Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Country Homes & Interiors

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that this issue looks a bit different. In the same way that you suddenly notice that the wallpaper you loved a few years ago is looking dated or that you’ve been defaulting to the same haircut every time, we realised it was time for a makeover. Don’t worry – we haven’t ripped out the original features that give this place its character, but just modernised and updated it here and there. We hope you’ll find it easier on the eye and a more enjoyable read. There are a few new things in the mix – my personal favourite is our ‘Local Heroes’ series (page 131), dedicated to inspiring people who are building country communities. Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag…

Having a separate home to spend the summer in usually involves a holiday let or owning a second property abroad. For Sally Bourne, it means travelling just a few steps across her garden to the green oak barn adjacent to her main home. ‘I moved to East Sussex from London in 2009, buying an Arts & Crafts-style Thirties house with this old barn on the one-acre site,’ she says (we featured this house in our November 2018 issue). By 2012, she had already begun to think about converting the barn into a workspace. ‘It hadn’t previously been a dwelling – I think it was used as stables or to store hay,’ she explains. ‘The supporting framework had deteriorated and the only option was to rebuild it. I commissioned a new…

Sally’s style tip...COSY UP YOUR SOFA READY FOR AFTER THE SUN’S GONE DOWN CH&I loves... OUTDOOR WOOD STAINS…

Sara’s style tip... GIVE YOUR BATHROOM CHARACTER WITH A PRETTY WALLPAPER IN A PALE SHADE CH&I loves... PATTERNED WALLPAPERS…

Visit…‘Croft Castle (01568 780246, nationaltrust.org.uk/ croftcastle-and-parklandnationaltrust) in Yarpole. It dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is surrounded by 1,500 acres of beautiful woodland, farms and parkland.’ Shop at… ‘Quarry Farm Shop (01568 613156, quarryfarmshop.co.uk) in Luston for a wide range of meat reared either on the family farm or sourced from a few carefully selected local family farms.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Riverside Inn at Aymestrey (01568 708440, riversideaymestrey.co.uk) is an atmospheric 16th century black and white building in the River Lugg valley. It serves delicious food made from fruit and vegetables grown in their kitchen garden.’…

What’s the best thing about living where you do? ‘Christchurch is a well-kept secret. It has a fabulous array of restaurants, plus the river and sea are just moments away.’ How do you bring a country feel to town life? ‘Our home is decorated in a relaxed, modern-country style. Plus, a quick ferry ride across the river leads to beautiful countryside.’ What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday? ‘In the winter it’s taking the dogs for a long walk and then cosying up around the log burner, but in summer you’ll find us in a Cobra Rib heading to the Isle of Wight.’…

Daisies infused in oil to reduce bruises and elderflower cordial to bring down a temperature, are just two of the herbal remedies that Vicky Chown and Kim Walker of Handmade Apothecary demonstrate how to make in their workshops. ‘You can use herbs to boost your immune system, treat ailments and even to make your own skincare,’ says Vicky. ‘It’s amazing that you can open your back door and find a weed there that’s exactly what you need.’ Vicky, a medical herbalist who runs a community garden in Highgate Woods, and Kim, a researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and a PhD student, met while they were both studying for a BSc in Herbal Medicine at the University of Westminster. They hit it off immediately. ‘We have very different backgrounds…

What sparked your love of block printing? I used to live in Barnes, very close to a beautiful interiors shop called Tobias and The Angel. The owner runs workshops and I decided to give block printing a go. It was like falling in love the first time I tried it; I’ve been hooked ever since. Do you have a background in design? No, I’ve worked hard training myself. I wrote to renowned designer Marthe Armitage, who has been printing from handmade lino cuts since the Fifties. She invited me to spend a day with her, which was invaluable. I then took up an apprenticeship, where I learned to mix dyes, set fabric and print straight. Where do you find inspiration? I spend a lot of time walking in the woods…

Seating always takes centre stage in a country living room. With that in mind, it makes sense to choose a heritage brand famed for handcrafting top-quality, comfortable sofas and armchairs that you can relax in for years to come. This year sees Parker Knoll celebrate its 150th birthday. It all started back in 1869, when Frederick Parker founded the company. He set up shop in London, producing smartly tailored designs with elegant proportions and supreme luxury at the fore. The business flourished and in the Twenties, Frederick and his two sons met and collaborated with Willi Knoll, a fighter pilot in the First World War. Struck by the lack of comfort and support offered by his plane’s seat, he developed a revolutionary coiled steel wire spring system that could be…

