Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Country Homes & Interiors

This issue reminded me to book a few days off for our annual pilgrimage to our favourite beach – Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk. The best place for a mind-clearing stomp along the sand! I say ‘pilgrimage’ because of my lifelong connection with it. My dad was born, raised and rescued as a boy from the 1953 flood there. It’s also where I spent childhood summers making friends with London kids down for a week’s bucket-and-spade holiday and not knowing how lucky I was to live just a short drive away. One look at Zara Dawson’s north Norfolk home (page 48) and I was straight on Rightmove, searching for my fantasy seaside cottage! One day… Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes…

Getting her teeth into a project of her own was interior designer Jill Stein’s motivation for renovating this charming Cornish escape. ‘I had been working on five properties for a client and wanted to do something for myself,’ she says. ‘I didn’t have the budget for a sea-view property, so I went inland to a village I know well. Walking around, I saw this house for sale. It was a wreck, but at the right price, and it certainly ticked the “project” box.’ The deceptively large house was originally a Victorian barn and cottage, with later additions. ‘It was an interesting-looking place, as it was neglected and had been on the market for some time – but that was the challenge for me,’ says Jill. ‘There was a garage that…

Finish walls with a moody Cornish seascape. Storm’s Passing oil on board, H35.5xW40cm, £450, Matthew Hedges at Waveart Keep water glasses topped up with this charming pitcher, or fill it with fresh blooms. Mackerel water jug by Wendy Bray, H19xW17x D11.5cm, £27.50, Rick Stein Shop Add a glow to dinner times with this sustainably made, gloss finished dome. Halong bamboo pendant light by Good & Mojo, H28xDia52xL350cm, £175, Houseology Wash your tabletop with a Mediterranean palette of azure blue and baked earth hues. Terracotta salad bowl, H7xDia32.5cm, £15, Waitrose & Partners CH&I loves... STONE FLOORING Homestead stone-effect tiles, £12.95sq m, Walls and Floors Antique terracotta brick, £114sq m, Artisans of Devizes Bergamo tumbled limestone, £66sq m, The Stone Floor Company…

There’s always time for afternoon tea! Serve it in this hand-thrown, British stoneware. Whichford tea set for two, £130, Soho Home Reflect Mother Nature’s beauty with this metal-framed statement piece. Gothic stone mirror, H83xW50xD4cm, £60, National Trust Shop Watch time’s slow tick on an aged outdoor clock. Brockhurst indoor/ outdoor skeleton wall clock, Dia70cm, £82, Artisanti Give get-togethers an elegant squish-factor with this season-proof set. Oakridge round bistro table with two high-back armchairs, £719, Bramblecrest Add a touch of coastal flair with a scattering of beautiful inky blue softies... Peony & Sage seahorse cushion, 45x45cm, £54.95, Catkin & Olive Made from durable teak and marine-grade stainless steel, this is designed to last. Poole outdoor wall light, £270, Comet Lighting CH&I MODERN Country CLASSIC Mandy’s style tip... TRANSFORM A RARELY-USED SPACE…

How was it trying out ideas on your own house? ‘It was so much fun! We always knew it would be let out to guests so wanted it to have a fresh, holiday cottage feel, with some coastal-themed pieces, but also to be practical.‘ What are the essential elements of holiday home decor? ‘The most important thing is to feel that the holiday has begun the second you walk through the door. You want to create a scheme that encourages happy times and memories, so nothing too precious.’ How does the house reflect your personality? ‘ When we come to the cottage we want to relax and unwind and I think the soft colours reflect that.’…

Adventurous guests will appreciate this rustic, brushed metal piece, reminiscent of an antique trunk. Cairo metal and leather trunk bedside table, H42xD42xW50cm, £145, Shropshire Design Made in solid birch and painted in soft white, this frame design leaves plenty of room underneath to stow away guest travel bags or a handy sleepover trundle. Classic single bed, £395, The White Company…

