Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Country Homes & Interiors

Each spring, I join a group of friends in a Bluebell Run, on a trail that winds through woodland carpeted with bluebells. Last year’s event couldn’t happen and while I’ve continued to run, I’ve missed being with my buddies. For me, sharing good times in glorious surroundings is a key part of living ‘my best country life’. I hope this month’s issue celebrates some of the things you love, too… We’ve been swapping tips with gardener Arthur Parkinson (page 136) and radio presenter Jo Whiley, whose ‘grow what you love’ veg mantra we can totally get on board with (page 140). I don’t have space for an outdoor room in my courtyard, but I’ve loved picking a selection for our ‘Escape to the Garden’ feature (page 100). Design that cares…

Nina Parker puts her appreciation of well-loved items and instinctive homemaking skills down to both her grandmothers. ‘My English granny’s home was a riot of colour, filled with handmade items such as rag rugs and patterned cushions. Then my Belgian grandmother had a home that centred on the kitchen, and always felt so warm and welcoming,’ she recalls. Both strands have woven through every property she and her family have lived in over the years. ‘For me, these are the things that always make a home,’ Nina explains. Such influences were central to the transformation of the converted Dorset barn she and her husband Bob bought four years ago. ‘Although we’d lived in old properties before, our last home was a practical 1980s house, which suited us at the time.…

Visit… ‘Southwold is one of our favourite places to visit for walks along the beach. In the opposite direction, a walk in the Dedham Vale on the Suffolk/Essex border along the River Stour is also lovely.’ Shop at… ‘I love Vanil in Woodbridge (vanil.co.uk) as they have a good mix of handmade and vintage pieces sourced from Scandinavia. I’ve found lovely cookery gifts and beautiful rugs there. Loveone in Ipswich (loveone.co.uk) is great for gift ideas from small producers, as well as artists’ prints.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Sun Inn in Dedham (thesuninn dedham.com), just over the border in Essex, is great for lunch after a walk. My favourite dish is slow-roasted pork belly. The pub has a big garden, so it’s easy to eat outside.’…

PERFECTLY POISED Combine the art of Japanese Ikebana flower arranging with a more homegrown bouquet for the prettiest centrepiece. SOFTLY, SOFTLY Pale clay tones, gentle textures and filtering screens make a light and atmospheric living room space. FUNCTION AND FORM Find beauty in the everyday with hanging storage, stylish wash soaps and humble bristle brushes. Table mannersMIMIC ‘GOLDEN REPAIR’ KINTSUGI POTTERY AND PAINT GILDED BRANCHES ON A MOTTLED WALL. FABRIC FOLDS AND HANDMADE POTTERY SOOTHE THE SENSES MAKING & MARKINGS Be inspired by fluid drawings and watercolour brush marks and try your hand at some homespun art. Japanese gladeFLUTTERING FOLIAGE AND FULL-BLOWN BLOOMS BRING SUMMER VIBES, WHILE SIMPLE SHAPES ENSURE PATTERNS FLOW…

‘Splashback tiles have become a statement feature and a key element in the overall visual design of a kitchen and therefore worth careful researching at the initial design process,’ advises Louisa Morgan, creative director at Mandarin Stone. ‘Add charm and character with these handmade decorative terracotta tiles that feature a beautiful painted pattern, a perfect choice to give a delicate, rustic feel to any wallcovering.’ Bazaar Moulin glazed terracotta tiles, £166.40sq m, Mandarin Stone…

1 COLOUR COMBINATION Beth and Doug chose an elegant blue for the wall cabinetry, with the island in a dark grey with blue undertones as a subtle way of accentuating its role as the central feature of the room. ‘I love the contrast of the blue against the oak floor and the brass accents, and the way that the patinated finish of brass looks so timeless,’ says Beth. The mantel is painted to match the wall colour, keeping this area of the room – furthest from the windows – as light as possible. 2 LAPTOP STORAGE A corner cupboard, outside the main working area of the kitchen, is dedicated to home admin. ‘It is easy to pull up a stool and sit here to write emails and sort out correspondence,’…

