Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2019 i Country Homes & Interiors

Visit… ‘Pallant House Gallery (01243 774557, pallant.org.uk) in Chichester where there is always an interesting exhibition and a show of Modern British art.’ Shop at… ‘Ardingly Antiques Fair (01636 702326, iacf.co.uk) at Ardingly, which is our closest country fair and where I often pick up quirky vintage finds.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Duke of Cumberland Arms (01428 652280, dukeofcumberland.com) in Fernhurst, which offers home-cooked gastro pub food in warm relaxed surroundings.’…

A home should be filled with all the things you love,’ says Rebecca Sterling, a blogger with a penchant for horticulture and holidays. When she’s not filling her house with flowers she’s nurtured from seed, she is often found in far-flung places with her husband, Ben. ‘Part of my job involves reviewing holidays and hotels, and I’ve definitely been inspired by the interiors we’ve been fortunate to visit and stay in,’ she says. ‘As well as influencing my palette and textile choices, these trips mean my home is regularly updated with one-off flea market finds.’ The home the couple return to after their adventures abroad is in the Hertfordshire village where they both grew up. It’s sprinkled at every turn with Rebecca’s blooms and time-worn treasures, all set against a…

First popular in the 1800s, their timeless curves remain in demand in today’s country homes. Featuring low arms with ruched details, a high back and silhouette-hugging upholstery, these well-loved designs are as fitting in traditional schemes as they are in contemporary. Modern updates often feature loose cushions, too, catering for a diversity of living spaces. Choose a tactile finish to make a sumptuous style statement. Where to buy… • Laura Ashley for classic shapes in a variety of fabrics.• Made.com for beautiful contemporary adaptations.• Darlings of Chelsea for handcrafted classics that bring a touch of nostalgia.…

Let the grainy warmth of natural materials tell their story with exposed and honest woodwork and cabinetry full of homespun appeal. Andrea’s style secret… Mix and match ceramics and enamelware in complementary hues and motifs for a collection full of charm.…

Visit… ‘Barton Marina (01283 711666, bartonmarina.co.uk) at Barton-under-Needwood is a lovely place to walk around, with cafes where you can sit outside and watch the boats go by.’ Shop at… ‘The Florist Gate (thefloristgate.org.uk) near Burton upon Trent is another favourite. They sell lovely homewares and farm produce with their flowers.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Dial Restaurant and Bar (01283 544644, thedial.co.uk) in Burton upon Trent is family run and the food is always good. They sell great craft beers and have an innovative cocktail menu.’…

CREATE A WELCOMING SPACE Add a modern touch to the hallway with a cool, monochrome wallpaper. Match with a simple table and add a choice of baskets to keep everyday items in check. » MAKE A LIVING ROOM SING WITH COLOUR Create a bright and inviting room with just the right balance of pattern and plain. Midtone shades add a cheery touch, yet work with classic country neutrals. COOK UP A NEW STYLE IN THE KITCHEN Cover a noticeboard with fabric and add a zing of colour and pattern with kitchen linen for a ready-in-minutes refresh. » PAINT & LAY A DECORATIVE TRAY A sample pot of chalk paint is all you need to make good an old tray. Patterned tile coasters add a decorative touch to breakfast in bed.…

Combining utilitarian style with raw simplicity, this hybrid trend is full of rustic charm. The country influence brings a natural palette and textures into the mix, creating the perfect harmony between engineered and organic. Be inspired by historic warehouses and mingle raw elements, such as concrete, steel and reclaimed wood, with vintage finds for a look that’s full of grainy warmth and character. LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… ✽ Faux-real wallpaper to cheat the illusion of a stripped-back surface – take your pick from amazingly realistic concrete, exposed brick or engineered wood options. ✽ Locker-style or aged zinc and wire shelving and storage units. ✽ Celebrating your home’s story by keeping period features laid bare – we’re talking exposed pipes, wooden framework and even cement floors. ✽ Repurposing materials in…

AFTER OCCUPYING BATHROOMS FOR MANY YEARS, pedestal basins fell out of fashion. Now they’re surging back in popularity, thanks to their space-saving qualities and neat finish. Victorian designs are still popular with those after a period look, but the trend for buying a washbasin as part of a matching suite has waned. Now it’s all about going freestyle with a design that makes its own statement. THERE ARE TWO MAIN PEDESTAL OPTIONS: full and semi. A full pedestal extends to the floor with the basin on top – a great choice if your wall cannot take the weight of a hanging option. This extra support also allows for a bigger, heavier basin, making it practical for family bathrooms. A semi-pedestal is half-sized and sits under a wall-mounted basin, ideal for…

