Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i The English Home

Here at The English Home, we are always exploring the latest design solutions and ideas for bringing period homes and interiors to life. In this issue, we focus our attention on the art of town and city living and adapting homes with history for life today. Sometimes more compact or diminutive in proportion than country dwellings, townhouses often need a different approach in order to maximise their potential while retaining character and original features. Our article on unlocking the potential of smaller-scale rooms and maximising atypical spaces is brimming with ideas from interior designers. As acoustics can also be challenging, we also explore the soundproofing qualities and decorative softness that fabric walling can offer. Elsewhere, you’ll also find an informative feature on planting trees to bring year-round interest and privacy…

‘The plan was to reinstate character while also upgrading the entire house and creating a better sense of flow’ When Louise and Patrick White decided to renovate this late-Victorian house, their journey began in the local library, where they set about researching the house’s architectural past. In recent decades, this semi-detached townhouse in Gloucestershire had been rented out to students who prioritised partying over preserving its character, so it was down to Louise and Patrick to comb through historical records for clues as to how it had once looked. They even reached out to the former owner who had since moved to Australia – but then they discovered a rich seam of design inspiration far closer to home. “Clearly, the house next door had been built at around the same…

UPDATE A FOCAL POINT Tiles have long been used to add decorative detail to a fireplace, for the most part on down each side of an insert, as seen in many period homes. Bring this idea up to date by using tiles all over the mantelpiece. Or take it even further with a contrasting tile on the chimney breast for a statement feature that adds texture and colour. Mix plain designs with patterned to highlight the fire surround. Bert & May and Fired Earth’s latest collaboration has a gentle Moorish influence. Medina Collection, from £138 a square metre, Bert & May x Fired Earth…

POACHED PEARS FOR WINTER This recipe for warm winter poached pears is robust, dark and unctuous: perfect for a cold winter’s day. Taken from Supper with Charlie Bigham by Charlie Bigham and published by Mitchell Beazley Serves 6 Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus at least 1 hour cooling. Cooking time: 45 minutes INGREDIENTS 6 firm Conference pearsBottle of inexpensive red wine175g demerara sugar8 cloves1 cinnamon stickGenerous thumb-sized piece of root ginger, cut into matchsticksThyme sprig METHOD • Peel the pears, leaving the stalks on. Cut off the bases so they are flat and the pears will stand up on their own. • Lay the pears down in a saucepan, then add all the other ingredients. Heat until just short of boiling, then reduce the heat and leave to simmer for…

Use a wreath to set the tone for decor inside – picking out a colour scheme or emphasising a natural palette. A wreath-making workshop is a great way to spend an evening during the build-up to Christmas, picking up professional tips on creating the perfect halo of foliage while indulging in a mince pie and perhaps a glass of mulled wine. Use small bunches of foliage, dried flowers and berries and fix in sprays working around the wreath in a clockwise direction. A ribbon can help to highlight a colour palette. Consider adding feathers and pine cones for a country look, or use flowers for a more refined, classic wreath. A simple, tied bunch or swag (as left) is a good alternative to a wreath, just be generous with long…

A few simple festive decorative touches can create impact and a cheerful atmosphere for cooks and their guests to enjoy while preparing and eating food in the kitchen. Hang simple garlands along mantels or beams above cookers, fixing bunches of greenery to a thick piece of string or thin rope that can be attached to a beam or wall using temporary hooks. Weave in a string of twinkling fairy lights to provide a warm glow to the room as the daylight fades. If space allows, and it is safe to do so, hang a few decorations to add colour and interest. Echo a similar treatment on a dresser or shelving to create a cohesive look around the kitchen. Or simply add sprigs of holly and ivy around shelves and picture…

SPOTLIGHT ON… Rose Uniacke’s latest paint collection Rose Uniacke has expanded her paint range with 20 new hues, bringing the total to over 60 considered colours. Rose has designed her paint palette to work harmoniously with her range of fabrics, and all the paints are chemical-free, made using the highest quality natural and sustainable ingredients. The latest additions include joyful Buttercup, warm Flower Pot, rich Moleskin, deep Seaweed, moody Blueberry and earthy Pine. An architectural and interior designer, antique dealer and furniture designer, Rose has earned a world-class reputation for her quietly sophisticated signature aesthetic. roseuniacke.com Timeless Romance Rita Konig launches fabric and wallpaper collection Quintessentially English and irresistibly romantic, the debut collection of fabrics and wallpapers by interior designer Rita Konig with Schumacher was inspired by her keen eye…

