Innholdsfortegnelse for Dec-2018 i Country Homes & Interiors

This issue is full of magic and sparkle! It’s packed with simple ideas to make your home look and feel special this Christmas. I’ll be copying Lynsey Cross’ stunningly decorated mantel (page 32) and giving my home a romantically rustic mood with fairy lights and candles, like Jessie Ward’s beautiful Hampshire farmhouse (page 54). If you feel like getting creative this year, find more mantel-dressing ideas on page 92, or ways to personalise a natural wreath (page 134). We have the ultimate edit of unusual presents to surprise and delight your loved ones on page 26, but there will be gifts galore at this year’s Country Homes & Interiors Christmas show, taking place at Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, 22-25 November. It’s a great day out, from browsing the stands for artisan…

THE PERFECT WINTER-FLOWERING CLIMBER Ring in 2019 by planting the winter-flowering Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica . This stunning evergreen climber offers a generous display of nodding, bell-shaped, cream flowers with maroon freckles. Avoid planting in a windy position or waterlogged soil and don’t water too much in summer, which is its dormant season. This clematis doesn’t need pruning and will reach 3m when mature. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER How do you celebrate Christmas? We asked TV gardener Toby Buckland how he celebrates the festive season with the help of his garden in Devon. What’s flowering in your garden at this time of year? Our garden is mild, so there’s often the odd rose to be picked, as well as hellebores. My…

WELLBEING Raise their spirits with a pampering session for body and soul with these calming, restorative and positive tokens of mindful loveliness… PET-TASTIC Purrr-fect picks full of charm and fun for lovers of all creatures great and small… FOODIES Tempt all the senses with these delicious delights for wine-and-dine connoisseurs!…

Lynsey’s style secret... Create an enchanting winter wonderland with an ice-and-eucalyptus palette cosied up with velvet, silk and faux fur...…

Visit… ‘Burnham-on-Crouch, our local town on the River Crouch, where we love to walk along the quayside, stopping for a drink at one of the lovely traditional pubs right on the water.’ Shop at… ‘The Limes Farm Shop (01621 785865) in Burnham-on-Crouch. We’re lucky to have a brilliant family-run farm shop just minutes from our house that sells local as well as home-grown fruit, veg and plants.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Bell (01621 828348, purleighbell.co.uk ) in Purleigh is a really lovely, cosy country pub that serves great food. I love the dried hops that decorate the ancient wooden beams.’…

With a new baby, a huge Bernese mountain dog, two cats and a growing number of horses and alpacas, barristers Jessie and Henry Ward were beginning to feel the squeeze in their previous home. What’s more, it was located by a busy road, which was becoming a concern. ‘After our first son, Xander, was born, the road started to worry me and we needed more outside space for the animals,’ says Jessie. ‘We looked at around 20 properties before we came across this seven-bedroom farmhouse.’ The listed property is set on an ancient sunken lane in rural Hampshire. The couple were drawn to it as space would definitely no longer be an issue – it came complete with a large detached barn, cricket pitch and 38 acres of land. It…

Inspired by the thrones of Chinese emperors, this popular Danish icon was designed by Hans J Wegner in the late 1940s. Aptly named because of its distinctive Y-shaped back, it’s simple but beautifully tactile frame and handwoven cord seat lend it a sense of timelessness. Introduce your home to a beautiful, modern reproduction available in a variety of wood types and painted finishes. Where to buy… • Cult Furniture for replicas in a range of striking colours. • Skandium for a Carl Hansen original. • Swivel UK for minimalist reproductions in a variety of light to dark woods.…

Perfectly polished, pristine homewares? – not for us. Modern rustic homes are being captivated by striking, patinated surfaces. We’re talking the beauty of imperfection: verdigris on copper or brass, aged metallics rippled with tarnished iridescents and antique-effect reactions. Lending age-worn appeal to any room, this story fuses heritage and industrial elements, celebrating textural contrast. Create beautiful dynamics with imperfect, oxidised picks full of worn familiarity and combine with tactile woods and cosy knits for a snug retreat rich in textural interest. LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… ✽ Making a statement on walls with rusty inspirations on tiled-effect panels. ✽ Timeless pieces with an aged aesthetic – choose industrial metal frames with a distressed finish and contrasting wood tops. ✽ Festive decorations in antiqued, molten colour blends, for an authentic allure.…

