C&TH Interiors 2023/24

A LIFE IN BALANCE

£12.99

50 Meet the

Finest Interior Designers

+

20

Top Garden Designers

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Contents EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS INDEX

FEATURES

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HUE ARE YOU? Colour is intrinsically linked to our psyche, affecting us both emotionally and psychologically. Carole Annett investigates which shade means what

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MADE IN NIGERIA Nigerian creativity is on a high, and its art, craft and textiles sought after globally. By Nelson CJ

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MEET THE CRAFTIVISTS Arabella Youens uncovers a new generation of craftspeople using their skills for the greater good

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS Meet the most innovative and inspirational UK-based talent making waves in the interiors world

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BREAKING NEW GROUND The 20 gardeners and landscape designers transforming our green spaces. By Tessa Dunthorne

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FEAST YOUR EYES Tasty shades for cooking up a kitchen makeover THINK GREEN Ways to decorate with the environment in mind ROLL UP, ROLL UP Chart-topping wallpaper designs WALL TO WALL Nine top tips for hanging your art collection at home THAT’S HAUTE! Fashion brands bringing flair to the interiors world LEVELLING UP How to increase your home’s value GREEN FINGERS Be more planet positive in your planting SETTLE IN FOR STORY TIME Seven special designs with tales to tell

50 72 106 114 124 150 160

HOT LISTS

104 48 28

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FROM ABOVE: Graphenstone, Neptune, Amy Kent Rugs, Matthew Williamson Design

ON THE COVER Cole & Son Grand Fleur Linen Union Cerise & Eau de Nil; Petite Fleur Satin in Cerise & Eau de Nil; Idyll Roses Linen Union in Blush with Idyll Wallpaper. cole-and-son.com

PHOTOS: © IAIA COCOI

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REGULARS

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A World Less Ordinary Fabrics • Wallcoverings • Cushions • Trimmings romo.com

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Group. His research is fascinating, recognising that interior designers are special (well, we knew that), and often made up of a group he calls ‘low screeners’ who are more affected by their surroundings than others, known as ‘high screeners’. Find out more on page 12.

Meanwhile, Arabella Youens explores ‘Craftivism’, a movement redefining craft as a vehicle of social activism for a new generation, page 22. On page 17, Nelson CJ turns a spotlight on Nigeria, the seedbed for a host of design talent, both here and in Africa.

I hope our top-of-the lists raise a smile – we’ve had a lot of fun collating them. To Emma Love, Amy, Tessa, Anoop and the awesome design team at C&TH, none of this cracking tome could happen without you. Thank you.

It’s been a vibrant, exceptional year for design – the crème de la crème showcased here.

Enjoy every morsel.

Editor’s LETTER

T

his year we are celebrating the joyful world of colour with a stunning portfolio of beautifully decorated rooms and gardens by designers at the top of their game. Choosing 50 interior – and 20 garden – designers each year is hugely challenging, akin to being in a shop of exquisite patisserie and only being allowed a small takeaway box. Hence, we are indebted to our judges: architect and hotelier Jacu Strauss, whose successes include One Hundred Shoreditch and The Pulitzer Amsterdam; writer, designer and Somerset-lover, Pearl Lowe; and Hazel Gardiner, founder of boundary-breaking floral studio Hazel Gardiner Design. Their input was vital, steering us to new talent, rubber-stamping old guard and highlighting below-the-radar studios who often miss out on recognition. Congratulations to each and every designer who made the final lists.

Features in the issue include an exploration into how colour can affect emotion – I spoke to Professor Westland, leading expert in colour at Leeds University who works with, among others, the Sanderson Design

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108 FROM ABOVE: Studio Vero, Nina Campbell, West One Bathrooms, Sola Kitchens

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For more information email donghia@gpjbaker.com

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CONTRIBUTORS THE JUDGING PANEL

Hazel Gardiner

Jacu Strauss

Pearl Lowe

A London-based botanical artist and broadcaster with dual Grenadian and British heritage, Hazel Gardiner founded her eponymous floral studio in 2016.

Hazel and her team create designs responsive to the seasons for events, editorials and campaigns. The studio’s signature is theatrical, often merging fresh, dried and edible materials with plants. Alongside championing sustainable practices, her audacious and carefree approach has led to the studio being sought out by clients such as Soho House, Jo Malone London, Elemis and Levi’s. ‘I am passionate about creating compelling visual stories whatever the medium,’ says Hazel. hazelgardinerdesign

Architect Jacu Strauss is creative director and interior designer for Lore Group hotels, which include Pulitzer Amsterdam, One Hundred Shoreditch and Sea Containers London.

He grew up ‘in the middle of nowhere’ in the Kalahari Desert building cities out of sand, before moving to London to train as an architect and initially finding work with Tom Dixon. He lives and breathes hotel design, often creating his own decorations for a space – he painted the inside of the lift at One Hundred Shoreditch, meeting guests going up and down as he worked. He relocates to a property to live in it while bringing it to life – ‘You have to be there to love it,’ he says. jacustrauss.com

Author and fashion and textile designer, Pearl Lowe lives in a Georgian house in Somerset with her musician husband, from where she designs and writes. She has a long-held passion for vintage and vintage-inspired interiors and fashion, and stocks both on her website. Her own collection of feminine, floral dresses is made by local seamstresses in Somerset in a zero-waste process, with off-cuts handcrafted to make accessories such as face masks, wash bags and scarves. She has written several books on interior design and styling, including Faded Glamour and Pearl Lowe’s Vintage Craft. pearllowe.co.uk

Emma Love

Nelson CJ

Arabella Youens

Favourite colour combo? At home, I am a big fan of soft neutrals and natural textures such as oak, jute and linens.

Where do you look for inspiration?

For decorating inspiration, magazines and Instagram are great resources. I am always scrolling through accounts such as @themodernhouse and consideredthings The most breathtaking space you’ve ever been in? Piet Oudolf’s garden at Hauser & Wirth springs to mind; it reminds me of a painting.

Where do you hunt for antiques?

Lewes, in Sussex, is known for its antique and secondhand shops, and I particularly like rummaging around Pastorale Antiques.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I take a lot of inspiration from interior design TikTok, Pinterest, and Lagos’s chaotic brilliance.

Your favourite item at home?

I have a dark green chest I designed myself. It has half an open shelf, with slanted mini-shelves.

The most breathtaking space you’ve ever been in? The garden at Nok by Alara, a restaurant in Lagos, which is filled with lush green plants and artisanal chairs.

Where do you hunt for antiques? A good antique shop to visit is Jazz Hole in Lagos.

How do you live a life in balance?

By finding time to do the things I love: collecting books, listening to music, trying out new restaurants or travelling, at any given opportunity.

Favourite colour combo? I don’t have a hard-andfast answer as it changes with the seasons. We have a bathroom in plaster pink and deep blue that I like very much.

Where do you look for inspiration? I love snooping around real houses that haven’t been styled; one of my best friends, Emily, has a fantastic eye.

Your favourite item at home? My bed.

I miss it when we go away.

The most breathtaking space you’ve ever been in? My aunt and uncle run Coton Manor Garden in Northamptonshire – it’s gorgeous.

Where do you hunt for antiques? I like Digger & Mojo in Wiltshire. It’s an emporium near Pewsey run by Yosh (who can mend anything) and Clarissa Reilly.

50 Finest Interior Designers, p78

Made in Nigeria, p17

Meet the Craftivists, p22

PHOTOS: © DAVE BULLIVANT

CONTRIBUTORS

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS CAROLE ANNETT EDITOR

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COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon, as well as being available from leading country and London estate agents. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s stores and independent newsagents nationwide. It has an estimated readership of 150,000. It is available on subscription in the UK for £29.99 per annum. To subscribe online, iPad, iPhone and android all for only £24.99 visit: exacteditions.com/read/countrytownhouse. For subscription enquiries, please call 020 7384 9011 or email subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. It is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by Precision Colour Printing Ltd, Telford. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2022 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure information is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to change, and C&TH Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

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HUE ARE YOU?

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PHOTOS: PEXELS; UNSPLASH

One of the most important elements of design, colour is intrinsically linked to our psyche, affecting us both emotionally and psychologically.

CAROLE ANNETT investigates hat’s your favourite colour? Let me guess… blue. Studies show it’s the most popular when people are asked to choose. Perhaps because it’s reminiscent of sea and sky, a lover’s eyes, a fond memory. As with music and fragrance, colour can elicit an emotional response in us and design companies are becoming increasingly aware of its power, often using colour experts, particularly in commercial spaces. But it’s complicated.

Stephen Westland is a professor of Colour Science and Technology at the University of Leeds. ‘There are a lot of myths associated with different hues when it comes to interiors,’ he says. ‘Blue traditionally has a calm connotation therefore often chosen for a bedroom, while orange and yellow are viewed as playful and invigorating, an uplifting shade for an eating area where you want appetite to be stimulated and conversation to flow.’ Big Mac anyone?

Kit Kemp of Firmdale hotels says of red, ‘It lends itself very well to libraries and dining rooms where some “heat” is appropriate.’ She uses orange judiciously, ‘It’s not for everyone, but in small doses can lift a space.’ There have been many studies into the subject such as ‘does red really make your heart beat faster’ – a PHD thesis of 1950 suggests evidence that it does, minutely, in some people. But, ‘you

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need to add in individual variability,’ says Professor Westland, adding, ‘personally I love red. I hate blue.’

So we know colour can affect us emotionally but how about physically?

Professor Westland explains: ‘Blue can be calming because of its association with the outdoors, but too much blue light, particularly at night, can have an alerting property, affecting deep sleep.’ Because our eyes respond to light, when we see colour it sends signals to the back of the brain, where vision takes place. Those sensors also send signals to a different part, the hypothalamus, an area in the middle which regulates temperature and sleep patterns, controlling the secretion of hormones. The professor again: ‘If you are in a room with walls painted blue, the most powerful effect will almost certainly be the emotional, psychological one. Is blue a good colour for bedrooms? Yes. But if you are looking at a bright blue light as on a screen, or smart phone which emits a lot of blue light, because of its intensity it’s likely to be stimulating. We need that bright light in the morning to keep the flow of our circadian rhythm, but not at bedtime where it has a contradictory effect.’

So, colour, and its intensity, are a powerful tool – and always have been.

As Henri Matisse (1869-1954) noted, ‘With colour one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.’ Interior designer Sophie Robinson, known in her podcast, The Great Indoors, as ‘queen of colour’, wholeheartedly agrees. ‘Colour is intrinsic to how we feel in our homes and affects us on a deeply emotional level. It’s imperative you take the time to tap into which colours and tones really resonate with you, and then surround yourself with them. It may be invigorating brights and mellow neutrals. The key is not to be swayed by trends or experts but to follow your heart.’ Another study explored the emotional effect of three rooms, one with warm-coloured walls and furniture, one with cool and one with the same interior but no colour at all – achromatic. Participants rated the warm room higher for arousal and stimulating, while the cool room was rated higher for being spacious and restful. Both the warm and coolcolour rooms rated higher for happiness than the achromatic room suggesting that colour can lead to more positive emotional experiences. It has also been noted there are people who are more aware of their surroundings, known as ‘low screeners’ and those less affected by what a room looks like, ‘high screeners’, who block their surroundings out. Interior designers tend to be in the former category. Take Tricia Guild of Designers Guild, clearly a low screener: ‘In my opinion, living with the colours you love truly enhances our sense of vitality and well being. We make colour choices every day, almost subliminally, so the idea that colour is somehow scary or nerve-wracking is faintly ridiculous to me. I think in colour – I have colours for people and the days of the week – it’s an instinctive response I suppose and one that enriches my life and brings me so much joy.’

History shows we also turn to strong hues and their ability to bring happiness in times of stress. We are drawn to temporarily create extreme environments at transitional or highly emotional times such as divorce and death. After the Second World War people

were desperate for an end to austerity and the drab interiors that dominated the time and in 1951 at the Great Exhibition, a British textile designer Tibor Reich created a hullabaloo when he exhibited ‘Westminster’, a lemon and deep mustard stripe. The fabric became part of a new ‘contemporary style’ celebrated with much fanfare by the media. When the world ground to a halt during Covid and we looked at our surroundings and found them wanting, paint companies reported an upsurge in sales with the DIY boom. As well as painting NHS rainbows, it seems people were also looking for a feel-good factor. Patrick Folkes, director of eco-paint company Graphenstone, comments, ‘Away from the neutrals, green was a big hit and has stayed in our top ten sellers along with pink’.

Pink’s popularity is noted in another white paper charting the rise of a rose tone nicknamed ‘millennial pink’, a key ingredient since 2016 that, like Harry Styles, seems to be gathering a stronger fanbase as it ages.

It became ubiquitous in product packaging and clothing, a gender-neutral pink that embraced femininity and pushed the boundaries. Paint companies brought out numerous versions to feed the frenzy - Calamine by Farrow & Ball, Paper & Paint Library’s Temple and Little Greene’s Confetti all embrace the off-kilter blush.

Couture brand Anna Mason became so involved with finding the right shade for its Westminster atelier that it resulted in a new shade: Mason Pink from Edward Bulmer.

There’s another factor too: judgment.

As Professor Westland says: ‘If you asked a child what colour they wanted to paint a room they would say bright yellow and pink. Yet some people don’t want to paint their rooms in bright hues because they are worried about the resale value and being criticised by their peers, the “I wouldn’t do that” judgment of one’s personal taste.’

Of course, style-leaders don’t worry about judgment, they just do it – take Halston’s cherry-hued Olympic Tower office in New York faithfully reproduced by Netflix in the series starring Ewan McGregor; so much red it becomes a neutral.

Graphenstone’s colour consultant Betsy Smith offers an insight into current consumer taste. ‘Blue is increasingly replacing green as an alternative hue to satisfy our desire to remain connected to the natural world, partially driven by the popularity of wild swimming and the healing properties of water.’ So, we can conclude that colour can have a positive effect on our wellbeing and that designing a room taking into account both emotional and physical effects may create a happier home. I’ll leave the last word to the professor: ‘Colour can enhance performance and colour can affect creativity, whereas white walls were found to be boring and uninteresting. Hence a few years ago, there was a push to put art into hospitals because if you looked at a lot of our office buildings and hospitals, they have bland environments and I don’t think that is healthy for us. I don’t think colour is just fun, it’s important for our wellbeing and health.’

So can we assume Professor Westland’s home is decorated in red, his favourite colour? ‘When it comes to the home,’ he says, ‘colour choice also comes down to who is dominant in the decision-making.

I’m married,’ he smiles, ‘so I’m only allowed one red wall.’ You can rest assured it makes him happy. n

‘BLUE IS INCREASINGLY REPLACING GREEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE HUE TO SATISFY OUR DESIRE TO REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE NATURAL WORLD, PARTIALLY DRIVEN

BY THE TREND AND POPULARITY OF WILD SWIMMING AND THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF WATER’

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FEATURE —— COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 She is Embraced by the Sun (2020) by UK-based, Nigerian artist Àsìkò, represented by Mtart

MADE IN NIGERIA

Nigerian creativity is on a high, and its art, craft and textiles are sought after globally like never before. NELSON CJ takes note of who to keep your eye on, both here and there COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 17

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FROM ABOVE: A model poses in O'DA gallery; one of Obida Obioha's recent home projects; the interior designer and gallerist

emple Muse has recently celebrated its 15th birthday. It’s a lifestyle concept building located in a tall, brick-and-glass establishment in an upscale Lagos neighbourhood. Inside the striking white interior, trinkets and paintings sit carefully styled next to high-end homeware and fashion. It is no surprise it’s one of the biggest concept stores in Lagos: loyal regulars and visitors are drawn to the combination of modern and local design encapsulating how Nigeria approaches interior design today.

‘The African design aesthetic is characterised by a fusion of traditional cultural elements and contemporary design techniques,’ explain Temple Muse founders Avinash and Kabir Wadhwani. They founded Temple Muse to

nurture and showcase local talent, highlighting the myriad ways African design can be expressed. ‘It also helps to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration within the African design community,’ they say of their space. The works on display often share a unifying theme – ‘the design aesthetic often places a strong emphasis on storytelling,’ they continue.

Obida Obioha, of interior design studio Obida Design Associates and gallery O'DA, agrees: ‘At its essence, African culture is very much about storytelling,’ he says. He also believes a focus on natural elements is what defines the sensibility of African interior design. ‘Materiality is very important to us as we rely more on the natural beauty of a product, and present it closer to its raw state rather than featuring machine-directed products,’ he says.

‘I also think community is something that is very important in our culture – we design to foster coming together.’

In his design practice, founded in Lagos in 2011, Obida leans towards elements that highlight the history of design in Nigeria, while keeping it within a modern context such as wood carving and repeat patterns. ‘I especially love incorporating elements of weaving,’ he says. ‘Our firm’s ethos is rooted in the Yoruba notion of “la’lafia”, meaning wellness and all things good. Life is a journey.’ Obida designs to reflect a client’s personality, and takes an individualistic approach. ‘Beauty isn’t in perfection, but in showing the natural polish and bruises of your journey,’ he explains.

Health, wellbeing and living a good life is also an integral element for design consultant Omon Anenih, who set up Blue Mahogany interior design as well as the Design Education and Wellness Centre in Lagos (The Dew), ‘I want to design spaces that make people feel good,’ she explains. ‘It’s important to me that spaces are a reflection of the lives and lifestyles of the people who inhabit them.’ Omon has noticed how Nigerian and wider African culture is currently inf luencing interiors: ‘There is no doubt that artworks, traditional patterns, tribal art, and even eco-friendly design practises famous on the continent, are being widely replicated,’ she says. ‘Our art is definitely trending across the globe.