1 PLATE UP Beautiful artisan plates are wasted hidden away in cupboards. As an alternative to a china cabinet or dresser, mount your favourite pieces on wire plate hangers (available from John Lewis & Partners, from £6 each). An eclectic selection makes for an informal feel, but if you prefer a more co-ordinated look, group them together with one common element, such as colour, pattern or theme. Before hanging, draw round the plates on newspaper and cut them out to use as templates, then move them around on the wall until you’re happy with the overall balance. 2 HAT TRICK From boaters and berets to peaked country caps, hat walls are a fun way of incorporating favourite collections into a country scheme. Plus, hats are notoriously difficult to store! For…

1 Lunaria annua, or honesty, a long-flowering biennial loved by pollinators. 2 ‘Verona’, an early double tulip with cream and green flowers. 3 ‘Menton’, a lily-flowered pink tulip. 4 Paeonia mascula, a herbaceous perennial flowering in late spring and early summer. 5 Choisya x dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’, Mexican orange blossom, an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers. 6 ‘Happy Generation’, a large tulip with white flowers that have red ‘flames’. 7 Clematis ‘Frances Rivis’, a hardy deciduous Clematis bearing pretty blue petals over creamy inners in late spring. 8 Prunus tenella ‘Fire Hill’, dwarf Russian almond, with sprays of pink flowers.…

Style a spring table setting Create a relaxed country scheme that’s not just pretty but eco-friendly too, with sustainable table linens from Finnish family business, Lapuan Kankurit. While the techniques have been modernised since 1917, the designs remain as beautiful as ever. We love the Niitty table runner, £36, available in a range of seasonal pastel shades. Visit lapuankankurit.fi. LISTEN UP… Joules has launched its first digital DAB/DAB+ radio and Bluetooth speaker, for £99.99. Available in two of the brand’s best-loved floral prints, Cambridge Floral and Winter Camelia, it looks just as good as it sounds. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION We’re all about the blazer this season. This tailored design from Really Wild Clothing has caught our eye with its colourful take on tweed. Pair with a light sundress and…

1 HARD-WORKING UTILITY ROOM ‘For a small room it is such a luxurious space and I actually enjoy spending time in here,’ says Sarah. ‘It has loads of storage and hides our old washing machine and tumble dryer, which are stacked on top of each other. The open shelves prevent the heavy feel of too many cabinets.’ A Sheila rack, which hoists out of the way on pulleys, provides a laundry-drying solution and a custom-fit cubby houses Sarah’s large wicker laundry basket. 2 STATEMENT TAP Sarah wanted her sink in the middle of the island, so that she could enjoy the garden views while working there. With this in mind, she took extra care to choose a tap that would make a stylish design feature. ‘The antique brass colour is…

Sometimes the spark of a business idea can come from the most unexpected source, which is exactly what happened to Amalia Pothecary five years ago. ‘I was wandering around a boot fair and found a really high-end candle at one stall for just £1,’ she recalls. ‘I was absolutely thrilled to have got it for such a bargain price, and couldn’t wait to get home to light it.’ Once home, though, her delight quickly turned to dismay as the flame flickered away, leaving a black streak up the wall. ‘I was so disappointed that I did some research and discovered that the “luxury” candle I’d bought was actually made from paraffin wax,’ she explains. ‘Further research taught me that other candles were made entirely from natural plant sources, such as…

Pretty pastel crockery and table linens offer a welcome splash of colour against natural wood and classic ticking upholstery. From lazy Sunday breakfasts to big family get-togethers, the dining area is often the heart of the country home. With this in mind, choosing the right chairs is essential for creating a relaxed atmosphere. WHAT’S THE STORY? Originally a symbol of power and influence, the chair was reserved for those in authority for much of its early history – most people would have sat on a stool or bench. The Industrial Revolution of the late 1700s brought about the mass production of dining chairs. Cost-effective and quick to produce, they soon became commonplace. Since then, trends have come and gone, but today’s dining chairs are virtually identical to those dating back…

Use statement mirrors in a reception area to instantly open up an enclosed area, disperse daylight and add visual interest. Cathy’s style secret… Experiment with eclectic finds collected over time to bring happy memories home.…