Visit… ‘The salt marshes at Blakeney Point, where you can also take a boat ride to see the seals or go alpaca trekking. We love taking Jax to the famous beach huts at Wells and eating fish and chips from Eric’s (ericsfishandchips.com) in Thornham.’ Shop at… ‘Joyful Living (joyfulliving.co.uk) in Thornham for beautiful interiors and Marshes & Flint (marshesandflint.co.uk) in North Creake for children’s clothes and toys.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Bircham Stores Café (Instagram @bircham storesandcafe), near Dersingham, for breakfast. The Chequers Inn (chequersinnthornham.com) for a delicious dinner.’…

IT WASN’T UNTIL KATY AND CHARLIE started to scale up Sunbeam Jackie that they were forced to make some important decisions, including whether to manufacture the parasols abroad. ‘The parasols are expensive to make so we needed to get the production cost down,’ says Charlie. ‘We tried using plastic instead of stainless steel for the hinges but it created an inferior product and was only 20 per cent cheaper. We also looked at having the parasols produced really cheaply in China, but decided on the more expensive option of having them locally crafted – this defined our market.’ Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, a network of small businesses and advisers with a community of more than 75,000 people, says that you’ll know when the time is right to scale…

MAKE A SEAT THE STAR Choose a modern shaped chair with a striking floral pattern as a feature piece, and cool the sun’s rays with breezy voiles at the window. CREATE A LOOSE AND LOVELY FLORAL DISPLAY A simple arrangement of hand-picked flowers brings the freshness of the garden to a shelf or mantel. HANG STATEMENT SHADES DIY a feature pendant by hanging a cluster of miniature shades in mix-and-match tonal patterns. SET A SIMPLE TABLE Take a less-is-more approach and create an informal feel by combining floral motifs in shades of blue and white for a refined touch. ADD RUSTIC CHARACTER Introduce a ‘hero’ vintage piece in a distressed finish to give a white room texture and unique character – as well as storage for spare linens. FLOAT AWAY…

PICK PATTERN FOR FLOORS Beth Dadswell, founder of Imperfect Interiors, recommends restricting pattern to below eye level. ‘Patterned tiles add colour, energy and character to bathrooms but I suggest keeping the floor as the main feature,’ she says. Here, she has used a jute rug and soothing pink walls to mellow and blend the patterned tiles. ‘Choose between Moroccan, traditional or more modern tiles,’ says Beth. TRY TONAL GEOMETRICS Geometric patterns will take your bathroom in a fresh direction. High-contrast 3D designs feel particularly dynamic on floor tiles. On vertical surfaces, it’s better to source geos in tonal hues that are less likely to unbalance your depth of field in the morning. Here, the burnt umber tiles tone beautifully with brass, while a traditional roll-top bath provides a classic twist…

■ BEFORE PUTTING UP A BOUNDARY WALL, you are legally obliged to consult your neighbours, although this law does not apply to fencing. If your house borders a listed building, any changes to your boundary may also require planning permission. ■ ENSURE BOUNDARY WALLS AND FENCES ARE NO HIGHER THAN THE 2M LEGAL LIMIT. Hedges and trees may be taller, as long as they are maintained and don’t cast too much shade on neighbouring homes. In areas with open-plan front gardens, there is often a restriction on fences or hedges and planning permission must usually be sought – see hedgeline.org. ■ THE TWO MOST COMMON BOUNDARIES ARE WALLS AND FENCES. The general rule is if the ‘good’ side of the fence faces into your neighbour’s garden (that is, the struts…

Sailing has always been in my blood. I was born in the seaside town of North Berwick, Scotland. My parents were keen sailors and, when I was a baby, they’d pop me safely in a basket on their boat, before heading out to sea. I loved the feeling of wind in my face and being out in the fresh air. Aged 16, I crewed on the Tall Ships and have fantastic memories of sailing around the UK and Europe. I can be helming a lifeboat with a helicopter hovering overhead while a casualty is pulled to safety in choppy seas. I joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution when I went to Aberystwyth University, as I’d always been passionate about the charity’s work. I discovered the training was exceptional. After qualifying…

