Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Country Homes & Interiors

If there’s a month for focusing on self care, February is it. When winter’s doing its worst, all you can do is batten down the hatches and ride it out. Small, positive steps are the key: I can recommend a cathartic sort-out of the kitchen ‘random things’ drawer or under-stair cupboard; experimental, pantry-clearing soup-making and long soaks with Epsom salts and a Rebus novel. You’ll find even more (gin-free) survival strategies in this issue, from aromatherapy and journaling (page 128) to one-pot suppers (page 134) and gifts to make for your Valentine (page 124) for a happy and healthy month. Bring on spring! P.S. Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and the inside track on interiors-industry news, events and…

“IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER TO PLASTER EVERY WALL, BUT WE FELT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO RETAIN THE CHARACTER OF THE BARN” There’s a romance to returning to your roots, but real life can make it tricky to find that happy ending, as Polly and George Phillips know. They grew up in the Cotswolds and were itching to find a way back. ‘We met there, we love the area and consider it home,’ says Polly. But they were both working in Bath and finding time to property-hunt was tricky. Then one afternoon, as they strolled through the farm owned by George’s family near Bibury, Gloucestershire, the solution – in all its mud-spattered glory – appeared. ‘We were mulling over the future of a ramshackle old grain store at the edge…

For Claire and Simon Read, it’s always been a case of opposites attract. ‘When Simon and I met we joked that it was like Jane Austen dating Damien Hirst!’ says Claire. ‘We both have very different tastes, although over the years we have settled somewhere in between.’ They bought the Cotswolds property as a bolthole to escape from London for holidays and weekends, and it’s a complete contrast to their place in the city. While their London home has a modern Scandinavian-inspired monochrome interior, their idyllic country house embraces characterful period features and a colourful, eclectic scheme. ‘We live in central London and miss not having a garden. We wanted to give the children a sense of country living,’ says Claire. Finding a suitable property took some time. ‘We had…

Claire’s style tip... CREATE A PRACTICAL AND SOCIABLE SPACE WITH A CENTRAL ISLAND UNIT, INCLUDE PLENTY OF SEATING FOR THE IDEAL GATHERING SPOT CH&I loves… SOOTHING SHADES…

Visit…‘Blickling Estate (nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate) is steeped in history and was the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. Built in 1616, the Jacobean hall is absolutely magnificent and there are acres of gardens, woodland and parkland to explore.’ Shop at… ‘Norfolk Reclaim (norfolkreclaim.co.uk) in Fakenham is super for a good rummage. It’s like going on a treasure hunt at this reclamation yard, which specialises in Norfolk bricks, pantiles and pamments. There’s everything from fireplaces to basins and lots of antiques; definitely worth a visit.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Gunton Arms (theguntonarms.co.uk) in Thorpe Market. It’s quirky and a favourite with us. Fabulous decor and delicious food – venison and beef are often cooked over a large open fire.’…

How was more storage introduced? ‘When we discussed the lack of storage in the bathroom, Stephanie suggested vanity units with drawers and a long shelf where space was tight, plus a line of cupboards on the landing.’ How did you create more space upstairs? ‘Stephanie redesigned the rear of the first floor. She removed all the walls and created two shower rooms, a bathroom, a double bedroom and a landing/dressing room. The design gave us more space by not wasting an inch.’ What was the cleverest space-saving tactic? ‘The shared space of shower and bath in the main bathroom and the en suite shower.’…

Working from an outbuilding on the picturesque Uppark Estate, a National Trust property in the heart of rural West Sussex, Paul Le Mesurier has realised his dream of working with wood. Following a successful career as an osteopath, Paul decided to take a year’s sabbatical in 2011 and embarked on a traditional boatbuilding course in Lowestoft. The decision coincided with his chance meeting of Maria. After a whirlwind year travelling to see each other at weekends, the couple married. ‘I returned to osteopathy to make ends meet and we lived in a small converted farm building in Rogate,’ says Paul. ‘With a growing family – three children from Maria’s first marriage (Alfred, 16, Pearl, 15, and Gio, 11) and two together (Dolly, six and Rocky, three) – we quickly ran…

