Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Country Homes & Interiors

For some reason, I associate April with colour. Perhaps it’s because as our grey, northern European winter light brightens into spring, colours become more noticeable. It’s a potentially design-dangerous time, chez Richmond, as I get the urge to paint every wall and piece of furniture, and impulse-buy jazzy cushions. Anything could happen. This time last year, I did our north-facing living room in Dayroom Yellow, which raised eyebrows (but luckily didn’t result in decorator’s remorse – it’s such a happy shade). This year, I’m feeling tempted by the fondant-pink front door on page 15 and wait until you see our ’A Brush With Blush’ story on page 74. Resistance is futile… P.S. Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and…

Although this building has been well used by several generations of Suffolk farmers, Caroline Hardy and Russell McCleave are the first people actually to live in it. ‘It’s odd to think that before us, the most recent inhabitants were cattle and tractors,’ says Russell. When the couple bought the property near Bury St Edmunds, it was in a raw, unmodernised state. ‘It was a shell of a building really, with soil on the ground and hessian sackcloth tacked over the doorways,’ says Caroline. But this was exactly what they wanted: ‘It was our opportunity to create a home from scratch,’ says Russell. The structure is full of beautiful fragments of the barn’s working past. ‘The brick and flint walls are typical of the Suffolk vernacular and we love the character…

For Jutta Betz, loving this area of England started in an unusual way. While living in the countryside outside Frankfurt, she read an English crime novel based in the Cotswolds. The descriptions of rolling hills, bubbling streams, meadows dotted with sheep and ponies, and quaint villages filled with old stone cottages sounded so inviting, she decided to check it out for herself. Soon, she persuaded her husband, Andreas, to book a holiday in a quintessentially English hotel in June, when the roses were in full bloom and lambs were still skipping in the meadows. That was back in 2016. ‘Our first few days in the Cotswolds far exceeded our wildest expectations,’ says Jutta. ‘We were both so smitten that we decided to live in the UK for half the year…

With Clitheroe at its administrative centre, the Ribble Valley occupies more than 200 square miles of north-east Lancashire countryside along the River Ribble, and is something of a charmed realm. A far cry from the industrial towns that border it, this is a land of Best Kept Villages and towns that have changed little over time, dotted among the heathery heaths of the Forest of Bowland. Truly a happy valley, the Ribble scored highly on the Office for National Statistics’ wellbeing index 2019. IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW New developments have eased the market making now a good time to up sticks to Clitheroe or Whalley, where good schools attract families. Stone-built terraces, originally for mill workers, are typical; a sizeable one will cost £260,000. For a rural five-bed haven,…

Research recognises the important role creative destination enterprises, such as Grays Wharf, play in connecting people, enabling a sharing of knowledge and stimulating the imagination. Here, Hannah and her colleague, creative producer Megan Beck, share their tips and advice for anyone considering setting up a creative co-working space. HAVE A VISION Hannah’s long-held ambition was to create somewhere affordable, clean and safe for artists, designers and makers to work in a supported, social environment. ‘Having a vibrant cultural space where like-minded people can create, talk about their work, share ideas and perhaps collaborate on a project has been one of our key objectives,’ she says. ‘The great thing about being here, however, is that when people want to work, they can simply close their studio door and continue without interruption.’…

Grace & favour STYLE SEASONAL PLACE SETTINGS WITH EASE, USING INDIVIDUAL NESTING EGGS, OR OFFER TAKE-HOME TREATS IN HOMEMADE DRAWSTRING PURSES…

IN WITH THE OLD 'With a rise in awareness and demand for sustainability and eco-conscious materials, reclaimed wood is a great option that not only considers the environment but also introduces authentic charm to the home,’ says Alex Main, director at The Main Company. ‘We’re one of only a few companies in the UK that engineers reclaimed flooring that’s compatible with underfloor heating, which is highly desirable in older properties.’ GO BLONDE Choose blonde wood flooring to give your home a spacious, airy feel that makes a beautiful base for your chosen decorating scheme. Naturally light woods, such as ash or birch, work particularly well, but a light finish on traditional oak will achieve a similar effect. OUR EXPERT SAYS…“DON’T RELY ON SAMPLES – VISIT A SHOWROOM TO SEE FULL-SIZE…