I was amazed to see where a piece by Nengi Omuku ended up recently – it was a very un-African looking space, yet this stunning piece by a Nigerian artist on the most African of canvases (she paints on Sanyan, a traditional Nigerian fabric) complimented the space so beautifully – it looked like it was made to be there.’

Founder of Adeko & Co, Londonbased interior designer Tolu Adè.kÓ. is similarly passionate about African art, using it to decorate his own home, and in many of his Greenwich-based design practice’s commercial and residential projects. ‘In a recent visit to Nigeria, visiting galleries such as O’DA and Nike

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creating homeware, books and lifestyle products that celebrate and centre the Black experience.

Kemi’s favourite African design element is art. ‘Art is an integral part of African design, not just in terms of paintings but in terms of sculptural art,’ she says.

‘There is a wonderful wealth of African and African diaspora artists creating innovative art and it is wonderful to be able to support them, while also bringing their energy into interior design schemes’.

In her work as an interior designer, Kemi feeds from her Nigerian heritage, suffusing any design element with meaning.

‘It’s never just a colour or a shape. The tiles are geometric, echoing the geometry integral in so many traditional African design schemes. The textiles FROM ABOVE: Temple Muse concept are Adire (an indigo-dyed store in Lagos; a room cloth incorporating wax-dye designed by Omon Anenih patterns) handcrafted by artisans in northern Nigeria, thus supporting endangered art forms. The artworks have hidden proverb meanings, she explains. ‘I also love the challenge of reinterpreting ancient African design into modern settings and usage. An Adire bean bag for instance. There is so much more potential here, and we see it most in the innovative African furniture innovators such as Cheick Diallo and Jomo Furniture.’

Kemi believes the best way to maintain a design sensibility that is ‘African’ is by staying rooted in one’s history. ‘In my home, I have an ancestor wall with pictures and paintings of my family’s forebears.

Consider which photos you could dust off and take out of photo albums and place them on the walls. The use of texture is another one. Fabrics can be taken from sofas and beds and [hung] onto walls,’ she recommends. ‘Get inspired and hang your favourite African fabrics. There are so many ways but I think the most important thing is to know the provenance of what you are doing and as much as possible support African artisans and creatives.’ n

‘THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ARTWORKS, TRADITIONAL PATTERNS, TRIBAL ART, AND EVEN ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN PRACTISES FAMOUS ON THE CONTINENT, ARE BEING WIDELY REPLICATED’ Art Gallery in Lagos as well as Art du Bénin in the Republic of Benin, I found a mixture of traditional and abstract art, historically argued to have been a significant inspiration for Picasso,’ he says. Tolu’s heritage as a British-Nigerian plays an integral part in his craft. ‘Being born in Nigeria to a family of fourth generation textile makers, merchandisers, and designers, it’s important to me to layer the interiors with a touch of my Nigerian heritage in an organic way, never forcefully.’ Tolu and his team seek out and collaborate with artisans, painters and makers from West Africa, especially Nigeria, who share in that sentiment.

His perception of the language of ‘African design’ is that it is hard to categorise. ‘It’s almost impossible to be subjected to one definition due to the bold and diverse creations across different countries but I love the way the African aesthetic seeps through.’

Anyone looking for Nigerian and other African pieces for their own home or project in the UK should take a look at The Cornrow (thecornrow.com). Kemi Lawson, along with sister Lara, founded it in 2020 as a love letter to their dual African and Caribbean heritage; it’s a site that spotlights and celebrates modern Black aesthetics. They have a passion for sourcing and 20 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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MEET THE CRAFTIVISTS Once regarded as a lesser art form, today’s craft makers are using their work to disseminate messages to a wider audience and give people a voice when words have little impact, says ARABELLA YOUENS

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PHOTOS: © MARK PICKTHALL; © ALUN CALLENDER/COX LONDON

FEATURE —— COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24

hroughout May this year, the result of an extraordinary embroidery collaboration involving women from all over the world was on display at the National Trustowned Tyntesfield House near Bristol. It took 375 embroiderers from 51 countries over a period of 14 years to create the Red Dress (pictured left). The brainchild of the Somerset-based British artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009, it was conceived to provide an artistic platform for women around the world, the majority of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty, to tell their personal stories through embroidery.

Between 2009 and 2023, the panels that make up the Red Dress travelled the globe to be continuously worked on. Stitched together from 85 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, the team of embroiderers were made up of female refugees from Palestine, Syria and Ukraine, survivors of war in the Balkans and Africa, impoverished women from Mexico and Egypt and many more from all corners of the globe.

‘Initially, the project sought to generate a dialogue of identity through embroidery, uniting people around the world without borders,’ explains Kirstie Macleod.

‘However, over the 14 years the dress has also become a platform for expression and an opportunity for voices to be amplified and heard.’

The initiative is part of a wider movement using craft as a powerful tool to send messages out to a wider audience. ‘There has always been a serious side to craft but in the past there was a division between applied arts and fine arts – with

FROM LEFT: The Red Dress, crafted by women all over the world; sculptor Nicola Cox; a work by weaver Poppy Fuller Abbott

some snobbery from the latter,’ explains the sculptor Nicola Cox, co-founder of lighting, furniture and artworks designers Cox London. ‘That’s no longer the case.’

Cox London regularly support the Crafts Council with initiatives, particularly to encourage future generations of makers. ‘Craft, rightly, is recognised for having a sense of purpose and a deeper meaning today compared with when we started in 2005,’ says Nicola. ‘I think it’s always been there but recent events such as the increased computerisation of lives means people move away from things that are mass produced and crave something that has been made by hand with all the integrity and understanding of materials that comes with that process.’

According to a 2020 report by the Crafts Council, the market in the UK for handmade items grew from £883 million in 2006 to more than £3 billion by 2019, with 33 percent of consumers (10.3 million people) buying online. The boom stems from people becoming more attuned to the value of pieces made by hand – what Aristotle called the human ‘tool of tools’ and skills involved in being able to translate the fantasies of the imagination into something physical.

Brighton-based weaver and dyer Poppy Fuller Abbott is one of this year’s New Makers spotlighted by the interiors and clothing company Toast – she has made a set of placemats for their collection. She, too, recognises a change in the impact of craft. ‘Domestic forms of craft have often not been recognised artistically as they are associated with women's work or hobby crafts,’ she explains. ‘Yet with the resurgence of crafts techniques such as darning, people are increasingly being empowered to prolong the life of their objects, or clothing, which has a sustainable impact.

I think this is really positive as it creates a sense of community and connects us to processes our grandparents would have commonly used, which can be passed on to others.’

Some are taking strong strides to embed pieces with meaning. Silversmith and toolmaker Danielle Naylor recently graduated from Sheffield Hallam University and has designed a series of tableware based on traditions of community and gender, featuring a series of food and drink rituals to narrate trans experiences of performance, community and growth. ‘The work critiques the abjection we experience from society and instead shows the beauty of self-determination,’ they COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 23

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— FEATURE

This is perhaps best illustrated by the Milan-based rug-maker CC-Tapis whose recent collection, ‘Telegram’, designed by the duo Formafantasma, was inspired by the off-cut pieces that weavers often pattern with their own designs and words.

These pieces become messages from the makers featuring their names, thoughts and answers to a series of questions posed by the designers. ‘We wanted to remove the veil between us and the makers,’ explained Formafantasma’s Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi. ‘It’s the beginning of a dialogue instead of merely a finished project.’

The so-called rug renaissance, which has seen an explosion of new designers and makers on the market in recent years, has dovetailed with a desire to support the artisans who make up the pieces, many FROM ABOVE: Tents of Sanctuary by Shaheen of whom are based in Tibet Ahmed; Telegram rug and India. Brands work with

by Formafantasma initiatives such as GoodWeave to ensure standards concerning labour and workplace conditions or the Fairtrade organisation Label STEP and is aligned with Care & Fair, which supports school and training projects in rural knotting regions across India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Rug designer Jennifer Manners, whose collection includes a series of rugs made out of recycled plastic water bottles, credits the craftsmen she works with for seeing the idea through to fruition. ‘We have an innovative team of weavers who were willing to give the idea a go and without the enthusiasm for the project, we would’ve hit a dead end,’ she explains.

As greater value is placed on pieces that are made by hand, there’s hope among artists and supporters that the future of craft is bright in this country.

Now its position and influence as an art form, as a conduit for education and a way of enriching the lives of makers and end users will grow – providing, says Nicola, that schools continue to teach hand-making skills to young people. ‘This couldn’t be more important,’ she stresses.

‘How can you be creative with numbers if you’re not taught first to be creative with your hands?’ n

explain. Danielle’s process is tactile and informed by the physical properties of the materials, and how they respond to different traditional and non-traditional techniques, leading to work that is craft-led, narrative, and exploratory.

Another artist whose work is layered with messaging is Shaheen Ahmed. Based in Birmingham, she describes herself as an artist as well as a ‘craftivist’ and has worked with Transforming Narratives, a programme exchanging dialogue between creative and cultural practitioners in Birmingham, Pakistan and Bangladesh. She reworks maps to share tales of statelessness, crippling infrastructure and disparagement, using Kirigami folding techniques along with brush, ink and thread work. ‘I like to cut up maps, create little tent-like structures to create small metaphorical spaces of refuge,’ she explains. ‘It’s a creative response to the current global upheaval seen in our world today.’

Alongside the messaging, a further strand of this movement in craft is an increasing awareness of the role of the maker, alongside the piece that they’ve made.

PHOTOS: © MATTIA GREGH; © ASHLEY CARR

‘INITIALLY, THE PROJECT SOUGHT TO GENERATE A DIALOGUE OF IDENTITY THROUGH EMBROIDERY, UNITING PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD WITHOUT BORDERS’

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THE WORLD’S LEADING INTERIOR DESIGN DESTINATION 120 SHOWROOMS 600 LUXURY BRANDS ONE ADDRESS EXPLORE OUR EXCITING PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AT

www.dcch.co.uk DESIGN CENTRE CHELSEA HARBOUR LONDON SW10 0XE

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ABC DE FG

AMY KENT RUGS 28 ARMAC MARTIN 30 BACCARAT 32 BERNARD INTERIORS 34 CELINE INTERIOR DESIGN 36 COLE & SON 38 CORSTON 42 FERMOIE 44 GAZE BURVILL 46 GRAPHENSTONE 48

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— A

AMY KENT RUGS

Unique handmade rugs with a personal touch

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PHOTOS: AMY KENT RUGS

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ack in 2005, Amy Kent had a lightbulb moment when she realised there was a gap in the market for beautifully crafted bespoke rugs that don’t cost a fortune. On a trip to India she met the husband-andwife team who have produced her handmade rugs ever since.

‘Without them, my company simply wouldn’t work,’ says Amy. ‘Over the last 17 years we have become close friends as well as colleagues.’

This personal approach, which begins with an initial site visit, sits at the core of the company. ‘I find it makes the world of difference

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2 3 4

‘Buy expensive once, not cheap twice. Some things you can cut costs on, but others need to be quality to last.’

‘Don't go with trends, go with what makes you happy. At the end of the day, it's your home.’

‘With vintage, always go off the beaten path. If you go to snazzy showrooms, you'll pay snazzy prices.’

seeing the rugs in situ, so where possible, I visit my clients, helping them to choose the right pattern, size and colours against their existing interior,’ she continues.

Every stage of the process is by hand using celebrated age-old techniques, from the dyeing of the wool to the trimming of the rug.

Once complete, the rug is delivered and installed by a team that has worked with the business since the beginning.

Inspiration for Amy comes in many ways; at first it was very much nature – and it often still is. Over the last few years, she has collaborated with various creatives, from artists to florists. ‘Shop Amy’ launched at the end of last year, offering rugs that are even more accessible, both in terms of time and cost (these can be viewed, along with the rest of her designs, in the new showroom near Malmesbury, open by appointment only). ‘I'm also hugely proud of becoming a designer for The Haines Collection with my ‘Recycled Rugs’ range. Made from the leftover wool of our bespoke orders they are our way of reducing wastage and promoting sustainability,’ she says. This year Amy will be bringing out a new design, ‘Jewel’, which was developed during a recent trip to Jaipur.

‘If you find decorating overwhelming, keep it simple.

Start with a couple of things you really like, and it will build from there. You'll slowly realise how you'd like to add to it.’

5

‘So many things can be transformed with a lick of paint. Don't waste a piece of furniture, give it a new lease of life.’

AMY KENT RUGS Nr Malmesbury Wiltshire +44 (0)1666 715151 amykent.co.uk amykentrugs

Amy Kent's beautiful bespoke rugs are made to order in Jaipur

PHOTOS: AMY KENT RUGS

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLORIST Ivy & Bud’s posies are a perfect thank you gift (ivyandbud.co.uk).

VINTAGE My family is obsessed with buying second-hand from Vinted (vinted.co.uk).

INSTAGRAM My sister Lucy Kent is a landscape painter and founder of the Art for Charity Collective (@lucykentart).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— A

ARMAC MARTIN

Design-forward brass hardware and home accessories

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ince 1929, Armac Martin has been creating design-led luxury brass hardware and accessories. With humble beginnings as the business of local brass founder Harold McGrail who manufactured reproduction furniture fittings, it is now an award-winning, fourth-generation family firm and a leading name in the luxury interiors industry. The company stands for exceptional design and exquisite detail; in celebrating true craftsmanship; and in the art of using the finest materials to form made-to-last brass hardware, shelf brackets, mirrors and more. Its 30 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

PROUD CHAMPIONS OF BRITISH MANUFACTURING, EACH PHASE OF PRODUCTION TAKES PLACE

1

IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND AT

‘Never underestimate the power of smaller design details to achieve the overall aesthetic of a space. Determine the theme of your décor and choose hardware to complement this.’

THE BIRMINGHAM FACTORY portfolio of signature brass finishes caters to all styles of decoration, from traditional burnished brass and timeless satin antique to a more contemporary matt black finish.

The product range is diversifying to include other home accessories so that designers can match finishes cohesively.

Armac Martin is launching a new collection of luxury brass hardware, along with its debut collection of brass bathroom accessories in 2024. Aware that as a business, it has a responsibility to protect and future-proof the planet, the owners have pledged that by 2025, emissions will be reduced by 50 percent, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2041. The company strives to provide a safe and inspiring environment for the team to excel in and to offer customers the finest luxury brass interior products and service anywhere in the world.

Today, nearly a century after being established, the dedicated team is made up of over a hundred passionate members, each committed to bringing the finest luxury brass interior collections to customers worldwide. Most recently, in the spring of 2022, Armac Martin was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, an incredible accolade that recognises the growth of the business and its commercial success. Proud champions of British manufacturing, each phase of production takes place in the heart of England at the Birmingham factory.

2

‘Don’t be afraid to mix collections. Our Cotswold and Bakes collections are the perfect match or opt for a recessed pull with a bar handle for a contemporary look.’

3

‘Choose a living finish to add character. Our burnished brass finish is a charming choice for traditional interiors and will naturally age over time to reveal a darker appearance.’

4

‘Break up kitchen cabinetry with decorative grilles.

Brass grilles add interest and texture, and can be used to differentiate between spaces such as the kitchen and home bar.’

5

‘The finish you decide on can instantly change the feel of a space. Our matt black gives cabinet hardware a contemporary appearance while a satin antique finish adds elegance and sophistication.’

There’s a style of handle for all tastes and décors at Armac Martin

ARMAC MARTIN 160 Dollman Street Birmingham B7 4RS armacmartin.co.uk armacmartin

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LUNCH Tiger Bites Pig showcases the best of the Brum scene food with its Taiwanese bao buns and rice bowls (tigerbitespig.co.uk). JEWELLERY V by Laura Vann creates timeless Art Deco jewellery (vbylauravann.com). CREATIVE Handover Agency is a master at curating beautiful film and stills to tell a story (handoveragency.com).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— B The Tuile de Cristal collection designed by Arik Levy

BACCARAT A joyful celebration of life through crystal crafted with passion

PHOTOS: © PHILIPPE GARCIA

F

ounded in 1764, in a small town in eastern France, Baccarat was born from a group of daring artisans who have transformed the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity. In a constant search for innovation, it was the first house to present chandelier elements in 1827, and coloured pieces since 1839. It has the highest number of award-winning ‘Best Craftsmen in France’, employing artisans who never cease to push the boundaries of their art. As a result, the likes of Josephine Baker, Marilyn Monroe and

The Mille Nuits collection designed by Mathias

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EACH GLASS, EACH VASE, CHANDELIER AND BACCARAT PIECE IS A WORK OF ART Karl Lagerfeld were all among its high-profile fans.

Art, beauty and timeless elegance are the signature of Baccarat.

Renowned artists and designers such as Philippe Starck, Jaime Hayon, Marcel Wanders and Virgil Abloh have all collaborated with the house, each stretching the limits of technique and imparting a unique artistic vision that enriches the Baccarat's aesthetic repertoire. Equally bold and visionary are its hospitality concepts around the world, which can be found in its museums, restaurants and bars.

Based in Paris, Baccarat’s Architect & Decorators department supports designers to bring interior concepts to life – whether private residences, restaurants, luxury hotels or yachts.