ECO OPTION Made from recycled polyester, this eye-catching design features hidden pockets and an inner laptop sleeve. Bernt, £129, Sandqvist WHATEVER THE WEATHER As summer can be unpredictable, this pretty pack has a waterproof coating to ensure your belongings stay dry. Hajo backpack in Salmon, £86, Ucon Acrobatics ON YOUR BIKE A masterpiece in minimal design, this lightweight bag is a great option for keen cyclists – choose from seven colours. Smith roll pack, £115, Home of Millican…

WALMER CASTLE This nearby Tudor castle is steeped in history but the biggest draw today are the stunning formal gardens. Dating back to the 18th century, they are lovely to stroll through on a warm, sunny day. MIKE’S BIKES Head down to Hut 55 on Marine Road and rent a couple of bicycles from Mike to explore the local area – we recommend riding them over to Kingsdown Beach or Sandwich Bay. FISH & CHIPS A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Britain’s national dish. Head over to the charming Middle Street Fish Bar and grab a box to eat on the seafront.…

A  AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALCHEMY alchemyoils.co.uk ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIOR DESIGN aji.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk ARTISANS OF DEVIZES 01380 735888 artisansofdevizes.com ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com ASHLEY WILDE 01707 635201 ashleywildegroup.co.uk ASHTON & BENTLEY 01902 837436 ashtonandbentley.co.uk B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATELA batelauk.com BATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com BC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk BEAUTIFUL HALO beautifulhalo.com BED & MATTRESS CENTRE 01243 775151 bedandmattress.co.uk BESWICK STONE 01285 885795 beswickstone.co.uk BIRDIE FORTESCUE 01328 851651 birdiefortescue.co.uk BOWER bowerswimwear.com BRAMBLECREST bramblecrest.com BUNGALOW bungalow.dk C  CA’PIETRA 01380 735886 capietra.com CARPETRIGHT 0330…

Things we can’t live without...“THE FEELING OF SANDY TOES, A SUN-KISSED NOSE, AND THE SEA BREEZE IN OUR HAIR…”…

Visit… ‘West Wittering Beach (westwitteringbeach.co.uk) has become a firm favourite for long walks. It’s so tranquil and unspoiled, with golden sands and views out towards the Isle of Wight.’ Shop at… ‘Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk) near Chichester stocks an eclectic mix of vintage and modern homeware.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay, near Chichester (crownand anchorchichester.com ) is an award-winning pub and restaurant full of 16th-century charm and with stunning views over Chichester Harbour.’…

Visit… ‘Overbeck’s (nationaltrust. org.uk/overbecks), the seaside home of inventor Otto Overbeck, is a short walk from the cottage. Thanks to the microclimate, there is a beautiful tropical garden with palm trees and the most amazing mature hydrangeas, with incredible views overlooking the white sandy beaches on the Salcombe Estuary. It is often hard to believe you’re in the UK as the plants are so exotic.’ Shop at… ‘The Salcombe Deli (salcombedeli.co.uk) serves the most gorgeous pastries, salads, meats and cheeses. We love to go there for antipasti-style picnic supplies to accompany a delicious G&T from Salcombe Distillery Co.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Millbrook Inn (millbrookinnsouthpool. co.uk) in South Pool is a charming old pub that has incredible service, wonderful food and a roaring fire. It’s on the estuary…

“WE LOVE THAT WE GET TO ESCAPE THE CITY AND COME HERE TO ENJOY DOWNTIME BY THE COAST” Despite having been one of the first Norfolk villages to get a railway line, Docking has been without a passenger service since the 1953 East Coast floods. What remains is a row of pretty railway worker’s homes, tucked down a quaint country lane. ‘This little dingy cottage was crammed full of burgundy crushed velvet sofas and dark pink carpets, but I just fell in love with it,’ says Zara Dawson. ‘It sits on the end of the row so it’s an odd shape, but its quirks are what makes it unique.’ Zara grew up in Norfolk but left when she was 16 to attend drama school in London, where she met her…

