Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2022 i The English Home

MIND THE GAP Given its impact on interiors, it is always surprising to find that the Transylvanian home furnishings brand Mind the Gap is only in its sixth year. Founders Stefan Ormenisan and Victor Serban, began by creating wallpapers and wall art before branching out into fabrics, furniture, lighting and accessories. Creators of ‘moods, stories and lifestyles’, the duo behind Mind the Gap are known for returning to their roots, with ranges inspired by their evocative homeland. A melting pot of people, cultures and religions, from Saxons and Hungarians to Gypsies and Jews, surrounded by mountains and forests, despite their lack of wealth the Transylvanian people would attach embroidered textiles to soften wooden furniture, and trimmed tasselled lamps to brighten the dark winter nights. This spring, look out for the…

Opting for a custom-made design is to open up a world in which – quite literally – anything is possible. Wallcoverings, joinery, storage pieces, upholstery and many kinds of finishing touches can all be specified and individually made to suit practical and aesthetic requirements, achieve historical accuracy, fit awkward areas and, above all, express individual taste and style. A WORLD OF WALLCOVERINGS “Going bespoke means it is possible to include elements that make a scheme look like it’s been done by an interior designer,” say Michelle Katz and Josie Lywood of Q Design House. “Bespoke allows you to bring everything together.” One of these elements, vital for creating a seamless look within a decorating scheme, is colour co-ordination, whether to match existing or proposed furnishings or fabrics, or for historical…

When you are born into a family with a deep appreciation of art, it is almost impossible for it not to rub off on you, as was the case with Spanish artist Ignacio Trelis, who was born in 1960 and particularly drawn to painting from an early age. Mastering his art whilst studying at The Spanish Academy in Rome, he continued his studies at several other art academies in Europe before honing his skills under the watchful eye of Spanish master painter Paco Barrachina. Before long, Trelis’s exceptional talents caught the attention of his local community and he found himself with a successful career as a talented landscape artist, exhibiting extensively throughout Spain and with his own gallery in Valencia. Whilst Trelis enjoyed capturing the beautiful Mediterranean vistas, arid landscapes…

Ah, that first, full balmy note of spring. A light breath of warm wind. Violets in the hedgerows. Blossom on the pear tree. Green shoots shooting up. A quickening of the pulse. A sudden surge of cheery optimism. ‘Whan that Aprill with his showers soote the droghte of March hath perced to the roote’ as the genial Geoffrey Chaucer put it back in fourteenth century, and I’m not sure much has changed since. Of course, this is a busy time in the vegetable patch. I begin to patrol it with increasing energy and anxiety. The earth should be warming up for the long run through spring to summer. I have taken the plunge with my chitted potatoes (Sharp’s Express; Ratte). They’re in the earth already. Courgettes (Romanesco; Trombetta d’Albenga) and…

For an effortless mood, mix classic cottage kitchen pieces with rustic designs and pretty patterns that will uplift the room. Blending styles keeps the scheme from feeling contrived and traditional pieces in soothing contemporary colours add freshness to characterful cottage features. Sourcing furnishings, lighting and practical essentials in wooden textures anchors the room with a befitting country connection. Layer this calming foundation with linens and fabrics in lively prints, such as checks and florals, alongside a sprinkling of brightly toned accessories.…

PERIOD DRAMA We highlighted the soon-to-be-launched Venetian Damask fabric and wallpaper from Chelsea Textiles in our New Year Honours (January 2022 issue) and are thrilled to see it used to beautiful effect on a sofa in this classical setting. Designed by Patrick Kinmonth, acclaimed opera director, costume and set designer, it has an eye-catching grand scale and a captivating faded patina, giving it a sense of its history as a treasured pattern popular since the Middle Ages. Venetian Damask, Cinder Blue, £197 a metre, Patrick Kinmouth for Chelsea Textiles…

When furniture designer Patrick Gunning decided to turn his hand to creating handmade, bespoke kitchens in 1980, he was unwavering in his vision for the business. He had two priorities: to use traditional joinery techniques and make the highest-quality cabinetry – both of which remain at the heart of his company, Barnes of Ashburton, 40 years on. Gunning is still involved in the business, but 10 years ago he decided to step back and focus on his passion for music. He knew, however, that he would be leaving the day-to-day running of the company in safe hands – the team now in charge have all worked there for many years and the brand’s ethos is as strong as ever. Kim Whinnett, director, says, “At Barnes of Ashburton it has always…

Heritage style describes the balance of period properties with modern-day life. I love the definition of the word ‘heritage’ from the Oxford English Dictionary: ‘The history, traditions, buildings and objects that a country or society has had for many years and that are considered an important part of its character.’ When I added the word ‘style’, I wanted to evoke a modern sense of nostalgia. My inspiration derives mostly from unique old buildings that have one foot in the past and one stepping into the future. I love to see how the craftsmanship and decorative details have stood the test of time. Unfortunately, in the twentieth century, many older properties were stripped of period details that were then seen as ‘fussy’ but are now highly sought after. If you own…

