Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Country Homes & Interiors

Launching yourself into a new year full of positivity and good intentions, it can feel like the never-ending winter weather is trying its best to cramp your style. So, the fight-back starts here! My tried-and-trusted cure for the winter blues is to walk them off. Yes, spring and autumn are supposed to be the best seasons for walking, but the bleak beauty of the north Norfolk coastline, where I grew up, is worth braving the elements for at this time of year. As Alfred Wainwright said, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing…’ At least grey skies give you the perfect excuse to spend as much time as possible snuggled up by the fire nursing a delicious glass of red or pottering happily around the kitchen concocting…

We want this now... An essential for all Aga owners, Louise Walker’s newest book, The Traditional Aga Cookbook (£30, Absolute Press), offers more than 150 recipes, all created specifically for the famous range cooker. As well as covering the classics, the book puts to bed the myth that you can’t bake well in an Aga, and provides how-tos for everything from breads and brownies, to bagels and biscotti. This is one you won’t ever want to put away! Tuck into these spiced pear and Stilton tarts To make four tarts, start by heating the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Roll out 300g chilled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Using a 12cm-wide pastry cutter, cut out four circles…

At what time of year do you prune your roses? I prune our old-fashioned roses in November and the modern roses in February. We like to have all the roses in the garden pruned by the end of February before they start to put on new growth. Some roses need pruning more than once a year. Our banksiae rose is often pruned three times a year to keep it under control. When pruning, don’t be frightened to prune hard and remove old wood and misshapen branches. Roses are rarely killed by hard pruning. When do you plant your roses? We buy roses as bare root plants in November, but they can also be planted in February if the soil isn’t cold. Should we feed roses? At Kiftsgate we have good…

Featuring a solid timber table-top supported by decorative, spindle-like legs, these timeless pieces have provided the perfect gathering space for families since the 17th century. Whether you desire the heritage sophistication of an antique table or prefer the simplicity of weathered wood, this generously proportioned, farmhouse favourite is a versatile addition, perfect for any family kitchen. Where to buy… • Farmhouse Table Company for Devon-made pieces. • Country Life Furniture for tailored sizing and finishes. • Cambridge Farmhouse Furniture for stain-proof and heat-proof designs.…

Anna’s style secret... Introduce a bar-like twist with mirrored splashbacks and contemporary artwork.…

Visit… ‘In winter, we love going for walks on Exmouth Beach, followed by coffee and a slice of lemon polenta cake at Ivan’s (01884 821458, facebook.com/ivanscoffee ), a dog-friendly café in Halberton.’ Shop at… ‘Darts Farm (01392 878200, dartsfarm.co.uk ) in Topsham is one of those farm shops where you can practically do your week’s shop, then go on to buy a few pretty bits for the house, including the most beautiful flowers. If you have the time, you can even have a spa treatment, or a haircut. They have a restaurant, too!’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Bakehouse (01884 35222, thebakehouse cullompton.co.uk ) in Cullompton is just lovely. They serve a good range of simple yet…

Whatdo do when ’ve you you outgrown your home but love its location too much to move? That’s the dilemma the Gilmour family found themselves in for years – constantly on the lookout for exciting properties for sale in their Buckinghamshire market town, all the while making do in a too-small house. But then the plot that was to become their future home came up for sale. ‘We love this area and have a wide circle of friends and family here,’ says Jane. Although the couple had extended their current property, Jane’s husband Stewart was eager for a new challenge. ‘He has endless energy,’ she says. ‘He would take on another project tomorrow if he could.’ The property they bought had belonged to an elderly lady and hadn’t been touched…

Comfortable and stylish, this ergonomic favourite has a simple silhouette, contoured wooden arms and legs, and cushioned upholstery. Sturdy yet elegant, the understated aesthetic of this interior icon makes it a timeless choice for classic and contemporary homes. Whether you choose a reinvented newbie or try upcycling a vintage find, take your pick from a spectrum of bold and vibrant upholstery choices. This seating style will never go out of fashion. Where to buy… • Swoon for laid-back angles and luxurious upholstery. • Atkin & Thyme for handcrafted designs. • Rose & Grey for hand-finished statement pieces with a green-friendly certificate.…