WITH MORE OF A FOCUS ON ‘GREEN’ LIVING THAN EVER BEFORE, many companies are improving the eco credentials of their flooring, making changes to the materials used as well as their provenance. The gap in the market for eco-friendly flooring is filling – not with anything that we haven’t seen before, but with a more varied array of designs, so we can make sustainable choices without sacrificing on style. WHAT CONSTITUTES ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING? The primary consideration is sustainability. In other words, do the materials come from a renewable source? For example, a carpet that’s made entirely of wool is sustainable – sheep annually regrow their fluffy coats with zero impact on the environment, so it’s a resource that’s easily replenished. IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER whether it can be recycled…

CABINETRY The Goodwood kitchen by Teddy Edwards, paintedin Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray estate eggshell with interiors in bleached oak veneer. A typical Teddy Edwards kitchen costs in the region of £45,000. SURFACES Worktops in Carrara quartz in a polished finish, from £400sq m, Compac. Splashback tiles from Pierre Basset; for similar, try Vintage wall and floor tiles, £44.95sq m, Little Tile Company. Walls painted in House White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. For similar flooring, try the Castile Soft Tumbled Limestone, from £38.40sq m, Beswick Stone. APPLIANCES 4-oven AGA range cooker in Pearl Ashes, from £12,785, AGA. G 6660 SCVi integrated dishwasher, £1,299, Miele. RY 492 301 fully integrated fridge freezer, £9,474, Gaggenau. HB676GBS6B single oven, £840; EH601MV17E induction hob, £1,030,both Siemens. SINKS & TAPS Iron…

The wisteria family has around ten species; favourites are Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda . They are deciduous, with sweetly-scented flowers in shades of white, purple, blue or pink. Here’s what you need to know... • Wisterias need sufficient sunlight to flower well – not less than six hours a day – and grow best in a south or west-facing position. • Choose mature named cultivars grown from cuttings or by grafting, preferably while in flower, and plant in a deep hole with added compost. As the plant develops, secure to its support with expandable ties. • Once established, wisterias are vigorous, but can take a few years to get going. • A pergola has to be sturdy to take the weight of a mature wisteria. • To create light dappled shade, a wisteria must…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick... elderflowers, in season until mid-June Connect... with nature by taking part in The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge (wildlifetrusts.org) See... an alfresco rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Packwood House, Yorkshire, 8 June, £16 (nationaltrust.org.uk) Learn... how to style summer blooms with Wild Bunch, 12 June, £220 (wildbunchflowers.co.uk) STYLE IN THE SLOW LANE The Slow Fashion movement is here, and the gorgeous garments by A Woodland Gathering encompass everything we love about it – stylish, simple and sustainable. Flotta blouse, £95, A Woodland Gathering. 3 reasons to… try a vegan diet 1 YOU’LL LOOK (AND FEEL) BEAUTIFUL Fruit and veg are packed with vitamins – great for our health, but they also keep skin, hair and nails looking lovely,…

Things we can‘t live without... “MOVING FROM INDOORS TO OUTDOORS FOR THE SUNKISSED SEASON!”…

Visit… ‘The Bluebell Railway (01825 720800, bluebell-railway.com) for a trip on a traditional steam train running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, and enjoy a traditional cream tea on the way.’ Shop at… ‘Plaw Hatch Biodynamic Farm (01342 810201, plawhatchfarm.co.uk) for locally grown fruit, veg and dairy products, including their own cheese. Great coffee and freshly baked croissants on a Saturday morning, too.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Cat Inn (01342 810369, catinn.co.uk), a 16th-century village pub with great food cooked using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.’…

Lauren’s style tip... SOFT PASTELS AND NEUTRALS ADD SUBTLE, WARMING ACCENTS WITHOUT DETRACTING FROM NATURE’S CANVAS CH&I loves...…

Visit… ‘Hengistbury Head (visithengistburyhead.co.uk) for far-reaching views across Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Spit and over to the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks. After a cuppa among the beach huts, catch the long ferry back up the river to explore more of Christchurch town.’ Shop at… ‘No 64 Biscuit House (01590 643765, no64.co.uk) in Milford-on-Sea for gorgeous Scandi-chic homeware.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Jetty (01202 400950, thejetty.co.uk) in Christchurch for a gourmet, harbour-side treat.’…

VICKY CHOWN AND KIM WALKER started Handmade Apothecary six years ago alongside their day jobs – and they’re not alone in this way of working. ‘It once was referred to as a 5-9, but is now commonly called a side hustle,’ says Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, a network of small businesses and business advisers with a community of more than 75,000 people. Henley Business School recently reported that as many as one in four UK employees has a side hustle, generating an extra £72bn for the UK. A side hustle can be anything that earns you a second income, but the most common are crafts, writing, stock market investments, selling online and blogging/vlogging. ‘It’s a great way to start a business,’ says Emma. ‘It gives you time to…