ABOUT FERN Drawn from Vanessa Arbuthnott’s captivation with nature during the spring of 2021, The Forest Collection comprises a plethora of fantastical fern forms. Initially experimenting with potato prints in her kitchen, Arbuthnott has created a block-print collection in a variety of scales and uplifting colours. Lampshades, Little Fern, Ochre; console skirt, Little Fern, Lichen and Simple Ticking Detail, Lichen; pouffe, Lattice Leaf, Ochre and Simple Ticking Detail, Lichen; cushion, Wild Fern, Ochre, all £59 a metre, Vanessa Arbuthnott TASK FOCUSED Bring light to the task in hand with versatile pendants in smart finishes from the new David Hunt Lighting SS22 collection which ranges from a selection of brass chandeliers to the more classic single wall lights, where sleek tradition meets contemporary twists. Buxton pendant, Brushed Chrome, £150, David Hunt…

Use the beautiful textures of natural materials to bring unexpected detail and tactile interest to the home. Team wood or stone in a rustic, original state with finely polished versions to add contrast. Opt for natural fibres such as sea grass and jute in accessories and furnishings including mirrors, footstools, or even an impressive four-poster bed. Natural materials give an earthy, grounding sense to a room and in the hands of skilled artisans, raw elements are elevated into chic objects of desire.…

The plethora of beautiful new fabrics and wallpapers are the perfect excuse for giving classic English interiors a stylish update. This season sees pattern, colour and textures all celebrated in tempting designs that hark back to timeless prints brought up to date with a new vibrancy. Claire German, CEO of the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, home to many esteemed design houses, says, “There is a strong sense of creative confidence across the new season collections, with a bold experimentation around colour and abstraction.” German highlights nature as an inspiration for pattern, “with a keen focus on botanical prints. There’s an emphasis on simple native species and the beauty of the garden.” There is something, too, for those seeking plainer yet still luxurious designs, with a quieter focus on fine natural…

The desire for a good night’s sleep should be the requisite behind every bedroom design. Mattresses that provide the right level of support for the neck and head, combined with pillows and duvets made from sustainable materials, should be the foundation for quality rest and relaxation. Take a cue from timeless looks and combine beautiful shades of colour, furniture designs and accessories to give the bedroom a seasonal refresh. Be inspired by the calming effect of soft neutrals, the reassuring charm of classic heritage designs or the fanciful exuberance of a romantic style and prepare to dress the bedroom with finesse. Calm Create an environment conducive to good sleep and relaxation with colours, textures and materials that are calming to behold. White is often seen as a safe option for…

FLORAL CELEBRATIONS This year Easter falls a month into spring on 17 April, and as seasonal flowers reach a colourful crescendo – with daffodils nodding in borders, bluebells carpeting woods and primroses peeping from verges – could there be a more fitting time to celebrate chintz? Layering a jolly mixture of small-scale, vibrant fabrics provides an informal setting for an al fresco treat that even the smallest family members will enjoy. Look to Party Pieces and Meri Meri for themed props, and Cutter & Squidge and Fortnum & Mason for delectable high-tea deliveries to complete the scene. Table linen, cushions and pillowcases exclusively available from Coco & Wolf…

Perhaps the most uplifting of all garden flowers, tulips dazzle with their endless shapes, spectrum of colour and easy-going nature. Requiring very little attention, they reward tenfold every spring with a spectacular display that is guaranteed to lift mood and soul and inject energy and vibrancy into every inch of outside space. Celebrated by designers, plant specialists, garden lovers and leading florists alike these flowering bulbs are highly prized for their organic twisting forms and clarity of colour. “We have been planting tulips for over three decades, each year more vibrant than the last,” says Marylyn Abbott, a renowned Australian garden designer based at West Green House Gardens in Hampshire. “Tulips rescue us from the doldrums and signify the end of a bleak, grey winter with their satin sheen and…

TULIP ‘REMS  FAVOURITE’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Negrita’ (snub-nosed, deep purple); Tulip ‘Purple Doll’ (pointed, ruffled petals) TULIP ‘BLACK PARROT’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Showcase’ (violet purple, double, early); Tulip ‘Purple Dream’ (purple with yellow base, lily-flowering) TULIP ‘MOUNT TACOMA’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Angelique’ (soft pink, double, late, peony-flowered; Tulip ‘Black Hero’ (deep burgundy, double, late) TULIP ‘RED SHINE’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Ballerina’ (two-tone tangerine, lily-flowering); Tulip ‘West Point’ (yellow, lily-flowering) TULIP ‘PINK IMPRESSION’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Doll’s Minuet’ (pink-red viridiflora); Tulip ‘Florosa’ (pink, cream, green viridiflora); Tulip ‘Don Quichotte’ (pink, triumph) TULIP ‘FABIO’ Works well with: Tulip ‘Crystal Star’ (bright yellow glossy fringed petals, black base); Tulip ‘Red Wing’ (deep, glowing red fringed petals, late)…

Enjoy a tranquil Easter weekend (15–18 April) with a feast for the senses. Whether escaping to a holiday bolthole such as a barn or cottage tucked away in the English countryside or simply taking a day trip, seek out uninterrupted views. Partake in the traditional British pastime of elevenses. Serve a light snack befitting the bank holiday mood (Daylesford offers artisan bread and cake delivery at daylesford.com), absorb the scene with binoculars (see shop.nationaltrust.org.uk) and finish the morning reading a good book outdoors. Wishbone Barn, Malvern Hills, Unique Homestays…