Join the Country Homes & Interiors magazine team at a masterclass with bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley this month, as we celebrate the very best of British luxury. Tom will share his kitchen expertise and industry knowledge on kitchen planning and design with us, along with news of the latest kitchen trends. After the talk you’ll have the chance to ask Tom your burning kitchen design questions, before enjoying a cookery demonstration by guest chef Nigel Smith. The day will then conclude with a relaxed lunch and a glass of wine. Tickets cost £25 each, plus all guests will receive a free gift bag. • WHEN Thursday 7 February from 11am to 2:30pm. • WHERE Tom Howley Showroom, 75 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AW. • HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET Visit tomhowley.eventbrite.co.uk and…

What’s your favourite winter recipe? Delia Smith’s apple and almond pudding. What’s your favourite warming drink? Hot berry juice as sampled on a trip to Lapland, best drunk in a Sami tent sitting on reindeer skins! What’s your favourite winter walk? The circular walk around East Woodhay, Heath End, North End and West Woodhay in the shadow of the Downs. What do you love about winter in the countryside? I love the stripped down shapes of the trees without their leaves, they have a beauty of their own.…

1 Sit and store Offering minimal elegance with plenty of room to store shoes and boots, this stable and durable cement and rustic acacia wood design can be neatly positioned beside a door for everyday use. Chilson hall bench, H45xW95.5x D34.5cm, £165, Garden Trading. 2 Classic cushion  Take a cushioned perch and pull on your boots, ready to face the day, on this charming country piece, which boasts a soft-close lid, plentiful storage and a neutral colour finish. Chester storage bench with cushion, H60xW110x D35cm, col grey, £299, The Cotswold Company. 3 Sleek shape Say hello to tapered legs and a slatted shelf and pop this clean-lined, versatile wonder in your hall or boot room to keep footwear organised. Clockhouse oak-topped hall bench, H45xW100x D40cm, col charcoal, £239.90, The Farthing.…

In a world where you can order your favourite restaurant dinner to your door at the swipe of a finger, and supermarket dine-in deals are more delicious than ever, many of us are spending less time in the kitchen. But it’s a shame to lose out on the joys of cooking. While social media bombards us with bonkers diets and get-fit-quick schemes, the fact remains that making nutritious meals at home is one of the best ways to kick-start a healthier routine. We’ve chosen appliances that are simple and fun to use, and are designed to save you time and give you delicious results. As with any small appliance, it’s worth spending a little extra to get one with parts that can easily be removed for washing, and switched out…

Ponds Water features are both beautiful and beneficial to visiting wildlife. Here’s what to think about... • Ponds work best in a sunny spot away from overhanging trees. A pond in full shade will quickly become murky and plants will fail. • Before digging, lift and keep the turf, to create a natural edge later. • Think of wildlife by creating a beach or shallow side to the pond so hedgehogs can easily take a drink from the water. • Add movement to your pond and enjoy the relaxing sound of water by creating a small waterfall or adding a fountain. • Keep aquatic plants in check. • You must employ a qualified electrician to install lights, fountains or pumps in your pond. • Supervise children around water features at all times.…

1 PREPARATIONS KICK OFF WITH LITTLE YEAR, starting on 28 January and Chinese New Year officially begins on 5 February, followed by two weeks of celebrations, culminating with the Lantern Festival on 19 February. 2 2019 IS THE YEAR OF THE PIG. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. People born under the sign of the pig are said to have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune. 3 RED IS TRADITIONALLY WORN and families eat dinner together at home, where rooms are trimmed with red decorations. Firecrackers are set off at midnight – traditionally, this was to provide protection from Nian, a Chinese sea monster.…

