Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Country Homes & Interiors

Our homes and location are linked inextricably to our wellbeing. For country lovers, it’s no surprise that green spaces are associated with better mental health – the NHS is even prescribing nature-based activities as a tonic for body and mind. But so much influences our mood, from how we decorate our rooms to the sanctuaries we create for ourselves. We’ve devoted this issue to the theme of wellbeing. In My Country Business (page 64), you’ll meet the fitness instructor running a rural wellness retreat. You’ll find ideas for a curated, creative and relaxing home – see Happy Inside (page 74), Wardrobe Mistress (page 96) and Bathroom Bliss (page 82). Plus, find out how to boost your vitamin D by filling your house with sunshine (page 118). You’ll also see we’ve…

In pursuit of the perfectly imperfect home. It’s a phrase that I often use, and one that has left those on the receiving end with an expression of puzzlement. It’s simple to explain when it comes to home furnishings – I like to use vintage textiles with faded colours based on traditional patterns, from ticking stripes and antique velvets to checks and florals, on pre-loved furniture. If there’s a patch here and there, a small tear that’s been sewn up, or simply a bit of mismatched beauty, then so be it. It all works together to create a mood of relaxed living and joyful nostalgia. But what does it mean to pursue a ‘perfectly imperfect’ life or home, and why would anyone choose to do so? Well, to me it’s…

The UK’s health and wellness industry is now one of the fastest-growing business sectors. In 2020, it was worth £23 billion, and this year it is predicted the British consumer will spend around £487 a year on wellness (which can encompass fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, as well as products, equipment, apps and more). Whether you dream of establishing something similar to Kathryn’s retreat, or specialising in a particular field, certain guidelines apply… BE PASSIONATE It’s vital you have genuine enthusiasm for what you want to do. ‘Always remember your “why”’, says Kathryn. ‘It’s not just about making a living: think about the bigger picture – why your business matters, what it can achieve, and how it can help others. Not least, think about how it will fit into your lifestyle, so…

DRIFT AWAY ‘The bathroom is one of the only rooms in the house where you can, literally, lock yourself in for some “me-time”! Instead of a utilitarian space, it makes sense to create a sanctuary where you can relax, refresh and revive,’ says Emma Joyce, brand manager at House of Rohl. ‘Freestanding baths are synonymous with luxurious design, and generous rainfall showers are now standard in spa-style bathrooms.’ BEAUTY SPOT Reminiscent of traditional bath houses and steam rooms, a tile mural will bring drama and character to a spa bathroom. This is a wallcovering from Pierre Frey, inspired by the ceramics decorating Lisbon’s historic buildings. For a hardwearing version, opt for a feature wall made from porcelain tiles – try Pombaline by Claybrook, a design derived from Portuguese architectural style.…

MEASURING UP ‘Having enough flooring to allow for wastage is important with wood because of its variation in colour and texture,’ says Colin Roby-Welford. ‘With planked boards we recommend ordering 6% extra, and 10% extra for herringbone flooring.’ SOLID OR ENGINEERED Engineered boards can offer the same character as solid wood, without the drawbacks. ‘Our engineered floors are designed for use with underfloor heating,’ says Robert Walsh. ‘Solid oak is less moisture-tolerant,’ adds Colin Roby-Welford. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Wipe up any spills straight away, as letting moisture sink in could cause wood to expand. Also, avoid anything that will damage the floor such as walking on it in stilettos. When choosing the finish, bear in mind that wax or oil will continue to feed the floor. SUSTAINABILITY STAKES Reclaimed boards…

1 PRE-LOVED CHOICE Buying a used kitchen may require some creative thinking. Claire found a website that vets its used kitchens before they are offered for sale. She then cut out the ‘to-scale’ size of each piece on a sticky note and moved them around on a sheet of paper drawn up to represent her kitchen. This way, she was able to use at least 70 per cent of the cabinets. ‘Don’t get hung up on what you can’t use, as you are still saving such a lot of money,’ she advises. 2 TONGUE & GROOVE WALL PANELLING Unable to find splashback tiles she liked, Claire was reluctant to spend significant sums on a choice she didn’t feel confident about. She was also under time pressure, as her builders needed…

OMEGA SEEDS & ANCIENT OAT BIRCHER TIME TAKEN: 5 minutes, plus overnight SERVES: 2 These overnight oats are designed to bring a moment of calm to any morning. When we are looking to bring balance to our brains, eating a simple breakfast within an hour of waking up is a good idea. These oats can be eaten alone or topped with seasonal fruits. You can also add a tablespoon of bee pollen for extra sweetness and a little buzz. 200ml hemp milk60g chia seeds100g gluten-free oats1tbsp rose water2.5cm vanilla pod, scraped or½ tsp vanilla extract¼ tsp Himalayan pink salt1tsp ashwagandha (optional)1 pipette CBD (optional) 1 Add all of the ingredients to a glass jar or bowl and whisk with a fork. Leave to sit for a few minutes and then…