Create a coastal theme with this shoal of swimmers hung from a hook or doorknob. Wooden fish bunch in Natural Grey, £13.50, Gisela Graham Achieve a timeless look with this alternative to wall-mounted taps. The Mull bath and shower mixer in brass, from £1,716, Drummonds Perk up your space with this bouquet of pretty neutrals. Faux magnolia fern in vase, H23xW19x L12cm, £9.50, Marks & Spencer CH&I loves...…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Switch the traditional red and blue maritime palette for a softer scheme of faded corals, sea-glass blues and sun-bleached, sandy neutrals. The look is less seaworthy and shipshape, more beachcomber charm, with relaxed, tumbled linen stripes and rockpool-inspired designs on soft furnishings and accessories. Every seashell has a story to tell, so why not let your home do the same? OUR EXPERT SAYS…“FLUID STRIPES IN WASHED-AWAY OMBRÉS GIVE A SENSE OF FAR HORIZONS, HELPING RECREATE THE CALMING VIBE THAT COMES WITH BEING SURROUNDED BY COASTAL LANDSCAPES ”HOLLY PHILLIPS, style content editor…

MAKE A SEAT THE STAR Walls in Berrisford Blue chalky interior matt emulsion, £47.50 for 2.5L, M&L Paints. Morum rug in Beige, from £55, Ikea. Large scale Howards style armchair, £1,650, Lorfords, would work; upholstered in Caldbeck Indigo linen, £79m, GP&J Baker. High stool, from a selection at Pale & Interesting. Rivo Droite bistro tray table, £25, Garden Trading. Textured Teal cushion cover, £30, Secret Linen Store. Newark desk lamp in Matt Black, £259, Jim Lawrence. Faded peony teacup and saucer (saucer not shown), £75, Ralph Lauren Home. Nara Grey glass bud vase, £28 for two, Also Home. Ink drawing card, £3.25, Studio Sophie. Bottle vases, £3.75 for set of three, Ikea. Pepparkorn vase, from £6, Ikea. Large hammered tapered pitcher, £25, French Connection Home. Meadow carafe, £19; tumbler, £7,…

CLASSIC FARMHOUSE Traditional, rustic and simple! The hand-painted finish, oak top and beaten metal detailing on this freestanding beauty are the loveliest combination of quality materials, functional design and practicality. Suffolk chopping block, H85.7x W80xL50cm, £995, Neptune ALL IN WHITE It’s not all about the in-vogue fixed island… This robust yet elegant solid beech piece will create a sturdy focal point. Its country-fresh white finish and Shaker-style cup handle make it a fitting choice for both traditional and contemporary spaces. Foxhill kitchen island/butcher’s block, H92xW100x D60cm, £994.99, Eddingtons at John Lewis & Partners “FOR KITCHENS THAT CAN’T QUITE SQUEEZE IN A FIXED ISLAND, MOVEABLE DESIGNS ARE AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE” SOLID WORKTOP Classic good looks, a sturdy demeanour and four wheels (two lockable) make this quality British design the ultimate stylish…

■ SECURITY CAMERAS There’s a wide range to choose from on the market, with both the indoor and weather-resistant outdoor options capturing crisp, HD video. It’s worth noting that there’s a time limit on how long recordings are kept, with most brands requiring you to sign up to a monthly subscription service. ■ VIDEO DOORBELLS Not going to be home for a delivery? These clever devices alert you (via your smartphone) when someone’s at the door so you can see and talk to them directly. They also double as a security camera that you can stream from in real time, should you be concerned about your home’s safety. ■ SMART LOCKS Eliminating the need for a physical key, these neat locks turn your smartphone into one instead. Perfect for holiday…