There’s nothing like completing a lengthy renovation process and then sitting back to enjoy the fruits of your labour. But for Sharon Barton, that pleasure was short-lived – almost the moment the last lick of paint had dried, her husband, Peter, was itching to move. The renovation had taken such a long time that moving really wasn’t on Sharon’s radar. As a compromise, she agreed to consider a new home, but only if Peter found one that ticked every single box. Naturally, Sharon then stumbled across the perfect property. ‘It’s a really striking medieval house in a central village location, but tucked away so I’d never noticed it before. When I saw the For Sale sign, I couldn’t help telling Peter,’ she says. ‘He loved it too, so we took…

CABINETRY Kitchen cabinetry in oak with putty painted finish, from £35,000, Architectural range, Martin Moore. SURFACES Bianco Orion Quartz worktop (on island), £575sq m; Bianco Assoluto Quartz worktop (on perimeter units), £385sq m, including installation, Martin Moore. Mortar Lime Porcelain flooring, 120x60cm, £34.80sq m, Mandarin Stone. APPLIANCES BM454110 combi microwave oven, £3,362; BO450111 oven, £3,134; WS462110 warming drawer, £2,052; BS475111 combi steam oven, £2,052; BO471111 oven and rotisserie, £3,574; CX480110 induction hob, £4,229; VP414110 teppan yaki, £2,466; SET2AL4801 downvent extractor, £6,638, all Gaggenau. ICBIT-30CIID integrated fridge with freezer drawers, £6,780; ICBIW-24 wine storage, £8,760, both Sub-Zero. CVA6431 Nespresso built-in coffee machine, £2,699, Miele. SINKS & TAPS Elio 32800790 polished chrome mixer tap, £678; Tara ultra professional polished chrome mixer tap, £1,182; polished chrome soap dispenser, £251, all Dornbracht. 5281-NA Strive…

Seriously strokable fabrics British furniture brand Willow & Hall has launched three new fabric collections – House, Signature and Heritage. The selection ranges from sophisticated neutrals to opulent rich hues, as well as elegant florals, soft stripes and coastline-inspired shell prints. We’re declaring our love for the high-back Kingswood sofa in Cotton Mulberry, £1,209. Fireside hibernation... Keep logs burning and flames crackling through the lingering cold with Garden Trading’s modern take on traditional fireside essentials. The tools are inspired by Austrian ski resorts and feature antique brass coatings and powder-coated carbon colourways. Prices start at £5 for the steel match box, increasing up to £90 for the wrought iron woodburner set, which comprises of a shovel, brush, poker and gauntlet gloves. Hearth style has never been so streamlined! SPELL IT…

Forty years ago in the small town of Clonakilty, in Ireland, Colette Twomey and her husband, Edward, took over the local butcher’s – inheriting a secret black pudding recipe originating from the 1880s with it. After falling in love with the product, they started selling it across the country and abroad. Edward sadly passed away in 2005 and today Colette is the only person who knows the exact secret recipe. She tells us how they spread the word about their product… What’s so special about your black pudding? The taste, the texture and our secret blend of spices. Why did you decide to start making black pudding? We realised how special it was and how popular it was locally. What’s the best way to serve/eat your product? Slice it into…

Visit…‘ Sissinghurst Castle Garden (01580 710701, nationaltrust.org.uk ). We love walks around the grounds and through the farm, and always finish off in the café.’ Shop at… ‘Frankie’s Farmshop (01580 890713, frankiesfarmshop.co.uk  ) in Staplehurst, for local produce, nursery plants and gifts. They also sell treats made by chocolatier Damian Allsop.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Three Chimneys (01580 291472, thethreechimneys.co.uk ) in Biddenden, and The Lord Raglan (01622 843747, lord-raglan.co.uk ) in Chart Sutton. We love these rustic pubs that never change.’…

What makes this house a home… ‘We’ve designed the spaces to ensure that each of the children has everything they need’ » Looking to move out of London, Anna and Joel Loader fell in love with a village in Berkshire, near where Anna grew up. ‘We came out of the station and there was the feel of autumn – the smell of woodsmoke and mist over the canal,’ says Anna. ‘The setting sold the village to us. We knew it would be a lovely place to live.’ Anna and Joel then began looking for a house and one soon came up that seemed promising, but it sold straight away before they even had the chance to view it. However, the deal fell through and the estate agent got in touch…