Each project conceived is unique and reflects the passion of the house’s exceptional artisans. Small or large, public or private, whatever the space, Baccarat will create an illumination (for instance, a semi-bespoke chandelier or monumental installation) in the shape and size required. The vast range of colours allows clients to customise their chandelier pendants, octagons, bobeches, chains and more while engraving, gold decoration and enamel painting all offer multiple possibilities to make them unique.

Each glass, vase, chandelier and Baccarat creation is a work of art.

From its award-wining pieces at the World Fairs to its most contemporary collections, Baccarat’s craftsmanship constitutes an extraordinary heritage.

The Roi Soleil Chandelier and New Antique Table – both designed by Marcel Wanders

Continuously pushing the boundaries through bold artistic collaborations.

The Zenith chandelier, re-interpreted

by Philippe Starck

PHOTOS: © PHILIPPE GARCIA

MAISON BACCARAT 11 Place des Etats-Unis Paris, France +33 (0)14 022 1100 uk.baccarat.com baccarat

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

COCKTAILS Harrods Baccarat Bar has a new cocktail menu themed around colours and emotions (harrods.com). AFTERNOON TEA Corinthia London, to sip tea under the Baccarat Fullmoon chandelier (corinthia.com). MEMBERS’ CLUB Annabel’s, for dancing (annabels.co.uk).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— B

BERNARD INTERIORS

Specialists in later living and healthcare projects, and private residences

B

ernard Interiors is an awardwinning interior architecture and design s tudio specialising in later living, healthcare, and residential projects throughout the UK and abroad. It was founded in 2008

by Jen Bernard, who has worked in the architectural and interior design industry for over 20 years.

She brings a wealth of experience and dedication to changing the face of the later living, and has designed and delivered highly acclaimed interiors for a variety of clients.

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

BERNARD INTERIORS IS AN AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

1

STUDIO SPECIALISING IN LATER

‘I’m a big believer in the “buy well, buy once” philosophy – if you already own good quality furniture then why replace it? Upcycling is a great way to get an eclectic mix of styles, colours and textures.’

LIVING, HEALTHCARE, AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS at all stages throughout a project, from the initial concept and brand development to FF&E specification.

The team at Bernard Interiors – which has offices in Newcastle and London – earns clients’ confidence and trust through building relationships and sound business decisions, which are grounded in collaboration and experience. It tailors its designs to the vision of its clients with impeccable attention to detail, providing turnkey solutions, architectural and design services, consultancy, and procurement services for sectors including hospitality and healthcare. Recent past projects include Louth Manor for Yorkare Homes, which has a country feel with a contemporary, refined twist; Audley Sunningdale for Audley Villages, set in historic Sunningdale Park with 79 acres of gardens; and The Mill House in Skipton for Hadrian Healthcare which has fresh yet warm interiors.

Residential commissions range from a villa in Marbella to a Victorian mansion in Surrey.

Bernard Interiors holds several prestigious accreditations, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and professionalism. It is a BIID registered design practice as well as an SBID member. In July 2020, it also became affiliated to ARCO, the main body representing the retirement community sector in the UK. In addition to this, the design studio has strong links with Northumbria University and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing.

2

‘It’s important to consider the environment when designing interiors: luxury and sustainability can be combined.

For instance, a mix of antiques and re-upholstered furniture can be really attractive.’

3 4 5

‘Start with a neutral background as a blank canvas and layer rooms with different textures and colours.’

‘Unique pieces of art are the finishing touch. A neutral background helps to inform the rest of the scheme.’

‘Colourful floral arrangements are an easy way to naturally elevate a space.’

BERNARD INTERIORS The Church, Greystoke Avenue Sandyford Road, Newcastle Tyne & Wear NE2 1PN +44 (0)1661 821427 bernardinteriors.co.uk bernardinteriors

Whether a later living development or luxurious family home, Bernard Interiors always brings the same attention to detail and warm aesthetic to every project

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LIGHTING Urban Electric provides us with innovative, customisable fixtures (urbanelectric.com). FURNITURE The quality craftship of Julian Chichester furniture is second to none (julianchichester.com). ART We love working with Etalage which specialises in sourcing antique fine art prints and vintage oil paintings (etelage.co.uk).

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CELINE INTERIOR DESIGN

Intuitive design that improves quality of life

F

ounded by Noor Charchafchi nearly a decade ago, Celine Interior Design has a worldclass reputation for its empowering vision, which is based on the thinking that our homes and the environments where we spend our time impact our quality of life. ‘Design is an extraordinary tool that can massively affect our human experiences,’ says Noor, who personally oversees each project with a high level of understanding of both a client’s needs and their aspirations. ‘When I started my practice, I knew I loved design.

However, passion isn’t enough to

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Ceilings can be wonderful spaces to work with and are often overlooked. In a current project, we are painting the ceiling two colours to give it more depth and interest.’

2 3

‘We love using large wall lights, especially in entrance hallways, to give a sense of grandeur upon arrival.’

‘Wallpaper always lends a touch of luxury, especially if textured. Not only does it add a focus to the room, it also helps with layering, which focuses the eye in on all the details.’

run a business successfully. It’s a great foundation, but there is so much more that you need to be able to deliver outstanding designs.

Enhancing a client’s experience and their way of life has to be your ultimate goal at every step of the way.’

International in outlook, Noor’s Iraqi background means that both her Middle Eastern projects and her home-grown ones are thriving – whether it’s a penthouse in London’s Westminster, a mansion in Surrey, a residential development in Chelsea or a commercial commission further afield. Noor’s comprehension of her clients’ cultural backgrounds, combined with her deep knowledge of British design and the quality of craftsmanship that accompanies it, give her a unique design perspective that is much soughtafter. She has also worked hard at putting together an excellent team over the years and credits them for the smooth delivery of each project. ‘I believe the difference between running an excellent design practice and going it alone is all about the people – that means the clients, the staff and everyone involved in the project directly and indirectly,’ she says. Noor's mission is to constantly ensure her staff are on a path of growth and innovation, while ensuring the creation of masterpieces that dramatically improve quality of life.

4

‘Don’t forget the small things.

People think about the sofa but often forget about the small table to the side. These tiny things are a massive part of everyday life.’

5

‘Avoid fully open storage. If everything is on show it’s hard to keep a room looking tidy.’

CELINE INTERIOR DESIGN 21 Chiddingstone Street London SW6 3TQ +44 (0)20 8032 2911 celineinteriordesign.com celineinteriordesign

Noor puts her clients' way of life at the front and centre of her designs

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLOWERS New Covent Garden Flower Market, for its daily array of fresh blooms (newcoventgardenmarket.com). CHOCOLATES Birley Bakery makes divine chocolates and has beautiful interiors (birleybakery.com). FABRICS Pierre Frey, for the variety of textures and quality (pierrefrey.com).

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COLE & SON The revered design house opens its first ever flagship

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ole & Son was established in north London in 1875. Throughout its storied history, art and craftsmanship have been at the core of everything the brand has achieved. With one of the largest archives in the world – including 2,000 block print designs, 500 screen print patterns and a vast quantity of original drawings and wallpapers – the design house’s vast portfolio stretches even further back than its founding year to the 1700s. In keeping with its philosophy of ‘living art’ and ‘living history’, Cole & Son continues to add to the artistic 38 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Add unexpected detail by continuing wallpaper onto the ceiling. Imagine lying in bed, gazing up at the billowing clouds of Fornasetti’s “Nuvolette” as they roll above you.’

2

‘Use panelling to frame panoramic designs, such as “Idyll”. Surround with the coordinating “Petite Fleur”, both from The Gardens collection, as a way of combining large and small-scale design.’

‘WE’RE NOT YOUR EVERYDAY WALLPAPER. WHEN YOU COME TO US, YOU BRING YOUR ATTITUDE FORWARD’ legacy of the house’s founders and expand the archive for future generations. In-house artists spend months painting a design, vital for lending a pattern movement and depth. ‘Everything we create is original,’ says creative and managing director Marie Karlsson.

‘Our creativity filters through to the brand. We’re not your everyday wallpaper. When you come to us, you bring your attitude forward.’

This year sees another milestone for Cole & Son with the opening of the brand’s first-ever flagship in the heart of Chelsea. Converting an old art gallery into a Design House for both architects and interior designers, as well as customers looking to choose their new interior scheme. The space will also house the extensive archive, offices, and design studio. This year also sees new collections, with Fornasetti Senza Tempo II wallpapers and The Gardens Vol II Fabrics launched during the summer.

The latter tells the enduring story of nature’s vistas in an exquisite selection of fabric complements in rich jacquards, crisp poplin and lustred velvet, enhancing the home with an elegance that is uniquely yours. With a commitment to, and passion for, excellence, Cole & Son is dedicated to creating unique and distinctive designs that help shape inviting interiors through colour and pattern.

3

‘While feature walls are still popular, there is now a move towards using panels (such as the new “Vista Mediterranea”, a city scene with cerulean sky) or scenic papers, rather than all-over pattern.’

4

‘Use a detailed pattern in a large space. For example, the hand-painted “Tudor Rose” knot garden, which, from a distance feels like an organic geometric print.’

5

‘A light-toned paper in a hallway can brighten an area that doesn’t have much natural light; a stripe or trailing design will draw the eye upwards to make the space feel larger.’

Cole & Son’s designs are handpainted by their in-house artists, and ofteninspired by its extensive archive

COLE & SON 3 Jubilee Place London SW3 3TD +44 (0)20 7647 7717 cole-and-son.com cole_and_son_wallpapers

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Feast Your Eyes

Nine splashes of colour for cooking up your next kitchen makeover. By TESSA DUNTHORNE 2 GRAPHENSTONE Soft smoke. £25 for 1L, graphenstone-ecopaints.store

1 FARROW & BALL India Yellow Dead Flat. £75 for 2.5L, farrow-ball.com

4 ATELIER ELLIS Hummingbird True Matt Emulsion. £54 for 2.5L, atelierellis.co.uk 3 LITTLE GREENE Confetti Absolute Matt Emulsion. £54.50 for 2.5L, littlegreene.com

5 VALSPAR PAINT Outré Orange premium walls and ceiling finish. £28 for 2.5L, valsparpaint.co.uk

9 MYLANDS Wedgwood FTT. 016 Marble Matt Emulsion. £31 for 1L, mylands.com 6 COAT PAINTS Café Flore Flat Matt. £26 for 1L, coatpaints.com

8 CRAIG + ROSE 1829 Vintage Collection Morris Blue. £45.00 for 2.5L, craigandrose.com

7 LICK Green 01 Matt Emulsion. £45 for 2.5L, lick.com

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Handmade in England Introducing the new Forme Collection made with uncompromising attention to detail and embedded in our tradition of excellence.

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour samuel-heath.com

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CORSTON ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL

Premium architectural details, designed, engineered and handfinished in-house

C

orston Architectural Detail was established by a creative team of designers and engineers with a shared vision: to make beautifully crafted architectural details that elevate the home, seamlessly flow from room to room, and are a pleasure to use. Harnessing more than 50 years of experience in the interiors industry, the company designs and develops solid brass switches, sockets, hardware, and lighting that is understated yet interesting and, above all, made to last. The focus is on creating perfectly proportioned, timeless pieces suited to any style of home, from a contemporary new build to a listed Georgian townhouse.

Minimising environmental impact is integral to the business. It manufactures from solid brass (a sustainable material that can be infinitely recycled), and the UK plasterboard and EU back boxes are made from recycled and recyclable plastic – something that’s virtually unheard of in the industry. Naturally coloured recycled card, water-activated paper tape and tissue paper are used for packaging and, rather than air freight, goods are transported on low-emission ships. In 2022, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, four acres of native woodland were planted at the original Wiltshire HQ which will capture an estimated 600 tonnes of carbon over the next century.

After great success in the UK, earlier this year Corston Architectural Detail launched its products in France and Belgium. Honing the engineering of its switches and sockets to suit the EU market, it has blended the best of European design with its signature minimal aesthetic. The online collections will be available in Italy and Spain in the next few months.

The company is introducing a new UK switch design as well as enhancements to its door handles, and indoor and outdoor lighting in 2023. This September, a flagship store will open in the heart of Paris’s interior design district, Saint-Germain, giving customers the chance to experience the full range of products in person.

THE COMPANY DESIGNS AND DEVELOPS SOLID BRASS SWITCHES, SOCKETS, HARDWARE, AND LIGHTING THAT IS UNDERSTATED YET INTERESTING

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘Use adjustable, directional lighting such as surfacemounted spotlights to light the space around you.’

‘Period properties from the Victorian era and earlier are well-suited to antique brass fittings. Polished nickel has an elegance well-matched to Regency-style properties, while a dark finish like bronze can be striking in modern homes.’

3

‘When choosing cupboard furniture, a combination of knobs and pull handles often looks more natural (and proves more practical) than just one style.’

4

‘Consider using knobs on cupboard doors measuring up to 60cm-wide and pull handles on drawers and any cupboards wider than 60cm.’

5

‘When hanging coat hooks, 15cm is roughly the right amount of space to leave between each one.’

The brand's carbon footprint is carefully considered from design to packaging

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CORSTON LTD Kingsway Business Park, Corston Nr Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0HW +44 (0)1249 549332 corston.com corstonarchitecturaldetail

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— F

FERMOIE

Fine fabrics, designed and manufactured in-house

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stablished in 2010 by Farrow & Ball founders Tom Helme and Martin Ephson, who wanted to use their expertise in colour and light in a more textural dimension, Fermoie is known for its fine fabrics, all of which are designed and manufactured entirely in-house in Wiltshire. Every fabric begins with the drawn line, with the full repeat pattern meticulously created by hand, on paper, before being translated to screen engraving for printing. All cloth is exclusive to Fermoie and made to the company’s specification. Lampshades and cushions are also handmade, using fabrics printed in-house.

Colours are created, mixed and edited according to a carefully considered palette to ensure every combination matches perfectly, ensuring aesthetic harmony, artistic balance and design integrity.

‘Creating new colours is one of the most rewarding and joyful aspects of what we do at Fermoie,’ says Tom, of the 500 colourways in the collection.

‘The designer’s creative judgment and artistic eye determines how our colours combine with the warp and weft of the cloth as the light falls upon it, producing layers of texture and a feeling of depth and intimacy.’

Today, the company employs 50 people at its design studio, production facility in Marlborough, and the showroom and retail space on London’s Pimlico Road.

In line with its environmental commitments, the finished product packaging for all fabric orders is bio-based carbon neutral polythene, made from sugar cane and 100

percent recyclable. The bubble wrap packaging for lampshades is biodegradable and breaks down in 24 months. Likewise, all cardboard is made from 82 percent chlorine free recycled board and is completely biodegradable. All Fermoie products can be viewed and ordered online; fabric orders are shipped within seven working days. Cushions and lampshades are also for sale at the Pimlico Road showroom while fabrics are available worldwide thorough selected retailer partners.

FERMOIE Unit 8, Hertford Court Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AW +44 (0)1672 513723 fermoie.com fermoie

‘CREATING NEW COLOURS IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING AND JOYFUL ASPECTS OF WHAT WE DO AT FERMOIE’

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

RESTAURANT Hunan, our Pimlico Road neighbour for Chinese food (hunanlondon. com). SUSTAINABLE BRAND Edward Bulmer paints are non-toxic, low-VOC and plastic-free (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk). RUGS We drool over the window of Luke Irwin’s showroom, dreaming of spaces to fill with his wonderful rugs (lukeirwin.com).

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Wall in Blue Shell Grotto; David Seyfried Editor’s Chaise in Red Shell Grotto

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GAZE BURVILL

Beautiful sustainable outdoor furniture and kitchens, made by craft in Hampshire

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he finest outdoor furniture in prime-grade oak, sourced from sustainable woodlands – that was Gaze Burvill’s mission from the outset. Thirty years later and the company’s purpose remains the same, with new designs in other native hardwoods too.

Visually distinctive furniture and kitchens, all inviting to the touch, enhance both contemporary and traditional exterior spaces.

Everything from the collections and tailored designs are made at the Hampshire workshop, which uses state-of-the-art technology alongside time-honoured skills by

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master craftsmen (such as steam bending), many of who trained with the company as apprentices.

There is a great choice of garden seats – including the ‘Court Seat’ and ‘May Throne’, now design classics – and landscape pieces, such as tree seats and garden spirals. Dining tables can be paired with comfortable seating (at Gaze Burvill, comfort is key when designing a seat of any kind).

Everything has been thoughtfully and beautifully designed and built for enduring performance.

The newest addition to the collection is ‘Amity’, a seat made from British oak, which has just been awarded a prestigious Design Guild Mark by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

To celebrate the launch, Gaze Burvill has created a special edition of 100, which feature a beautiful oak leaf insignia carved into the seat back, and will donate £100 for each one sold to Action Oak, a charitable research initiative into oak health.

Today, the company doesn’t only make outdoor furniture: its sister label, Sitting Firm, produces Windsor chairs and accompanying tables for interiors too, all made from British hardwoods, with much of the ash coming from the estate.

It is one of a small number of places in the UK where craftsmen make these timeless pieces, albeit with a modern approach, taking forward craft traditions and marking a key chapter in England’s furnituremaking story.

GAZE BURVILL Lodge Farm East Tisted Hampshire GU34 3QH +44(0)1420 588444 gazeburvill.com; sittingfirm.co.uk gazeburvill sittingfirm

Gaze Burvill’s outdoor furniture is both modern and timeless – with exquisite grain detail

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

VINTAGE Lamb & Newt sources divine tableware, linens and lighting from the UK and Europe (lambandnewt.com). FLORIST Wildstone Floral only uses British flowers; arrangements look beautifully natural (wildstonefloral.co.uk).