Runway Gallery is the brainchild of Daniel SYRETT, whose own unique work is part of a contemporary range of affordable artwork from celebrated artists, available to buy online. Here, he shares his inspiration and describes his creative process… The fashion industry provides me with endless inspiration Having developed a strong background in textiles, design and styling, I moved into the world of fine art 15 years ago. As a designer, I worked four years ahead of production and became adept at forecasting change. Now working as an artist, I have the freedom to be an image-maker in real time. Creating something different and unusual is very important to me. I like to explore the artistic possibilities of different mediums Most recently, nail varnish. It’s not the easiest medium to work…

CABINETRY The Hartford collection kitchen in Thistle and Lithodora, with polished chrome knobs and handles, from £35,000, Tom Howley SURFACES Iconic White quartz worktops, from £400sq m, Silestone by Cosentino. Splash French Blue encaustic tiles, £101.70sq m, Ca’Pietra. Ash Grey floor tiles, £65sq m, Somerset Tile APPLIANCES RF540ADUX4 fridge-freezer, £2,299; OB60SD11PX1 single ovens, £1,299 each; OB60SD9PX1 single oven, £1,249; OS60NDB1 steam oven, £1,599; CI905DTB3 induction hob, £1,399; CG301DLPGB1 gas hob, £529, all Fisher & Paykel. G4990SCVI dishwasher, £1,029, Miele SINKS & TAPS Kubus 2.0 bowl undermount sink, £609, Franke. Callisto widespread sink mixer with C spout in Chrome, £671.40, Perrin & Rowe. PRO3 Nordic round single boiling tap, £950, Quooker ACCESSORIES Shoreditch stools in Harry Cloud Linen, £305 each, Neptune, are similar. Bluebell sofa, from £1,460, Sofa.com. Elstead pendant lights,…

Visit… Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridge, 01223 336265 (botanic.cam. ac.uk). ‘A beautiful garden in which wildlife is allowed to coexist with the plants. It’s very accessible, with a lot of planting and design ideas.’ Go for a meal at… The Black Horse, Brent Pelham, 01279 778925 (blackhorsebrentpelham. co.uk). ‘An archetypal country pub – the kind you dream of ending up at after a long walk.’ Shop at… Cambridge Contemporary Art, 01223 324222 (cambridgegallery.co.uk). ‘I come here for my fix. I have exhibited my own work there in the past.’…

Things we can’t live without...“WELCOMING A HAPPY EASTER, WITH ALL THE SEASONAL COLOURS, SCENTS AND JOYS OF SPRINGTIME!”…

Do you use the studio for anything other than flower arranging? ‘I run workshops, too. As I have to fit these in around weddings, I tend to hold wreath-making classes at Christmastime and floristry skills, such as the art of wiring, in early spring.’ Is the studio also a shop or is it by appointment only? ‘It’s purely by appointment as all stock is for specific orders, weddings or events. This also allows me to better manage my work/life balance.’ What are the benefits of working from home? ‘Childcare is easier to manage and, of course, it was helpful for project managing the renovations.’…

How do you combine old and new, practical and pretty? ‘I think it’s important to have items with similar tonal qualities, which are in proportion to one another, so that the overall look is balanced.’ What keeps decor fresh and interesting? ‘I’m always moving things around or switching items to complement the seasons. If nothing changes, even the most eclectic collection stops catching the eye.’ How do you make the most of what you’ve got? ‘I love coming up with unusual ways to display things, like the hot chocolate tin I turned into a plant pot.’…