Do you have a background in design? I actually majored in Political Science but I have always loved meaningful brand narratives and good design. I was the founding publisher of Wallpaper* magazine before Another Country was born. How did Another Country come about? I was searching for furniture for my country house in Dorset when the idea struck. I was after a bedside table and had a particular image in my head – a contemporary yet country-friendly piece that was well made, well-priced and had honest provenance. I couldn’t find anything that met my requirements, so I decided to create my own. Where are you based? Production of our pieces originally took place exclusively in Dorset, but we’ve now expanded to four workshops as well as several larger production facilities…

PLANT POWER Introducing a touch of greenery with flowers, foliage and plant cuttings is a sure-fire way to breathe life into the dullest of deadlines. The trend for succulents has brought houseplants back into fashion, too. Go for pretty houseleeks and money plants, or sculptural spider plants – known for their air-purifying properties. CHOOSE AN INSPIRATIONAL HUE Colour can have a huge influence on your mood. Shades inspired by the landscape are our go-to for a motivational home office. Before you decide on your scheme, think about what you use the space for: earthy green and blue shades are said to improve concentration and instil calm, while sunshine yellow sparks creativity. GET THE RIGHT LIGHT Done right, lighting can be as motivational as a strong cup of coffee Shutters or…

Brighton-based artist Simone Webb is one of the latest artists featured on Runway Gallery, an online showcase of contemporary art. She combines traditional and modern techniques to create artwork full of elegance and intrigue that perfectly capture nature’s fleeting beauty. Here, she describes her unique working process. Becoming an artist was a natural choice for me. As a child, I’d get the bus into town, which passed the local art college. I’d always say, ‘I’m going to go there one day.’ And I did. After that, I studied for a degree in graphic design and illustration at De Montfort University, which led me to where I am today, and now I happily combine modern and traditional techniques in my artwork. My day begins at 7am, with a swim or a…

■ HEAT PUMPS VS CONDENSERS A heat pump dryer reheats and reuses the air inside the machine, while a condenser collects water in a container, which then needs to be emptied. A heat pump machine takes longer to dry clothes than a condenser model, but it is also the more energy efficient option, and therefore can be considerably cheaper to run. ■ SIZE MATTERS As a rule, the bigger the drum, the faster the machine can function. Larger drums have more space for air to circulate around the laundry while it’s spinning, so the clothes get dry in a shorter length of time. ■ HANDY FUNCTIONS Some models have added settings that blast steam and heat into the laundry while drying them, reducing creasing and cutting down the need to…

CABINETRY Bespoke Old Rectory kitchen in Little Greene’s Hicks’ Blue and Slaked Lime Deep intelligent eggshell, from £30,000, Guild Anderson SURFACES Caesarstone 6131 Bianco Drift quartz surface worktops and upstands, around £5,000, Guild Anderson. Landscape Dusk glazed splashback tiles, £163.32sq m, Fired Earth. Milan tumbled limestone floor tiles, from £50.40sq m, Mandarin Stone APPLIANCES 120i range cooker in Marine Blue, £9,295, Everhot. HP90IHCB3 extractor hood, £529; OB60SC7CEPX1 single oven, £749; RF540ADUX4 French door fridge-freezer, £2,299; DD60SHTI9 integrated DishDrawer, £899, all Fisher & Paykel. SMV46MX00G dishwasher, £659, Bosch SINKS & TAPS Fusion Round all-in-one tap, £1,150, Quooker. KBX16055-20 undermounted stainless steel sink, £594, Franke ACCESSORIES Calia bar stools, £99 each, John Lewis & Partners. Blinds in Clarke & Clarke’s Persia Teal/Spice, £24m, Compton Smith Interiors. Beehive pendants, £179 each, Pooky…