DECORATING Whether a second sitting room in a larger home, or perhaps the main one in a bijou property, a cosy snug is often where the family gathers for an evening. Less formal than a drawing room which might be used for entertaining or as a morning room to enjoy coffee and reading the papers, the snug is perhaps where the television might be watched, books might be read by the fire or even a games night held with friendly competition. As such this space is more intimate, can be more personal and comfort is of paramount importance. A snug can therefore afford to be decorated with a more relaxed approach, with more practical, long-wearing finishes to ensure that it is suitable for all the family, including pets. However, it…

Enhancing the spatial potential of a home, whether that means reworking an unintuitive layout to better access storage, or capitalising on particularly diminutive proportions, can often reveal an entirely new way of living. The key is to respect the historical integrity of a building while making it suitable for contemporary needs. “Many period homes and townhouses were built at a time when pomp and circumstance were concentrated on the lower levels, so it’s common to find spaces that are more difficult to utilise on the upper floors,” believes interior designer Laura Stephens. “This is often seen in triangular or unusually shaped windows, petite landings and bedrooms with awkward footprints. Whatever its age, I like to lean into a building’s inherent cosiness, creating pause points that invite attention.” Above all, whether…

LIFESTYLE Take inspiration from the here and now, the gentle rustle of fallen leaves, low golden light and the delicate changes happening before our eyes each day. These fleeting moments in the garden or great outdoors are too special to miss, so create a calm, comfortable outdoor living spot to enjoy a well-earnt break. Then retreat to a seasonally styled potting shed, inspired by the surroundings. Blend natural-wood accessories with collected leaves and baskets of drying seedheads with rich browns and touches of blush pink to create an almost ethereal setting that is perfect for making the most of the change of season. ETHEREAL MOMENT It is easy to create a magical table setting in the garden at this time of year thanks to a tonal backdrop of autumn colour…

Decorating to chime with the seasons might not be viable, but taking a cue from the luscious tones of autumn if considering a change of colour is perfectly natural. Paint specialist Francesca Wezel has curated a palette inspired by Renaissance artwork, updating her range with a soft, modern, feminine mood. Each colour in Donne d’Arte is named after a prominent female artist of the period. Lavinia, seen here, is a soft earthy brown with a note of plum purple. It will work year-round but is particularly fetching in mellow autumn light. Walls and woodwork, Lavinia, from £40 for 1l Eco Emulsion, Francesca’s Paints…

Set a perfect first impression with a well-considered and beautifully decorated hallway. Grand entrance halls will look spectacular with a large tree adorned with lights, while more compact spaces will benefit from a small potted tree to add interest to an awkward nook. Utilise console tables to create a festive scene with lantern lights or hurricane candle holders, or high-quality, realistic LED candles that are safe to leave unattended. Add vases of greenery or seasonal flowers or display a few favourite Christmas cards. A hallway can also be a good place to place an alternative advent calendar – perhaps an advent tree with small envelopes or parcels tied to its branches. An impressive garland is the perfect way to dress a staircase. Be generous and gather plenty of greenery and…

Christmas Day is the perfect opportunity to create a special tablescape that will impress all guests. Bring out the best china, glassware and cutlery and devote time to decorations. From centrepieces to personalised place settings, putting in thoughtful details and festive decor will make it memorable and elevate an already wonderful occasion into something truly spectacular. Often, low-level arrangements such as garlands work well for allowing conversation to flow freely, with candles to add height. Create rhythm with groupings or vases of flowers and candles arranged along the centre of the table. Look above too, as light fixtures can be dressed to bring added drama with tumbling mistletoe (previous page) or a more structured arrangement (above). Faux foliage can be a good choice for long-lasting design if the table needs…

Take the time to consider corners of the home that will benefit from a little more attention, adding some festive details. Candles are an obvious but very effective way to add winter warmth. Group a range of different-sized candles on tables, mantels and shelves. Mix up candlesticks in various heights as well as small votives and pillar candles.Though the flicker of a real candle is deeply romantic, it can be a wise option to invest in remote-controlled candles that can be turned off and on with the flick of a switch, while still adding that desirable glow. Add small bowls of baubles or other decorations or a festive ornament to create a pretty still life. Even fruit including oranges, apples, pomegranates and pears can add to the Christmassy feel. Wrap…