VIOLA ‘TIGER EYE RED’ I love this little flower more and more. With its unusual gold blooms, it’s so exotic and commanding. As it’s small, you should plant quite a few of them around the edge of a large pot with nothing too large to over shadow. Their flowers look exquisite and make beautiful pressed blooms too. Cutting them will prevent them going to seed. I buy these as seedling plugs each autumn. DAHLIA ‘BISHOP’S CHILDREN’ This seed-grown dahlia, famed for its bright single flowers, is loved by bees and butterflies all summer and autumn. One packet of seed will produce varying tones of lavish yellow, orange and plum, all above dark foliage. Overwinter your favourites and replant them like the dahlias you buy as tubers. COSMOS ‘RUBENZA’ The best…

Things that make us happy... ❝SAVOURING SPRING DAYS BENEATH BLUE SKY, BLOSSOM AND A BREEZY CANOPY❞…

Visit… ‘The large village of Tisbury in the beautiful Nadder Valley is brimming with history. The architecture – including a Grade I-listed tithe barn – is fascinating, and there are some great shops and pubs worth visiting, too!’ Shop at… ‘Roxtons (roxtons.co. uk) is a store I always make a beeline for when I’m in Stockbridge. Along with stylish clothing, it has a wonderful range of gifts and homeware.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Museum Inn at Farnham (museuminn.co.uk) is a real treat. This quintessential English pub with rooms serves fantastic locally-produced food, and has a great atmosphere.’…

Visit… ‘The Cotswold Wildlife Park (cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk) outside Burford. Having young children, we love this mini zoo with all sorts of amazing animals, set in beautiful gardens.’ Shop at… ‘The Organic Farm Shop at Abbey Home Farm (theorganicfarmshop.co.uk) on the Burford Road outside Cirencester. Just one of the many great farm shops selling fresh local produce.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Bell Inn, Langford (thebelllangford.com). It has an amazing atmosphere and serves indulgent British food at an affordable price.’…

Visit... ‘The wonderful Church Street in Godalming, where Wattle & Daub is based. It’s a quintessential English street filled with Tudor buildings. It featured in the film The Holiday. Take a walk in the spring sunshine from here along the canal, all the way to Guildford.’ Shop at… ‘Lingwood Samuel gallery (lingwoodsamuelart.com) is so beautifully curated. Also, pop into the ice cream shop Godalming Delights (trulyscrumptiousdelights. co.uk); their white chocolate and lemon meringue ice cream is a thing to behold and so refreshing after the long winter.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The White Hart (whitehartwitley.co.uk). This pub is located in the picturesque village of Witley and is a 16th-century public house serving up a slice of London in the Surrey Hills. Gorgeous cocktails, whisky and craft beer combined with…

Visit… ‘Mapperton House (mapperton.com) is an historic old manor near Beaminster with beautiful landscaped gardens, and was recently seen in the Netflix film version of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.’ Shop at… ‘The Frome Independent (thefromeindependent. org.uk) is a once-a-month street market in the town showcasing the best in the South West – from food producers to vintage traders and artisans. It’s wonderful!’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Rose & Crown at Trent (theroseandcrowntrent.co.uk) is a quintessential country inn with a wonderful menu and a terrific atmosphere. It’s one of our favourite places.’…

TRADITIONAL GEM A fine three-storey, four-bedroom Victorian house with lots of charm, original features and a central location on South Street, all for £525,000. MISTLEY MUST-HAVE With traditional elegance but brand new, this four double-bedroom house was built by local builder Rose on the Norwood Place estate, and costs £585,000. STEP BACK IN TIME Mill House, a Grade II, five-bedroom detached Regency beauty has four reception rooms and a lovely village location. Not bad for £795,000.…

Artist and homeware designer Victoria Hall shares her advice for gradually building a lifestyle business without breaking the bank. DO YOUR RESEARCH ‘Before I launched the business, I tried a few designs and tested the reactions of friends and family. Then, when I had selected my first collection, I invested £1,000 in stock and attended a local Christmas fair to gauge the public’s reaction. By talking to the customers directly I could find out who my market was – and it wasn’t necessarily who I thought it would be. As I’ve attended more and more events, I’ve gradually added other products to suit the demands of the actual customer, rather than assuming I know what they want or need. Trade fairs are also important before you set up, and as…