ART Beautiful artworks, paintings and sculptures (athertongreen.art).

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GRAPHENSTONE

Sustainable eco-paints combining natural elements with advanced technology

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warded Cradle to Cradle Institute Gold, Silver and Bronze across all its main ranges, Norfolkbased Graphenstone stands out for being one of the most advanced ecological and natural paints in the world. Its unique formula pairs sustainable minerals such as lime, chalk, clay and silicate with Graphene, which is made from non-toxic pure carbon and the strongest material on earth. It was discovered at Manchester University in 2004 by two scientists, both of whom are now Nobel Prize winners.

The combination ensures that walls can breathe, improves air quality, and lowers humidity and condensation. The high alkaline pH of the lime and the paints’ ventilating properties also deters the microbial growth of bacteria and mould.

The forward-thinking company’s latest collaboration is with The Ashmolean in Oxford, the world’s oldest public museum that is celebrating 340 Graphenstone’s modern, saturated hues can make a space come alive

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FABRIC Rose Uniacke, who we collaborate with on paints, has beautiful fabrics to match (roseuniacke.com). DESIGN BOOK Anything by Kate Watson Smyth – she is a great source of information with flair (madaboutthehouse.com). VINTAGE HOMEWARE Merchant & Found has a huge selection (merchantandfound.com).

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ITS UNIQUE FORMULA PAIRS SUSTAINABLE MINERALS SUCH AS LIME, CHALK, CLAY AND SILICATE WITH GRAPHENE, WHICH IS MADE FROM NON-TOXIC PURE CARBON AND THE STRONGEST MATERIAL ON EARTH years. Taking some of its most treasured objects as inspiration, the range, called The Treasured Collection, comprises 16 carefully curated shades that are practical for both home and commercial use.

Colours range from the burnt orange of the maple wood used by master violin maker, Antonio Stradivari, to the vibrant teal of the feathers in John Ruskin’s Study of a Kingfisher.

Each colour has been chosen and matched to the original artworks by the Graphenstone team. Other partnerships of note include with Rose Uniacke and Tim Gosling, while clients include The Eden Project and Historic Royal Palaces.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Don’t ignore the fifth wall.

The colour of the ceiling will be reflected on the walls and floor, so the coloured light cast must work harmoniously with both.’

2 3

‘In a whole-house scheme, keeping the colours in focused pockets will make you appreciate them more.’

‘Think about how the light changes during the day. For instance, a pink reflection from an intense Graphenstone coral painted around a window recess makes a huge difference to the space as it changes hue throughout the day.’

4 5

‘Colourful kitchens are on the rise – especially shades that are confident and purposeful, derived from nature and bring a sense of joy.’

‘Merge the indoor and the outdoor. Bring the outdoors inside by balancing cooler watery greens with red and golden yellow highlights, as if you are soaking up the sun’s rays indoors.’

GRAPHENSTONE Valley Industrial Estate 15G Speedwell Way Border, Speedwell Way Harleston IP20 9EH +44 (0)1379 772940 graphenstone.co.uk graphenstonepaints.uk

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HOT LIST Think Green

Sustainability coach LUCY JOHNSON, founder of the Green Salon, on how to decorate with the environment in mind

your bedding may contain fire retardants and VOCS, which do something called offgassing, and release synthetic chemicals into the kind of miasma in our homes that affect our bodies. Choose natural materials where possible for all your soft furnishings.

4

BUY SECOND HAND

I love that antique pieces have a story to tell, and a link to the past.

What’s the story of your dining table? Objects have life stories, and it’s something that’s really grounding for us as humans. And it’s not just furniture and furnishings – architectural salvage yards are treasure troves of wood, marble, and even fireplaces.

5

CHOOSE RENEWABLE ENERGY

Household energy from renewable sources is becoming more and more accessible. Take a look at suppliers like Good Energy, Octopus and Ovo. Innovative brands like Solar Sunne are also bringing renewables directly into the home, like its solar-powered home light.

1

CHOOSE LOW-VOC PAINT

We breathe 15,000 litres of air a day, and although we speak a lot about air pollution outside our homes, we also have high levels of indoor pollution.

In this country, there is regulation on the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds in paint, but it varies from brand to brand, so choose one with low or no VOCs.

2

AVOID SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS

They bioaccumulate in the environment and waterways, and in the last five to ten years we’ve started to understand how they collect in our bodies. Be mindful that products you put near your skin and in

3

BRING NATURE IN

You may have heard of the ‘nature pill’ – if you spend 20-30 minutes a day in nature, the cortisol levels in your saliva drop by 21 percent.

So bring nature into your home: herb pots on windowsills; houseplants; soft lighting that changes through the day to mirror the sun; and natural textures such as stone and wood. Make your home a centre of natural wellbeing.

Made-to-order solar-powered light, €995. solarsunne.com

BEDS Naturalmat

FURNITURE Benchmark

PAINT Edward Bulmer, Graphenstone and Coat

LIGHTS Tala

PHOTOS: PEXELS

BR ANDS WITH THE GREEN SALON GO-AHEAD

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Miles on the Clock Online vintage shops are the perfect place to stock up on built-to-last furniture and homeware, says AMY WAKEHAM

PHOTOS: PEXELS

SCENE BY CHLOE

SECOND ABODE

THE ANTIK STORE

In a previous life Chloe McDonald was a luxury fashion buyer, but in 2020 she left her job to fulfil her life-long dream of being an antiques dealer. Be first in the queue for her weekly stock drops by signing up to her newsletter. scenebychloe.com

A passion project for founder Roman Dennis, you can be sure every piece stocked on Second Abode has been selected with love.

Discover beautiful vintage glassware, small furniture items and one-off objects – ideal for crafting a space that’s totally unique and individual. secondabode.co

Founded in 2019 by Georgia McGivern, The Antik Store stocks one-off vintage homewares. Everything is carefully picked by Georgia, who travels around the UK and Europe to find unique items, sourcing from small sellers and charities. theantikstore.com

THE OLD CINEMA

LORFORDS ANTIQUES

FOUND BY SASHA WILKINS

Expertly and lovingly curated by The Old Cinema’s experienced team, this Chiswick High Road stalwart (it opened in 1978) is the place to head – physically or digitally – for high quality furniture, homeware and lighting. theoldcinema.co.uk

Lorfords Antiques’ selection of vintage furniture is astounding – and the largest in the UK. Choose from a Regency marble and gilt chess table, or a pair of 19th century French walnut armchairs – exquisite pieces that have stood the test of time. lorfordsantiques.com

Hit follow on Sasha Wilkins’ (also known as Liberty London Girl) vintage channel, and you’ll want to buy the lot. You’ll be stocking up on 19th century china, Art Deco champagne coupes and French opaline vases in no time. @foundbysashawilkins

HAINES COLLECTION

Nearly 400,000 tonnes of home textile waste ends up in landfill each year. Haines Collection was set up as a platform for unwanted textiles, wallpaper, lights and tiles that otherwise would be headed for the dump. hainescollection.co.uk

1ST DIBS

If you’re after a particular design classic – an Eames EA 108 chair for example, or a Hans Wegner cabinet – then bookmark 1st Dibs.

Pro tip: set the location to Europe or London to discover sellers closer to home. Its curated, themed selections are also secondto-none. 1stdibs.com

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BEST PRICES ON LUXURY BEDS & MATTRESSES

ANDSOTOBED.CO.UK | 0808 144 4343

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HEIRLOOMS LINENS 54 HELEN GREEN 56 JANINE STONE 58 JULIETTE BYRNE 60 KATHARINE POOLEY 62 KÖNIG DESIGN STUDIO 64 LAWSON ROBB 66 LIFE KITCHENS 68 LLADRÓ 70 LOOMAH 74 LOUISE BRADLEY 76

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HEIRLOOMS LINENS

The leading manufacturer of bespoke bed linens

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stablished in 1984, Heirlooms is a family-run business based in West Sussex with a passion for excellence, and renowned for manufacturing luxurious fine linens for the bedroom, table, and bathroom. All fabrics are Italian-woven, hand-picked, and imported from the finest weaving mills, before being made in-house using state-of-the-art embroidery machines built to the company’s own specification. The pure cotton sateens, percales and pure linen all come in a wide choice of colours and any linen designs can be customised in limitless ways.

Along with the implementation of blockchain traceability, all fabrics are responsibly sourced using OEKO-TEX sustainable practices. Sustainability is not just about sourcing, though: of equal importance is the environment in which those linens are made and

Sustainability and social responsibility are at the heart of the Heirlooms brand

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

BEDS Savoir for the most comfortable beds in the world (savoirbeds.com).

HARDWARE Devon-based Turnstyle Designs are artisans in manufacturing luxury door hardware (turnstyledesigns.com). LIGHTING Porta Romana has an impressive range of design-driven lights (portaromana.com).

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ALL FABRICS ARE ITALIAN-WOVEN, HAND-PICKED, AND IMPORTED FROM THE FINEST WEAVING MILLS, BEFORE BEING MADE IN-HOUSE social responsibility is a top priority.

The company believes that everyone deserves beautiful bed linens of exceptional quality, whether for their home or yacht, and has been working on plans to bring its products to a wider audience.

Global distribution is expanding and includes a partnership with an Australian-based textile company whose synergies are aligned with its own. In addition, Heirlooms is launching two exciting design collaborations in September, including one with a talented up-and-coming yacht designer.

Ultimately, the brand is on a mission to spread the word that people have a choice when it comes to sleep wellbeing, and deserve the best.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Thread count is misleading: you can have a high thread count but low-quality cotton yarn.

Cottons that are woven using quality yarns will last considerably longer and will be a better investment.’

2

‘Make bed linen part of your design brief. To enter a room where the bed linens have been designed for the interior makes such an amazing impact.’

3 4

‘Take time to choose towels that are luxurious and super absorbent, and coordinate bath linens with the decoration.’

‘Enhance your entertaining experience with good quality table linens. Keep tablescaping simple and elegant, or go wild with bold designs.’

5

‘When it comes to pool towels, UV resistance is a must to ensure their longevity.’

HEIRLOOMS LINENS 2 Arun Business Park Shripney Road, Bognor Regis West Sussex PO22 9SX +44 (0)1243 820252 heirlooms-linens.com heirloomslinens

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— H

HELEN GREEN DESIGN

Tailored, sustainable interior designs that endure the test of time

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nterior design firm Helen Green Design is renowned for crafting extraordinary spaces that seamlessly blend luxury, comfort, and sophistication. With a rich history rooted in passion, the studio philosophy focuses on creating schemes that transcend trends and stand the test of time.

Founded by visionary Helen Green, the company has a deep commitment to exceptional design.

The team of skilled designers specialises in bespoke interiors that capture the essence of each client’s lifestyle and personality.

From furniture and lighting to textiles and accessories, each piece is thoughtfully designed to embody timelessness and elegance.

Collaborating with skilled artisans and renowned manufacturers ensures the highest quality standards are met.

Inspiration for the team’s interior designs comes from art, architecture, and traditional British interiors. It embraces innovation while honouring traditional craftship, pushing boundaries, and exploring new creative horizons. Helen Green Design is dedicated to sustainability, energy-efficient technologies, and responsible manufacturing practices. The studio’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with a Positive Luxury accreditation, making it the first interior design business in the world to achieve this. Looking ahead, there are

Helen Green Design combines traditional craftship with innovative new ideas

plans to expand globally and collaborate with like-minded visionaries to create exceptional design experiences. Notable projects added to its portfolio include the Surrey Family Residence, Harcourt House Apartments, and projects in the Middle East, with exciting commissions in London in the future, too.

At the forefront of Helen Green Design’s creative endeavours is Studio Director, Alexandra Jurkiewicz. Having a deep understanding of space and attention to detail, Alexandra brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to each project. With a background in interior architecture, art and design, she creates spaces that harmonise colour, texture, and form. Under her leadership, Helen Green Design has become a hub of creativity in the interiors world.

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

BEDLINEN Sirimiri, for timeless, ethically made bed, bath, and table linens (sirimiri.co.uk). LIGHTING Rock & Soar creates suspended sculptural artworks and decorative objects (rockandsoar.com). THROWS Araminta Campbell marries contemporary designs with Scottish tradition (aramintacampbell.co.uk).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Invest in quality, timeless pieces. They may cost more upfront, but they will stand the test of time and become cherished heirlooms in your space.’

2

‘Create a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics. Every piece should serve a purpose while adding beauty and elegance to your interior.’

3

‘Don’t be afraid to mix textures and materials. Combining contrasting elements like silk and velvet, or metal and wood, adds depth and visual interest.’

4

‘Lighting is key. Layer different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances a space.’

5

‘Embrace the power of colour. Choose a sophisticated palette that reflects your personal style and evokes the desired mood in each room of your home.’

HELEN GREEN DESIGN 29 Milner Street London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 7352 3344 helengreendesign.com hgdstudio

THE STUDIO PHILOSOPHY FOCUSES ON CREATING SCHEMES THAT TRANSCEND TRENDS AND STAND THE TEST OF TIME

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JANINE STONE & CO

Creating exceptional homes and interiors

J

anine Stone & Co designs, builds, renovates and furnishes exquisite private residences for the most discerning clients. The daughter of a dress designer and an artist, Janine’s childhood was filled with fine furnishings and exotic fabrics, which influenced her choice of career. When her father branched out into interior design, it was inevitable that she would join him. Travelling extensively throughout Europe, she honed her craft and developed an enviable network of global artisans.

She set up her studio, Janine Stone & Co, in 1987 and the multidisciplinary practice has grown

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Pay attention to where you enjoy spending time, whether the beaches of St Bart’s or an equestrian club. Look for inspiration that can be subtly referenced in your interior.’

2

‘Look for the hidden potential within your home. Convert a neglected corner into a cosy reading nook, or repurpose an unused basement into a home gym, spa or entertainment area.’

3

‘To create visual interest in a contemporary space with neutral tones, focus on textures. Contrast finely woven textiles with rough stone, polished metals and glossy ceramics.’

to incorporate a global in-house team of architects and interior designers, supported by a build and construction management department. Janine Stone & Co’s projects are customised to the individuals who commission them.

The studio is renowned for not having a particular house style and instead strives for originality and a sense of timelessness. ‘Our aim is always to create a look and feel that embodies the people we are designing for. If there is a common thread that links all our projects, it’s design that is of exceptional quality,’ says Janine. She firmly believes that every home should be much more than just a collection of bricks and mortar but tells a story that is as individual as those who live there.

Janine Stone & Co’s international roster of clients has included captains of industry, elite sports stars and entertainment figures across its 30-plus year history. The illustrious design firm’s capabilities allow it to be involved in projects beyond the scope and scale of many others. Not only does it assist those who want to reinvent their current living space, the practice can also help find houses with development potential. For clients wanting to create a new home from scratch, Janine Stone & Co can also oversee the entire process from concept to completion.

4

‘Embrace the excitement of a home update and leave any hassle behind by hiring a professional firm, which can handle everything from architects to contractors.’

JANINE STONE & CO. The Imperial Laundry 71-73 Warriner Gardens London SW11 4XW +44 (0)20 3893 3374 janinestone.com janinestone_co

The studio is known for its originality and sense of timelessness

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

RESTAURANT The interiors of Park Chinois in Mayfair is reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai (parkchinois.com). DESIGN BOOK Jean Béraud (1849-1935): The Belle Époque, A Dream of Times Gone By offers glimpses into the Parisian Art Deco movement. RUGS Luke Irwin Rugs is one of our first calls (lukeirwin.com).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— J

JULIETTE BYRNE

A long-established interior design studio, specialising in complex renovations

F

ounded by Juliette Byrne in 1988, this eponymous Chelsea-based studio has a reputation for creating elegant and sophisticated high-end residential interiors in London, the Home Counties and Europe. The company’s speciality is refurbishment, and the team is expert at the seamless project coordination needed for a successful renovation – whether tackling a listed building or a large villa. From overseeing a building site to liaising with architects and surveyors, or managing property portfolios for clients, Juliette’s efficiency and attention to detail has been a driving force in her 35-year career.

Recent past projects include the full redesign of an 18th-century family home in Greenwich, which involved working with an architect to create an open-plan lower ground floor; a neglected apartment in the Cote d’Azur that needed an extensive refurbishment and full turn-key service; and a Grade II-listed Regency-style villa in Wimbledon that was given a comprehensive update. Influenced by its wonderful suppliers and the new and much-loved products discovered at trade shows around the world,

A recent renovation of an 18th-century apartment in the south of France

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

UPHOLSTERY Robert Langford’s seating, headboards and beds are well priced and stylish (robertlangford.co.uk). CATERING For home and party catering, we work with the young, creative team of chefs at Doggart and Squash (doggartandsquash.com).

FLOWERS Lucy Vail specialises in a natural, organic style (lucyvailfloristry.com).

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THIS EPONYMOUS CHELSEA-BASED STUDIO HAS A REPUTATION FOR CREATING ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS the studio remains knowledgeable about new trends and technology.

The resulting spaces are often serene, executed with a muted palette, specially designed furniture and a blend of old and new.