Pristine, bright and uniquely patterned with a luxuriously smooth touch, marble is an ever popular choice for modern country kitchens. Despite being traditionally relegated to the larder to keep dairy and meat fresh, this cooling material has transitioned onto worktops, too. But with beauty, comes maintenance. Real marble’s susceptibility to staining means it’s not for everyone, however an aged look is very fitting in a rustic setting. Where to buy… • Rock & Co for luxury, bespoke worktops. • The Marble Workshop for a comprehensive service from start to finish. • Stone Collection for expert fitters and lots of guidance.…

Karen’s style secret... Give a classic scheme a touch of modern eccentricity with mismatched lamps and original artwork.…

Visit… ‘We’re National Trust members and love visiting Cliveden in nearby Taplow (01628 605069, nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden ). The gardens and woodlands down to the river are wonderful.’ Shop at… ‘Mira (01494 677990) in Beaconsfield. It’s a quirky gift shop that sells unusual gifts, jewellery and clothes.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Cape (01494 681137, thecapeonline.com ) in Beaconsfield does a fantastic brunch. We also love walking to The Royal Standard of England, also in Beaconsfield, for a Sunday pub lunch (01494 673382, rsoe.co.uk ). It’s the oldest freehold pub in England and is cosy and atmospheric.’…

ENJOY FIRESIDE MOMENTS EVERY DAY Set up your hearthside essentials, ready for toasty days. Matches and smoulder wraps take care of the fire, while marshmallows tempt you to indulge in a touch of sweetness… See page 74 for details. CREATE A WELCOMING SNUG Layer up woollens and weaves for a room that cradles you in comfort. Velvet chairs keep the look soft yet stylish. See page 74 for details. » LAY A TABLE TO LINGER AT Don’t save soft furnishings for the fireside. Brought to the table, cushions, throws and chunky runners make mealtimes an opportunity to sit back and relax. See page 74 for details. BEAT A RETREAT TO THE KITCHEN Bring a pretty glow to the heart of the home, with rosy tones of blush, plum and heather…

The swoony, striking pattern formations of marble have got us in a whirl... This stone is a perennial favourite in modern country homes for its natural good looks and polished finish, but its dynamic mottled effects deserve to be seen beyond the kitchen and bathroom. Adding visual texture without the weight or price tag of the real thing, marbling effects can now be found across a variety of accessories, including cushions, crockery and tech. The look brings a sense of flow, intricate detail and elemental beauty to any space. LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… ✽ Using a large-scale feature wallpaper, for a pocket-friendly twist on traditional tiles. ✽ Mixing with other natural materials to add warmth and texture. Try furniture designs that combine marble, metal and wood for pared-back Scandi…

THERE’S SO MUCH TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEW WARDROBE but get it right and it will be a striking focal point for the room and a well-loved friend that makes keeping clothes tidy, and finding them quickly in the morning, so much easier. THE WARDROBE STYLE PLAYS A HUGE PART IN THE LOOK OF THE ROOM; country favourites include a rustic distressed paint finish, tongue-and-groove panelling, a smooth, contemporary paint finish or tactile natural wood. If you’re tidy enough, or you’re kitting out a dressing room, you could dismiss doors in favour of open storage. DUE TO ITS SIZE, A WARDROBE WILL INEVITABLY BE A DOMINANT FIXTURE IN THE ROOM, its position dictated by the bed and doorways. Measure carefully before ordering – unless you choose a model…

1 BACK TO LIFE Make an unused fireplace cavity a focal point by filling it with greenery. Use real or faux house plants in an assortment of ceramic planters, stone pots or woven baskets – try easy-care rubber plants, philodendron, aloes or spider plants. Start your arrangement with a couple of taller specimens at the back of the hearth to create height, with shorter ones in front, filling gaps with smaller pots. Weave in more greenery on tables and in floor-standing planters. 2 UPWARDLY MOBILE Tiered units or staggered shelving are great ways of giving plant displays some extra height. ‘Filling a room with natural greenery is a creative way not only to add colour but also to create a calming and serene decor that encourages wellbeing,’ says Lisa Cherry,…