1 MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY Limited wall space in the kitchen means Claire couldn’t be without her utility room, which was formerly an old outbuilding. ‘I knew I’d spend a lot of time in here, so I wanted it to look as lovely as the kitchen,’ she says. As well as the usual laundry appliances, Claire requested a pantry cupboard for bulk-buys and an extra fridge and freezer. ‘The utility is spacious enough to prep veggies and arrange flowers straight from the garden, too, so we don’t end up trailing mud through the house,’ she says. 2 FREESTANDING DRESSERS Having bifold doors on a dresser means that it can be left open when in use, without open doors getting in the way. The built-in oven is a combination microwave that’s put to…

When you are restoring or relandscaping a garden, have a ‘make do and mend’ attitude. The Lamberts re-used plants and materials such as stone wherever possible, following ‘green’ strategies throughout the garden. Here’s what they did... • Old stone was re-used to repair the lakeside wall, as well as to redefine the original Victorian paths. • The woodland was cleared of debris, revealing a number of healthy trees – limes, sycamores, yews, black poplars and horse chestnuts. • Lakeside paths were resurfaced and borders prepared, using a mixture of silt from the lake, top soil compost and horse manure. • A large underground reservoir now collects rainwater from the house and outbuilding roofs, supplying an irrigation system. • A small pond was excavated using a mini-digger, and a waterfall was supplied via pipework from springs…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick... raspberries, in season until October Explore... UK holiday spots in a retro camper van (quirkycampers.com) Enjoy...delicious food, music and family fun at The Big Feastival in the Cotswolds, 23-25 August, £62 for an adult ticket (thebigfeastival.com) Discover...workshops and stalls at the Country Craft Show, Henley-on-Thames, 23-26 August, £10 (thecraftshows.co.uk) SWIM IN SUSTAINABLE STYLE British brand Bower’s latest collection of swimwear has been crafted from Econyl, an ecofriendly, vegan fibre regenerated from consumer waste such as discarded fishing nets found in the ocean. Choose from a range of bikinis, swimsuits and cover-ups. Therapy for your hair Turn to the ancient tradition of Indian Ayurvedic hair oiling (essentially regular scalp massages with deep conditioning treatments) to keep your hair in a happy place this summer.…

I believe any child that has grown up loving the beaches of Cornwall is a beachcomber at heart. For some, it’s a serious hobby (think early morning starts and metal detectors) but for others, like me, it’s a method of relaxation. It takes me back to a childhood spent sifting through sand for hidden treasures, my dad crouched down next to me helping to identify the things I’d found. Now as a grown woman, my windowsills are filled with a curated collection of favourite finds. The best time to beachcomb is after a big storm. So many wonderful things wash up on the shores and the sand gets churned up, so they’re much easier to spot. I’ve even found some bits of bottles that date back to Victorian and Georgian…

SEAFOOD ORZO RISOTTO At the heart of this dish lies kritharaki, a side dish of orzo simmered with tomatoes that’s a staple on our Cypriot table. I had it as a kid and now, a generation later, I frequently make the same to satisfy the growing appetites of my own gorgeous sprogs. SERVES 4 1 onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, sliced 360g orzo pasta ½tsp smoked paprika 160g diced tomatoes 125ml white wine A pinch of saffron threads About 2L chicken stock A small handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley A pinch of dried chilli A pinch of fennel seeds A couple of handfuls of live mussels or clams, cleaned A couple of handfuls of prawns 200g sliced squid 400g firm white fish fillets, such as cod or monkfish,…

My restaurant is only five minutes away from where I grew up, in a town called Cellardyke in Fife. The house I lived in as a child had views from the living room onto the water. On a nice day when the sea was flat, there was nothing better than looking out and seeing the Isle of May just off the coast. And on a blustery day, I’d sit by our coal fire, feeling cosy, watching the waves smashing over the harbour wall. This part of Fife is a good spot for fishing, so as well as anglers casting their lines from the harbour wall, there are a lot of small peel boats. Growing up, we used to go down in the summer with a little crab line, drop it…