With sustainability in mind, the team also tries to use recycled and natural fabrics and finishes, and aims to adapt each bespoke design to the environment that it is working in, whether in the UK or abroad. Juliette Byrne Ltd has also launched its own range of recycled decorative rugs, made from fishing nets that have been collected from beaches or found in the sea, and finished in the Far East. The company’s plans are to carry on pushing the boundaries of design, and create cost effective solutions for its clients.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘Always aim to be sympathetic to the original architecture of the building.’

‘If a house has large proportions, try to embellish ceilings to create drama. Or add panelling to the walls for a classical feel to the space; this works very well if you contrast it with contemporary furniture and lighting for an elegant, eclectic look.’

3

‘Those who live in a penthouse or riverside apartment should consider maximising the view.

Make sure that the furniture layout allows you to entertain but also create cosy areas to relax in – that’s essential.’

4 5

‘Adding textured linen or grass paper wall coverings softens a look and always makes acoustics more appealing.’

‘We like to add in rugs from our Matthew Wailes collection. The “Scrunchie” is a wonderful design that works well in many colour palettes and is made using recycled plastics from Asia.’

JULIETTE BYRNE LTD 535 King’s Road Unit 3.20 The Plaza London SW10 0SZ +44 (0)20 7352 1553 juliettebyrne.com juliettebyrneltd

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— K

KATHARINE POOLEY Worldwide design with sustainability, philanthropy and craftship at its heart

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PHOTOS: NICO WILLS; JAMES MCDONALD

stablished over 19 years ago, Katharine Pooley’s Londonbased interior design studio creates innovative products and award-winning spaces.

Leading from the front, Katharine has a reputation for taking on the impossible, and always with a smile.

Overseeing a team of 49 interior designers, interior architects and architects, her personal approach ensures every detail of every project and product is exquisitely realised and impeccably finished.

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LEADING FROM THE FRONT,

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

KATHARINE HAS A REPUTATION FOR TAKING ON THE IMPOSSIBLE, AND ALWAYS WITH A SMILE

PHOTOS: NICO WILLS; JAMES MCDONALD

villas, historical palaces, traditional castles, ski chalets, planes and motor yachts.

Crucial to the work of the studio is Katharine's passion for British artistry and workmanship, which she promotes and exports worldwide. Her intuitive interiors have changed the face of British design, creating a global aesthetic that has, at its heart, the finest historical craftship. Inspired by travel, the natural world, architecture, fashion, literature and art, Katharine views nature as her greatest inspiration, although philanthropy and sustainability are equally important. She applies the same drive, determination, and charm to her charitable work, as she does to her design projects. This includes being a key partner with The Childhood Trust on its ‘Decorate a Child’s Life’ programme, sitting on the Board of Trustees for King’s College Hospital, being a trustee for the British Forces Foundation, and acting as an advocate for the Campaign for Wool.

Katharine is currently working on many international projects, such as the magnificent Château de la Croix des Gardes overlooking the Bay of Cannes; a private residence in the Bahamas; a renowned US Hotel; a penthouse in the luxurious Chelsea Barracks development; a beautiful English country estate; a beach villa in Sardinia; a contemporary residence overlooking Central Park in New York; a large private home in St Tropez; and groundbreaking developments and private residences in Monaco, Kuwait and Dubai.

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‘Measure twice, cut once: the best way to avoid waste is to check your quantities every time.’

‘You can always tell if a designer has used an inexpensive curtain or lampshade maker. Never cut corners in these areas.’

3

‘Use an art shipper for storing and installing treasured works.

Companies like Gander & White are meticulously detailed and well trained.’

4

‘When selecting fabrics, it is important to take final options to the site itself. The colours and textures will change dramatically in different spaces.’

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‘I like to order cushion feather inner at a slightly bigger size to the cover to ensure it always stays plump.’

KATHARINE POOLEY 160 Walton Street London SW3 2JL +44 (0)20 7584 3223 katharinepooley.com; enquires@katharinepooley.com katharinepooleyltd

Katherine’s dedicated team works on luxury projects all over the world

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

ANTIQUES I love the dining chairs at Mackinnon Fine Furniture (mackinnonfineart.com). GLASS William Yeoward has some lovely glass pieces (williamyeoward.com). WOODWORK Halstock’s marquetry and inlays are the best in the country (halstock.com).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— K

KÖNIG DESIGN STUDIO Transforming spaces with a modern aesthetic that nods to 1970s glamour

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stablished in 2020, König Design Studio was founded with the goal of creating interiors that tell the story of their inhabitants. The studio focuses on private residences, restaurants, and spaces for relaxation and leisure.

With a soft modern aesthetic influenced by the glamour of the 1970s and 1980s disco culture, its work has been recognized nationally and internationally. Behind the scenes is a commitment to creating unique spaces that reflect the individuality of each client.

Daniele Mancinetti, König’s founder and principal designer, has always been exposed to decorating through his grandmother (a renowned Italian actress turned interior designer). After graduating from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a degree in Interior Architecture, he enjoyed a varied career that began in fashion as a model agent.

He moved into styling, working on editorial shoots for magazines for a few years as well as celebrities (clients included Freddie Ljungberg, Douglas Booth, Viggo Mortensen, Lady A, Dierks Bentley and The Overtones). In 2015 he moved into interiors, first as a stylist, then slowly started easing into interior design. Until 2021, he worked in a tech start-up creating interior 3D renders. In lockdown, he focused on small interior design projects in London, which ultimately led to the creation of König Design Studio.

Recent projects include a one-bedroom apartment in Clapham. ‘The client was a dear friend and he didn’t have much of a brief apart from creating space for his huge collection of books,’ recalls Dan of the commission last year. ‘I custom designed every inch of the house, creating space for his books, even in the kitchen.’

He has also been asked to design a prototype for ‘a hotel suite that could be used as a room but also as a party space.

Dream project.’

The studio creates distinctive spaces using vintage pieces and a highly personal approach

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLORIST Hamish Powell is an exciting young floral designer (@hamishpowell).

ANTIQUES Priory Antiques, on Instagram, is a hidden gem (@prioryantiquesstudio).

HARDWARE Plank Hardware is my go-to; the designs work in modern, industrial, or classic environments (plankhardware.com).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘When dealing with a small room, paint your ceiling the same colour of the walls.

The eye can’t really distinguish where the corners of the room are, making it feel larger.’

2

‘Take note from hotel design, and give your home a signature scent. It’s incredible how much this can transform your home.’

3

‘Have courage in your decorating choices and cover all the walls of a room in the same wallpaper rather than restricting it to just one.’

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‘Decorating with antiques will create an atmosphere that new pieces just can’t. And the beauty of working with older furniture is that you can easily create an eclectic mix that is united, perhaps, by just a finish, a paint colour or a handle style.’

5

‘No fake plants or flowers – ever. Always invest in the real thing, it makes a difference.’

KÖNIG DESIGN STUDIO 1 Warwick Street London, W1B 5LR +44 (0)20 4574 6573 kdslondon.co.uk kdslondon

KÖNIG DESIGN STUDIO WAS FOUNDED WITH THE GOAL OF CREATING INTERIORS THAT TELL THE STORY OF THEIR INHABITANTS

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— L

LAWSON ROBB

From ground-breaking superyachts to exceptional interiors

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or the last 20 years, Lawson Robb has been designing beautiful interiors and exceptional spaces worldwide.

From private apartments and townhouses to superyachts, luxury villas and hotels abroad, nothing is impossible for the design team.

Under the direction of Creative Lead George Wolstenholme (above right), Lawson Robb’s mission is to continue delivering the unexpected and unconventional, producing spaces like never seen before.

Design for Lawson Robb means extracting the DNA of an idea and seeing what can be developed from it. The team is inspired by new

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘Lighting can absolutely transform a space, and with a thrifty mindset you can source brilliant options for less that you might think.’

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‘Invest in the items you will use the most. Value extends beyond the point of purchase.’

notions of luxury and translating these into schemes, as well as the work of classic design masters. Each project has its own story to tell and an identity that sets it apart from the rest. Interiors never merge into the uniformity of current trends but relate back to the studio’s three key principles: to design with an atemporal, considered and curatorial style, whether chimes of heritage or timelessness are required, or a more futuristic scheme is called for. Although the company style is constantly evolving, the objective remains the same: to create approachable yet thought-provoking spaces totally unique to its clients.

With a masters in yacht design and ten years of collective experience in superyachts and ultra-prime residences as well as bespoke furniture design, George’s expertise is in the details and the art of the bespoke. During Lawson Robb’s history, the team has taken on large-scale projects around the world, most notably the superyacht Phi, a ground-breaking vessel designed in collaboration with Royal Huisman, Cor D. Rover and Van 1 Oossanen Naval Architects, which launched in 2021. The studio is currently working on a stunning private villa in Dubai due to complete later this year, inspired by the client’s interest in fashion and minimal design style, and another superyacht launching in 2025.

‘Consider how long you will enjoy a design for. Think about what is style and what is fashion. Invest in the former, play with the latter. Following trends with decorative items, as opposed to architectural details and main pieces of furniture, means you can periodically transform your space for relatively little investment.’

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‘Educate yourself on the brands you are selecting to ensure you are getting the quality you deserve. Many brands demand premium prices for products that are not worth the money.’

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‘Consider outdoor fabrics for inside. There are amazing outdoor fabrics available that provide both luxury, durability and practicality.’

LAWSON ROBB 29 Milner Street London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 7351 9383 lawsonrobb.com lawson_robb

Creating thought-provoking, timeless spaces is Lawson Robb's guiding ethos

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LUNCH A delicious naanwich from Kama by Vineet in the Harrods food hall (harrods. com). PODCAST The Gentleman’s Journal podcast discusses success, business and the lives of entrepreneurs (thegentlemansjournal.com). INSTAGRAM The Local Project is an excellent architecture and design publication (thelocalproject.co.au) COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 67

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LIFE KITCHENS

Two showrooms of beautifully tailored kitchens by experienced, dedicated designers

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fifth-generation family kitchen company with its roots tracing back over 110 years, Life Kitchens believes that its British heritage plays a large part in inspiring customer trust. Proud of its tailored, hand-finished cabinetry, state-of-the-art paint finishing and work surface manufacture in its own UK factory, Life Kitchens is living proof that focusing on what you do best will bring success. One advantage of a Life Kitchen is that every aspect is manufactured and managed in house from work surface fabrication to lighting and appliances, which means the team can quickly react to changeable project timelines.

Product diversity and a passion for working closely with individuals to tailor every part of the kitchen to their lives is what truly sets Life Kitchens apart. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and handleless look or a classic in-frame timber design, there is something for everyone. No set rules or ranges means that customers are encouraged to create a look that reflects their personality and lifestyle. Plus, through Life Kitchens’ virtual reality theatre and 4D headset customers can literally take a step into their new kitchen before buying.

The team scours the globe for the latest trends, bringing kitchen products to the market that are accessible, relevant and exciting.

‘We’re constantly looking to expand our products, so that we offer customers something unique and ahead of the curve,’ says owner and director Oli Stephenson. Kitchens start at £30,000, but with the wide choice of finishes, colours and fittings, as well as an ultrapersonalised design and planning service, it is an investment – adding to a property’s value, as well as its desirability for living. With established supply relationships, comprehensive manufacturing capabilities and two London showrooms (the newest, in the heart of Wimbledon Village, opened last year), Life Kitchens can support and inspire customers in creating the kitchen of their dreams.

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‘WE’RE CONSTANTLY LOOKING TO EXPAND OUR PRODUCTS, SO THAT WE OFFER CUSTOMERS SOMETHING UNIQUE AND AHEAD OF THE CURVE’

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘Go in to your appointment armed with your wish list, be that a mood board, images, colours, or appliances. It’s a great starting point for you and your designer.’

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‘Don’t be afraid to draw your ideal floorplan or how you would like the kitchen to look, as you know your space better than anyone.’

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‘Although designs that are on-trend in the moment may have a huge pull, to ensure longevity and timelessness, stick to ideas that you have always liked.’

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‘Think carefully about how you will use the space practically, and your dayto-day kitchen must-haves.’

‘If you can, pick materials that consider the environment.

The natural imperfections and marks within stone and granite are beautiful.’

LIFE KITCHENS Railway Arch, 213 Newnham Terrace, Hercules Road London SE1 7DR +44 (0)20 3972 0150 lifekitchens.co.uk life_kitchens

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— L

LLADRÓ

Beautiful handcrafted porcelain, from lighting to decorative creations

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The Guest is Lladró’s most iconic character

Mokuren chandelier

by Naoto Fukasawa

Soft brown table lamp designed by Nichetto Studio

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

Porcelain’ series (each masterpiece has an extraordinary artistic and technical quality) and the ‘Mokuren’ chandelier, the brand’s first collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa who was inspired by the beauty of the white magnolia tree. Throughout each stage of the production, local materials, slow design, and by-hand craftsmanship are at the fore with many creations (and more specifically those in the ‘Heritage’ category), meant to be passed down from generation to generation. With a select network of boutiques and distributors in more than 120 countries, this is an international brand, proud of its heritage, and with Spanish soul.

PUBLISHER Beautiful coffee table books from Assouline (assouline.com).

FURNITURE SHOWROOM Tollgard curates the best brands in contemporary furniture and decorative design (tollgard.com). DEPARTMENT STORE Harrods, for its exceptional personal shopper service and sustainability initiatives.

PHOTOS:© CUALITI STUDIO

renowned Spanish brand founded in the 1950s, Lladró is a world-leader in the design and manufacturing of porcelain creations that span the fields of lighting, home accessories, and decorative sculptures. Everything is produced in the company’s Valencia factory by a skilled team of artisans who combine age-old methods – live modelling, carving, etching – with a 4,000-strong palette of the brand’s own unmistakable colours. Liquid hues, enamels and lustres are just some of the varied decorative techniques applied.

Over the years, the company has continued to push design boundaries, from introducing the revolutionary single-firing method in the 1960s to working with gres varnish finishes a decade later.

Around 20 years ago, it began exploring the creative potential of this noble material further through collaborations with prestigious designers and contemporary artists such as Jaime Hayon, Bodo Sperlein and Culdesac. And later it diversified into functional homeware, reinforcing its position as a porcelain brand that offers practical elements for an elegant lifestyle.

Recent launches include the ‘Kings in the Sea’ collection of sculptures that pays tribute to creatures like the lobster and crab; ‘Spanish Pure Breed’, a new, limited-edition horse sculpture that is part of the ongoing ‘High

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Embraced, the last creation signed by Jaime Hayon for Lladró

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Porcelain is a natural

fragrance diffuser, that will diffuse into a space when you pour a scent on it so it negates the need for candles.’

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‘Whether a functional light or a decorative sculpture, a porcelain piece is a great way of adding a handmade craft element to a room.’

3 4 5

‘Porcelain lighting has a warm glow so it feels organic and natural, lending a soft atmosphere to a space.’

‘Customise a porcelain creation by choosing from the endless combination of colours available.’

‘Create an eye-catching visual display using your favourite porcelain pieces: a cluster of avant-garde animal sculptures, a line-up of plates on a dresser or a trio of colourful vases together.’

PHOTOS:© CUALITI STUDIO

LLADRÓ Harrods Boutique 87-135 Brompton Road London SW1X 7XL lladro.com lladro

THROUGHOUT EACH STAGE OF THE PRODUCTION, LOCAL MATERIALS, SLOW DESIGN, AND BY-HAND CRAFTSMANSHIP ARE AT THE FORE

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Roll Up, Roll Up

Nine chart-topping designs from the wonderful world of wallpaper, by CAROLE ANNETT

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GP & J BAKER

‘Ferns’, a perennial favourite, was created by the textile artist Joseph M Doran and purchased by GP & J Baker in 1935. The design is based on botanical drawings published in Curtis’ ‘Flora Londinensis’ between 1777 and 1798, which recorded plants growing within a ten mile radius of London. ‘Ferns’ wallpaper, £159 p/roll. gpjbaker.com

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CHRISTIAN LACROIX

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COLEFAX AND FOWLER

Just pipping longtime fave ‘Bowood’ at Colefax and Fowler is ‘Greenacre’ with its distinctive fan-like, dancing Gingko leaves. A design developed in the Colefax design studio, it has a pleasing modern simplicity. £98 p/roll. colefax.com

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SANDERSON

The enduring appeal of ‘Woodland Chorus’ draws on a love of nature. A watercolour of British birds inspired by an 18th-century painting of plants and animals with green woodpecker, wren, robin and thrush perching alongside a pair of nesting blue tits, all making their home in a modern tree of life. Butterflies, insects, ladybirds and various woodland berries complete the scene. ‘Woodland Chorus’, £85 p/roll. sandersondesigngroup.com

PHOTOS: © PHILIPPE GARCIA; © MILO BROWN

Creative director Sacha Walckhoff heads up Maison Christian Lacroix, the homeware section of the now-closed couture house that exploded into our world in 1987 with its unique, colourful baroque style. ‘L’Odyssée’ is one of its headline designs, a delightfully expressive wallpaper inspired by escape and fantasy. ‘L’Odyssée’ by Christian Lacroix, from £98 p/roll. designersguild.com

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MORRIS & CO

A hugely successful and iconic pattern, ‘Strawberry Thief’ by Morris & Co is based on naughty thrushes that William Morris found stealing fruit in the kitchen garden of his countryside home, Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire. ‘Strawberry Thief’ by Morris & Co, £99 p/roll. morrisandco.sandersondesigngroup.com

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OSBORNE AND LITTLE

‘Trailing Orchid’ is queen bee at Osborne & Little, a floral mural with cascading trail of orchid flowers and exotic hummingbirds plummeting against a softly shaded watercolour background. £290 p/ roll. osborneandlittle.com

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EMMA J SHIPLEY

PHOTOS: © PHILIPPE GARCIA; © MILO BROWN

‘Lynx’ is part of Emma J Shipley’s magical Wilderie collaboration with interior expert Clarke & Clarke. The intricate hand-drawn design features magical winged lynx with peacock tails leaping through starry skies, surrounded by surreal foliage and palms.