1 GRAND GARLAND Give an ornate fireplace a showstopping festive treatment that befits its grandness. Add to a collection of gilt-framed artwork with a glittering line-up of gold, silver and glass candlesticks in an array of shapes and sizes. Drape greenery along the length, decorated with cones, berries and hanging decorations. ‘A beautiful garland is a key festive ingredient,’ says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. ‘Make one yourself by winding a variety of greenery around a length of wire.’ 2 VINTAGE VIGNETTE Set up a festive still-life arrangement of bric-a-brac displayed in glass jars and bottles. Keep it simple with pine cones, leaves and berry sprigs, mixed with wooden cotton reels, dolly pegs, paint brushes and postcards. Use a mirror as a backdrop for your display, layering jars…

CREATE IMPACT WITH A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON A CLASSIC DESIGN. A dresser for the kitchen or dining room can be a wonderful statement piece, and adds style and practicality. Traditional country styles consist of drawers or cupboards at the bottom and display space at the top, and are ideal for adding authentic charm to a kitchen. ‘Dressers are having a resurgence and are a versatile piece for the kitchen,’ says Loaf founder Charlie Marshall. ‘They’re ideal for stacking and displaying crockery and linens, as well as storing baking ingredients and food that needs a cool, dry home.’ Weighty in design, they can be overbearing in smaller rooms, so look for modern updates with slender proportions and cleaner lines. GO BESPOKE AND HAVE A CABINET CUSTOM BUILT. For old properties with…

• Start by gathering together hard landscaping ideas from magazines, Pinterest and other gardens you like. • Get lots of samples in order to work out the effect you want. • Include more than one size and/ or shade of paving. • Check that the colours compliment local building materials, for instance use sandy colours with Cotswold stone. • Do your measuring carefully – over-ordering quantities can be expensive, but under-ordering might be disastrous!…

1 Wear anywhere With a durable sneaker-like sole and cosy Merino wool interior, these updated Mahabis come in dark grey or light grey with a choice of five sole colours. Classic 2, £69, Mahabis. 2 Soft and soothing This cosy design is lined with nourishing microcapsules that moisturise your feet. Moisturising slippers, £24.90, Soft & Yoga. 3 Mark your territory Monograms are big this season, so get your slippers in on the act, too. Merino sheepskin striped slippers, £145, Rae Feather.…

SLOW BAKED SALT DOUGH-CRUSTED LAMB Served in style, this delicious main course is well worth the wait for fragrant, herby meat. Serves 10 2kg boned and rolled shoulder of lamb 10 sprigs rosemary, roughly chopped 10 sprigs unchopped rosemary 20 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and roughly chopped 10 sprigs whole thyme 6 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder 1tbsp oil Pepper For the salt dough 1.5kg flour 1.5kg salt 2tbsp chopped rosemary 2 bunches rosemary 2tbsp oil 1 cup water For the gravy stock Lamb bones 6L cold water 10 sprigs of thyme 5 sprigs rosemary 1 head garlic 2tbsp vegetable bouillon 2 onions 2 carrots 2 leeks For the gravy 2 bottles of full-bodied red wine 1 jar redcurrant jelly 1tbsp mint sauce 2tbsp mint sauce Parsley,…

With commissions from celebrities such as Sir Elton John and Rick Stein, artist Louise Dear’s work hangs in homes, restaurants and galleries around the world. Tell us about your work…I began my career as a sculptor before moving on to painting and now create multi-layered works on aluminium panels. I start by sanding them, then I sprinkle on water and throw paint at it in vibrant, clashing colours. I love how the materials evolve on their own. I also use metallic paint, glitter and sequined shapes. For the next stage, I measure, rule and mask the panels, then rub in oil pigments and gilt creams, creating stripes to order and define the chaos. I then overlay fine lines of 24-carat gold leaf – they’re so fine they’re barely noticeable until…