Visit... ‘Myddleton House Gardens, Essex (0300 003 0610, visitleevalley.org.uk ) was the home of gardener E A Bowles. In February, you’ll find an extensive collection of snowdrops.’ Shop... ‘Matthews Plants (01279 793539, matthewsplants.co.uk ) in Roydon is a family-run nursery and plant centre – everything sold here is grown here.’ Go for a meal at... The Bull, (01279 841100, thebullmuch hadham.co.uk ), Much Hadham. A traditional pub with an inglenook fire to warm your toes by.’…

1 IT’S AN AGE-OLD TECHNIQUE Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth, then binding it and resist-dyeing in indigo. 2 IT’S HAVING A MOMENT Shibori’s timeless blue and white tones and distinctive patterns have an artisan quality that’s hot right now. 3 IT’S ADDICTIVE The technique is easy to master, and there’s an infinite number of patterns to create. Find inspiration, together with techniques, design ideas and different projects in Shibori: For textile artists by Janice Gunner, £14.99, Batsford.…

As we begin to look forward to the promise of spring, many of us will be looking to refresh our homes with softer, more uplifting shades. Pastels are a soothing choice, but can sometimes appear a little sugary when used to excess. This is where the technique of dip-dyeing has its moment. Adding a hint of colour to plain household objects such as wooden utensils and storage jars gives them a subtle refresh and can take less than an hour to complete. Painting a taped off section provides a neat band of colour, or why not try hand dyeing to create a delicate ombré effect? We show you how, with this collection of crafts that look sweet enough to eat. STORAGE JARS Personalise white ceramic storage jars with a dipped…

Owners Sharon Barton, a freelance interior designer, and Peter Barton, a businessman, plus 15-year-old twins, Francesca and George. House A Grade II-listed medieval hall house in a picturesque village in Kent. Project A small, poorly constructed lean-to kitchen extension was replaced with a structure far more in keeping with the property’s historic architecture. It offers a larger kitchen-living space that better suits the scale of the house. Kitchen size 7.9x5.6m Designer David Sant, senior designer, Martin Moore. Cabinetry The Architectural range by Martin Moore, in oak with putty painted finish.…

Born into a family of skilled crafters, Melanie uses the same tools that her relatives have used for generations to create her unique knit upholstery designs for customers looking for truly individual, handcrafted items. From knitted  upholstery panels on vintage furniture, to giant knits for throws and cushions and innovative wrap lighting, every piece is lovingly handcrafted, creating a beautifully bespoke work of art, tailored to the customer. What inspires you? I love learning new techniques and looking at how I can use them in my collections. I obsessively collect old craft magazines from the Seventies and constantly delve into them for inspiration. What makes your designs so special? Most of my work is handmade to order. While I have a strong design style, I work with each client to…

PERFECT FOR... PARTIAL SHADE Adding sparkle to our gardens in these chilly winter months is Cyclamen coum . These tiny plants with mottled silver and green kidney-shaped leaves and pink flowers are on the same scale as their bedfellows – snowdrops. They’re fully hardy and will offer flowers from December into March. Plants are happiest when planted under deciduous shrubs, but can also be a success when left to naturalise in short grass. Prevent this plant killer Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterium, rife in southern Europe, that spreads via insects or through trade of infected plants. It restricts water movement in plants resulting in die-back and eventual plant death. Luckily, it has not yet been detected in the UK, but the RHS is calling on gardeners to…

One of the smaller home furniture pieces, and a little forgotten until its recent return to popularity, the dressing table is an elegant staple of the bedroom. More than just a place to get ready, it’s a place to gather thoughts for the day ahead. WHAT’S THE STORY The origins of the modern day dressing table or vanity unit can traced back to the late 17th century, and the high demand for specialised cabinetry. With the changing dress codes, attire and coiffures of the gentry of the day, the need increased for more places to put and use the growing array of bottles, perfumes and powders. Over the years, this piece became an essential part of the bedroom suite and, in various forms, has been designed to house mirrors, drawers…