PERFECTLY POISED Origami 87227 wallpaper, £185 lin m, £151sq m, Arte. Tablecloth in Purity Voiles in Greige HLIN141693, £51m, Harlequin. Floral arrangement; bowl, both Star & The Rose SOFTLY SOFTLY Wall in Cloud in CLOU-015, £130m, Fermoie. Curtains in (at Crittal doors) Ara in Prairie, £64m; (at window) Ceto in Basket, £80m, both Villa Nova. Colemore three-seater sofa, £4,338.90, Matthew Hilton at SCP. Blush Pink woven linen tablecloth (used as throw), £85, Rockett St George. Aria in Indigo cushion cover, £70, Imogen Heath. Pattani Eclipse cushion cover in Indigo, £50, Oka. Ruched velvet cushion in Peach, £55, Rockett St George. Tazim large graded viscose rug in Pink/ Yellow, £299, Made. Oversized rice paper Saucer light shade, £45, Homeplace. Ripley large drum stool, £210, The Dormy House; covered in Skye in…

CONVERSATIONAL SURROUND Welcome favourite faces to gather on this accommodating design. Its beckoning layout and soft cushions create a cosy corner, and blend seamlessly with any garden surround. Hampton corner set, short lengths: H82xW135xD80cm; corner section: H82xW160xD100cm; table: H57xDia.113cm, £2,250, Cox & Cox CONTEMPORARY COMFORT Wonderfully comfortable with soft deep cushions, this versatile design forms part of a modular seating system. Choose upholstery in a vast selection of garden-ready fabrics, including an innovative, outdoor eco leather. Joint garden three-seater sofa, H80xW223xD85cm, from £4,100, Fast at Go Modern OPEN-AIR ROMANCE The Kilt sofa is inspired by the traditional Scottish garment and features a close-knit weave of stretched rope. The two-seater is perfect for sharing, from sunlight to starry night... Kilt sofa, H63xL140xD70cm, from £1,400, Marcello Ziliani for Ethimo ❝ TEAM WITH…

MATERIAL MATTERS ‘The material you opt for connects your worktops and cabinetry,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director at Kitchen Makers. ‘Ensure it’s fit for purpose; your splashback should be waterproof and heatproof if it is near the oven.’ POWER IN PATTERN ‘A striking splashback creates instant wow factor,’ says Hamish Smith, creative director at Sarsen Stone Group. ‘Think about layout: if you are going for a metro tile, you could look at brick-bond, vertical stacking or herringbone.’ COLOUR COORDINATE ‘Choose whether your splashback is a focal point or a harmonious piece,’ says Emma Britton, decorative glass designer. ‘Make sure the colours, textures and shapes in the room are reflected in your design for a cohesive look.’ DO IT YOURSELF Tiles can be a cost-efficient way to upgrade a kitchen, especially…

CABINETRY Bespoke Georgian kitchen, from £30,000, Drew Forsyth & Co; painted in De Nimes, Down Pipe and Ammonite estate eggshell, all £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball SURFACES Centaurus Grey Extra granite island work surface, about £1,600sq m including templating and fitting; Radianz Diamond White quartz work surfaces, about £1,100sq m including templating and fitting, both Drew Forsyth & Co. Walls in Ammonite modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Similar flooring, Natural engineered oak, from £52.14sq m, Wood N’ Beyond APPLIANCES Falcon Deluxe 1092 dual fuel range cooker in Black with Brass trim, £3,699, Rangemaster. D5855X1GB built-in extractor, £319; S515T80D1G fully integrated dishwasher, £758, both Neff. IKBP3560 integrated fridge, £1,789; SIGN3576 integrated freezer, £1,599, both Liebherr SINKS & TAPS Ionian deck-mounted mixer with cross top handles and rinse…

Memories of gardening with her grandad and mother sparked Jo Whiley’s interest in growing plants – something the presenter and Radio 2 DJ now counts among the top three things she needs to stay sane, alongside music and her family. Her first garden in London provided a chance to get her hands into the soil but it was when she moved to her home in Northamptonshire 13 years ago, with its walled garden and raised beds, that she could really indulge her passion. She now grows a huge range of fruit, flowers and veg, and relishes the sense of achievement, as well as calm, that it brings her. Here, she shares her top tips. Only grow what you love to eat “Only ever plant what you love to eat. We…