1 OVER MANTEL In a traditional farmhouse kitchen, a chimney breast or stove provides a focal point for the room. With no such structural feature, the couple decided to ‘dress’ their range with an elegant over mantel, made bespoke by Parlour Farm. 2 LIMESTONE FLOORING The right flooring can give a timeworn charm in an instant. Sally and Matthew chose a limestone tile from Beswick Stone, with a tumbled edge reminiscent of old flagstones. ‘We fell in love with the beautiful stone floor the moment we saw it,’ says Sally. 3 COFFEE MACHINE ‘The coffee machine is an absolute treat,’ says Sally, referring to the nifty gadget that sits above the built-in microwave and takes all the effort out of a morning caffeine boost. But this sleek-looking feature brings something…

Visit… ‘With its wetland and woodland, Jones’s Mill Nature Reserve ( wiltshirewildlife.org ) near Pewsey, is beautiful and always changing, and is bounded by the Kennet and Avon Canal. I also have many fond memories of taking my son down there when he was little.’ Shop at... ‘The Inner Yard (01380 848692, theinneryard.co.uk ), Lydeway, Devizes, has a great mix of interiors, antiques, gifts and ethically-minded products. It’s a lovely environment and brilliant for buying presents, and many of my finds for the house have come from there.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Seven Stars Inn (01672 851325, thesevenstarsinn. co.uk ), in Bottlesford, near Pewsey. It’s an old thatched country pub with great food and a…

Playful spirit Along with holiday visitors, welcome an adorable four-legged friend into your home this festive season. The Bambi chair, £190, Elements Optimal at Someday Designs, is lovingly handcrafted in Denmark. Loved by children and adults alike, this iconic piece is sure to spread smiles around the room. Shop now with Ownable OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER Clouds and Currents For creative husband and wife duo, Bridget and Pete, ‘it all started with some wire, pliers and a great idea’. After winning Notonthehighstreet.com’s Handmade Product of the Year in 2013, the couple opened their first studio in rural Essex, complete with a small team of creative makers and a passion to create uniquely personalised gifts of the highest quality. What inspires you? We create each of our products by hand, often taking…

Boasting elegant proportions with a tall back, attractive wooden legs (often on brass castors) and sumptuous fixed-cover upholstery with button back detailing, these versatile statement pieces make a dramatic addition in any style of rural retreat. Updated with an extra comfy padded twist, modern designs are available in practically every material imaginable, packing a punch of faded grandeur with chic contemporary colourways. Where to buy… • Arlo & Jacob for high-back traditional, modern, and Art Deco designs. • Atkin & Thyme for expertly crafted pieces in lush velvets. • Loaf for reading-ready recliners to lounge in.…

Sam’s style secret... Give pre-loved furniture a welcome update by painting it in a warm and contemporary colour.…

Jessie’s style secret... Create a relaxed yet sophisticated space with a palette of warm neutrals brought to life with honest materials and weathered finishes on furniture.…

Visit... ‘Blakeney, a coastal village within the Norfolk Coast AONB ( tournorfolk.co.uk/blakeney.html ). I spent many a happy day crabbing and sailing there as a child. There’s nothing like a wintry coastal walk to make you truly appreciate a cup of tea and a delicious scone at the Artemis café ( artemiscoffeeshop.co.uk ); it’s now a weekly ritual.’ Shop at... ‘If we have visitors we always pop into Back to the Garden (01263 715996, back-to-the-garden.co.uk  ). It’s a butcher, deli and farm shop in Holt.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Dun Cow (01263 740467, salthouseduncow.com ) in Salthouse, is a cosy pub serving good local ale and really good, locally-sourced food, all day long, seven days a…

Discover a world of festive country style, Christmas shopping and inspirational talks from experts in interior design – at Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames, 22-25 November 2018. With over 100 stands of homeware, gifts and lifestyle products from our favourite country makers and brands, in heated marquees, you can do your Christmas shopping in comfort, all in one place. Eat, drink & have a chat! Head to our artisan food area, sit down and relax over a cup of coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, or even a glass of fizz. See Country Homes & Interiors brought to life! Step inside our seasonal room set and see our December front cover recreated for the show. You’ll be able to walk through our festively decorated living area and dining room and pick up…