What are your tips for online shopping? ‘Save searches for particular items, set alerts and keep checking back for new items that eBay’s algorithm suggests to you. Try different search terms, such as “multi-fuel stove” as well as “wood burner” and brand names. We got a Morso stove for £60.‘ What about decorating materials? ‘There is sometimes end-of-line stock on eBay and Gumtree and items sold by tradespeople or homeowners who have overestimated how much they needed. We got our Indian limestone floor tiles in this way. To avoid discrepancies in colour, try not to mix batches from different sellers.’…

Visit… ‘Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com), seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and Winston Churchill’s birthplace. It’s full of grand rooms with painted ceilings and expansive landscaped grounds with lakes and follies. We love to walk the dogs here.’ Shop at… ‘Burford Garden Company (burford.co.uk) for an ever-changing variety of quirky and unusual interior design accessories, fine food and wines, and lush plants for the garden.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Swan (info@swanhotel.co.uk) in Bibury, a quaint, charming inn dating back to the 1750s, with a healthy and delicious menu. Bibury trout is a speciality of theirs.’…

PEACE AND PLENTY This five-bedroom detached house in Wiswell village has a secluded setting, mature gardens, an Aga, and four bathrooms. The price tag is £1,250,000. COOL FOR SCHOOL This wisteria-clad cottage in Grindleton has beautiful views of Pendle Hill, two bedrooms, timber beams and Italian limestone flooring, all for £270,000. SMART MOVE Town End is a pretty, detached five-bedroom 17th-century cottage in Slaidburn in olde-worlde Hodder Valley. A bit of a bargain at £400,000.…

MAKE IT COUNTRY… We love how this trend’s leafy landscape is reflected across textiles, furniture and accessories. The new botanicals come in all shades of green, from energising mint and apple, to calming forest and olive. To bring your inner Eden to life, stagger real stems and leaves in glass vessels along surfaces, and welcome an abundance of potted and hanging plants. OUR EXPERT SAYS… “FOR AN EXOTIC AND CONTEMPORARY TWIST ON THIS LUSCIOUS LOOK, TRY DESIGNS FEATURING SOME TROPICAL SPECIES AND EXAGGERATED JUNGLE LEAF STYLES ”HOLLY PHILLIPS , STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

LIGHT AS AIR Eva medium sofa in Harry Sand, £3,010, Neptune. Mila large side table in Blush, £125; Herringbone wool pouffe in Blush, £70; Luna medium rug in Blush, £425, all Cox & Cox. Curtain in Floriana, £81m, Nina Campbell at Osborne & Little. Tall Pink glazed jug vase, £95, Rockett St George. Deltona Grey round glass vase, £25, Habitat. Blush mug, £3.50, Sainsbury’s Home. Holcombe Green and Peach cushion, £69; Beardwood Grey and Coral cushion, £69, both Aire Studio. Linen cushion in Dusty Pink, £30, Nordic House. Washed velvet cushion in Toasted Almond, £36; Blush Sky throw, £55, both French Connection Home TULIP FEVER Chinoiserie fabric in Soft Coral, £69m, Sarah Hardaker. Linen throw in Heather Pink (used as tablecloth), £110, Nordic House. Urn planter (used as vase), £15,…

PRETTY AS A PICTURE When the boot room is integral to the house, it can be more decorative. American interior designer Brooke Crew took this approach for her client. ‘The room is off her patio and garden so the floral wallpaper felt right, but I wanted it be practical, too, so I balanced the prettiness with cement tiles.’ The existing door was replaced by a Dutch door, painted in high gloss. LET’S GET PERSONAL Give each member of the family their own section in a boot room and increase the chances that items will always be found when needed. This scheme by Louise Jones Interiors uses patterned Victorian floor tiles – ideal for this type of room as they mask all manner of mud and outside dirt. If you can’t…