Invaluable for year-round gardening, a greenhouse can provide a space to overwinter tender plants, start seedlings off early, create a specialist display or even to retreat to with a cup of tea when the weather is bad but the outdoors beckons. • Think about how much space you have and what you want to use your greenhouse for. If it will be visible from the house, it is worth considering the aesthetics. • Site your greenhouse where it can receive uninterrupted light throughout the day, ideally with an east-to-west orientation. Avoid cold winds, frost pockets and trees and, ideally, keep it out of the shade cast by walls or fences. • Position the greenhouse where it can be easily accessed. Make sure that there is a tap nearby. • In summer, greenhouses are perfect…

Did you know? SOME OF THE EARLIEST PORCH LIGHTS WERE WALL-HUNG OIL LAMPS, WHICH HAD EVOLVED FROM HAND-HELD UTILITY LIGHTS IN THE MID 19TH CENTURY…

SPACE SAVER This compact silicone cup collapses into a nifty leakproof dish that can be stashed in your bag once you’ve finished your drink. It comes with a handy heat sleeve, too. Stojo collapsible cup, £12, Oliver Bonas ARTISTIC TOUCH Made from rice husks, the Huskup is biodegradable and comes in a range of Scandi-style designs by guest artists. The latest series by illustrator Donna Sarah is inspired by the natural world. Pebbles cup, £10.95, Huskup TRAVEL LIGHT With 360˚ drinking from the rim, this lightweight design made from recycled paper cups has all the comfort of your normal mug but without the risk of spills. rCup leakproof travel cup, £12, John Lewis & Partners…

WILDLAND ESTATE Beautiful at any time of year, visitors can raft down rivers in summer, forage for hidden delicacies in autumn, and even ice climb a mountaintop in the winter months. CASTLE VARRICH Overlooking the Kyle of Tongue, a shallow sea loch, Castle Varrich is the ruined ancient seat of Clan Mackay. The exact origins of the structure are unclear, but its haunting beauty attracts many visitors. WEAVERS This remote crafting shop and café sells locally made gifts, Harris Tweed accessories, Orkney Pottery and Highland souvenirs. There’s also a quaint little café, serving up treats to weary walkers.…

A  A PLACE IN THE GARDEN 01403 864866 aplaceinthegarden.co.uk ABRAHAM MOON & SONS 01943 873181 moons.co.uk AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com ALTERNATIVE FLOORING 01264 335111 alternativeflooring.com AMAZON.CO.UK AN ARTFUL LIFE anartfullife.co.uk ANATOME 020 3916 0050 anatome.co ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARIAT ariat.com AXMINSTER CARPETS 01297 32244 axminster-carpets.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BAILEYS 01989 561931 baileyshome.com BAKED EARTH 01423 875944 bakedearth.co.uk BAM 01752 581458 bambooclothing.co.uk BC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk BEAUMONDE 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk BERT & MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BERTAZZONI 0330 053 9185 uk.bertazzoni.com BLANCO 0844 912 0100 blanco.co.uk BLOOMINGVILLE 004 596 264 645 bloomingville.com BOHEMIA DESIGN 01315 552485 bohemiadesign.co.uk BOOMBOX CLUB boomboxclub.com BOSCH 0344 892 8979 bosch-home.co.uk BRAMWELL BROWN…

Things we can’t live without... “SHOWING WE LOVE THEM TRULY, MADLY AND DEEPLY ON VALENTINE’S DAY…”…

What are the benefits of spending time outside? ‘I feel better able to cope with busy days if I put my computer and phone away and get outside for a while.’ Any favourite activities? ‘George and I both love walking and horse riding. I also enjoy fly fishing.’ Name a nice winter walk ‘There is a well-signposted circular route, which starts from Bibury to Coln St Aldwyns, following the pretty River Coln with stunning views of the Cotswolds.’…

Where did you take your inspiration from? ‘One of our favourite places to visit is Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge. Its furnishings perfectly combine traditional English vernacular with mid-century design.’ What retro pieces have you introduced? ‘We’ve included early 18th-century furnishings, acknowledging the house’s history. We have also included mid-century banana sofas, G Plan desks and chests of drawers.’ Why did you use bold colours and patterns? ‘The house is over 300 years old and full of idiosyncrasies and original features. We felt it could carry strong colours and we wanted to be bold in the tiles we selected.’…