Thursday 22nd November 11AM A Sophie Conran Christmas, Sophie Conran Designer and cook Sophie will talk about growing up as part of the famous Conran family, her love of countryside style and her own Christmas traditions. 2.30PM The secrets of Sanderson style, Sanderson Discover how the lifestyle images for Sanderson’s Elysian fabric and wallpaper collection were created, with exclusive behind-the-scenes insight from creative stylist Alice Margiotta and Charlotte Bolsover. Friday 23rd November 2.30PM Discover William Morris’s love of the North, Pure Morris Charming and enthralling, the 1871 diary entries from William Morris’s Icelandic expedition have captured the hearts of the Morris & Co Design studio, inspiring a breathtaking new Pure Morris range. Join archivist Keren Protheroe and designer Rebecca Craig to find out more. Sunday 25th November 2.30PM A…

FLAUNT SEASONAL FOLIAGE Make your dining table the centre of attention with smart chairs, painted finishes and a run of decorative foliage to draw the eye along the table. See page 90 for details. CREATE A FESTIVE FEATURE WALL This woodland wallpaper is beautiful at any time of year, but teamed with festive mantel decorations and a real tree, it’s a stunning Scandi-style backdrop to your Christmas celebrations. See page 90 for details. ADORN A DRESSER Dress cabinets and dressers with ornamental glassware featuring mountain views and foliage, alongside everyday pressed glass and candlesticks. See page 90 for details. PREPARE TO HANG A WREATH Choose a ready-made wreath rich with winter foliage. Or forage for pine cones, holly and greenery to make your own. Hang on your front door for…

Rustic warmth Natural textures are at the heart of any successful country dining scheme. ‘I worked with a combination of textures, including panelled walls, a rustic timber ceiling, an oak dining table, painted wicker chairs and linen cushions to create this cosy, relaxed country-style dining room,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch of interior design studio Sims Hilditch. ‘Natural materials were chosen to reflect the home’s idyllic countryside setting. At Christmas, simple decorations such as fir sprigs and pine cones can be added to welcome the outdoors in.’ Northern lights Nordic-influenced designs hold sway today but the roots reach much further back. When William Morris headed to Iceland he was captivated by the cobalt-blue skies, distant snow-capped mountains and yellow horned poppies. ‘Morris was deeply affected by the colours of the Icelandic landscape…

It’s taken years, but tech brands have finally realised the importance of putting a little ‘home’ in home entertainment! Gone are the ugly black boxes, replaced by designs that enhance, rather than clutter up, your home. Modern sets offer exceptional picture quality, elegant design and access to online streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Look for one with built-in wi-fi to avoid extra cables. To choose the best size for you, go for a screen 1.5-times smaller than your viewing distance. 1 Best for... THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS XF70, from £649, Sony This 4K TV (H97xW57.1xD5.8cm) has an impressive array of features – especially given the price – including High Dynamic range for sharper whites and darker, more realistic black shades. It also features Hybrid Log-Gamma…

Cuddly and cool Finding chic children’s toys with adult appeal can be tricky but this super-cute rocking moose from Scandi brand Nordic House is sure to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser. With a solid wood rocker base, sturdy faux-fur covered body and friendly face, he’s far too lovable to stay hidden away in the nursery. MIND AND BODY Based at the Daylesford Farm and Spa in the Cotswolds, Bamford has just launched three new crystal wellness boxes that make gorgeous Christmas gifts -Strong, £85, Vibrant, £110, and Calm, £135. Each box contains crystals, a herbal infusion, an essential oil blend and beauty offering. CHRISTMAS ROSES Give your winter wardrobe a festive flash of colour by bagging a floral tote, £42, in Cath Kidston’s new Jacquard Rose design. This oilcloth shoulder bag…

During this special time of year, we all want our homes to look extra cosy and inviting, ready to welcome visiting friends and family. That’s why we’re offering all Country Homes & Interiors readers an exclusive 20% off at Garden Trading, so whether you’re after a complete home decor makeover, or are just in the market for a few festive knick-knacks, now’s the time to start getting your home ready for a Christmas to remember. If you’re hosting lunch this year, browse Garden Trading’s new kitchen collection, inspired by London’s finest food halls. Plus, be sure to check out the range of storage essentials perfect for getting your bootroom in order ready for the inevitable onslaught of wellies, muddy paws and wet coats that winter brings. And for those finishing…