LOUNGE IN LAID-BACK LUXURY Linger on a stylish daybed dressed in luxurious silks and linens. Take a trick from stylists and cover a panel in a beautiful wallpaper for an instant feature wall that switches up the scene for the season. BRING RETRO RATTAN BACK TO THE TABLE Bamboo place mats bring an Eastern touch that’s totally on-trend now. Layer them with soft-hued linens and a mix of light and dark wood furniture for an elegant take on country style. CREATE A SUMMER ‘HANGOUT’ If winter is about cosy corners, summer is all breezy boltholes… A hanging bamboo chair has all the airiness you need, dressed with cushions and throws for softness and style. STYLE A CALMING SPA Capture a spa-like freshness with a light and luminous colour palette. Bring…

PICK TIMELESS PATTERNS Children (and parents) have a tendency to tire quickly of statement schemes, so stick to designs with ageless appeal, such as classic country florals. This beautiful Rose Garden wallpaper design from Swedish brand Newbie is also available on bedlinen and comes with coordinating cushions. ROOM TO GROW ...AND DREAM From linens that promote a good night’s sleep to inspiring play with dens and fancy dress, children’s rooms require careful planning. A scheme has to serve all purposes – playroom, study, sleep space – to grow with your child. Pick the right elements and you’ll end up with the perfect room for them to flourish in. SLEEPOVER TIME These multifunctional cushions can be used as a comfy sleepover mattress, stacked up into a squidgy pouffe or stashed flat…

With spring now in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for the garden to become your sanctuary once more. With lighter nights and rising temperatures stretching out ahead of us, and bank holidays, barbecues and brunches on the patio getting closer, Garden Trading’s latest collections are just the thing to help welcome the warmer weather. Embrace fresh, seasonal shades with the Bistro collection, inspired by the British countryside. From Dandelion to Peppermint, Dorset Blue to Earl Grey, each colour complements the natural colour palette of spring. With balmy nights setting the scene for entertaining, gather friends and family together for a meal that looks as good as it tastes with the Meze collection, inspired by Middle Eastern dining. Mix and match stunning ceramic bowls, sharing boards and brass cutlery to…

Jo and Pierre-Olivier Gaillard’s picturesque farmhouse, in the heart of a quaint village, may be quintessentially English on the outside. Step inside, however, and the couple’s love of France shines through. ‘We lived in the Paris-Versailles area for several years. I loved the interiors of friends’ homes – the French are so good with their colours,’ enthuses Jo. She vowed to recreate a chic French feel when they relocated to the English countryside eight years ago. Before she could start looking at paint palettes, Jo had to tackle the issue of the farmhouse’s small, dark kitchen. Fortunately, the property came with a rundown barn adjacent that was ideal for expansion. ‘We knocked through the wall and doubled the space, then went out on the side of the kitchen and added…

AS WITH MOST new kitchen appliances, fridge freezers have been given the ‘smart’ treatment, with wi-fi connectivity opening the door to a wide array of extra features. In-fridge cameras accessed via a smartphone app can take the guesswork out of knowing how much milk you have left in the fridge when you’re out shopping, while some models can even automatically order more for delivery when you’re running low. THE LATEST DESIGNS boast cavities with deep, well-lit shelving making it easy to store a lot of food (and find it easily, too). Many models offer adaptable compartments, meaning you can turn a section of the freezer into a fridge when you need extra cooler space. FROM GLASS PANELS that let you see the contents without having to open the door, to…

Bethany Perry trained as an illustrator and worked as a make-up artist before turning to fine art, producing bold and energetic paintings that focus on the female form. She is one of a number of artists featured in the newly launched, internet-based Runway Gallery. Tell us about your art background. I’ve been painting ever since I can remember. I grew up in the countryside, so there was always the freedom and space to be creative. At school, I was never great at maths or science and found out I was dyslexic in my early twenties, but I always felt confident in my artistic capabilities. I studied illustration at Swindon after college, then moved to London, where I fell into working as a make-up artist. My journey has had its challenges,…

1 GOOD VIBES Rainbows on your feet… what’s not to love? This embroidered design makes for a playful addition to your summer shoe collection. Gola Coaster rainbow trainers, £50, Anthropologie. 2 IN THE NUDE Forget laces, these sneakers are perfect for those in a hurry – and they’re super-stylish, too. This subtle blush shade goes with any outfit. Vitesse 702 in nude, £137, Seven Feet Apart. 3 PLAY IT COOL Designed with sunny climates in mind, these stylish runners are comfortably light. Oh, and they’re made from eucalyptus trees! Tree runners in kauri fiddle-leaf, £95, All Birds.…