■ SOLID WOOD LASTS FOR YEARS For heavy traffic areas like a kitchen, hardwoods – such as oak, ash or teak – are good options. Wear and tear over time only adds to their charm. ■ ENGINEERED WOOD IS BEST IN HUMID ROOMS As it’s less prone to changes caused by temperature or humidity in the room, engineered wood is a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Click joints also make it much easier to install than solid wood. ■ YOUR SUB-FLOOR MUST BE DAMP-PROOF Before installing a new floor, it’s essential you check the sub-floor is damp-proof. You should also decide on the layout of your planks in advance, taking into consideration pattern direction between rooms. ■ THE FINISH IS A STYLE CHOICE You may like the gloss of…

Most people don’t downsize until their children leave home. But, after rattling around in a nine-bedroom farmhouse for far too long, Julian and Julie Nicol decided it was time to find something more practical for a family of four. ‘We stayed for my father who was living with us, but when he passed away we found it far too big for four – not to mention terribly draughty,’ says Julian. As the main chef in the family, Julian was also keen to find somewhere with a kitchen that was less remote from the main entertaining spaces. ‘When friends came over I could hear the laughter while I was cooking, but I was too far away to join in,’ he says. As luck would have it, the couple found their new…

Did you know? IT’S WORTH PICKING YOUR PLANTER TO MATCH ITS SITUATION. CLAY POTS WILL DRY OUT UNLESS EXPOSED, WHILE METAL CONTAINERS BECOME VERY HOT IN SUMMER, SO SUIT SHADY SPOTS…

Sustainable bed linen at Sainsbury’s Home Turning the bedtime dream of a life without single-use plastic into wide-awake reality, Sainsbury’s Home has launched an exclusive range of bedlinen – made from a blend of recycled polyester and BCI cotton – presented in a fabric bag, fastened with a coconut husk button and jute string. Fitted sheets in Pink Floral, White Geo and Grey Plain, all £12 for a double, Sainsbury’s Home REFRESHING COLOUR FROM LSA INTERNATIONAL Pairing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, Gems tumblers are inspired by the faceted shapes and lustrous hues of polished semi-precious stones. Each piece is painted by hand and enhanced with a fluted, tactile finish. Pick from a fun assortment of Garnet, Amber, Lustre and Jade colourways, available in two perfect hand-to-mouth sizes of 310ml…

Visit... ‘Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com), set in beautiful parkland and formal gardens, is a wonderful day out for the family.’ Shop at… ‘The Market Garden (themarketgarden.co.uk) near Witney, a great village greengrocer’s and deli, specialising in organic, vegetarian and vegan produce, locally grown and sourced – ideal for a daily shop!’ Go for a meal at... ‘Worton Organic Garden (wortonorganicgarden. com) near Cassington is a lovely destination to meet friends and enjoy homemade cakes in the fabulous cafe. There is also a well-stocked farm shop.’…

Visit… ‘Greys Court (nationaltrust. org.uk), just outside Henley, is a Tudor country house and garden, and my favourite place to walk Louis. The bluebells in springtime are incredible.’ Shop at… ‘The Neptune store (neptune.com) in Reading is a favourite place for interiors inspiration. I love the antiques shops in Henley–on–Thames and Marlow, and the Sue Ryder Nettlebed sales (sueryder.org) to find treasures to upcycle.’ Go for a meal at… ‘My favourite place for a lazy Sunday lunch is Antony Worrall Thompson’s pub, The Greyhound (awtgreyhound. com), in Rotherfield Peppard. It’s quirky but still cosy and the food is terrific.’…

Visit… ‘Little known gems, such as Gainsborough’s House (gainsborough.org) in Sunbury and the Tudor mansion Kentwell Hall (kentwell.co.uk) – both have beautiful interiors and amazing topiary.’ Shop at… ‘Posy (posy.online) in Lavenham and AG Lifestyle (aglifestyle.co.uk) in Sudbury are both beautifully curated. At Lavenham’s monthly farmers’ market, try a handmade sausage roll from Totally Traceable (trulytraceable.com).’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Crown in Hartest (01284 830250, thecrownhartest.co.uk). The traditional Sunday lunch is particularly good.’…