Having built their home entirely from scratch a couple of years ago, just outside the village of Poulton in Gloucestershire, Sally Jones and fiancé Matthew Harrison had a beautiful blank canvas to work from for their kitchen project. Where once a dilapidated bungalow stood among brambles, an elegant four-bed home now took its place, with plenty of space for the couple and their teenage daughter Isabella. In the kitchen, they had created a well-proportioned cooking area, opening out to a comfortable garden room, which overlooks woodland and fields specked with woodpeckers and grazing deer. ‘Grazing our roses more often than not!’ laughs Sally. ‘But they’re lovely to watch.’ The couple, who both manage the family business, CIA Fire and Security, in nearby Cirencester, wanted to bring character and ornate touches…

CABINETRY Bespoke Shaker-style kitchen, £19,900, Parlour Farm, painted in Blackened estate eggshell; and Plummett estate eggshell, both £60 for 2.5L Farrow & Ball. SURFACES Blanco Zeus Silestone polished worktops, £720sq m, Granite Planet. Genesi Bianco brick tile splashback, £39sq m, Beswick Stone. Walls painted in Inchyra Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Skirting, windows and doors painted in Manor House Grey estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Castile heavy tumbled limestone flooring, £54sq m, Beswick Stone. APPLIANCES Range cooker, £2,359; Linea pyrolytic multifunction Maxi Plus oven, £832; Built-in fridge,£690; Classic coffee machinein stainless steel/dark glass, £1,508; Linea built-in microwave oven,£409, all Smeg. Canopy extractor hoodin Metallic Silver, £190, Neff. Integrated double dishdrawer,£734, Fisher & Paykel. SINKS & TAPS 3-in-1 hot water tap, £611; Single filter…

‘A customer base is the lifeblood of your business – without it, your business is just a hobby,’ says Cathy Conway, co-founder of Beautiful British Designs with Janet O’Brien. Together they help British designers to expand their customer base and independent retail outlets to find the best British designers. Here are some of Cathy’s tips for maintaining and increasing your customer base… Know what you want from your business and adapt as it grows. ‘First of all, work out what you want to achieve. Is success being a big name or do you just want to be able to pay the mortgage? If you want to remain a one-man band, you may need to turn away business. If you want to grow bigger, you will need to produce more products…

We want this now... Add glamour to your table with Maxwell & Williams’ latest collection of opulent cutlery, £130 for 16 pieces. With an elegant matte finish, the utensils won’t outshine your cooking, but will provide just the right amount of festive glitz instead. White rectangle platter, £9.95; ash round paddle board, £49.95, both Maxwell & Williams. Shop now with Ownable OUR FAVOURITE WINE MAKER WISTON ESTATE WINERY Straddling the chalky slopes of the South Downs, the 6,000-acre Wiston Estate Winery has been owned by the Gorings since 1743. It was used to farm sheep and wheat until Pip married into the family in 1972 and planted a 16-acre vineyard in 2006. Daughter-in-law Kirsty tells us more… Tell us about your wines… They’re a wonderfully pure and concentrated reflection of…

Personalise stockings by adding names using embroidered lettering or stamp kits. A popular Christmas Eve tradition, hanging stockings strikes a chord for young and old alike, whether hung near the tree or at the far end of a bed. Often the first thing opened and emptied on Christmas Day, stockings are the perfect place for small gifts, token treats and something to make you smile first thing in the morning. Besides, who can resist the seasonal satsuma or chocolate before breakfast? WHAT’S THE STORY? It's thought the custom of placing shoes or socks out to fill with coins originates from the era of Odin, and later St Nicholas, in Eastern and Scandinavian Europe. Children were first encouraged to put out their own socks, but soon special stockings were created. During…