Bring a touch of modern minimalism to a period property with a light and bright decor scheme and simple, ‘just enough’ accessories. Jenny’s style secret... Mix old with new, such as antique furniture with contemporary lighting, for a modern farmhouse style that is homely yet subtly chic.…

Visit… ‘The River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal near Kintbury is a lovely area to go for a walk. You can walk past Barton Court and see abstract statues of deer from the footpath.’ Shop at… ‘Benchmark (01488 608020, benchmarkfurniture.com ) near Kintbury, Hungerford. It’s a fabulous furniture workshop displaying great craftsmanship.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Woodspeen (01635 265070, thewoodspeen.com ), near Newbury. It’s a Michelin-star restaurant and cookery school set in a 19th-century farmhouse, and is known for its seasonal dishes.’…

Arguably one of the most versatile and useful pieces in furniture’s history, this type of wooden trunk can be used for storing a variety of essentials in any room. Traditionally placed at the foot end of the bed, they are filled with throws and blankets to layer up through the chilly, winter months. Modern designs come in a variety of sizes and painted wood finishes to offer rustic style with a touch of contemporary charm. Where to buy… • The Cotswold Co for classic modern country styles. • Just Ottomans for a wide variety of finishes, styles, sizes and shapes. • Barker & Stonehouse for reclaimed wood options.…

LIFE IS COSY Giant Merino ball of yarn, £37; giant knittingneedles,£37, both Ona by Agne. Cheeky Chunky yarn,col Pewter, £11.99 for 200g, Wool Couture Company. Gravas pink ribbed vase,£8, Ikea. Ivory Epoch pot,£8; Fig candle,£20, both Anthroplogie. Njutning candle, col purple, £7 for three; ARV plate,col purple, £3, all Ikea. Glass tealightholder,col maroon, £20 for six, British Colour Standard. String,col purple, £2.50, from selection at Le Petit Jardin. Wooden dishes,from £16.95 for three, all Nkuku. Frayed linen napkin,£6, Flint Collection. Knitted rose dishcloth(just seen), £4.40, Folk Interiors. Embroidered trim,col ivory, £7m, Little India Store at Etsy. Shell yarn,£5.50 for 200g; 10mm bamboo needles,£6.20, both Hobbycraft. ENJOY FIRESIDE MOMENTS EVERYDAY Timothy Oulton Noble Souls coffeetable,£395, Barker and Stonehouse. Log basket,£52, Wovenhill. Chunky knit cushion, £49.95, King and Eye Crochet at Etsy.…

Renowned for its collections of classic linens, sumptuous velvets and plain and printed textiles, family business Ian Sanderson has been designing and producing interiors fabrics since it was launched by Ian himself in 1964. The business is now run by his son, Julian, and daughter-in-law and design director Helen Sanderson, from their studio, office and warehouse on the family farm in West Berkshire. Helen, who has a degree in Printed Textiles from Winchester School of Art, joined the business in 1991, and married Julian in 1998. She takes a lot of inspiration for her designs from antique documents and vintage textiles, and the results mean Ian Sanderson fabrics are a firm favourite with interior designers and their clients – they can be found in leading hotels from Skibo Castle in…

1 Be bold If you are lucky enough to have a tall hall, make the most of its grand proportions by painting your front door in a bold shade, both inside and out. ‘You can further emphasise the ceiling height by painting the staircase, treads, risers and spindles in a dark colour, which will draw the eye upwards and contrast with pale walls,’ says Beth Dadswell, founder of Imperfect Interiors. ‘And don’t forget the lighting. Choose the largest, most dramatic pendant you can, as this will set the tone for the whole house. This is your wow moment, so don’t waste the opportunity to make a good first impression.’ 2 Take a load off A seat or bench for pulling shoes on and off is handy for everyone, but essential…

This fruity take on the traditional rattan basket will spark a smile each time you use it. Ferm Living braided pear storage, H59x W35xD35cm, £75, Cloudberry Living. Go for a lively look in hand-woven natural water hyacinth, with a cotton liner for protection. Nadia laundry basket, col navy, H60xDia45cm, £69, John Lewis & Partners. Choose the eco-friendly option with this classic hamper made from bamboo, with a removable liner. Woodford bamboo laundry hamper, from £15, Dunelm.…