Pooky and Tori Murphy team up We’re super-excited about this new range from textile mastermind Tori Murphy and lighting brand Pooky. Aiming to add an extra dimension of colour and pattern into any room, the limited-edition collection features four designs: classic nautical Fastnet Stripe; Climbing Chevy; Cadogan Check, a graphic monochrome; and zesty yellow Seedling. Shown here, Pooky Claude ceramic lamp in Blue and White, £110, with Tori Murphy 36cm drum shade in Navy stripe, £130. LIBERTY UNVEILS NEXT-GENERATION TALENT More than 5,000 hopefuls entered the #LibertyOpenCall to find the UK’s next big design talent, with supporters voting online for the patterns they wanted to see in store. The lucky winners are Natasha Coverdale, Duncan Grant, Emma Hill and Catherine Rowe, who will each have their work immortalised in Liberty…

Visit… ‘Diggory’s Beach, south of Padstow, because of its beautiful views out to sea and as it’s tucked away from the main beach. Also, visit The Minack Theatre (minack.com) – this amazing amphitheatre built into the cliff has the most incredible views on a sunny day. I also never tire of going to the Eden Project (edenproject. com) as it evolves each year.’ Shop at… ‘W Teri Walter (01841 532292) in Padstow for furniture and lovely things from around the world.’ Go for a meal at… ‘It has to be The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Cafe and Stein’s Fish & Chips (rickstein.com) in Padstow.’…

What influenced your modern coastal style? ‘Inspired by the New England look of Martha’s Vineyard, I chose a palette of blues and off-whites to create a calm, laid-back feel. To enliven the scheme, I added muted red accents.’ How have you given your home a maritime look? ‘I’ve mixed unusual pieces found on our travels to Indonesia and Mexico, with cherished heirlooms and other carefully-selected items.’ How did you incorporate coastal texture? ‘I incorporated shiplap panelling, bleached wooden furniture and painted pieces. I love the rustic, Hungarian grain sack covers on our bar stools and the array of cushions in coastal and contemporary designs.’…

“WE ONLY VIEWED THE PROPERTY ONCE SO I HAD TO DRAW UP A FLOOR PLAN TO MAKE SURE ALL THE FURNITURE AND ARTWORK WOULD FIT” Interior designer Georgina Pugh’s project to do up a holiday home in Devon for herself and her husband, James, might have seemed like a busman’s holiday – but that wasn’t the case. ‘I loved every minute of it,’ says Georgina. ‘I wanted to create a real home from home for us.’ The couple’s decision to buy a holiday home came after they had looked for a bigger house where they live in Hampshire, but couldn’t find anything suitable on the market. ‘So we chose to buy a holiday home instead and visit as many weekends as possible,’ says Georgina. ‘James had always gone to Devon…

Illuminate your space with this rope orb pendant for a nautical nod with a difference. Rope globe three-light chandelier, H43x W43xL80cm, £94.08, Beautiful Halo Layer the bed with airy-light linens for crisp appeal. 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet cover, £60 for a single, Soak & Sleep With its handcrafted, distressed finish, this light will bring a touch of vintage French appeal to your bedside table. Calliston table lamp in Grey, H50cm, £79, Homelia Add an extra hug of comfort with this super soft, fringe-finished blanket. Herringbone wool throw in Charcoal/ Silver, £57, Tweedmill at Amara CH&I loves... ATLAS FABRIC…

What attracted you to the cottage? ‘The rounded front really sold it to us. I love the flint stone walls and that every room is an unusual shape.’ Was it challenging furnishing unusually shaped rooms? ‘The most awkward rooms are always the most interesting. Our tilers commented on how refreshing it was working in a triangle-shaped room!’ Any standout design features or special items? ‘I’d seen a beer-pull lever cistern in a Jamie Oliver restaurant and loved it so much that I hunted one down. I’m not sure how you can be in love with a toilet cistern but I am with mine!’…