BOWL CAPACITY You’ll find food processors with a mix of bowl sizes from 1ltr to 4.5ltr and, as a rule, the larger the bowl the more features they’ll have. Larger units also tend to come with a separate bowl for smaller batches. If you’re not sure, a 2.5ltr capacity should be more than enough for most people. ATTACHMENTS Most models come with a grating disc, slicing disc, chopping blade and dough blade as standard, which take care of the daily chopping chores. But many designs come with up to 12 attachments for beating, peeling and spiralising. Think what you’ll find most useful, as the more attachments you have, the more cupboard space you’ll need to find for them all. PROGRAMMING Some more advanced food processors have settings that can distinguish…

THINGS TO MAKE, FIND AND PLANT Celebrate… by picking your own country flowers at Lychgate Cutting Garden at Hill House Nursery, Landscove, Devon. Choose a bucket, a pair of snips and get cutting (lychgatecuttinggarden.co.uk) Enjoy… asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, roast and serve with a poached egg and sourdough toast. Plant… strawberries. This is your last chance to allow them enough time to establish themselves. Visit… the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling event on Cooper’s Hill, Brockworth. Due to return in May 2021, the winner gets an 8Ib Double Gloucester. CARING FOR COTTON High-street store FatFace uses only ethically sourced cotton, is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative, and is committed to increasing sustainability – by 2025 they will be carbon neutral. Rosie patchwork blouse in Cornflower Blue,…

Eva Sonaike brings colour to life Wake up to the new Asa collection of bright delights from Eva Sonaike‘s luxury African boutique. Inspired by traditional Yoruba adire cloth, the range translates the patterns of this ancient African textile tradition into rich, contemporary style on soft cotton velvet. Look out for cushions, pouffes, an ottoman, lampshades and fabric, as well as wallpaper designs in gorgeous statement colourways. Asa lampshade in Sage (right), from £145. Browse the full collection at evasonaike.com. NEW BED FRAMES FROM BROOK + WILDE British sleep brand Brook + Wilde has unveiled two sumptuous new bed frames: minimalist The Verity and timeless The Duchess, both designed and made to order in the UK. The Duchess (below), from £1,525 for a double, has a deeply buttoned headboard with a…

Sarah’s style tip... LET ELEGANT SILHOUETTES AND SUMPTUOUS TOUCHES ELEVATE YOUR SPACE IN TIMELESS, REFINED STYLE…

Polly’s style tip... FULL LENGTH WINDOW DRESSINGS ADD BLUSHING WARMTH AND DRAPED TEXTURE IN A MINIMALIST SCHEME…

Gemma’s style tip... POSITION YOUR HOB ON THE CENTRAL ISLAND TO CREATE A SOCIABLE COOKING HUB, IDEAL FOR RELAXED ENTERTAINING.…

Nina’s style tip... SOURCE AN ECLECTIC MIX OF HOMEWARE FROM INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND VINTAGE MARKETS TO CREATE A UNIQUE NOOK…

Having both grown up in Suffolk, with fond memories of their respective rural childhoods, it seemed the most natural step for artist Victoria Hall and her husband Dan to leave London and return to their beloved county a few years after becoming parents. ‘I had a successful career as a picture editor,’ Victoria explains, ‘but we wanted our children to be brought up surrounded by nature and close to grandparents. Dan works in film and TV production so he’s flexible on location, while I hoped that I could develop a new creative business. I had studied painting at the University of Northumbria, followed by an MA at Chelsea College of Art and Design, and I loved the idea of producing affordable art for a wider audience.’ In the summer of…