Quirky proportions, nooks and crannies may give a cottage quaint appeal, but they don’t always cut it for modern life – as Lucy and Chris Wright discovered when they bought this Hampshire hideaway. They loved the property and its position, but the layout was a different matter. After three years of making do, it was time for a change… The couple moved to the village from London 15 years ago, looking for a better way of life for their children. ‘We had friends in the area, and it was perfect because there were good schools nearby and it was commutable for Chris’s job,’ says Lucy. ‘We rented until we found this cottage, which belonged to friends of my sister. The appeal was instant because it’s so pretty. The cottage had…

The look and feel of your business should come through in its marketing – including photography and social media posts. Maria and Paul share how they achieve both lifestyle and product photos that express their creative vision. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF Maria and Paul have used their own lifestyle ethos as an inherent part of their business story. At the heart of all they create for WoodEdit is a desire for simplicity and a deep-rooted connection with all things natural. ‘I have worked hard to mould the WoodEdit visual profile around our own beliefs and values,’ says Maria. Their home’s pared-back spaces act as the perfect backdrop for shooting images of their stylish furniture. As a consequence, the images feel real and genuine. ‘If a customer is to buy into…

STAY ON SET Go behind the scenes of our photo shoots and book a stay at one of the lovely location houses owned by Beach Studios beachstudios.co.uk paleandinterestingholidays.com…

TOUCHED BY TIME Create an instant vintage look with aged brass fittings. The finish replicates patina that’s built up over years and will add natural warmth to the coolest of bathrooms. If you want the aged effect to stay arrested in time, go for a lacquered finish. Here, aged brassware stands out beautifully against a clean white backdrop. Notice the walls have a shady tinge – this works particularly well in country cottages, as it is softer than brilliant white. ON A ROLL ‘To achieve a real sense of grandeur, products should be on the larger side. It’s your opportunity to show off, so splash out on a classic cast-iron bath – it’s the most iconic feature of a traditional bathroom,’ says Yousef Mansuri, head of interior design at CP…

BEST OF BOTH Mixing traditional good looks with modern practicality is easy with a butler or Belfast sink in a double-width design. The fireclay ceramic bowl can accommodate oven trays and large dishes that don’t fit in a dishwasher, and the durable, glazed finish is scratch and stain resistant, too. ‘Shaker-style cabinetry is the perfect complement, but factor the sink’s dimensions into your design – unlike top-mounted sinks, you will need to choose between a flush or proud fit’, says Ben Burbidge, managing director of Kitchen Makers. ISLAND LIFE As the most hard-working room in the home, a practical kitchen layout is essential. Experts advise placing the cooker, fridge and sink in a triangle configuration, and fitting a sink into an island is a great way of achieving this. It…

After living in Australia for three years, Liney and Jonathan Cumberlege returned to the UK with their three children and assorted pets, on a mission to find a family home. ‘We stumbled across this house almost by accident when we were looking at schools for the children,’ says Liney, adding that the large garden and Dorset village setting instantly appealed. The kitchen was another major attraction, given its generous size and lofty height. ‘This room was once a barn attached to the house,’ she says. Less appealing, however, was the wood-on-wood-on-wood finish of the room. ‘Oak units, dark timber beams and roof trusses felt quite oppressive,’ says Liney. ‘And anyway, the cabinets were getting to the end of their life.’ The family had a three-month window before they needed to…

My life as a farmer’s wife began in 2014, when I married Nathan. We got to know each other well about 10 years ago through our local Young Farmers’ Association in Saltash, Cornwall. He came from a farming family and had always worked the land. I wasn’t as used to farm life, but I quickly became involved with his routine – driving tractors and using machinery. Nathan was employed on a contract basis to run dairy farms. It wasn’t long before he received a promotion and we were relocated to Budleigh Salterton in Devon with our two children, Lacey, now five, and Theo, four. The countryside was beautiful, but my life wasn’t as happy as it seemed from the outside. Upping sticks and starting all over again wasn’t easy. Nathan…