Visit… ‘Thorndon and Weald Country Parks for lovely bracing outdoor walks with the dogs.’ Shop at… ‘Calcott Hall (01277 264164, calcotthall.com ) near Brentwood has a lovely farm shop and café that I go to frequently - it grows its own produce and supports local producers.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Blue Crown (01277 375485, thebluecrownbrentwood.co.uk ) and The Black Horse (01277 374946, vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/ theblackhorsebrentwood ) are traditional country pubs with roaring fires and you can go inside in your wellies.’…

Christmas Day is Sam MacLean’s birthday so, not surprisingly, for her it’s the biggest day of the year. And the quaint weatherboard farmhouse, situated in six acres of landscaped gardens and rolling meadows that she lives in with husband Rob and their twins William and Albert, is the perfect location for festive celebrations. The house’s beautiful surroundings were also the catalyst for the family’s wedding venue business. Sam’s parents bought the characterful weatherboard farmhouse, along with a dilapidated barn and grounds, in 2004. When Sam and Rob were married in 2010, they had their reception in a marquee in the garden and it sparked the idea for using the barn and grounds as a wedding venue. However, it took another five years for the plans to come to fruition as…

It’s the time of year when we like to stock up on everything – including a bottle supply to rival a sommelier! Fragile souls that they are, wines are sensitive to temperature, light and humidity. Storage wise, cupboards can be too warm and refrigerators too cold, but a wine fridge will keep your favourite tipples at a constant temperature. Choose between freestanding, built-in or an integrated bespoke design to suit your space and style. Where to buy… • Swisscave for sleek and elegant, seamless fits. • Winestoragecompany.co.uk for varying sizes to suit all requirements. • Wine by Design for bespoke solutions.…

Beautifully simple and built to last, these versatile and practical favourites never go out of style. Traditional designs are made from solid timbers such as oak, walnut, beech and pine. Modern designs are often made from sustainable wood, and re-worked to take pride of place in contemporary homes. To create a romantic feel with a Provençal finish, complement your wooden bedstead with a deep upholstered headboard. Where to buy… • Natural Bed Company for British designs using sustainably-sourced timbers. • Feather & Black for beds that stand the test of time. • Barker and Stonehouse for distressed finishes.…

Claire’s style secret... Transport diners with an ambient setting of flickering candlelight, staggered along the length of the dining table.…

Alix Fauvel has lived in the Dorset village of Cranborne since 2003 when her husband Gavin became estate manager of the Cranborne Estate. Home is a Victorian house which the couple share with their daughters Elise, 17, Margaux, 15, and Cecilia, 13. After baking for friends and family for years, Alix launched Alix Fauvel Cakesmith in 2014. The business has evolved as her reputation as a cake maker has grown, and she’s added Daylesford and Selfridges to her list of clients. We joined Alix as she prepared for Christmas, her busiest time... HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A BAKER? Absolutely not! I enjoyed cooking when I was growing up in Staffordshire, but I never had any formal training, apart from a summer cheffing job in a Devon restaurant when I was…

CHRISTMAS LODGE Wallsin Stable Green emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Wreath, £75, Winters Workshop. Ribbon, £21.45, Pompom Blossom. Lantern,£79.95; candlestick,£22.95, both Nkuku. Red candle, £13.50 for 20, Shearer Candles. Bark candle,£10; star,£8.50, both Nordic House. Paper jewel,£6.50, Nordic Edit. Wrappingpaper, £2.50 a sheet, Cambridge Imprint. Raffia, £2.75, Le Petit Jardin. Wire lights, £14.99, Lights4fun. FLAUNT SEASONAL FOLIAGE Walls in Stone emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Cabinet,from £700, Design Vintage. Farmhouse table, £1,000, Homebarn. Longworth oak chairs, £180 each, Garden Trading. (On table) Candlesticks, £30, Neptune; candles, from £5, Shearer Candles; faux foliage,from a selection at Decoflora; runner, made in Dashi, £59m, Sarah Hardarker; napkins,from a selection at Blanc Cerise, Neptune and Rowen & Wren; Holly dinnerware,from £6, Royal Stafford; glasses, from a selection at…