MAKE IT COUNTRY No rough-and-ready home weaves here; today’s planet-friendly products bring a touch of natural chic to interiors, with pastel vegetable-dyed fabrics, carefully sourced materials and handcrafted designs from new-generation makers. It’s a considered look that feels at home in a country interior, where the connection to nature and the good life feels strongest. OUR EXPERT SAYS…❝ LEARN ABOUT THE PROVENANCE OF A PIECE BEFORE WELCOMING IT INTO YOUR SPACE AND GIVE OLD THINGS NEW LIFE BY UPCYCLING OR REPURPOSING ❞ HOLLY PHILLIPS, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

ADD A GLOSSY CONTRAST Matt or eggshell have long been the go-to for woodwork, but gloss is back in vogue. On selected areas, such as cupboard doors, this lacquered finish will give deeper shades such as olive green, dark blue or even black a lift, and brings character to otherwise ordinary features. Water-based gloss is much easier to work with than traditional oil-based paint, yet still provides an easy-to-clean, durable surface, ideal for sticky fingers on kitchen doors. EXTEND A FEATURE WALL Taking a new slant on a decorating classic, this paint trick will help define a space, particularly in an open-plan or multi-use room, and an intense shade will bring a sense of warmth and intimacy. When marking out and measuring, step back to make sure the painted area…

PLAY WITH PATTERN If you’ve played it safe with your kitchen cabinetry, then a tiled splashback may be the prime opportunity to introduce colour and pattern into your design, and inject a modern element into your country home. It’s worth experimenting with combinations of patterned tiles to see what works best. Bert & May’s Otura tile, for example, has an understated geometric print which can be laid in several different variations, using the same motif to create different looks. 1 GLAZED OVER Gloss-finished tiles are good at helping reflect light around the room, and can be a smart option to go for if you are choosing a dark tile as your kitchen splashback. While easy to wipe clean, the glossy surface can sometimes make smears appear more visible. These crackle…

As a farmer’s daughter, Beth McKenzie was itching to move out of London, as was her husband, Doug, who grew up in Somerset. ‘We wanted to give our children space and a chance to have more of the kind of upbringing in the country that we had enjoyed,’ says Beth. Searching online, they spotted a beautiful Arts and Crafts house in Surrey, surrounded by woods and a large garden. ‘We came to see it and fell in love with its wonderful character and spacious feel,’ she explains. Beth, a full-time mum, and finance director Doug knew immediately that they needed to re-think the kitchen. At the front of the house, it was the smallest room in the property, while the large garden room built about twelve years ago onto the…

FREEKEH WITH KALE PESTO AND ASPARAGUS Making a fresh pesto adds herby flavour to a simple meal of grains and roasted vegetables. SERVES 4 FOR THE PESTO 60g mixed nuts 100g kale leaves 60g flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove 60g Parmesan Juice and zest of 1 lemon 100ml olive oil FOR THE FREEKEH: 4 spring onions, roughly chopped 300g beetroot, washed and cut into wedges 8 radishes, halved 4 tomatoes, halved 100g asparagus, finely sliced Olive oil Handful fresh thyme sprigs 300g freekeh 1ltr vegetable stock 45g roasted almonds, finely chopped Parmesan shavings 1 To make the pesto, toast the nuts, remove from heat and set aside to cool. Place the nuts in a food processor and blitz until they become fine crumbs. 2 Pour boiling water over…

I like gardening with bulbs and annuals because the pots and containers can primarily be treated as if you are curating two different displays every year: one for spring and the other for summer. Essentially, my garden’s key show is of tulips, then dahlias. Here is my garden’s calendar of flowers through the year: Early spring Crocus and iris with the foliage of kale, fennel and cardoon. Mid spring Tulips en masse with the above foliage, along with wallflowers and flowering kale. Early summer Half the bulbs are removed along with the allium, kale, poppies, lilies and Eremurus (fox-tail lilies). Midsummer sweetpeas flower in separate pots, while others are replanted for summer. Summer to late autumn Dahlias, cosmos, sunflowers, quick-flowering half-hardy annuals and annual grasses provide a jungle that flowers…

Did you know?  THE WORD ‘SHED’ ORIGINATES FROM THE ANGLO SAXON TERM FOR ‘SHADE’. WRITERS INCLUDING RUDYARD KIPLING, AGATHA CHRISTIE AND ROALD DAHL ALL WROTE FROM THEIR SHEDS.…