I like to get up before anyone else and jump into our huge plunge pool for a bracing ‘Good morning, World’ moment. Then I do some journalling or yoga before having breakfast with anyone else. Then we’ll walk from the bottom of the waterfall at Rhydoldog and through the pine forest. We’ll hear the sounds of this beautiful waterfall which at times looks like Japan and at other times like a Celtic rainforest. I’ll be with my husband Johnny and the kids, plus friends and family that we go walking regularly with. It’s really high at the top – all heather and gorse and totally beautiful. For me, a day in the country is an incredibly sensory experience. I’m a serial planner and tend to live in the future, so walking…

Things that make us happy… “GETTING PREPPED FOR SPRING SHOWERS WITH A BOOT ROOM REVAMP”…

John and I have harboured a desire to live by the coast since we met,’ says blogger and online influencer JP Clark. Twenty three years later, married and with 10 renovations behind them, the sale of their former West Sussex home has made the dream a reality. ‘With each move we inched nearer to the sea.’ The catalyst for the move was triggered in lockdown. ‘We had finished the renovation of our home and garden and despite loving it, realised the upkeep was a huge ongoing commitment.’ Coinciding with the slowing down of JP’s at-home hairdressing salon, thoughts turned to how he could diversify his career and combine it with his passion for property. The couple decided to sell up, downsize and reinvest by the coast. ‘Our home sold within…

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE One of the best ways to keep things organised is to make sure everything has a designated place, so items can easily be found. A bespoke fitted wardrobe is a brilliant solution as the internal storage fittings can be designed around your needs, with a mix-and-match combination of fixed or pull-out clothes rails, drawers and shelving. ‘Group clothes into categories – work, casual and party,’ suggests Brenda Scott of Tidy my Space. ‘In those categories, I like putting similar pieces and same-coloured items together. Follow the Marie Kondo method of hanging items from dark or heavy on the left to light/lighter fabric on the right, to achieve a sense of uplifting lightness as you look across your rails.’ KNOW WHAT TO FOLD & WHAT TO HANG…

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO INCLUDE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PATTERNED FABRICS IN A SCHEME, AS LONG AS THE COLOURS ARE COMPLEMENTARY” There are some homes that immediately make us feel at ease. They have the decorating X factor that combines comfort, atmosphere and character, without looking overdone or that they’re trying to impress. ‘When designing our clients’ homes, it’s our top priority to ensure the house feels lived in and homely,’ says Emma Sims Hilditch, who founded her successful interior design agency in 2009. ‘Even if we are starting from scratch with no personal possessions (which happens occasionally), we look to ensure the house feels like it has evolved over time.’ Here, she shares how to create that layered, cosy interior we all long to live in. START WITH ONE…

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IN BLOOM Crab apple If you don’t have this tree in your garden, you’ll see its pinky-white, fragrant blossom decorating hedgerows in spring. Return in July to harvest the fruit for puddings. Violets These delicate woodland flowers send out runners and spread easily as new plants begin to root from these shoots. They also grow well in pots and window boxes. Snake’s head fritillary With a patchwork of purple, pink, white and green on drooping bonnet-shaped flowers, these natives are found in water meadows. PLANT CARE & PRUNING With the first whiffs of spring on the horizon, the gardening routine will gradually gather pace as plants and flowers begin to burst into life. There is much to be done as the days get longer, including pruning, dividing, deadheading and mulching.…

The imposing black bear statue perched above the portico of this Grade II-listed hostelry in the Georgian market town of Wareham will have doubtless witnessed many changes down the centuries. Possibly, however, one of the biggest happened recently – and right under his nose… Dating back to 1722, this landmark building had fallen into serious neglect before Janet Strange and daughter Emily, together with Janet’s partner, Chris Winterbottom, took on the challenge of restoring it four years ago. With enormous vision, new life has been breathed into The Bear’s wonderful old bones. Working with local craftspeople and using traditional methods, the new owners have restored the building’s historic features while introducing eco-friendly credentials and modern creature comforts. The Bear is now a characterful boutique hotel, bar, restaurant and more. Each…

GRAHAM & BROWN LAUNCHES SOFT FURNISHINGS RANGE British wallpaper brand Graham & Brown has entered the world of soft furnishings with a line of over 300 fabric designs, available as made-to-measure curtains, roller and Roman blinds. ‘We wanted a range of fabrics to perfectly partner our wallpapers and paints, offering customers everything needed for the full room design,’ says Amy Bant, Graham & Brown’s fabric and soft furnishing specialist. Explore the extensive new collection at grahambrown.com. Check out the CH&I carpet collection! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our incredible range of 100 per cent wool rugs and carpets, created with independent British flooring brand fibre. The Contemporary Collection features twill and chevron weaves, and comes in seven colours inspired by the tones and tints found in the countryside.…

