The English Home April 2020

The sunshine and blue skies of spring have felt a long time coming. However, as the seasons aren’t quite as reliable as they used to be, we have already had a joyous taste of what’s to come with flowers blossoming early and birds being back in our gardens sooner than expected. There are few things more cheering than blooms in the borders and birds chattering in the hedgerows, which is perhaps why both flora and fauna are such timeless motifs in the English home. They are certainly prevalent in the latest fabric and wallpaper collections. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by our curated selection (page 78) of the new designs. In a look at what the future holds in garden design (page 134), experts advise that colour is…

It’s been incredibly hectic in The English Home offices preparing for our 20th Anniversary, which we start to celebrate in earnest from our next issue. Do remember to buy a copy to enter our celebratory prize draws and for our special feature highlighting some of the most influential ‘game changers’ in decorating, gardening and lifestyles during the past two decades. As I write, I’m looking forward to chairing a design masterclass – Paying Homage to Heritage: Period Design’s Bright Future – at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour on Tuesday 10 March. The panel includes acclaimed designer Edward Bulmer, Geoff Collier, managing director of Collier & Webb and Shona Stopford Sackville, founder of McKinney & Co. We hope you can attend what promises to be a fascinating talk. For more information and…

Bring Easter celebrations to life by arranging colourful and engaging decorations in key focal points around the home. From hanging motifs to seasonal bunting, symbolic accessories nod towards the awakening of spring. Themed tableware in pretty tones creates a fresh and uplifting sight to behold. It is also lovely to collect a few seasonal characters, to be brought out every year as an expression of Easter time.…

Thoroughly cleaning dusty corners, furnishings, carpets and cupboards, and finding convenient storage solutions can be extremely satisfying, as well as having a calming effect on daily life. From small vessels to the textures and aesthetics of items regularly used for cleaning and tidying, it is surprising how much a beautifully made utilitarian design can encourage good everyday practices.…

PURSUITS The art of block-printing Many will remember from childhood the joy of potato-printing, making patterns and choosing complementary colours to create a pretty picture. Why not tap into that same joy as an adult by attending a hand-block-printing workshop, making something decorative for the home and choosing colours and styles to suit individual decor? The appeal of such workshops is the combination of the exhilarating feeling of learning a new skill, the social aspect of a fun group setting, the mindfulness of concentrating on placing the block just so, and the anticipation of lifting the block and revealing the printed pattern. Experts run block-printing workshops and courses across England. Printmaker Molly Mahon is hosting workshops at special properties such as Charleston in Sussex, Wiveton Hall in Norfolk and Wardington…

CATCHPOLE & RYE Bathroom company Catchpole & Rye was founded by Tony O’Donnell in 1990, following the discovery of a dilapidated yet beautiful bath under a worktop in the kitchen of a house he and his wife Elaine had bought in Kent. Deciding to have the bath restored, the couple searched high and low for someone with the skills to do it. Unsuccessful in their search, O’Donnell decided to set about the task himself and along the way discovered a selection of reclaimed and antique sanitaryware in various salvage yards. This led to a passion to preserve and maintain the beauty of these antiques, and the birth of Catchpole & Rye. The brand has a foundry and workshop in Kent where it casts and hand-finishes designs using heritage skills that…