Visit… ‘Chenies Manor House & Garden (01494 762888, cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk) in Rickmansworth, a beautiful estate that has given us a lot of garden inspiration over the years.’ Shop at… ‘Home & Colonial (01442 877007, homeandcolonial.co.uk) in Berkhamsted. There are five floors of antiques and gorgeous interiors pieces, with a fab cafe at the top.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Fred & Ginger Coffee (01442 874426, fredandgingercoffee.co.uk) in Berkhamsted for great breakfasts, pastries and healthy lunches – we practically live at this place.’…

This time-honoured tap is ideal for busy-bee kitchens. Features include a chrome, brass or bronze-finish swivel spout, flanked by two levers for hot and cold water. Traditionally partnered with ceramic farmhouse sinks, today’s modern country homes embrace bringing the past into the present by contrasting conventional fittings with modern sink surrounds made from streamlined marble, granite or concrete. Where to buy… • Victorian Plumbing for traditional and modern styles.• Holloways of Ludlow for clean and classic lines in a striking range of metallics.• Hornbeam Ivy for bespoke British-made mixers.…

Mix Eastern tones with classic Victorian style and a touch of the modern for an eclectic scheme full of treasures, texture and unique character. Varinia’s style secret… Add an exotic piece for an escapist feel – these Balinese doors transport you far away……

TAPS CONTRIBUTE A LOT TO THE OVERALL LOOK OF A BATHROOM, SO THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT THE TYPE YOU WANT AND WHETHER THEY ARE COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR BASIN – NOT ALL BASINS HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOLES FOR PARTICULAR TAP FITTINGS, SO BE SURE TO CHECK THIS BEFOREHAND TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. WHILE BUYING BASIN FITTINGS FROM A SINGLE RANGE WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYTHING IS CO-ORDINATED, YOU CAN CREATE A MORE INDIVIDUAL LOOK BY PICKING FROM DIFFERENT RANGES. STICK TO ONE FINISH TO KEEP THE SCHEME COHESIVE.…

Architect daydreams... Create the ultimate at-home workshop with the Prime oak studio table. This super-smart character’s natural grain is beautifully contrasted with a trestle frame in your choice of colour (we love teal, shown). L180xW91cm, £1,195, The Farmhouse Table Co. Art comes home Bringing a painterly feel to interiors, Prestigious Textiles’ Riviera collection includes a series of cottons and ethereal sheers, digitally printed to capture the brushstrokes of impressionist artwork. Soft and elegant with a feminine touch, the delicate designs feature two enchanting florals, Giverny and Camile, the dreamy geometric Pascale, Etienne – a misty abstract, and Waterlily, a repeat of luscious blooms over a chic devore dot. Prices range from £21m for the cotton prints, up to £48-£62.40m. Suitable for curtains, blinds, cushions and accessories, this curated collection will…

• In early spring, ornamental cherries, amelanchiers and hawthorn bear blossom. In late spring and early summer, Cornus kousa, Judas trees and magnolias complete a leafy canopy that filters light and keeps shade-lovers cool. In autumn, maples show off vivid foliage. In winter, there is bright bark on paperbark maples or Tibetan cherries, and witch hazels’ fragrant flowers. • Plant shrubs such as azaleas, daphnes, peonies and hydrangeas to add structure. For winter colour, try red-stemmed Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’. • Plant small bulbs – snowdrops, narcissi, anemones, trilliums, dog’s-tooth violets – to add seasonal splashes of colour. • For leafy ground cover, use pulmonarias, hellebores, London Pride, Asarum europaeum, tiarellas and Bergenia cordifolia. • Add drama with shuttlecock ferns and hostas interspersed with self-sown purple honesty.…

DENIM FANCY Artisan apron in canvas, L70cm £59.95, Nkuku. TIED IN KNOTS Garden apron in canvas, £25, L99cm, Garden Trading. SLIP ON Garden apron, L60cm, £30, Daylesford. BUCKLE UP Apron in canvas and leather, L98cm, £79, Eva Solo. NATURAL TOUCH Short jute apron, L70cm, £45, Carrier Company. POCKETS GALORE Leather apron, L91cm, £100, National Trust Shop. FARMER’S CHOICE Men’s leather apron in Cognac, L86cm, £139.75, Witloft at Borough Kitchen. CLASSIC STRIPES Gardener’s apron, L35cm, £22.95, Sophie Conran. DID YOU KNOW? TO DEEP CLEAN A WAXED APRON, FULLY SUBMERGE IT IN LUKEWARM WATER. GENTLY MASSAGE DIRTY SPOTS USING A NATURAL CASTILE SOAP, THEN RINSE AND HANG TO AIR DRY IN A WARM SPACE.…