Kathryn Freeland is a firm believer in lists. ‘If you’re not sure what you want out of life, I suggest writing down absolutely everything you dream of, big and small – and then work out how you can make it happen,’ she says. It’s a practice she has put to good use in her own life. After studying classics at university (‘but with absolutely no idea what I wanted to do afterwards’) she joined a boyfriend who had a job in Mombasa, Kenya. ‘I started going to aerobics classes, simply for something to do,’ she recalls. ‘The woman running the sessions was doing a personal training course, and out of curiosity, I decided to give it a go – although I had absolutely no intention of making it a career!…

CULTIVATE CALM Our homes act as mirrors to our feelings, so a tidy space can help us to feel calmer. You don’t need to hide everything away; give items a designated place to live – a trolley means they can be moved easily, if needed. USE GROUNDED MATERIALS Boasting unique texture and charm, natural materials such as timber and stone help make spaces feel homely. Unlike artificial products, they also age well, becoming more characterful over time. Serene green “PEASEBLOSSOM IS AN EASY-GOING COUNTRY GREEN. IT WORKS REALLY WELL IN LIVING SPACES SUCH AS KITCHENS TO CREATE A RELAXING, HARMONIOUS SPACE”CATHRYN SANDERS, HEAD OF CREATIVE AT EARTHBORN BRING THE OUTSIDE IN Use nature’s verdant shades to create fresh, energising spaces. Choose paints and materials which are low in VOCs to…

ELEGANT ALTERNATIVE Real wood flooring isn’t always a viable option, yet the style can still be achieved with luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Durable and waterproof, LVT can be a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms, where splashes and spills are more likely to happen. ‘Timeless patterns such as basket weave create a sumptuous look in your home,’ says Lorna Williams, head of product design, Amtico. 1 AGED GRACEFULLY The latest engineered flooring to join Woodpecker’s Berkeley Collection is Cathedral Oak. Meticulously hand-scraped, the timber boards have subtle grooves that capture a charming aged appearance. The wood’s natural honey hues have been honed to offer a warm foundation to a room scheme. ‘This is a rustic board with a subtle oiled finish, allowing the knots to shine through,’ says Darwyn Ker,…

After selling their bungalow and buying a larger home nearby for their family, Claire and David Carr prepared to do a little light decorating as they moved in. ‘On the day we got the keys, David felt that the house needed a much bigger renovation, including new heating and plumbing,’ recalls interior stylist Claire. ‘Rather than wasting money on prettying up the place, only to change it all in a year or two, we decided that it would be better to get the house right from the start.’ By removing a downstairs bathroom and some interior walls, they were able to enlarge the space allocated to the kitchen and open it up to the adjacent dining room. They also replaced a small window and narrow back door with a larger…

There’s no better feeling than the sun on your face; it can’t help but brighten your day. In our homes, having lots of natural light filtering through the space can make rooms seem larger, the colours and patterns of our décor more vibrant, and the atmosphere more welcoming – but that’s not all. It’s been scientifically proven that natural light helps to boost levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin and, as a result, brings a sense of calmness and peace. It’s no surprise, then, that increasing the amount of natural light in a property is top of the wishlist for so many homeowners. ‘Increasing natural light is a really simple way of setting tone in a space and changing the mood,’ says Marketa Rypacek, managing director at Industville. From installing…

CHAMPAGNE RHUBARB These vivid pink stalks, coaxed early from hibernation by a combination of warmth and darkness, are commonly known as forced rhubarb. The best hails from Yorkshire’s ‘Rhubarb Triangle’, where the plants are grown in special forcing sheds and harvested by candlelight from late December to the end of March. You can force your own rhubarb by covering the crown of the plant with a pot to prevent light reaching it, then banking straw around for warmth. PICKINGS Pair rhubarb with complementary flavours such as spicy ginger, pear, rosewater and sweet vanilla. Roast the stems in the oven for 15 minutes to intensify the flavour, or poach in water or fruit juice for 8-10 minutes until soft. Surprise by making more than rhubarb crumble! Rhubarb works in salads, alongside…

PURBECK COASTLINE This stretch of the Jurassic Coast Heritage Site is spectacular. Explore Durdle Door, fossil hunt at Kimmeridge, or take a stroll along the duneedged beach at Studland, overlooked by Old Harry Rocks. visitwareham.com SWANAGE STEAM TRAIN Stroll around historic Corfe Castle, then board the steam train to the seaside town of Swanage (here you’ll also find Emily Strange’s delicious Love Cake emporium). swanagerailway.co.uk TYNEHAM Known as Dorset’s ‘lost village’, its inhabitants were forced to evacuate during WW2 and never allowed to return. It offers an evocative glimpse of the past with the church and school room beautifully restored. visit-dorset.com…