Visit… ‘The Grange, near Winchester (01962 779668, thegrangehampshire.co.uk). This grand estate holds a fantastic annual opera festival and they recently staged a successful art show, where I exhibited some of my paintings.’ Shop at… ‘Laurence Oxley in New Alresford (01962 732188, birketfoster.co.uk) has both new and second-hand books, an interesting selection of maps and art supplies.’ Go for a meal at…‘The Globe in New Alresford (01962 733118, theglobealresford.com), which dates from the fifteenth century and serves traditional pub food and an à la carte menu. The garden looks out over a small lake, Alresford Pond, which is fed by the River Itchen.’…

Whether it’s a romantic partner, or a beloved friend or family member, show them how much you care this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful handmade present. Pick flower heads from the garden and press between pieces of blotting paper for a week – you’ll be left with delicate dried blooms, ideal for making bespoke cards and tags. Try your hand at soap making and gift them sweet-scented treasures. Or create a romantic ambience with heart-shaped candles that float as effortlessly as your feelings. SWEETLY SCENTED SOAPS Combine 250g each of melted coconut, sunflower, rapeseed and olive oils. Leave to cool to 35-40°C. Make a lye from 137.97g sodium hydroxide (available to buy online) and 335g distilled water, and blend into the oil until thickened. Stir in natural colouring and 30g…

Griddle me this After the hectic time that is Christmas, we’re relishing more minimalist and calm kitchens, which is where Cuisinart comes in. Its new Griddle & Grill, £120, is wonderfully versatile and cuts down on the number of gadgets and pans we would normally use. With two sets of easily removable and dishwasher-safe plates – two ribbed grills (perfect for paninis or steak) and two flat griddles (think pancakes and eggs) – you can cook any number of dishes. You can even mix and match the grill plates – we love this for a full English. The simply controlled temperatures go up to a whopping 240C, meaning less time waiting for meat to sear, and the neat drip tray stops any excess oils from causing a mess. Toastie time,…

Eco innovation at Ligne Roset Embracing the move towards 100% recycled homeware, Ligne Roset has launched its All the Way range of rugs, weaving strips of cork together with recycled swimsuit and T-shirt offcuts from the Portuguese fashion industry. Showcasing a soft neutral and pastel palette, the designs benefit from cork’s natural durability and thermal and acoustic insulation. Sustainability has never looked so stylish! All the Way runner, £867, designed by Susana Godinho for Ligne Roset. THORNBACK & PEEL’S NEW CUSHION RANGE Oh happy Dog & Daisies! Our quirky screenprinting fave, Thornback & Peel, has produced its first cushion collection, available in some of its most popular signature prints. Treat your sofas and chairs to an easy update with a pop of colour and pattern. Daisy & Dog cushion in…

Visit…‘Cotswold Woollen Weavers (cotswoldwoollenweavers.co.uk), Lechlade, is a family-run woollen mill in 18th-century buildings, selling beautiful clothes, soft furnishings and interior pieces made by local tradesmen, with a wonderful museum of textile curiosities.’ Shop at… ‘The Upton Smokery (uptonsmokery.co.uk) outside Burford for smoked fish, pies and cured meats.’ Go for a meal at…‘The Wheatsheaf Inn (cotswoldswheatsheaf. com), Northleach, a 17th-century stone coaching inn with roaring fire, delicious food and local beer and cider.’…

Visit… ‘Buscot Park (nationaltrust. org.uk/buscot-park) in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, an 18th-century neoclassical house with beautiful grounds to explore.’ Shop at… ‘Lynwood & Co Cafe (lynwoodandco.com) in Fairford, which serves proper coffee and homemade cakes. Also visit TT Linnet (01793 763858) in Highworth for delicious freshly-baked sourdough.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Swan at Southrop (thyme.co.uk/dining/ the-swan-at-southrop), a stunning 17th-century pub next to the green with a wonderful atmosphere, or Barnsley House (barnsleyhouse.com) for more extravagant celebrations.’…