Renowned for her bold use of colour, it’s this neutral base wallpaper with the charcoal grey lynx and rose-gold metallic touches which trumps with her devoted followers. ‘Lynx’ wallpaper in nude, Emma J Shipley, £56 p/roll. emmajshipley.com

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DIVINE SAVAGES

Bold geometry meets an aviary explosion in Divine Savages’ famous print. With its multitude of vibrant colours with striking black and white blocks, ‘Geometric Aviary’ is often chosen for a feature wall or to create a bold bathroom, bringing style and interest to small areas. ‘Geometric Aviary’ wallpaper, £150 p/roll. divinesavages.com

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COLE & SON

Originally designed as a screen print in 1959, ‘Woods’ is an EDIDA award-winning wallpaper design. The pattern celebrates the simplicity of the silver birch tree – a familiar sight in the streets of London and one of the most enduring icons of Cole & Son's designs. The design is supremely versatile, a classic in any setting. ‘Woods’ in black and white colourway, £140 p/roll. cole-and-son.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 73

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— L

LOOMAH

Luxury bespoke carpets and rugs, handmade to order

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oomah is at the forefront of the design and supply of traditional and contemporary bespoke carpets and rugs. With over 30 years of experience working with the best artisans and factories in the industry, Andrew and Natalie Cotgrove set up Loomah with the vision of creating a brand focused on delivering exceptional quality alongside a unique personal design service.

All the carpets and rugs are custom made to order to the exact specifications of each individual customer – no matter the size or scope of a project.

Everything is designed by the in-house team in the London showroom and expertly hand tufted to the most exacting standards by highly skilled craftsmen. Whether clients have a concept in mind or wish to utilise the expertise of Loomah’s designers, the team will work with an individual to develop their rug or carpet, ensuring the result will harmonise with the overall look and feel of a space. While technology is fundamental to the brand’s practice, many aspects of the process are still done by hand, including painting or illustrating elements of the pattern on paper before incorporating them into a computer programme for further development.

Loomah does not have a set look or style: instead,

the company has always championed original design and creating pieces that will stand the test of time. Whether the simple opulence of a silk carpet in a plain custom dyed colour or an intricate border that follows the contours of an elaborate staircase, every project is truly bespoke.

The possibilities are endless due to the sheer diversity of material, colours and shapes available. As Andrew explains: ‘We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and going the extra mile to ensure the end product is the ultimate in elegance and luxury.’

THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS CHAMPIONED ORIGINAL DESIGN AND CREATING PIECES THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME

TABLEWARE Romany Headlam sources luxury tableware, barware and decorative accessories (romanyheadlam.co.uk). DESIGN DESTINATION The Chelsea Design Quarter, for its diverse interior brands (chelseadesignquarter.co.uk). PUB The Fox & Pheasant in Fulham is a go-to for a team lunch (thefoxandpheasant.com).

PHOTOS: LOOMAH

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

The Epsilon rug features striking accents of gold, silver and copper

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‘The right size rug will make a huge difference to the look and feel of a space. With a bespoke rug you can choose the exact size and shape.’

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‘A natural and resilient fibre, wool’s unique properties offer unsurpassed benefits, making it an ideal flooring choice for almost every space.’

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‘Rugs can inject warmth, cosiness and personality into a space, anchoring a room and pulling a scheme together.’

‘Incorporating texture, for example creates contrast and adds interest, elevating your rug design.’

‘Adding a traditional rug is a simple but effective way of connecting a contemporary space to its heritage.’

PHOTOS: LOOMAH

LOOMAH 592 King's Road London SW6 2DX +44 (0)20 7371 9955 loomah.com loomahltd

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LOUISE BRADLEY Creating timeless and inspiring spaces through classic contemporary design

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nspired by my father’s creativity, and forever exploring his Hampstead interiors boutique when I was younger, I followed my own passion for interiors and have now been designing classic, contemporary interiors for more than 30 years,’ says Louise Bradley, who opened her first showroom on Walton Street in Knightsbridge in 1991, which specialised in antiques and accessories.

Since then, the business has grown into a large design studio and an 8,000 sq/ft flagship showroom in Brompton Cross, displaying an extensive collection of Louise Bradley furniture, accessories and fabrics set out within several different room settings. Creating harmonious and balanced spaces is the key to every design at Louise Bradley. ‘By combining elegant and sophisticated design with function, we create spaces that work for each and every client,’ she continues. ‘Synonymous with bespoke luxury residential interior design, we never compromise on quality and always 76 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Always remember quality over quantity when it comes to accessorising. One unique piece can be all it takes to create a perfectly styled coffee table.’

2

‘A bedroom should be a sanctuary. We always make sure to use calming colour palettes to ensure maximum comfort. Indulging in luxurious bedding can also help you get a perfect night’s sleep.’

3 4 5

‘We love to use reflections to create the illusion of more space; our Amara Mirror is our go-to in order to achieve this.’

‘Layering textured and patterned accessories creates points of interest and helps lead the eye around the room.’

‘Adding natural materials, texture and foliage into your home creates a feeling of connection to the outdoors which positively impacts mood and wellbeing.’

CREATING HARMONIOUS AND BALANCED SPACES IS THE KEY TO EVERY DESIGN AT LOUISE BRADLEY aim to surpass the expectations of our clients to provide them with their dream home.’

The current focus of the practice is to look at how it can become more sustainable. By creating timeless pieces that age beautifully, Louise hopes to combat the issues seen with fast furniture and encourage a ‘slow interior design’ approach. When adding items into the furniture collection, Louise carefully considers whether they can be produced in the UK, as well as the sustainability of the materials, incorporating unique finishes such as recycled glass and sustainable timbers. A Louise Bradley fabric collection of luxury textiles is in development and will be available from the autumn. In addition, an e-commerce store is in the pipeline which will provide clients with the ability to shop from the collection at home.

LOUISE BRADLEY Kimbolton Court 117b Fulham Road London SW3 6RL +44 (0)20 7589 1442 louisebradley.co.uk louisebradleyinteriors

Louise Bradley provided a full turn-key service for this impressive family home – delivering a project with real longevity and authenticity

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LIGHTING John Cullen Lighting is expert in changing the mood of a space (johncullenlighting.com). ART Deborah Tarr is one of my favourite contemporary artists (cadogangallery.com). FLOWERS John Carter Flowers provides a bespoke service; his attention to detail is impeccable (johncarterflowers.com).

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THE

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FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS Meet the most innovative and inspirational UK-based talent making waves in the interiors world WORDS BY EMMA LOVE

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24

Anahita Rigby Atelier NM

Alidad

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Anouska Tamony

ALIDAD

It was while working at Sotheby’s nearly 40 years ago, as the youngest departmental director for Islamic works of art and textiles, that Iranianborn Alidad decided to set up his eponymous interior design studio. Today, he is renowned for opulent yet supremely comfortable interiors, layered with sumptuous fabrics and rich shades, and informed by Alidad’s love of history – you can spy inspiration from eras such as Neo-Classicism and Art Deco.

He only takes on one or two homes at once (which, he says, are usually given the ‘full Alidad look’) but also offers a tailored, more budget-friendly consultancy service. alidad.com

Anahita Rigby cut her teeth working for Make Architects in Hong Kong, where she worked on residential tower The Luna. Then, two years ago, she returned to London and started her own interior and architectural design studio, taking on properties of all sizes – from mews houses to large country estates. Single space commissions have been known to escalate into full-scale renovations, as with a recent client who initially wanted a refresh for the living and dining room but was so blown away by Anahita’s ideas that they then commissioned her for the whole house. anahitarigby.com

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ANOUSKA TAMONY

In 2015, Anouska Tamony swapped the corporate world for interior design. She specialises in private residences, offering interior decoration only or top-to-toe renovations such as the recent transformation of a post-war house in east London into a contemporary art-filled home (the latter was in collaboration with architectural practice Wells Studio).

PHOTOS: © NICK GEORGE; © INGRID RASMUSSEN; © OWEN GALE

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ANAHITA RIGBY

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Designing homes with warmth, depth and soul is her signature, and global influences, especially in rugs and textiles, combining modern pieces with antique finds, and planet-first design decisions, are all typical of her schemes. anouskatamony.com

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ATELIER NM

From designing a maximalist apartment in Kensington to dreaming up the biophilic-inspired scheme for Chelsea Botanica, Knight Frank’s fastest selling development of 2022, it’s been a busy year for Atelier NM’s founder Najwa Mroue. The aim, she says, is for her designs to have a ‘positive impact on wellbeing,’ which means, for instance, using non-toxic paint and recycled fabrics, and encouraging clients to choose pieces that last a lifetime to minimise waste. Every project also has a conversation-starting statement, whether an oversized artwork, theatrical item of furniture or a dramatic light fixture. atelier-nm.com

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BARLOW & BARLOW

Inchbald School of Design graduate Lucy Barlow’s design trademarks are bold pattern and colour (‘leopard print is my go-to,’ she once said), and her studio is known for creating fun, cheerful homes with buckets of charm. Her decade-old Holland Park practice is a family affair: husband Joshua Sear heads up the interior architecture department and landscape design while brother Max, of Maxwell Barlow Lighting, is a close collaborator. Ongoing projects include transforming houses in Sussex and the Bahamas, and a jewellery shop in London’s Chelsea. barlowandbarlow.com

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BUCHANAN STUDIO

Husband-and-wife duo Charlotte and Angus Buchanan’s remit spans interiors, lifestyle, fashion and events, and they ace everything from the decoration of Belgravia restaurant Wild by Tart to brand design for the Delevingne sisters’ vegan prosecco Della Vita (she runs the business side, he is a former art director for the late Michael Howells and in charge of the creative).

Right now, the pair are working on a multi-property private development in Ibiza, a palazzo in Venice and a hotel in London. They also have a small collection of furniture and fabrics. buchanan.studio

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CAVE INTERIORS

Led by Georgina Cave and her daughter Anouska, who is head of design (she oversees sourcing and styling), Cave Interiors is a small, in-demand studio in Primrose Hill. As well as colour and pattern, typical schemes incorporate reclamation yard finds and re-use where possible, whether through repurposing existing fixtures or vintage furniture (pieces are sold from their shop at the front of the studio, alongside one-of-a-kind items that are designed in-house). Current projects include an Arts & Crafts house in Hampstead, a Grade II-listed restoration in Islington and a new build in Fife. caveinteriors.com

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CLARE GASKIN

A complete renovation of her own home led Clare Gaskin to first contemplate a career in interiors (she took an evening course at KLC School of Design while working at Sotheby’s), setting up her studio in 2009. She enjoys encouraging clients to be bold with colour or pattern – whether through fabrics, wallpaper and artworks or in more subtle ways such as using natural marble. Working with materials that might otherwise be discarded is also a consideration: for a recent client, she repurposed a fallen tree trunk into an outdoor bench. claregaskin.com Fiona Barratt Interiors Clare Gaskin

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Buchanan Studio

Elicyon

Fantoush Cave Interiors

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ELICYON

Founded by trained architect Charu Gandhi in 2014, Elicyon is renowned for its highly detailed, high-spec projects such as the private residences in Clarges Mayfair and, more recently, a show apartment within The OWO in Whitehall.

The 35-strong team are working on a roster of global commissions, including a waterfront home in Miami, vast villas in the Middle East, and the redesign of a New York mansion. Whatever the property, producing curated, considered, and characterful spaces that are authentic to the client is always key. elicyon.com

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FANTOUSH

Originally an upholstery studio that ran alongside a property refurbishment company, Edinburgh-based Fantoush has evolved to focus solely on interior design. Founder Emily Smoor’s just-completed commissions include a polo club in Berkshire, and two neighbouring buildings in Cumbria: The Old Rectory holiday let and The Kirkstyle Inn, where she has championed heritage crafts. A self-labelled treasure hunter with an innate love of colour, Emily’s calling card is eclectic, layered spaces. fantoush.com

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FIONA BARRATT INTERIORS

Sophisticated neutrals interlaced with interesting and unusual materials are typical of Fiona Barratt-Campbell’s highly textured spaces. ‘A successful interior should enhance, not dictate, the way someone lives through well thought-out spaces that possess true design integrity,’ she has said. As well as the interior studio, she runs FBC London (the collection includes furniture, lighting and kitchens) which has outposts in the UK and New York, and last year, launched a development arm of the business – a natural next step. fionabarrattinteriors.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 83

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Henry Prideaux Janine Stone & Co

HÁM INTERIORS

Set up by husband-and-wife duo Nick and Pamela Cox, and their children Tom and Kate, this family-run interior design and build practice near Henley-on-Thames will tackle anything from a boot room refresh to a whole house redesign. Big advocates for hand-crafted, long-lasting pieces and layering colour and texture using natural materials, they are in the midst of restoring a Grade II-listed estate on the Salcombe Estuary; developing a trio of cabins in 250 acres of rewilded countryside in the Exe Valley; and contributing to the design of a concept store on the Kings Road. Online store Studio HÁM sells antiques, artwork, lighting and furniture. haminteriors.com

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HENRY PRIDEAUX

Henry Prideaux established his eponymous practice in 2014, having first done stints at Nicky Haslam’s NH Design and The Studio Harrods (the department store’s in-house design studio). He is expert at making the most of every inch of floor space – whether that involves designing a library around a specific book collection, coming up with clever joinery solutions or reconfiguring a family bathroom – and adding unexpected details into his predominantly UK-based projects. This year he launched an online product collection which includes antique furniture, handmade ceramics, and artwork. henryprideaux.com

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HOLLOWAY LI

Having first worked together as apprentices at Michaelis Boyd where they were involved in designing Soho Farmhouse, Alex Holloway and Na Li opened their own practices and began collaborating informally in 2015 (Holloway Li became official three years later). The pair describe their style as a ‘merging of high and low-brow aesthetics’ with theatrical elements. For

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HÁM Interiors

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each commission, they set themselves an environmental innovation target to help develop new pro-planet approaches. Their scheme for the Bermonds Locke apartment hotel in Bermondsey was shortlisted for a sustainable interiors award; on their current work roster is a resort in China, a Polish hotel and residences in the UK. hollowayli.com

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HOWARK DESIGN

Bold joyful interiors with plenty of colour and pattern epitomise the schemes of Howark Design co-founders James Arkoulis and Saskia Howard. The pair work a lot on family homes so everything is rooted in practicality and there’s an emphasis on interior architecture and local materials (the studio always designs its own bespoke joinery and furnishings). Having an intentionally small team means both are personally involved in every aspect of a commission. howark-design.co.uk

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JANINE STONE & CO

Since being established over 30 years ago, this multidisciplinary practice has become known not just for its high-end residential interiors, but also for its ability to work closely with clients from the early stages of a project – often before they have even purchased the property. The team can take care of everything from development options and planning processes for listed buildings to the final fit-out. It has recently completed a 50,000 sq/ft home with a vast underground spa, pool and wellness space, on a historic estate in Surrey. janinestone.com

Howark Design Holloway Li

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JULIETTE BYRNE DESIGN

Founded in 1988 by Juliette Byrne, this eponymous studio is known for its elegant, sophisticated interiors and attention to detail. The international design team offers its clients a full turn-key service, with final schemes often featuring one-off items of furniture made by the in-house joiners and bespoke art (butterfly boxes are the studio’s calling card). Juliette has also developed a new rug range in collaboration with Matthew Wailes Carpets, made from discarded fishing nets. juliettebyrne.com

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KATHARINE POOLEY

Effortless comfort and luxury are at the heart of Katharine Pooley’s impeccable interior schemes. The nearly 50-strong team (supported by a dedicated studio librarian who advises the designers on sustainable finishes, fabrics and processes) work on all manner of international projects: superyachts, ski chalets, villas in the Far East. For a current château, she is combining classic French design with English eclecticism throughout spaces which include a ballroom, bowling alley and a poker lounge accessed through a bank vault door. katharinepooley.com

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KITESGROVE

Headed up by Clara Ewart for the last four years, boutique interior design studio Kitesgrove, based in South Kensington, creates calm, comfortable, nuanced spaces. Natural materials, local craftsmanship and using ethically sourced products are always a priority but no more so than for one current client in the Cotswolds where every single item has been rigorously vetted for its sustainability credentials. Recent projects include a family home in Fulham and a site for Casa La Siesta hotel in Spain. kitesgrove.com Lonika Chande Linda Boronkay

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Kitesgrove

Juliette Byrne Design

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KONIG DESIGN STUDIO

Italian Daniele Mancinetti’s path to interior design involved first fashion styling then working for an interior design tech-start-up. His love of 1970s and 1980s disco culture is documented on a studio mood board and he likes to use materials for dramatic effect: for instance, lacquered walls, smoky mirrors and macassar wood panels. Ceilings are always painted; dark tones abound.