Have you felt welcomed by the community? ‘Yes. We take care to support local shops, such as the cheese shop and wine shop, and buy from nearby antiques stores. We have got to know the shop owners personally.’ What's the best way to get to know a new area? ‘We made friends with neighbours and invited them to barbecues or for drinks. They told us about where to shop, good places to eat and lovely walks.’ How do you secure the house when it's empty? ‘We rent out the house when we are in Germany, so it is hardly ever empty. We use a reliable, caring agent and make our guests feel special with a good welcome pack.’…

Creativity runs in the family for Cornwall-based fine artist Hannah Woodman. ’I grew up around an appreciation of both traditional crafts and fine art,’ she says. ’My mother studied set design, and although my father had an engineering background, he loved art, too, and was always collecting unusual pieces. I think when you’re surrounded by creativity from a young age, it sort of seeps into you.’ Growing up near Dartington in Devon, Hannah cannot recall a time when she wasn’t trying to capture what she observed around her on paper. But while she received huge encouragement from her family, her traditional schooling didn’t support such artistic ambitions. ‘There was the age-old concern that trying to earn a living as an artist wouldn’t be sustainable,’ she says. She therefore took a…

Is your background in design? Yes, I studied design at Kingston. I was working in a pub during my final year, and became fascinated by antiques. I would go via Portobello Road as part of my commute and was curious as to why I would find saucers without their teacups (teacups have a tendency of breaking more frequently than saucers). I wanted to bring these orphaned saucers back to life, and so my passion for ceramics was sparked. What inspired the Dip collection? A trip to the V&A when I saw the archives of ‘creamware’ – a light-coloured earthenware developed by famed potter Thomas Wieldon in mid-18th-century Staffordshire. The pieces were simple, and the designs naive yet charming. I wondered how we might be able to bring back the production…

NATURE’S NEST A pretty bowl or small, rustic basket filled with hen and quail eggs in a mixture of painted and natural shells is an easy table display, and a gentle nod to Easter. SET THE SCENE Falling in the midst of spring, Easter is the perfect excuse to style your home with plenty of blossom and blooms, fresh foliage and pretty decorations. Garlands and pom-pom balls add seasonal style and are easy to take down again once the celebrations are over – and an egg hunt is a must for all ages! CENTRE OF ATTENTION A simple cake stand is easy to turn into an Easter centrepiece or a side table display. Start with a twig-wrapped wreath from a florist, then add natural textures, such as moss and hessian,…

■ BATTERY LIFE Short battery life may have put you off buying a cordless vacuum in the past, but it’s hard to find a machine that has less than a 30-minute run time on one charge now. More companies are creating universal rechargeable batteries, meaning you can use the same battery pack across an entire range of products. Bosch’s Power For All and Vax’s OnePWR ranges both offer this option. ■ BUILT-IN FILTER For allergy sufferers, it’s definitely worth investing in a vacuum that completely removes irritants, such as dust particles, pet hair and dander, rather than just disturbing them and making them airborne. Certain machines – usually labelled either ‘pet’ or ‘animal’ – feature HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters that remove around 99% of allergens from the air.…

1 SPLASHBACK The encaustic tile splashback by Ca’Pietra is a real talking point in the kitchen. ‘Most of the house is in restful shades of grey,’ says Julian. ‘So the splashback tiles really shake up the simple cabinetry.’ Unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, encaustics need to be sealed to protect against moisture and stains. You may need to reseal every one to two years, so do check with your supplier. The chalky surface is incredibly tactile and, as each tile is handmade, the results are unique. 2 BOILING TAPS The couple love their boiling water tap, which has speeded up cooking and drink making. Interestingly, they chose a separate boiling water tap, rather than a three-in-one design that caters for boiling, hot and cold water in the same spout. ‘It…