1 Widget free! Simply slide out the solid oak legs and unfold the squishy cushion for snuggle-down siestas and sleepovers in a jiffy... Kipster daybed, H65xW196x D90-140cm, from £1,195, Loaf. Shop now with Ownable 2 Smart slats  Painted in a calming ivory, this comfortable sofa becomes a dreamy bed when made up with crisp linen at night – it’s the perfect addition for a spare room. Burford painted daybed, H100xW101xL204cm, £325, The Cotswold Company. Shop now with Ownable 3 Rest easy Crafted from the stuff that dreams are made of, this fibre-filled mattress rests snugly on a sturdy solid pine frame, with adjustable arms to magically transform from a two-seater sofa to a daybed, or a full length single bed. Twingle daybed, H39xW155-200xD79cm, from £499, Futon Company. Shop now with…

3 REASONS TO LOVE… THE NATIONAL TRUST AT CHRISTMAS 1 BEAUTIFUL SCENERY There’s nothing nicer than wrapping up warm and taking in the countryside. And to celebrate the nation’s love for festive strolls, the National Trust has pulled together 12 Walks of Christmas. 2 FESTIVE STATELY SETTINGS Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and a spot of shopping in a historic National Trust property. Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Fair, above (Buckinghamshire; Wednesday to Sunday, 10 November to 16 December), includes food, crafts and gifts, plus a magical light show, and is one of many taking place around the country. 3 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Celebrate Christmases past at Berrington Hall’s Christmas with the Georgians event (Herefordshire; weekends from 17 November to 1 January). The hall and its grounds will be decked out in Georgian…

A beautiful wreath is one of the best ways to brighten your front door. The tradition is believed to date back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when handmade rings of fresh leaves, fruit and flowers symbolised eternal life. Wreaths are also associated with other cultural ceremonies, including harvest and memorials, but they’re now most often used to adorn our entranceways during the festive season. Whether you select fresh or faux foliage, part of the joy of wreath-making lies in creating something that represents you and your family. Have fun with foraged berries, leaves and pinecones from the garden for a wreath brimming with Victorian charm, or create a truly unique design by giving country materials a modern makeover. 1 FOREST FERNS Create an informal arrangement using fine ferns, twisting…

Owners Sally Jones and Matthew Harrison, who live here with their teenage daughter Isabella, and their golden retriever, Rosie. House A four-bed detached house, plus one-bedroom annexe used for airbnb, in Gloucestershire. Project An old bungalow was knocked down and replaced with a timber-framed property, mounted in Cotswold stone, including a newly-made kitchen. Kitchen size 6.5x5m Designer Zoe Tee, at Parlour Farm Cabinetry Bespoke Shaker-style kitchen with outer units painted in Farrow & Ball’s Blackened and island painted in Farrow & Ball’s Plummet. »…

‘My mother always made Christmas so magical,’ says illustrator Sally Swannell. ‘My childhood was full of fantastic family Christmases. My mum was always cooking or making something, and memories of it make me glow. I love to create Advent calendars – I always made them as a child, then I started making them for my son after he was born, and I even still make one for myself every year. For me, Christmas is all about reliving my childhood!’ Sally spent a lot of her youth drawing, painting and crafting, and at school she spent as much time as she could in the art room. Later, she left home for art college in Bournemouth where she studied Natural History Illustration. ‘It piqued my interest because of the flora and fauna…

A  &HOBBS 01483 205341 andhobbs.com ABAHNA 01328 442004 abahna.co.uk ABIGAIL EDWARDS 07946 455277 abigailedwards.com AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIOR DESIGN 0118 932 0828 aji.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com ALTER LONDON 020 8961 1003 alterlondon.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANGELA REED 01799 520056 angelareed.co.uk ANNABEL JAMES 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARLO & JACOB 0333 222 1643 arloandjacob.com ATKIN & THYME 0203 768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk AYERS & GRACES 01582 536760 ayersandgraces.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BALSAM HILL 01234 227155 balsamhill.co.uk BAMFORD 01608 731713 bamford.co.uk BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com BAYFIELD HALL 01263 715538 bayfieldhallantiques.com BED KINGDOM 01924 950108 bedkingdom.co.uk BESWICKSTONE 01285 885795 beswickstone.co.uk BETTYS…