Why do antiques work so well in your home? ‘With a period property, antique pieces look like they belong and have evolved with it. They add character.’ Where do you buy from? ‘I often buy antique items from TW Gaze auction rooms or online.’ Is antique furniture making a comeback? ‘Yes, although I believe lovely pieces never really went out of fashion.’ What is your top tip for buying at auction? ‘Go with your gut feeling, set a budget – and stick to it.’ And your favourite piece? ‘The little chest of drawers in the bedroom. It’s mahogany, really heavy and perfect for the space.’…

Visit…‘Mottisfont Abbey (nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont), a country house and estate set in beautiful gardens by the River Test. Visit in late May/early June when the world-famous historic walled rose gardens are in full bloom.’ Shop at… ‘Garden Inn (01264 811661) in Stockbridge. This small town is full of independent shops and, with gorgeous unusual flowers and fabulous vintage-style arrangements, this is one of my favourites. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for inspiration for present shopping as it’s always full of goodies for both the garden and home.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The White Hart Inn (whitehartpentonmewsey. co.uk/) in Penton Mewsey, a family-run country pub serving fabulous food, particularly the Sunday roasts and the superb Friday evening fish and chips. It’s dog friendly, too!’…

LOTS OF LAND Three-bed, detached Kitty Green – a former corn mill – lives up to its quaint name. At £600,000, it comes with seven acres of woodland and three acres of meadow. WORK AND PLAY For a budget of £395,000, Grade II-listed, four-bed Bridge End House is available. It’s just a short walk to town, yet includes a self-contained annexe. BARGAIN BUY Just next door, smaller neighbour Bridge End Cottage is a two-bedroom, double-fronted terrace with lots of charm – on the market for just £250,000.…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Think of pastels as your ‘new neutrals’ – a bouquet of nature-inspired, softly-softly tones to re-energise your home. Incorporate a sorbet menu of pretty hues, including minty sage, sky blue, delicate lilac and dusky blush to make a colourful statement without dominating a space. OUR EXPERT SAYS… “AN ANTIDOTE TO TODAY’S FAST AND FURIOUS WAYS, PASTELS EPITOMISE A JOURNEY TOWARDS BALANCE AND HARMONY”HOLLY PHILLIPS,STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

FEELGOOD HOME Lucent fabric, £110m, Fermoie. Wicker dining chairs, £195 each; black cutlery set, £60, both Cox & Cox. Beauclerc narrow Natural Rose cushion, £85, Inchyra. Oval rush table mats, £26.40 each, Rush Matters. Fringe napkins in Ecru/Clay, £38 for two, Larusi. Liam O’Neill wooden bowl, £36; Svend Bayer 1.1L jug, £69, both David Mellor Designs. Oren jug, £25; Olivia plates, £12 each, both Habitat. Neve tea light holders in Mustard, £42 for three; Ella tumblersin Charcoal, £42 for six, both Neptune THE SCENE IS SET Wallpaper in Walled Garden Khoi, £23m, Rapture & Wright. Cara chair, £650, Graham and Green. Cushion in Seed Pod Ochre, £69m, GP&J Baker. Tray table, £175, Cox & Cox. Somerton basket, £51; Olney teapot, £25; Blyton candle in Rust, £7, all Neptune. Tito Choco…

ORGANISED ELEGANCE Keep clothing tidy with the help of this handcrafted design, boasting double hanging space for crease-free order, and a generous-sized bottom drawer to store chunky throws and knits. Winstone double wardrobe in White, H205.50xW120xD59cm, £649, The Cotswold Company BESPOKE OPTIONS Got your own signature style? Create a customisable design that matches your look and your living space. This compact closet can be finished with your preferred colourway and handles. French wardrobe, H134xW84x D58cm, £595, The Dormy House MINIMAL ASSEMBLY House your country catwalk collection in this dark character. Made in reclaimed wood, every piece promises to be unique. Winchester dark rustic wooden wardrobe, H190xW89xD62.5cm, £669, Modish Living “COMBINE ROOMY HANGING WITH HANDY DRAWERS FOR MAXIMUM STORAGE, BUT CHOOSE ELEGANT LEGS FOR FURNITURE THAT STEPS LIGHTLY IN YOUR SPACE”…