He established his practice in 2020 and is currently conjuring up his glamorous aesthetic for houses in London, Long Island and Egypt. kdslondon.co.uk

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LINDA BORONKAY

The Hungarian-born, Clerkenwell-based former design director of Soho House went solo three years ago – and hasn’t looked back. Key for Linda is the belief that form should follow function, and that the emotional impact of a space is as important as the aesthetic. Her team of 12 designers are currently working across 14 high-end residential and hospitality projects including a Parisian restaurant for the Costes brothers, a private club-art-gallery-restaurant in Beirut and a hotel in Prague. lindaboronkay.com

PHOTOS: ANY © JAMES MACDONALD

Konig Design Studio

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LONIKA CHANDE

Growing up in a creative family – her grandmother was an antique dealer, her mother is an artist, and her aunt, Polly Dickens, was the creative director of Habitat and the Conran Shop – it was perhaps inevitable that Lonika Chande would follow an equally design-led path. ‘Colour and warmth are my raison d’être,’ she says, with patterned textiles usually the starting point for a scheme. Since setting up her studio in 2016, she has focused on private residences; currently these are in Notting Hill, Hackney and Margate. lonikachande.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 87

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Maddux Creative

Martin Kemp

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LOUISE BRADLEY

Louise Bradley has been dreaming up classic, contemporary spaces for more than 30 years. She has a ‘slow interior design’ mentality, evident in timeless, harmonious schemes, neutral colour palettes and her own longlasting furniture pieces (which are produced to order). The studio’s large array of commissions includes a pied-à-terre in central London, a family home in the New Forest and a Jordanian house. Her collection of furniture, accessories and fabrics is on display in the Knightsbridge showroom. louisebradley.co.uk

Not many people can say they met their future business partner clubbing but that was exactly what happened to Tennessee native Scott Maddux and Brit Jo leGleud, who discovered they shared a passion for craft and colour, both of which typify their schemes (he kicked off his career working for interior designer Ann Boyd, she was an embroiderer for fashion designer Koji Tatsuno).

Their Peckham-based interior architecture and design studio has been going for over a decade and excels in warm, multi-layered spaces. madduxcreative.com

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MAISON ARABELLA

Having honed her skills at Candy & Candy and Katharine Pooley, Arabella Bassadone set up her design practice in 2016. She describes her style as ‘minimalism with expression’ and believes that beautiful spaces don’t need to be loud. The team split their time between commercial and residential – meaning they take on anything from a historic office building in London to a 1920s Milanese townhouse, a Tuscan farmhouse or a spa resort in Saudi Arabia.

She also has a small collection of furniture and objects. maisonarabella.com

PHOTOS: ANY © BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA; © RICARDO LABOUGLE

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MADDUX CREATIVE

Michelle Kelly

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MARTIN KEMP DESIGN

This studio specialises in super-prime residences, as well as private jets, superyachts and exclusive work spaces. It’s helmed

by Martin Kemp who has a master eye for detail whatever the project: think hand-painted verre églomisé, fine cabinetry and exquisite handwoven silk rugs from the Far East. He is also known for the rigorous confidentiality that surrounds every commission – whether a home on a private estate in Yorkshire or a penthouse in New York. martinkempdesign.com

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MATTHEW WILLIAMSON DESIGN

Renowned for his gloriously maximalist vision, Matthew Williamson pivoted seamlessly from fashion to interiors over a decade ago.

He splits his time between London and Mallorca, typically taking on two or three interior design projects at once (most recently, he completed decadent late night drinking spot The Cocktail Club in Birmingham).

He is in the process of designing a members’ room for the Design Museum and has a new book, Living Bright, out in September, which celebrates his love of colour. matthewwilliamson.com

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MICHELLE KELLY

Redesigning a friend’s apartment seven years ago was the catalyst for Hackney-based fashion stylist Michelle Kelly to make the sidestep into interiors. Since then, she has done creative consultancy for The Rose hotel in Deal, designed The Chequers pub in the village of Lamberhurst and completed all manner of residential commissions, from single rooms to entire houses, transforming them with her signature romantic, rock ‘n’ roll style. This summer she is putting the finishing touches to a 300-year-old finca in Ibiza. michellekellystyle.com

Matthew Williamson Design Maison Arabella

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Rigby & Rigby Neue Interior Design

Naomi Astley Clarke

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Natalia Miyar

NAOMI ASTLEY CLARKE

Almost a decade on from opening her studio, most clients (these include world-famous movie stars, producers, music moguls, VIPs, luxury brands and entrepreneurs) come to Naomi Astley Clarke through word-of-mouth referrals, often having visited somewhere she has designed. As well as design signatures such as injecting bright colours into smaller spaces, bespoke joinery and hand-painted finishes on the walls, she is also brilliant at advising where savings can be made, and where it’s worth spending a little more to really transform a home. naomiastleyclarke.com

Trained architect Natalia Miyar’s schemes are richly layered, elegant and well-balanced, and showcase a confident use of colour and texture throughout. ‘Each project is very unique but I find harmony in materiality and proportion,’ she says of her holistic approach to design, underpinned by her deep architectural understanding. Alongside homes in London, she has ongoing international commissions in Kuwait, Mexico, Colorado and Florida. Last year she completed work on her first hotel and members’ club – The Twenty Two in Mayfair. nataliamiyar.com

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NEUE INTERIOR DESIGN

‘Our goal is to create spaces that will last in eternum. We believe that is a straightforward way of thinking about sustainability,’ says Neue Interior Design’s creative director Esteban Lamm. To do this, the studio, which has offices in London and Berlin, begins each project with extensive research into the classic orders of design and looking at the

PHOTOS: © JUDITA KUNIS; © PAUL RAESIDE

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NATALIA MIYAR

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proportions of Old Master paintings. The resulting spaces are unexpected yet elegant, bringing together pieces that shouldn’t go together, yet somehow do. The biggest project on the books is a renovation of the former Siemens villa in Potsdam, due for completion in 2026. neue.com

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NINA CAMPBELL

At any one time, this doyenne of interior design has multiple luxury projects on the go around the world, which, right now, include a private estate in Maine, a residence in Jordan, a boutique hotel in Vienna and a Victorian home in Wales. They will all carry Nina’s signature eye for colour and detail, as well as her sense of timeless elegance. There’s also a new flagship store on Pimlico Road, which houses the studio and the brand's retail space under one roof. There are also interesting collaborations, such as a collection of tiles with Fired Earth, in the offing. ninacampbell.com

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RIGBY & RIGBY

This architecture and interior design firm has an international reputation for the understated, refined aesthetic it brings to the ultra-prime property market (commissions range from apartments in Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai to Kensington townhouses). The in-house team often collaborates with heavyweight external architects, such as Kengo Kuma and Olson Kundig, and has a dedicated full-service special projects division (with a development management team) for complex new builds and heritage restorations.

Forward-thinking environmental and social practices throughout the business have earned it the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury. rigbyandrigby.com

Nina Campbell

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ROBERT KIME

The late antique dealer and decorator Robert Kime was revered in the industry for interiors that convey comfort and a sense of place. Now the studio is led by managing director Orlando Atty – who worked with Robert for a decade – and the same sensibility remains. A new Watercolour fabric collection has just launched, based on several hand-painted watercolour drawings, and the team has completed a stone cottage in Norfolk, a house on Palm Beach and a classic Normandy farmhouse. robertkime.com

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ROSE UNIACKE

Serene, calm, contemplative spaces are Rose Uniacke’s specialty.

The former antiques dealer and trained furniture restorer – who also designs her own furniture, lighting and fabric, both for clients and her Pimlico Road shop – likes to let the rooms she designs breathe in the pursuit of simplicity and refinement. Her fabric collection was developed with a focus on sustainability, and uses almost entirely natural fibres like hemp and wool. Last year the designer also teamed up with Graphenstone to create a range of chemical-free paints. roseuniacke.com

36

SARA COSGROVE STUDIO

After starting out at Helen Green Design and Candy & Candy, County Mayo-native Sara Cosgrove was appointed head of design at Harrods London. She opened her own studio in 2014 and now works across all scales of projects, most recently on an apartment block on the coast in Dublin and a bijou flat in Notting Hill. Her schemes are tailored, with layered tonal textures and often bursts of vibrant colour.

Each is characterised by a freshness and vibrancy that sets the studio apart. saracosgrove.com Sera Of London Sara Cosgrove Studio

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Robert Kime

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

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SERA OF LONDON

Shalini Misra

PHOTOS: © JAMIE HACKETT; © BENEDICTE DRUMMOND

There’s no better example of Sera Hersham Loftus’ vintage bohemian style than her own apartment in Little Venice. A former set designer, she started selling lampshades with corset-style metal frames before turning her hand to decorating (her first job was for Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher).

Recently, she designed a holistic retreat for Charlotte Church in what was Laura Ashley’s old family mansion in Wales, and the Chelsea flat of artist Charlotte Watts, granddaughter of the late Rolling Stone Charlie Watts. seraoflondon.com

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SHALINI MISRA

For trained architect Shalini Misra, wellness and sustainability are a core focus of every design. Art also plays a central role, as does commissioning artisan-made pieces. All these factors perhaps explain why she has so many repeat clients who return years later when their needs change. Her spectrum of projects includes converting New York’s National Academy of Design into a private residence; weaving a client’s contemporary art collection into a traditional Yali house in Istanbul; and a nautical-themed villa in Athens. shalinimisra.com

39

SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER

Founded in the 1930s, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler is the longest established interior decorating firm in Great Britain. It has always been synonymous with the English country house aesthetic and today this is interpreted by nine decorators, all of whom are supported by an architectural interior designer. Whether envisioning a London townhouse or a holiday home in Provence, a key concern is decorating a space in a way that is appropriate for the architecture and how someone really lives. sibylcolefax.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 93

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Studio Aida

SIMS HILDITCH

Known for her elegant English style, Emma Sims Hilditch has perfected the knack of creating layered spaces that feel properly comfortable and lived in. Recent projects the studio has worked on include a coastal manor in Poole and a modernised country estate in Lancashire. Natural materials and antiques feature in all projects; statement art also appears often (see p106 for Design Director Louise Wicksteed’s expert tips on hanging art at home). Notable recent collaborations include a range of jute rugs with Tim Page and an outdoor collection with George Smith Furniture. simshilditch.com

Sarajevo-born trained architect Aida Bratović was a director at Timothy Hatton Architects before setting up on her own in 2014.

She is passionate about taking a rounded approach to design, and helping clients to be more confident and bolder in their decorating choices.

Ongoing projects include a ski chalet in British Columbia, a home in Croatia and an eco-resort in Montenegro where the stone is being quarried on site, the timber is carved using traditional techniques and all the finishes are local.

Whatever the setting, each project is characterised by the studio’s clean and contemporary aesthetic. studioaida.co.uk

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STUDIO ALEXANDRA

Having started her career at fine art and antiques advisor Corfield Morris, it’s no wonder that Alexandra Childs – who also spent nine years at Martin Kemp Design – favours reclaimed pieces (in a recent east London home for instance, the kitchen cupboards were made from old Dutch cheese aging boards). She is behind the joyful interiors at Glebe House

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STUDIO AIDA

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in Devon (the informality and playfulness were informed by Charleston House) and the new rooms at Coombeshead Farm in Cornwall. She has several small-scale hospitality commissions on the go, including a farm stay experience in Dartmoor and a retreat house in Essex. studioalexandra.co.uk

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STUDIO ASHBY

For creative director Sophie Ashby, art is often the starting point for a scheme. She is also known for colour, and mixing vintage with one-of-a-kind crafted pieces. All fabric offcuts are used to create products for the studio’s furniture and homeware brand Sister, which can be viewed in her by-appointment showroom-shop in the Blewcoats School building in Victoria. She is also the co-founder of United in Design, a charity that addresses the lack of diversity in the industry through creating equal opportunity pathways for all aspiring young designers, regardless of background. studioashby.com

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STUDIO ATKINSON

Whether designing for one of her many notable luxury hotel and private members’ club projects (Beaverbrook in Surrey, Babington House, and Soho House Berlin to name a few) or a private home, Susie Atkinson is known for her inviting, elegant decorating schemes.

She has long been a champion of British craftsmanship and always sources furniture in the UK. Current projects include homes in Notting Hill and Dordrecht, and a hotel in Barbados. Her online shop stocks readyto-buy furniture and homewares in her signature colourful style, as well as beautifully curated antiques. studio-atkinson.com

Studio Ashby Studio Alexandra

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STUDIO PEAKE

Sarah Peake set up her Parsons Green-based studio at the beginning of 2019 (previously she worked for Alidad and Todhunter Earle), kicking off with the complete refurbishment of a Georgian cottage in Vauxhall. Fast forward four years and the studio is shifting gear, taking on more ambitious projects in Sweden and the US and expanding the team.

What unites her spaces though is that they are never overly curated, instead cohesively combining the traditional and contemporary through a real attention to detail. studiopeake.com

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STUDIO VERO

Inseparable friends since they were 13, Venetia Rudebeck and Romanos Brihi have been working together for almost a decade. They both bring subtly different design elements to the table but their schemes are always cohesive, with an emphasis on juxtaposing antiques and art (both are collectors), colour and layers. For one owner of a Chelsea apartment, they took a rug as a starting point, creating an unexpected palette of apple green, terracotta and mustard; for another client’s house in Oxfordshire the look was a clever take on a Hamptons-style feel. studio-vero.com

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TAYLOR HOWES

Steered by Karen Howes, this prolific Knightsbridge-based studio is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. The nearly 30-strong team has a roll call of high-end global commissions on the go, from a ski chalet in Verbier to a palatial pad in Dubai. Closer to home, they are near to completing Knightsbridge Gardens – London’s largest build-to-rent prime project. Balance and symmetry, working with local and British suppliers and makers, and a leaning towards environmentally conscious products all anchor schemes. taylorhowes.co.uk Studio Vero Turner Pocock

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Taylor Howes

Yellow London

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THORP INTERIORS

One of Thorp’s clients once commented that, in the 20 years since the completion of their home, the only item that had to be replaced was a rug – high praise for the longevity and quality of the design. Since founding the practice in 1985, Philippa Thorp has taken a holistic approach, managing all aspects of a renovation, from the architectural and interior design to the decoration, art curation and landscaping. The studio has recently completed a lakeside villa in Como and a mountain residence in the Yellowstone Club in the US. thorp.co.uk

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Thorp Interiors

TURNER POCOCK

Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock’s tailored elegant style works just as well in country homes as those in the city. Since starting out in 2007, the studio has grown to a team of ten project managers, interior architects and designers. During lockdown, the duo started TP Caring Spaces charity, which works to transform healthcare environments (hospital staff rooms, refuges) into havens. This year, they also launched a capsule collection of furniture in collaboration with Julian Chichester. turnerpocock.co.uk

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YELLOW LONDON

While working at design studio Joanna Wood, Cath Beckett and Liv Wallers discovered that they had a shared appreciation for vibrant colour, classic furniture and pattern. The pair established their own studio six years ago and have since made their name with confident, impactful schemes. Contemporary vivid florals, stripes and geometric motifs often appear in some shape or form. The fact that they remain a small team of two means both are very hands-on. yellowlondon.com n COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 97

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In showrooms and online

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MADDUX CREATIVE 100 NATURALMAT 102 NEPTUNE 104 NINA CAMPBELL 108 OCTAGON 110 OWN LONDON 112 RANDLE SIDDELEY 116 RIGBY & RIGBY 118 SANDERSON 120 SARA COSGROVE STUDIO 122 SIMS HILDITCH 126 SOHO LIGHTING 128 SOLA KITCHENS 130 STUDIO INDIGO 132 SUB ZERO & WOLF 140

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MADDUX CREATIVE Colourful, multi-layered interiors, full of depth and detail

F

ounded in 2011 by Scott Maddux and Jo leGleud, Maddux Creative is an interior architecture and design studio based in London, with a satellite office in New York. Jo started her professional career in fashion as an embroiderer and then met Scott in the mid-nineties and bonded over a shared love of colour, fashion and music – something that led to the creation of Maddux Creative in 2011.

Their talent lies in their ability to develop inspiring and visually appealing concepts, making sure they work practically with the homeowner in mind. ‘Being predominantly client-led means our work doesn’t follow trends and our projects do not have a repeated narrative,’ says Jo. Having studied architecture, each project Scott works on is forward thinking, spatially considered and unmistakable, each project demonstrates an unscrupulous attention to detail which results in schemes which have a resulting cohesive language. The studio uses textures, form and colours in unexpected ways.

To date, the Maddux Creative team has worked on international residences, with current projects in progress in London and throughout the UK, LA, New York and Geneva.

‘We go out of our way to avoid repeating ideas, so each project is fresh and individual. We also believe in repurposing pieces where possible and encourage clients to invest in future heirlooms,’ says Scott. ‘We strive

The studio's founders, Scott Maddux and Jo leGleud, bonded over a shared love of colour

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

BOOK Piero Portaluppi: Between Tradition and the Avant-Garde traces the Italian architect’s modernist approach; there is so much more to this genius than Villa Necchi. DINING CHAIRS Carl Hansen, for craftship and timeless designs (carlhansen. com). FLORIST Bunch London is local and beautiful (bunchlondon.com).

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‘COLOUR CAN’T BE OVERPLANNED. IT’S INSTINCTUAL AND A RESPONSE TO THE SURROUNDINGS’ to create projects with relevance, depth and warmth. It’s not only about what you see, but also what you feel: the power of good design should induce emotion.’

The pair believes that colour is integral to the way a space is enjoyed and lived in.

‘Colour can’t be over-planned.

It’s instinctual and a response to the surroundings: the location, quality of light, and the site conditions of the building are all huge considerations. It’s also about being open to what is around you,’ concludes Jo.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2 3

‘Try sourcing vintage lighting.

