Bronte by Moon produces luxury wool home accessories in its fully vertical mill. Each part of the process, from dyeing and blending raw wool fibres, spinning, warping, weaving and finally finishing the fabrics in Yorkshire spring water to the highest of standards, takes place on one site. With more people seeking out and supporting British design than ever before, iconic brands such as Bronte by Moon are strengthening their presence in the marketplace and becoming treasured staples for the home. Priding itself on a reputation for consistent quality and innovative design, Bronte by Moon has brought in new colourways – Aqua & Camel, Monochrome and Coral & Mint – to refresh and modernise core collections. And with…

1 Shelf stacker Transport, stack and stock fresh from the vegetable patch in these mix and match wonders, perfect for versatile storage. Large display rack, H41.4xW31.4xL45.5cm, £107; Baroque large crates, H7xW30xL42cm, from £23.50 each, both T&G Woodware. 2 Rustic hoard Store a harvest of ripe and ready orchard fruits in this three drawer pine unit – it fits snugly on a worktop or in the larder for space saving appeal, too. Vegetable store, H46xW52xD41cm, col Spruce, £125, Garden Trading. 3 Put a label on it Organise your favourite veg and keep muddy spuds separate in this personalisable rack. Personalised vegetable store, H53xW36xD26cm,£269,Plantabox at Notonthehighstreet.com. 4 Wired inspired Providing stylish storage with three generously-sized baskets,this freestanding industrial-look wire design will happily nestle into any style of interior,from rustic to contemporary. Beri…

Often associated with harvest time and Halloween celebrations, the humble pumpkin is not just a kitchen staple at this time of year, it is also ideal to display in the home. A cultivar of the squash plant, pumpkins come in many shapes, shades and sizes, feature smooth and knobbly skins and are filled with succulent flesh and seeds. Believed to originate in North America, the name ‘pumpkin’ is of Greek origin – ‘pepon’ means ‘large melon’. Grown on ground-creeping vines and requiring a summer of much watering, what is technically a fruit is treated as a vegetable in the kitchen where it is roasted, sautéed, mashed and puréed for use in soups, casseroles, pies and more. Alongside the culinary uses, pumpkins have long been carved and crafted into seasonal decorations.…

Visit … ‘Palace House, Newmarket (01638 667314; palacehousenewmarket.co.uk ) to see National Lottery funds superbly well spent. Enjoy displays about the history of horseracing, a remarkable collection of paintings, an excellent gift shop and café – it’s a great day out!’ Go for a meal at... ’The Packhorse Inn, Moulton (01638 751818; packhorseinn.com ), our very friendly local with a great restaurant and delicious bar food. We find it the perfect place to relax after a bracing walk.’ Shop at... ‘Simpson’s Nurseries, Fordham (01638 720194; simpsonsnurseries.com ). This family-run business offers mainly own-grown plants and trees, all at very competitive prices.’…

1 YOU WILL ENJOY coming home to somewhere you can rejuvenate and feel at ease. 2 SURROUNDING YOURSELF with things that bring you joy and that ground you, creates a home that invites serenity and awareness. 3 YOU CAN BE YOURSELF. Pay attention, unplug, reflect and discover how your space can – and should – be, one that reflects your quirks, your story and your own unique style. Taken from Do Inhabit by Sue Fan and Danielle Quigley (£8.99, The Do Book Company).…

1 ROOM AT THE BAR Making space for bar stools on two sides of the island means Paul and Jane can enjoy the views from all directions. ‘Our favourite thing about this whole project is that, together with John Lewis of Hungerford, we have made cooking a much more social enterprise,’ enthuses Jane. Do think about the size and position of your stools to ensure they don’t become a trip hazard when cooking. 2 FLOATING SHELF In order to give the appearance of floating effortlessly, this chunky wooden shelf needed to be carefully secured to the kitchen wall. The solution was to use specially made, deep steel rods, which are pushed into the barn wall and carried right through the depth of the shelf. 3 TANDEM DRAWERS Deep pan drawers…

It’s not hard to see where Layla Robinson’s creative flair for flowers comes from. Her home, just off the Offa’s Dyke path on the Radnorshire/Herefordshire border is surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape full of beautiful foliage, which she collects for her creations. ‘It’s where I feel my happiest – walking along the quiet roads or hilltops with my husband Rob and our three girls Matilda, 10, Marigold, eight, and Meredith, three, picking through the hedgerow for interesting grasses, berries and foliage.’ Layla has always loved flowers and nature, even as a child, having been raised in the Golden Valley in Herefordshire, renowned for its stunning landscape. That passion carried through to adulthood when she studied amenity horticulture at Pershore College of Horticulture and also went on to do an apprenticeship…

A ABIGAIL AHERN 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com ABIGAIL EDWARDS 07946 455277 abigailedwards.com ABODE LIVING 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ARLO & JACOB 0333 222 1643 arloandjacob.com ARTICHOKE 01934 745270 artichoke-ltd.com ART STEEL WORK 07853 756457 artsteelwork.com ASPACE 0800 021 9015 aspace.co.uk B BARNEY’S BISCUIT BOXES 07541 297654 barneysbiscuitboxes.co.uk BATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com BENCHMARX KITCHENS benchmarxkitchens.co.uk BENJAMIN MOORE 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BENUTA 020 3608 0595 benuta.co.uk BETTE 0844 800 0547 bette.de BIRDIE FORTESCUE 01328 738634 birdiefortescue.co.uk BISCUITEERS 0870 458 8358 biscuiteers.com BLACK COUNTRY METALWORKS 0800 688 8386 blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk BOHEMIA DESIGN 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk BOHZAAR 01531 553000 bohzaar.co.uk BONFIELD ENGLAND 01460 30268 bonfieldblockprinters.com BORDER OAK 01568 708752 borderoak.com…