• Choose varieties with different harvesting times. There are many that ripen from July through to December and, if stored well, they should last almost year round. If you’re growing your own fruit, you’re reducing food miles, too. • Growing heritage varieties gives you more options in terms of flavour, appearance and suitability to your growing conditions, and also boosts genetic diversity. • Fruit trees are magnets for wildlife. Pollinators love the blossom, the fruits provide food for insects, birds and mammals, and beetles and birds make their homes in the branches. • Some fruit trees provide food or habitats for threatened species so, by planting them, you can help halt their decline. One example is the lesser spotted woodpecker. • While some varieties are self-fertile, be aware that many need a suitable pollination partner.…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick… pussy willow and arrange the stems into an Easter display. Listen... for the call of the cuckoo, traditionally the first sign of spring, and jingle the coins in your pocket – drawing the bird’s attention to money is thought to bring riches! Discover… how cheese is made at Quicke’s Farm in Devon, 24 April, £35 including a tour, tasting and lunch (quickes.co.uk). Celebrate… Easter at Brogdale Farm in Kent, 10-12 April, £8.50 (brogdalecollections.org). MORAL FIBRE Ethical clothing brand Izzy Lane creates knitwear using wool from its own flock of sheep – all of which were once destined for the abattoir and now live out their lives in the Yorkshire Dales. Sweater, from £145 INDULGE IN ME TIME Apothecary brand Yellow Gorse…

MESSUMS WILTSHIRE This contemporary art gallery sits inside an ancient Tithe Barn and showcases work by leading contemporary artists including painters, ceramicists, and sculptors. There’s also a cafe. GARDEN MUSEUM Nearby cider farm and hotel The Newt has recently opened its impressive interactive garden museum. Discover a history of horticulture and take a virtual tour of the gardens of Lake Como. WESTCOMBE DAIRY Need a souvenir or two for the folks at home? Head to this traditional dairy to pick up unpasteurised Cheddars and crumbly Caerphilly, all made in its dedicated cheese aging room.…

SHERRY COSMOPOLITAN SERVES 6 350ml cranberry juice 60ml fino sherry 225ml vodka 225ml Cointreau Juice of 2 limes, plus 1 cut into 6 wedges 6-7 ice cubes Crushed ice 1 Combine the cranberry juice, sherry, vodka and Cointreau in a large jug. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir well. Add the ice cubes and set aside until the ice has melted. Keep chilled until ready to serve. 2 Half fill six glasses with crushed ice. Pour in the chilled cocktail and add a lime wedge to each. Give each glass a gentle stir and serve. PADRON PEPPERS WITH SPICED ALMONDS These effortless nibbles have just the right amount of salt and spiciness to awaken everyone’s appetite for cocktails SERVES 6 200g Marcona almonds ½tsp Maldon sea salt, plus extra…

A  AIRE STUDIO airestudio.co.uk AMAZON.CO.UK ANDREW COOMBS 01242 621145 ANDREW LORD FURNITURE 01491 832500 andrewlordfurniture.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ANTON & K 07875 911776 antonandk.co.uk ASHTON & BENTLEY 01902 837436 ashtonandbentley.co.uk ATKINSON & KIRBY 01695 573234 akirby.co.uk AUTENTICO 01233 878303 autentico-paint.co.uk B  BAMFORDS AUCTIONEERS 01332 210000 bamfords-auctions.co.uk BENJAMIN MOORE 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BERT & MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BISCUITEERS 0870 458 8358 biscuiteers.com BISSELL 0344 888 33 55 bisselldirect.co.uk BLAKES LONDON 020 3771 8208 blakeslondon.com BOHEMIA 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk BOMBINATE 020 3950 3532 bombinate.com BOSCH 0344 892 8979 bosch-home.co.uk BULTHAUP 0844 846 7810 bulthaup.co.uk BURBIDGE 024 7667 1600 burbidge.co.uk BURFORD 01993 823117 burford.co.uk BURLINGTON 01322 473222 burlingtonbathrooms.com C  CA’PIETRA 01380 735886 capietra.com CARPETRIGHT 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk CEMENT TILE SHOP cementtileshop.com CHALK & MOSS chalkandmoss.com CHLOE ALBERRY 020…