We want this now... Tap into the fermented food health trend with Kilner’s new Kombucha Kit (£29.99, Lakeland). Kombucha is a tangy and sparkling fermented drink said to improve gut health and digestion. It can be pricey, but with this kit, you can brew your own. The pretty 3L dispenser and matching glasses have that classic country look, too. OUR FAVOURITE CHEESE MAKERS CONNAGE HIGHLAND DAIRY Family-run Connage Highland Dairy uses traditional techniques to make a range of organic cheese from a base on the shores of the Moray Firth, near Inverness. Two brothers and their wives set up the company in 2006 – one of the owners, Jill Clark, tells us more... What’s so special about your cheese? We pride ourselves on our organic status and the fact that…

While like location and size practical points might lead the search for a new home, they often fly out the window when you find ‘the one’, as Sarah and Gareth Russell discovered when searching for their forever home, eight years ago. ‘Admittedly, the house was falling down when we found it,’ says Sarah. ‘But the location, opposite lovely parkland and without being overlooked, was perfect and it had unmistakable charm.’ It was another six years before the couple had gathered the resources to renovate, but the time hadn’t been wasted. Sarah and Gareth carefully plotted and planned how to utilise every millimetre of space. ‘We spent a lot of time in our old kitchen with masking tape on the floor, desperately trying to work out how we could make our…

CABINETRY Bespoke Shaker-style solid wood kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Portland Stone Deep intelligent eggshell and Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke estate eggshell, around £32,000, Higham Furniture. SURFACES 3cm-thick quartz composite in SG Carrara, around £6,000, including utility room and installation, Higham Furniture. Walls, painted in Wimborne White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L; woodwork,painted in Shaded White estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. For similar flooring, try oak natural unsealed engineered flooring, £51sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Co. APPLIANCES Everhot 120i cast-iron range cooker, £9,025, Everhot. RF540ADUSX4 fridge freezer, around £1,999, Fisher & Paykel. HM676G0S6B combi microwave oven, £1,549, Siemens. Cache 110 integrated extractor, £958, Westin. G6660 SCVi integrated dishwasher, £1,299, Miele. SINKS & TAPS 4192 Ionian deck mounted taps with crosstop handles in aged brass,…

Visit… ‘Fiddleford Mill just outside Sturminster Newton. There are also some wild swimming spots nearby, which are amazing on a warm summer’s day.’ Shop at… ‘Frome Hardware (fromehardware.com) is a great store. It sells all sorts of utilitarian products that you can have personalised.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Salt Cellar (01747 851838). James and I love this little gem right at the top of Gold Hill. It serves great food, has the most wonderful views and is so friendly and unpretentious. It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.’…

The must-have addition in today’s modern country home, these Victorian-inspired window designs make an impressive piece in their own right. Striking, oversized styles favour a distressed wood or aged metal frame finish, to offer timeless appeal. Classical interiors adore tall, floorstanding arch designs, while more contemporary settings might favour a bold, graphic silhouette in a dark metal frame. Where to buy… • Homelia for beautiful, hand-selected, reclaimed styles.• Graham and Green for large, industrial-style hero pieces.• Cox & Cox for indoor and outdoor options.…

Keep your home light and elegant with a pared-back palette and plenty of light-reflecting, modern, glass accessories. Rebecca’s style secret… Bring your scheme to life with tousled textures and pretty, seasonal flower displays.…

Visit… ‘The beautiful Elan Valley (01597 810880, elanvalley.org.uk) stretches over 72sq m of historic landscape and it’s a true haven for wildlife. We love to walk or cycle around the reservoirs, and the visitors’ centre often hosts interesting events.’ Shop at… ‘Deli Tinto (01544 260534, delitinto.com). This gem in Presteigne stocks goods by small producers – we recommend the scrumptious bread and pastries baked freshly every morning.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Harp Inn (01544 350655, harpinnradnor.co.uk) in Old Radnor. This lovely old Welsh longhouse inn has a stunning setting, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Radnor Valley. With cosy fires and a delicious menu, it’s the perfect place for a pint and there is a good selection of local ales to choose from.’…