VISIT A NATIONAL TREASURE The Vyne is an imposing Tudor palace carefully restored by the National Trust, with both the gardens and interiors open to the public; nationaltrust.org.uk ENJOY AN OPERA OUTDOORS During the summer, the elegant gardens at West Green House become the stage for enchanting opera performances. This year the focus is on Rossini; westgreenhouse.co.uk HAVE LUNCH AT A COUNTRY PUB Head to the The Leather Bottle for classic rural pub ambience – cue stone floors, inglenook fireplace and sublime Sunday roasts; brunningandprice. co.uk/leatherbottle…

STRAWBERRY GAZPACHO Strawberry may sound like an unusual incarnation of the traditional gazpacho recipe, but the result is light, fragrant and delicious. SERVES 6 300g vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped 700g ripe strawberries, 1 roasted red pepper, sliced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 small garlic clove, crushed 1tbsp sherry vinegar 75ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil, for frying 2 slices of sourdough bread, diced Fresh basil leaves and edible flowers, to garnish 1 In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the oils, seasoning, sourdough and garnishes. Leave to infuse overnight. 2 The next day, add the extra-virgin olive oil to the mix and blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Season to taste.…

At the foot of the Galtee Mountains in Tipperary is Glengarra Wood. It’s this beautiful, slightly unkempt wild forest where I’ve been going ever since I met my husband, Roy, who grew up not far from there. It’s lush, full and alive, with babbling streams and a river running through it. When you’re walking around it feels so removed from everything else in life. I spend a lot of time on my phone, especially on Instagram, but although I will take pictures while I’m there, there’s no wi-fi or phone signal – I’m disconnected. So it gives me a kind of headspace. It’s a wonderful place to switch off and try to be a bit more mindful. I’m mildly obsessed with trees, especially in summer with the way the light…

Garden lighting gets Curiousa Bring a little night-time glamour to your garden with this colourful cluster light from Curiousa & Curiousa. The company produce a selection of its lights to IP45 standards, meaning they’re suitable for outdoor use. Each design is made to order in the Peak District, using centuries-old glassblowing techniques. Harlequin chandelier, £1,725. NEW BEAUTIES FROM BLINDS 2GO Frame your favourite views with uplifting prints from Blinds 2Go, starring patterns inspired by nature, from trailing leaves and blowsy florals to luxuriant foliage. Made-to-measure options for Roman or roller blinds and curtains in a variety of fabrics start from as little as £21.95. PINTEREST-WORTHY PROJECTS DIY furniture made from wooden pallets is a much-searched-for topic on Pinterest. This new book has 20 step-by-step projects to try, with styles from…

Why did you leave London? ‘I wanted to stop relying on supermarkets, and grow my own food. I also wanted to be near the woods, and this place on the edge of the Ashdown Forest ticked all the boxes.’ Why is your garden special? ‘I believe bees bring a garden to life. I learnt how to make a sun hive from straw and cow dung, and I collected a swarm that has lived in it ever since. Then I bought some old cork hives in Portugal. I don’t take any of the honey – I see myself as a custodian, not a farmer.’ What do visitors enjoy most? ‘It’s lovely to see how much people appreciate the garden, and seeing city children around the chickens and collecting the eggs is…

Where are the best places? Car-boot and yard sales, vintage fairs and antiques markets such as The Country Brocante or antiques fairs such as Sunbury, Ardingly and Newark. Get there early! What are the best buys? Seek out vintage textiles, furniture with original paintwork, enamelware or kitchenalia, French stoneware, vintage quilts or old-fashioned French cutlery. Look out for old doors and shutters, tools and gardenalia, too. Which colours would work? Soft pastels, faded hues and a chalky palette will harmoniously blend pretty English and French details. Taken from Country Brocante Style: A Decorative Life by Lucy Haywood, £19.99, Ryland Peters & Small…

What’s the best thing about living close to Ludlow? ‘I don’t feel isolated when my husband is working away. Everyone knows everyone here – there’s a real sense of community.’ What’s at the heart of local life? ‘The daily market, which is supported extremely well. And the local theatre and cinema.’ Any tips for making local friends? ‘With small children, making friends came easy. But for those who don’t have children there are many groups and clubs to get involved in. Joining in is the best way to meet people.’…