DON’T LOSE YOUR SPARKLE Perfect for chilly Sunday afternoons cosied up on the sofa – watch old movies in style wearing this super-soft cashmere, sparkle-tipped hoodie, £169, from The White Company. GAME ON A love of travelling and playing board games was the impetus behind Ox, with creators Steve Ranson and Octavia Warren wanting an easily transportable game that they could play just about anywhere. The addictive two-player game, £30, rolls up neatly to pocket size and is inspired by the best bits of the pair’s favourite games – Frustration, Backgammon and Draughts. Find out more at oxthegame.co.uk. Stay cosy No matter how chilly it is, there’s something magical about sitting on a comfy cushion and warming your hands by a firepit. Add some marshmallows to the mix and you…

1 Rose-tinted Chuck on some chintz with these cheery floral wellies made of vulcanised rubber with a cotton lining and cushioned sole. Fairweather II navy/floral wellies, £50, Regatta. 2 Two-tone An equestrian-inspired design, these stylish boots have contrast cuffs, a jersey lining and a zip up the back for easy removal. Andalou Ponti lined boots, £135, Le Chameau. 3 Fur-trimmed Keep feet toasty in these all-black wellies with an insulated padded lining, faux-fur cuff and enhanced-tread non-slip soles. Downton premium wellies, col black, £69.95, Joules.…

MILD INDIAN CAULIFLOWER KORMA WITH CURRY AND GREEN PEAS This is a mild curry with warm spices like cumin and cardamom. The ginger provides a little heat, but you can add finely chopped green chillies for extra spice. SERVES 4 1 large onion, diced Oil, for frying 4 large potatoes 700g cauliflower 1tsp ground cumin 2tsp curry powder 1½tsp cardamom seeds, crushed 2tbsp concentrated vegetable stock 700ml water 200ml dairy-free cream 40g root ginger 300g green peas Salt Lime juice Big bunch of coriander leaves, to serve Naan bread or rice, to serve For the nut and coconut mix 50g roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped Zest of 1 lime 100g toasted coconut chips 1 Fry the onion in plenty of oil in a pan for around 5min, over a low…

1 BREAKFAST CUPBOARD Originally the breakfast cupboard was next to a table, but the family all preferred to eat at the island. ‘We’ve since replaced the table with an extra sofa,’ says Sharon. But the breakfast cupboard is far from redundant. ‘Being that little bit further away from the main kitchen means friends and family can make drinks without getting under my feet,’ adds Sharon. 2 STATEMENT LIGHTS In pursuit of light pendants that would be dynamic enough to stand their ground against the gorgeous beamed ceiling, Sharon discovered these beauties by Timothy Oulton. ‘The key with statement lighting is to find something that stands out, while also tying in with the rest of the room’s decor and colour palette so they feel like a natural fit, and you’re unlikely…

A  A ANDREASSEN aandreassen.com ABSOLUTE PRESS 01225 316013 absolutepress.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AND SO TO BED 0808 144 4343 andsotobed.co.uk ANGEL & BOHO 0845 2000 723 angelandboho.com ANNABEL SMITH INTERIORS 07870 705342 annabelsmithinteriors.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ATKIN & THYME 0203 768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk AVENUE FLOORS 0845 226 8273 avenuefloors.co.uk B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BAMBOO BICYCLE CLUB 0330 330 9025 bamboobicycleclub.org BANBAYU 0844 884 3360 banbayu.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com BATSFORD pavilionbooks.com BLUE ISLE 01425 653031 blueisle.co.uk BOHZAAR 01531 553000 bohzaar.co.uk BRITISH COLOUR STANDARD 0207 620 2091 britishcolourstandard.com BURLINGTON 01322 473222 burlingtonbathrooms.com BUTTON & SPRUNG 0333 3201 801 buttonandsprung.com C  CAMBRIDGE FARMHOUSE FURNITURE 01638 508676 cambridgefarmhouse furniture.co.uk CARPETRIGHT 0330 333 3444…