Bring period French-inspired extravagance to your home with a striking fountain of suspended crystal droplets. Made from tiers of brass or iron and decorated with numerous sparkles, these graceful yet complex Where to buy… • Cottage Antiques for a quirky range of antique country collectables.• Etsy for a vast array of vintage designs.• Wayfair for contemporary adaptations of classics.  dazzlers are the epitome of grandeur. Choose an authentic antique design, or go for a replica with an antique brass finish and glass droplets to cheat the look while enjoying modern-day electrical convenience.…

Garden-inspired geometrics The knot-garden design of Wallace Cotton’s new range is inspired by the formal layout of historic gardens. We like teaming the pure cotton sheets with soft tonal shades, for a stylish finish. Sustainable style Linen is anything but plain when you layer rich, mineral colours and matte-meets-shine finishes. Even better, these bedding sets are made from environmentally friendly materials for sublimely eco-friendly, dive-into appeal. Modern romance... For the dreamiest of bedtimes, choose delicate floral details in a palette of chalky monochrome shades. Forgo the iron and embrace the crimps and creases of beautifully breathable, pure linen.…

1 Marriage of metalwork Reminiscent of French Riviera garden classics but inspired by the balconies and railings of 19th-century British townhouses, this heritage-look combo pairs a granite-topped table with smart carver chairs in a dark-grey finish. Monaco 10-seater table, H72xW95x L280cm; 10 chairs, H91xW60xD70cm, £3,690 for the set, Neptune. 2 Luxury look  This elegant, weather-resistant set has a rattan-style finish and a wood-effect tabletop. Hampstead square dining table, H77xW90xD90cm; four dining armchairs, H89xW59xD60cm, £2,269 for the set, Bridgman. 3 Tuck in Set an inviting scene on your terrace with this clever all-weather rattan set, which combines comfort with smart, classic lines. San Sebastian garden set, H77xW122x D122cm, £2,395, Oka. 4 Green thinking Made from reclaimed wood and metal, this rustic set has been treated to give it a distressed, rust-proof…

While traditionalists will argue that cooking over charcoal adds flavour, some of us would prefer an easier life. Gas and electric-powered models put an end to sweating over hot coals, whether we’re catering for a crowd or a few friends. Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for – most gas models come with between one and six burners, with wider width grills for larger portions. Also, think about whether you’ll just be grilling or if you want a model that comes with a domed lid to facilitate roasting or cooking pizza. Lastly, look for design elements like foldout prep surfaces so it can be tucked away easily at the end of the day. 1 Best for VERSATILITY Weber Spirit II S-210 GBS Gas Grill, £569, Weber This relatively compact…

With a background in fine art painting, Louise Body has been designing and making wallpapers and fabrics since 2002. In 2003 she received a Prince’s Trust grant to set up her own business. Louise lives in Hastings with her husband and two children and works from her studio in St Leonards-on-Sea. Describe your work… I create nature-inspired wallpaper, murals and fabric, with a unique, contemporary twist. I paint semi-abstract landscapes and seascapes. I sell my own collections, collaborate with other designers and companies, and teach wallpaper printing. What inspires you? Living by the sea inspires my work, particularly in the colours I use. Plants, boats, buildings – any of these things can trigger an idea. What is your process? My designs are initially made by hand – painting, drawing, lino…

Visit... ‘Woolbeding House Garden, Midhurst (0344 249 1895, nationaltrust.org.uk/ woolbeding-gardens) – it’s a true haven for horticulture.’ Shop... For special plants, go to Phoenix Perennial Plants, Medstead (01420 560695), run by the highly respected gardener Marina Christopher, who specialises in perennials, many uncommon, selected for beneficial insects, especially pollinators. Go for a meal at... Alexandra’s Kitchen café, Durleighmarsh Farm, Petersfield. Alex and Matt Nor serve fresh, tasty food that’s hand made on the premises (01730 818286, alexandraskitchen.co.uk).…

Myakka has been offering its customers beautiful, ethically sourced furniture and accessories for 20 years. To celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary, Country Homes & Interiors is offering readers a 20% discount across the entire range. At the heart of Myakka’s collection is its exclusive solid wood furniture range. Each piece is crafted with care by skilled artisans, and made to last. Combine Myakka’s unique designs and fantastic value with its striking upholstery collection, innovative lighting, traditional hand-loomed rugs and stylish soft furnishings, and pick a finishing touch from a treasure trove of global-inspired accessories. With ethically sourced designs for every room of the house, Myakka can help you create a handcrafted, modern country look that’s unique to you and your home. • HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 20% DISCOUNT Visit Myakka.co.uk and…