Gorgeous parasols made from vintage-style fabrics are the trademark of handmade parasol company Sunbeam Jackie. It’s no surprise that founders, Katy and Charlie Napier, are talented artists with a wealth of design experience between them. The inspiration for the business came in 2011 when Katy and Charlie were watching Werner Herzog’s film Cobra Verde , and a scene with villagers carrying parasols and parading their chief in a West African village caught their eye. ‘We thought the parasols were fantastic and we’d never seen anything like them before,’ says Katy. ‘There was a scene with a number of open parasols piled upside down and that really struck us. We wanted to make something similar.’ Katy studied fine art at the University of Brighton before completing an MA at Central Saint…

How did Vincent Trading come about? Mike has always been a joiner and after relocating to Devon to be near the sea, he decided he wanted to go it alone. I have a degree in business management and had been wanting to start my own creative business too, so it just made sense to do it together. My love of modern rustic determines our standard range, but we also design custom pieces. What’s the ethos behind your business? We live for the beauty in imperfection, championing a move away from mass-produced items, which all look identical, in favour of those with character and history. Trees are a great planet-friendly source of building materials as long as they’re grown and felled responsibly. We mainly use reclaimed scaffolding boards sourced from Cornwall…

BESPOKE TOUCH In exposed gardens, perforated screens will create sheltered nooks, and positioning two or three screens on either side of a small garden, either at 90 degrees to the boundary or angled away from the house, can make it look larger. Made of reinforced composite and aluminium, the Neva range at B&Q is modular, allowing you to buy sections and slot them together. GROW YOUR OWN A living screen and archway in the form of scented climbers makes for an informal border in a cottage-style garden. ‘Wirework trellis panels offer the best support for plants to grow, creating an evergreen boundary that doubles as a habitat for birds, butterflies and bees,’ says Hilary Thurman of Garden Requisites. Wildlife-friendly varieties include dog roses, honeysuckle and wisteria. OUR EXPERT SAYS… “ENSURE…

CABINETRY Signature Bespoke kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime and French Grey Intelligent Eggshell (both £64 for 2.5L), from £30,000, Searle & Taylor. Utility room cabinetry, painted in Blue Vein architects eggshell, £68 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. SURFACES Quartzite worktopsin White Macaubas, from £350sq m, Sensa at Cosentino. Walls painted in Slaked Lime deep intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Vintage splashback tiles in Silk, £99.44sq m, Marlborough Tiles. Tumbled limestone flooring, from £38.40sq m, Beswick Stone. APPLIANCES Five-oven Aga Total Control in Dartmouth Blue, from £13,825, Aga Living. G 6660 SCVi dishwashers, £1,299 each, Miele. ICBN3386 integrated fridge-freezer, £2,099, Liebherr. N53TD40N0 induction hob, £729; C17MR02NOB compact combi microwave oven, £1,129, both Neff. SINKS & TAPS 6625-0 Iron/Tones Smart Divide sink in White, £1,022, Kohler.…

Did you know? WOOD IS A POPULAR PICK FOR GARDEN BENCHES. ACACIA IS THE MOST DURABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY. OTHER OPTIONS ARE CEDAR, CYPRESS, REDWOOD AND TEAK…

LOOK FOR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION These foods have come from farms that have higher animal welfare standards and don’t use synthetic pesticides. Also look for the Fairtrade logo for an indication as to whether the food’s producers are getting a fair deal. EAT IN SEASON Buying ingredients that are readily available in the UK is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. AVOID PACKAGING WHERE YOU CAN Fill a lightweight, reusable bag with loose fruit and veg. For meat, fish or cheese, visit the respective counters with your own containers or buy directly from an independent butcher or deli.…