■ DECIDE ON THE STYLE Undermounted sinks are rimless and fit under the worktop, and are ideally made from a solid material like stone. Inset sinks are easier to install and usually have built-in drainers. Sit-on sinks fit onto a low unit with the worktop overlapping on three sides. ■ CONSIDER SIZE If you own a dishwasher, a large, single bowl sink may suffice. Or, if you use your sink for washing up and prep on a regular basis, a 1.5L, 1.75L, two-bowl or even triple-bowl design will work best. ■ THINK ABOUT FITTINGS A super-tall tap will look silly towering over a tiny prep sink, while a large double-bowl sink requires a tap with a long-reaching swivel spout. The latest designs have aerated nozzles that inject air into the…

1 SIMPLE OVERMANTEL To accentuate the focal point of the room, the Everhot range cooker is framed by a custom-made overmantel. This conceals both a structural beam and an extraction system, which vents outside. The design of the overmantel is clean and simple, in keeping with the look of the kitchen cabinetry. The handmade glazed brick tiles create an eye-catching splashback in a beautiful shade of blue, which matches the Everhot. 2 REEDED GLASS The doors of the traditional dresser are glazed with reeded glass, chosen for its utilitarian feel. It also allows Liney to store china, teapots and jugs on the shelves without the need to arrange them immaculately, as the contents of the cupboard are obscured by the vertically ribbed nature of the glass. ‘I like the way…

1 Early-flowering Iris unguiculariscretica is a long way from its native Crete. 2 Winter aconite Eranthis hyemalis ‘Guinea Gold’ shines in the grass. 3 Michael used to collect unusual yellow snowdrops such as this Galanthus ‘Spindlestone Surprise’. 4 Narcissus ‘Candlepower’ is a delicate, almost luminous cream colour. 5 Daffodils like this Narcissus ‘Navarre’ are a garden staple for Michael. 6 Helleborus x hybridus is hugely popular in winter gardens. 7 Galanthus ‘Trym’ is a striking snowdrop. 8 Ravishing Crocus ‘Prins Claus’ has large, almost-white flowers with a violet mark.…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick… wild garlic, until June. Learn… the art of screen-printing using plant dyes on a full-day workshop in Lincolnshire, 6 February, £105 with lunch and refreshments (maddercutchandco.com). Visit… Hodsock Priory in Nottinghamshire to see snowdrops in bloom, 8-16 February, £4 for adults (hodsockpriory.com). Explore… Attingham Park in Shropshire after dark on a night run through the grounds, 29 February, from £7 (nationaltrust.org.uk). ECO FITNESS Work out in sustainable style with clothing made from bamboo. Lightweight and more absorbent than cotton, it’s the perfect fitness wear. Swing jacket, £69; Enduro leggings, £48, both Bam 3 reasons to… plant a tree IMPROVE WELLBEING Ever heard of forest bathing? It’s believed spending time among trees can help reduce stress and boost our immune systems. ENCOURAGE WILDLIFE…

30-MINUTE GREEN CHICKEN CHILLI This recipe is in no way meant to replicate a traditional chilli verde but it is pretty good, if I do say so myself! The green chillies used here can range in heat level, so buy whatever is best for your palate. SERVES 2 2tbsp olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 jalapeño chillies, 1 seeded and diced, 1 sliced for sprinkling 2 green chillies, seeded and diced 1 tin tomatillos, drained, or 6 fresh husked or 6 fresh green tomatoes, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced 1tbsp ground cumin 1tbsp dried oregano 450g skinless, boneless chicken thighs 500ml low-salt chicken stock 125g tin mild or hot chopped green chillies 2 limes, juice one and slice the…