1 Colour pop Introduce a boho feel to your outfit with this playful bag, complete with fluffy neon pom-poms. Choose from eight colour combinations. Mini pom-pom basket, £30, Postcards Home. 2 Stylish shopper This limited-edition basket is made from natural woven palm leaf with a rolled handle and V-shape detail. Hare & Home Tuscany Shopper basket, £32, Trouva. 3 Luxury haul Epitomising preppy charm, this compact design comes in a range of colours. In-house artists will add your initials. Monogram book bag basket, £200, Rae Feather.…

APPLE AND ELDERFLOWER MARTINI This fresh floral cocktail can be made ahead and kept chilled until guests arrive. SERVES 6 300ml vodka 300ml pressed apple juice, chilled 5tbsp elderflower cordial 3 limes Crushed ice 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced into rounds Mint sprigs, to garnish 1 Combine the vodka, apple juice and elderflower cordial in a large jug. Squeeze in the lime juice then stir well. Add a handful of crushed ice and keep in the fridge if not using straightaway. 2 To serve, put a little crushed ice into 6 cocktail glasses and add a slice of apple. Stir cocktail, pour into the glasses and finish with a sprig of mint. ROASTED RADISHES AND SPRING ONIONS The pepperiness of radishes mellows significantly when roasted, while the butter helps…

Owners Sarah and Gareth Russell live here with their daughters, Bella, six, Hollie, four, and Evie, two. House A five-bed Edwardian property. Project A rear extension was built to make space for a more sociable kitchen in a classic country design, with a generous island and multipurpose utility room. Kitchen size5.4x5.5m Designer Alexander Mayes of Higham Furniture. Cabinetry Bespoke Shaker-style solid wood kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Portland Stone Deep intelligent eggshell and Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke estate eggshell.…

With a rummage in the attic and a pinch of creative flair, it’s easy to transform your walls into mini galleries displaying your favourite finds and keepsakes. Whether it’s sentimental photographs, prized ticket stubs or swatches of nostalgic fabric, don’t let them languish unseen in a ‘safe space’. Instead, bring joyful items – and the memories associated with them – back to life using pre-loved frames, remnants of beautiful textiles and scraps of ribbon. Keep a look out for vintage craft materials at markets and fairs. You might even find a few old postcards or cigarette cards to add to your display. WIRE NOTICEBOARD Transform a rustic picture frame into a handy noticeboard by attaching screw eyes to the back and threading through lengths of cord or wire. Display special…

Amalia’s beautiful shop and studio perfectly demonstrates the importance of creating a retail space that completely reflects and enhances the brand, making it a place that people actively want to visit. Peter Cooper is a creative retail consultant based in Dorset who frequently advises independent shops and businesses on everything from creative marketing to design, and the importance of visual merchandising. Here are his tips on establishing a retail space that is interesting, welcoming and works hard to underpin the brand or business. Make a good impression ‘It goes without saying that your window display should be arresting and instantly convey what’s inside. Refresh it regularly to keep it interesting to passers-by, but don’t over-clutter with too much stock or display furniture as that only makes the brand message confusing.’…

A  AGA COOKSHOP 0800 804 6296 agacookshop.co.uk AGAHASLEMERE 01428 652873 agaliving.com ALLSTONE allstone.co.uk AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANGLIAN 0808 115 1275 anglianhome.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANOTHER COUNTRY 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com APPLEBY’S TILES applebys-tiles.co.uk APROPOS 0800 328 0033 aproposconservatories.co.uk ARBORETA 0800 288 8333 arboreta-oak.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATHROOM BRANDS bathroombrands.com BATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com BOROUGH KITCHEN 020 7998 9970 boroughkitchen.com BRIDGMAN 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk BRINTONS 0800 505055 brintons.co.uk BURLINGTON 01322 473222 burlingtonbathrooms.com BUTTERFILL’S 01597 829169 butterfills.com BUTTON & SPRUNG 03333 201801 buttonandsprung.com C  CARRIER COMPANY 01328 820699 carriercompany.co.uk CASTLE RING OAK FRAME 01547 560 231 castleringoakframe.co.uk CASTRADS 0161 439 9350 castrads.com CATCHPOLE & RYE 020 7351 0940 catchpoleandrye.com CHAR-BROIL charbroil.eu CHERISH HOME cherishhome. co.uk CLIFTON NURSERIES SURREY 01932…