AmandaÕs style tip... MAKE A STRIKING STATEMENT BY PAINTING YOUR ISLAND IN A DARINGLY RICH SHADE TO CONTRAST WITH A SOFTER NEUTRAL CH&I loves...…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Be inspired by Mediterranean backdrops and paint a feature wall in a chalky rose finish to bring soft warmth to your colour scheme. Introduce a country furniture piece or eclectic accessories in rustic, sun-kissed tones. Celebrate traditional craftsmanship, organic forms and touchable textures with hand-woven pieces and artisan makes in clay, cotton, wood and rattan. OUR EXPERT SAYS…“FOR RELAXED RUSTIC STYLE WITH A TASTE OF THE MED, PICK NOMADIC PATTERNS ON TEXTILES, HARMONISED WITH SUN-PARCHED WOODS, BAKED CLAY, AND WOVEN BASKETS”HOLLY PHILLIPS, style content editor…

KEEP IT MOVING Shepherd’s huts have an undeniable romantic, Thomas Hardy-esque allure but they also appeal to those struggling to secure planning permission for a permanent garden structure. ‘As the huts are on wheels, and therefore movable, they often don’t require planning permission,’ says Richard Lee, founder of Plankbridge. ‘However, it depends where the hut is positioned. Always check before you invest.’ SMARTEN UP A SHED Explore the potential of existing buildings: with a coat of paint and comfortable furnishings, the humblest shed can be repurposed as an artist’s studio or writer’s retreat. ‘Fresh colour can transform a plain outbuilding quickly and inexpensively,’ says Becky Rackstraw, colour expert at Protek. ‘A little imagination, alongside a suitable colour palette, will create a haven for hobbies. Adding exterior paving or gravel by…

FSC-CERTIFIED WOOD Wood flooring doesn’t have to be reclaimed to be eco-friendly. Generally speaking, the rarer the tree species, the less sustainable it is, which means that commonly grown oak and pine are good eco options. Choose a supplier that sources timber from managed forests carrying the FSC logo, such as The Natural Wood Floor Company. ‘We also operate a 0% waste policy throughout our manufacturing process, so the end product is beautiful and good for the environment,’ says director, Peter Keane. COUNTRY-STYLE CONCRETE With its industrial looks and easy-to-clean qualities, polished concrete is a sustainable flooring choice that is gaining in popularity. While the super sleek finishes are more suited to contemporary dwellings, more rustic, matt options are also available. The obvious choice for kitchens and bathrooms, it works…

1 PICK-AND-MIX A SPLASHBACK The Gaillards found the splashback tiles in Provence, during one of many family holidays. ‘They’re from Pierre Basset, a tile shop in Salernes, a town famous for its hand-painted tiles,’ explains Jo. ‘As they didn’t have enough of one tile design left, we went to the shop’s warehouse and each picked out our favourite tiles, which we put together as a patchwork.’ 2 STYLE STATEMENT SHELVES At the far end of the room, past the dining area, a wall of modular bookshelves draws the eye through the space. Painting the bookshelves and the architectural woodwork around it (including the door, architraves and steel beams) in the same shade as the kitchen cabinetry unites the two zones. Filled with Jo’s bright cookery books and collection of pottery,…

‘I've always found plants to be a source of healing and comfort. After taking a degree in horticulture specialising in social and therapeutic applications, I began running garden training projects for adults with learning difficulties and mental health needs. When people work with nature, they strive to overcome their challenges. I love seeing them make that journey through recovery. As a young adult, I suffered from depression. It gives me an insight into similar challenges facing our trainees. Katy, for example, arrived in 2011 and began her recovery here. When people are in a very dark place, we offer a lifeline and try to show them that, by just being here, the magic will happen. She is now one of our supervisors. I was at a friend’s wedding when I…

A  A W OODLAND GATHERING awoodlandgathering.com ABIGAIL AHERN 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALL BIRDS 0808 164 8595 allbirds.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANGEL & BOHO 0845 200 0723 angelandboho.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie. com ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com AUTHENTIC RECLAMATION 01580 201258 authentic-reclamation.co.uk B  BEDECK 0333 200 7331 bedeckhome.com BELL& BLUE 01455 558677 bellandblue.com BERT& MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BERTAZZONI 0330 053 9185 uk.bertazzoni.com BESWICKSTONE 01285 885795 beswickstone.co.uk BLACKEDITION 01623 756699 blackedition.com BLINDS 2GO 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk BLOOMINGVILLE 004 596 264 645 bloomingville.com BOHEMIA 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk BORDER OAK 01568 708752 borderoak.com BRIDGMAN 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk BRITISH BATHROOM COMPANY 020 8201 3770 britishbathroomcompany. co.uk BURFORD GARDEN COMPANY 01993 823117 burford.co.uk BURLEIGH 01773 740740 burleigh.co.uk C  CABBAGES…