BRIGHT DAMASKS Marlborough fabric is one of two new launches from Fermoie. Based on early damasks the design is enlarged and printed in modern colourways for a lighter feel. Ruffle (not shown) meanwhile brings a sense of movement to interiors with its check-like repeat. Chair, Marlborough MARL-005; cushion, Marlborough MARL-007, £170 a metre, Fermoie. Munro chair, £2,795 (excluding fabric), David Seyfried GUIDING LIGHT With its subtle floral shape and adjustable neck, this design makes an elegant bedside light or wall light for a reading nook or child’s bedroom. One of 20 new styles from lighting specialist Heathfield, the collection echoes simple lines inspired by nature. Fleur wall light, £495, Heathfield HANDCRAFTED TABLE Albion Nord is expanding its in-house design collection Made by Albion Nord, which presents handcrafted items with characterful…

‘I wanted it to be a representation of where we are in our lives right now, so it was about creating an identity in the house’ When James Arkoulis and his husband Stuart Spice moved into their new home down a leafy west London street, they found the property to be in fine condition. Yet, there was a crucial element that was lacking. “The house had been really nicely taken care of by the previous owners, and the original fireplaces and floor in the hallway were there, but apart from that everything was painted white,” recalls James. With his creative eye, irrefutable knack for colour and a lot of patience, he has transformed the property into the vibrant and enchanting home it is today. “They had very few belongings, so…

BUYER’S GUIDE Rugs are an ideal way to tie a scheme together, and for many interior designers are the starting point when decorating a room. Indeed, the late interior decorator Robert Kime considered that what went on the floor was just as important as whatever was put on the walls for determining the overall look and feel of a room. There are several approaches to choose from, beginning with using a traditional rug with strong colours and a pattern which sets the tone for a scheme. Then there is the option to go for a plain rug, such as sisal or jute, which adds texture and warmth to a space. Lastly, rugs can be layered in order to ground a design. “We often start with them to guide the entire…

Join the furniture revolution and inject some period character into a space by providing a new home to antique pieces thanks to The Roost’s online interior design and shopping platform. Having already proven itself with its offering of a simple, stress-free planning tool to help clients bring their ideas for their homes to life, The Roost now hopes to change the way we shop even further by adding an antiques category to its website. Instead of searching a variety of auction houses or browsing several different sites simultaneously, The Roost’s new antiques category enables shopping for favourite vintage brands and antiques in one place. The company’s marketplace, which already features over 70 artisan and well-known brands, now includes some of the biggest names in the vintage interiors world, from Bull…

The way we celebrate and decorate for Christmas is something that is often very personal and full of ritual, tradition and familiarity. However, there are often ways to elevate the usual things we do to make the season all the more special. We have been lucky enough to be welcomed into many beautiful English homes decorated for Christmas over the years and have enjoyed sharing these with our readers. We have always loved seeing how different homeowners dress their rooms for the festive season with simple yet effective styling ideas that create beautiful vignettes and cohesive schemes around the home. Here we have collated some of our favourite ideas in a room-by-room format to impress and inspire. We’ve added our own tips for elevating decorating around the home too, and…

Whether it is the place where everyone gathers to open presents from beneath the tree on Christmas Day or to sit and enjoy fireside drinks in the evenings, the sitting room will no doubt be where all come together most of the time during the festive season. The two main focal points of the room are of course the tree and the mantelpiece. Here we have gathered some of our favourite ideas for making these worthy of attention throughout Christmas. Dress grand fireplaces with more formal, elaborate decorative garlands, flanked by tall candles or perhaps two symmetrical groupings incorporating candles, lights or ornaments among foliage, berries and flowers. Create cohesion between a mantelpiece garland and the tree by incorporating a few of the same decorations on each, especially if they…

Bedrooms are often neglected when it comes to decorating for Christmas. However, they might be where stockings are excitedly opened or somewhere for guests to retreat to for a quiet moment, so be sure to add a little magic and sparkle here too. Hang a wreath on a door, at the end of a bed (if the frame allows) or above a fireplace. Or add a garland of foliage or simply some fairy lights above the bed. A small vase of flowers adds a special touch in a guest bedroom – roses in merry red or snowy white are always a lovely treat over the festive period. Add a stocking with some small luxuries such as soap, hand cream and fluffy socks to make guests feel welcome. And children will…

We often thank the Victorians for the introduction of beautifully dressed Christmas trees, and indeed Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, brought this tradition to English homes from Germany, where a tree has been part of yuletide festivities since the Middle Ages. We fully embraced the idea and now it is an essential part of an English Christmas. Setting aside time to choose a tree, or to get a very realistic faux one, and bringing out beloved decorations is a highlight of Christmas preparations. Mix shapes and sizes of baubles for a tree that is exciting to look at. Buy a new decoration each year so a tree tells the story of Christmases past and holds treasured memories.…