It can often create a big impact in an unexpected way. The perfect accent to a room.’

‘Consider elevating small spaces using saturated colour or pattern.’

‘Choose a paint colour you love and try it out on every elevation before you commit to the whole room because the shade will vary in its impact depending on the light.’

4 5

‘Not everything needs to be busy or impactful. Create a visual foil to allow your eyes to refocus on what is significant in the room.’

‘Consider highlighting architectural details (mouldings, architraves, skirting, cornicing etc) by painting them in contrasting colours or deeper tones to create visual interest of a more graphic nature.’

MADDUX CREATIVE Unit BGN Bussey Building Copeland Industrial Park London SE15 3SN +44 (0)20 8265 8153 madduxcreative.com madduxcreative

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— N

NATURALMAT Pioneering sustainability in the bed and mattress industry since 1999

I

n 1999, Naturalmat founders Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall, both keen sailors, realised that while expensive boats had all the mod cons, the mattresses were woefully inadequate. They were made of cheap, synthetic slabs of polyurethane foam – horrible stuff which retained heat and moisture, and made for a hot and uncomfortable night’s sleep. The pair discovered that the solution was to use natural materials.

Inherently breathable, natural fibres draw heat and moisture away from the body and create a far healthier, more comfortable and longer lasting mattress.

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘No one ever regrets buying a big bed, so always choose the largest size your bedroom can accommodate.’

‘The only way to find the perfect mattress is to head to a showroom and try them out. A good mattress will last ten years so it’s worth spending some time to find the right one.’

A year later, Mark and his wife Alice were expecting their first child.

They looked at nursery mattresses and found that they too, were made entirely from synthetic fibres with plastic covers. Surely babies deserved a nice natural sleeping environment too? So, Mark and Peter set to work and within six months launched the first nursery mattress to pass all British standards with no plastics, synthetics, glues or chemical fire retardants.

Today, the company still uses only natural, organic and chemical free materials in its beds, mattresses and bedding, all of which are handmade in Devon. It supplies some of the world’s leading hotels, including Six Senses and The Hoxton, works with top interior designers on bespoke projects and has showrooms around the UK. Sustainability has been at the heart of Naturalmat since day one and this year it became the first B Corp-certified bed and mattress company in the UK. It has always made-to-order to minimise waste; the workshop has been powered by solar panels on the roof since 2012; and mattresses are delivered in reusable bags, saving 6,000 kgs of kilos of plastic so far. Its Mattress for Life Initiative™ was recently launched, which ensures no Naturalmat mattress should ever end up in landfill. When the time comes, customers can choose to refurbish, recycle, or donate their mattress to charity.

3

‘Choose natural materials like organic wool, cotton and linen for your bedding and bed linen. They’re far healthier and more breathable than synthetic materials, and will keep you cool in summer, and warm in winter.’

4

‘Look for sustainability certifications like B Corp.

This way you can be certain the brand is running its business in a responsible, environmentallyconscious way.’

5

‘Buy local. We have such amazing businesses and craftspeople in the UK – we really should be supporting them.’

Naturalmat now has showrooms in London, Devon, Knutsford and the Cotswolds

NATURALMAT Odhams Wharf, Topsham Devon EX3 0PD +44 (0)1392 877247 naturalmat.co.uk naturalmatuk

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NEPTUNE

Beautifully crafted furniture, lighting, and accessories for the whole home

I

n today’s world, throwaway culture prevails all too often. One company taking a real stand against this transiency is Neptune.

Longevity is at the forefront of everything it does, from the timelessness of the designs to the quality of the materials and the methods it uses. Antique furniture is a natural inspiration; the retailer is on a mission to make pieces that last for at least 100 years, and antiques have already done just that. However, while Neptune value traditional design principles, they also stay abreast of the latest innovations in modern engineering.

The company’s philosophy is about choosing the right material for the right purpose, whether that’s showcasing the beauty of timber through solid oak or using hardwood plywood to lend designs structural stability. You’ll never find MDF or chipboard in its furniture.

With the aim of becoming the most sustainable home and lifestyle brand by 2030, its production house is powered by energy-efficient heat pumps and recycles as many by-products as possible. Where it can’t make things itself, it uses local suppliers wherever possible to lower its carbon footprint. Partners include Marlborough Tiles, which is based close to Neptune’s Wiltshire head office, and Bristol Weaving Mill, which is powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

Reputation is key for Neptune and it offers a cohesive service that extends from the design team to the delivery drivers. With 20 years of design expertise, offering interior design services was a natural progression for the business. The original kitchen design service was soon joined by home design, and it recently launched a colour consultancy.

Today, Neptune has over 30 stores in the UK and Europe, as well as ‘Neptune by’ and partner stores. Here, it is once again determined to do things differently. Each store is thoughtfully curated to feel like a functional home – somewhere you can relax and seek inspiration.

THE COMPANY’S PHILOSOPHY IS ABOUT CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

TILES Marlborough Tiles are handmade in Wiltshire using artisanal methods (marlboroughtiles.com). LIGHT BULBS Tala’s products are as beautiful as light bulbs can be (tala.co.uk). MATTRESSES Harrison Spinks mattresses are made in Yorkshire, using the finest natural materials (harrisonspinks.co.uk).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘A beautifully made, comfortable piece of furniture with the capacity to last for 100 years is the best investment you can make for your home.’

2 3 4

‘Instead of a large artwork, try using four or six pieces and paint a border around them to draw them together.’

‘When using lighter colours, paint your ceiling the same colour as the walls to make the room feel more open.’

‘Add dimmer switches to every light and lamp in your home and use bulbs that have a colour temperature of 2700 kelvin for a well-balanced, warm hue that isn’t too amber.’

5

‘Avoid “coordination” and embrace the rogue items in your home. Too much matching can lead to a finished result that looks like a hotel.’

NEPTUNE (EUROPE) LTD Blagrove, Swindon Wiltshire SN5 8YG neptune.com neptunehomeofficial

Neptune designs all its products with sustainability and longevity in mind

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Wall to Wall

Nine top tips for hanging your art collection at home. By AMY WAKEHAM

‘It’s a total luxury and it makes life so much easier!’ says Fi Lovett, European Director of Maddox Gallery. ‘Art has depth and so many layers to help you build the room you want to create. It’s a brilliant reference when choosing a colour palette and it can help you decide on the tone of your room, its form and lines. For example, a cubist work would invite a more formal, linear space, but not necessarily a comfortable, soft and slouchy lounge area.’

2

BUT SIZE DOESN’T MATTER

‘Sometimes a small piece in a large space gives reverence and commands a room,’ says Fi. ‘Similarly, a small piece of art in a

dark, cosy corner can draw you into a space to sit, relax and unwind. My clients sometimes feel they don’t have a wall large enough to install David Yarrow’s fine art photography, however, they work best when they fill an entire wall. They create immediate impact and look best commanding a space.’

3

THINK ABOUT THE OVERALL IMPRESSION

‘Hanging art is a bit like painting a good piece of art in the first place,’ says Philippa Thorp of architecture and interiors studio Thorp Design. ‘It’s all about the juxtaposition of things. And if you put one thing in one place, then maybe you have to rejig the others, a bit like you’re doing a painting yourself. You are creating a picture all the time.’

4

MAKE THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT

‘I’m a big fan of natural light,’ continues Philippa. ‘I think most things look better, whether it’s the art or any other aspect of the house, if you can get natural light. Not direct light, but north light or not-glaring sunlight. Because then you can see the art without it having to be lit. If a room is well designed, and well curated, you should be aiming to get as much natural lighting as possible.’

5

A GOOD FRAME CAN TRANSFORM AN ARTWORK

‘Most paintings are ruined by the frame,’ says Philippa. ‘You can have inherited an old dog of a painting, but if it’s put in a new frame

PHOTOS: © ANDREW BEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

1

IF YOU CAN, CHOOSE THE ART FIRST

David Yarrow’s fine art photography makes a statement

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you can give it a new life. I also think too many frames are too heavy for the image – Iess is always more.’

6

CONSIDER SIGHT LINES

‘When I’m designing a room, I’m always looking at key sight lines,’ explains Louise Wicksteed, Design Director of Sims Hilditch. ‘When you approach a space, what do you see first? How are you going to be in the space? I like to have one key piece of art, and then support it with smaller pieces.

It’s about constantly trying to strive for a harmonious balance.’

7

CREATE A NARRATIVE THAT STARTS AT THE FRONT DOOR

‘Art can set the tone and the narrative for the house,’ continues Louise. ‘And I think that narrative starts as soon as you open the front door, which is why art in your entryway is really important. It’s really nice if art has a sense of place, and it connects to where the house is. So I like to source local and look at artwork that is reminiscent of local landscapes and colour palettes, to create a synergy with the setting of the house.’

Artworks look great displayed in indirect natural light

8

try things in different spaces and move things around.’

THINK ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE

‘Think about which are the pieces of art that are really important to you,’ says Louise.

‘And then think about the spaces where you spend time, and also how the artwork is going to flow from room to room. We sometimes try five or six pieces of artwork in a space until we get something that we really like, and that looks really good with the scheme. Sometimes you have to just

9 Choosing the right lighting is also key

REMEMBER THAT, ACTUALLY, THERE ARE NO RULES

‘With art, there are no rules,’ laughs Louise. ‘That’s the amazing thing about art, I think it really reflects the individual’s taste, it’s what they love. So have a bit of fun with the art, be a bit looser, freer, and just choose things that you’re going to enjoy.’

IMPROVE YOUR TECHNIQUE

PHOTOS: © ANDREW BEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

TM LIGHTING’S ANDREW MOLYNEUX HAS TIPS FOR DISPLAYING YOUR ARTWORKS IN THEIR BEST LIGHT

Create a gallery-feel with professional lighting

‘Generally, LED lighting is best as it is the least damaging light source. However, you must adhere to the 3Cs methodology when selecting the right LEDs to ensure the colour accuracy of the artwork: the colour rendition should be >95CRI; the colour temperature should be a comfortable warm of 2700K; and use a reputable manufacturer to ensure colour consistency. The type of light fixture you use is purely your preference. TM Lighting’s picture lights provide museum-grade lighting for the home, making them a really straight forward retrofit solution. Spotlights and recessed downlights may sit more comfortably in contemporary spaces, but there is no hard and fast rule.’

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NINA CAMPBELL The influential designer opens a new flagship studio and store

PHOTOS: CLOCKWISE FROM FURTHEST LEFT: © TIM YOUNG , PAUL RAESIDE, PAUL RAESIDE, BEN ANDERS

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ina Campbell is one of the world’s most respected and influential interior designers, renowned for her contagious wit, unparalleled expertise and brilliant sense of style. As well as her global interior design work, Nina designs her own signature products across accessories, wallpaper, fabrics and furniture.

These include the Pimlico Edit, a capsule collection of the most renowned furniture designs over her notable 50-year career. The Tif fany dining table (which is available in mahogany, oak washed grey and limed oak), the ever-popular Alice chair and the new Margot writing desk, made in the UK by expert craftsmen, are all highlights.

Nina’s enthusiasm and interest in design and interiors was developed when, at the age of 19, she went to work for John Fowler at the prestigious Sybil Colefax & John Fowler. Shortly afterwards she set up her own decorating business, where one of the first commissions was to design a castle in Scotland. A proud family-run business, Nina works alongside her son Max Konig, who joined the company in 1999 as Managing Director and daughter, Alice Deen, who joined in 2009 as Head of Communications.

The interior design side of the business continues to flourish, with notable projects, both commercial and residential, throughout the world. The 9 Walton Street store in

Nina's signature style is all about colour, comfort and playful patterns

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLORIST John Carter is one of the best (johncarterflowers.com). BEAUTY ESSENTIALS Everything from Santa Maria Novella (uk.smnovella.com). LUNCH Salad from La Picena, the Italian deli next to my office (+44 (0)20 7584 6573).

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ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST RESPECTED AND INFLUENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS, RENOWNED FOR HER CONTAGIOUS WIT AND UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE Knightsbridge has now been joined by a new flagship, opened in June on Pimlico Road. The new 3,100 sq/ft space houses the interior design studio and retail under one roof. A number of exciting collaborations will launch in 2023, including a new collection of tiles with Fired Earth, a course with Create Academy, and a forthcoming partnership with Next. Nina is also the author of six books on design, including her latest with Rizzoli, A House in Maine, which was published earlier this year.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

PHOTOS: CLOCKWISE FROM FURTHEST LEFT: © TIM YOUNG , PAUL RAESIDE, PAUL RAESIDE, BEN ANDERS

‘Revitalise your table with coloured glasses for water. It’s a lovely way of changing things up without spending a fortune.’

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‘Consider your lampshades carefully. Like cushions, the right lampshade can really make a room and make a huge difference season to season. Hand-painted lampshades are especially beautiful.’

3

‘Choose a piece of furniture that suits everyone – you don’t want older guests to sink into a deep armchair. Also, think of the conversational possibilities: it’s important that no-one is stuck on a chair with no way of talking to anyone.’

4 5

‘If you have the space, add an armchair to the bathroom.

Bath time is a good opportunity for a chat.’

‘Don’t co-ordinate things too much. You always need a spark of something unexpected to make it look as if you haven’t tried too hard.’

NINA CAMPBELL 43 Pimlico Road London SW1W 8NE +44 (0)20 7591 5797 ninacampbell.com ninacampbellltd

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OCTAGON INTERIORS

A heritage house builder offering high quality design and service

W

ith over 40 years’ experience of building high-quality homes in some of Britain’s most exclusive residential areas, Octagon Developments has an unrivalled reputation for delivering the very best in luxury property. There are three established brands under the award-winning Octagon Group name – Octagon, Octagon Bespoke and Chancery Homes – plus an in-house interior design service, Octagon Interiors.

With this comprehensive design service, Octagon Interiors encompasses scene-stealing interior architecture and specification, through to characterful room schemes featuring custom-built furniture, upholstery, striking window treatments, and decorative accessories. The interior team are involved from initial conversations with the architects to the finishing touches on your coffee table.

A magnificent family residence situated on the prestigious St George’s Hill in Weybridge, Surrey, offers one of the first glimpses inside a completed Octagon Interiors property. Spanning in excess of 14,000 sq/ft, with a design brief to create a warm and welcoming, yet luxurious home, the company created a sumptuous space with a clean, sleek and contemporary look.

Overall, the colour palette is one that exudes elegance while incorporating new and emerging home trends across the six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and six reception rooms.

Octagon Interiors worked with the company’s in-house architecture and design team to create this welcoming, luxurious home in Weybridge

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FABRIC Romo has a fantastic showroom at Chelsea Harbour and is our go-to fabric supplier (romo.com). RUGS We often use Jacaranda’s collection of handwoven Shine rugs (jacarandacarpets.com). LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Wholesale Creepers Nursery always delivers an exceptionally high service (creepersnursery.co.uk).

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THE COMPANY’S INNOVATIVE TURN-KEY SERVICE HAS PROVEN INVALUABLE TO A GROWING BAND OF OCTAGON CLIENTS The company’s innovative turn-key service has proven invaluable to a growing band of Octagon clients who appreciate the seamless support from the dedicated interiors teams, headed up by Martin Brown for technical architecture and Rachel Hall for design. With all departments and services under one roof, clients save valuable time and expense, and above all, have peace of mind, knowing that their new home is in safe, professional hands. With an expert team and long-standing relationships with the very best suppliers and craftsmen, Octagon prides itself on going the extra mile, offering an exceptional service to clients while focusing on creating bespoke, considered, and exquisite interiors.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘Use an expensive, statement fabric on the front of cushions, and a more cost-effective plain fabric on the back – it’s rarely seen.’

‘Add feature wallpaper to the back of a bookcase and position LED strip lighting at the back of the shelf. This creates an interesting focal point in the room.’

3 4

‘Include artificial floral and foliage displays on a coffee or dining table. They are very long lasting and require little to no maintenance.’

‘Choose bold patterned wallpapers for small spaces such as the downstairs WC. This is a great space to show off to your guests, and probably the most visited room.’

5

‘Add trims to soft furnishings to tie in colour and add detailing to a design. Fringing is a soft, tactile option, and very on trend.’

OCTAGON INTERIORS Weir House, Hurst Road East Molesey KT8 9AY +44 (0)20 8481 7500 octagon.co.uk octagondevelopments

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OWN LONDON

Modern eclecticism and meticulous craftsmanship from a multidisciplinary studio

A

multidisciplinary creative studio based in Mayfair, OWN LONDON’s proposition spans the fields of architecture, interior design, spatial planning and property development. Founded by Alex Labridis, Manthos Xenos and Vaios Tsigkas in 2008, the studio has completed more than 40 projects in the capital. Thanks to a multifaceted team that includes RIBA architects, BIID interior designers, chartered engineers and craftsmen, the company can provide a complete service, from the concept design stage through to the final delivery. ‘Our driving force is to offer excellent service and to make each client’s journey enjoyable, while creating special designs that are delivered through quality workmanship,’ says Alex.

At the core of the business is a focus on both residential and commercial projects, where a client’s lifestyle or specific objective is coupled with the diverse experience of the team to influence the design. ‘“Modern Eclecticism” is the hallmark of OWN LONDON,’ continues Alex.

‘We have an imaginative design vocabulary that is established by mixing different genres, materiality and textures. Bold contemporary silhouettes are paired with vintage and antique pieces, blending timelessness with today, and infusing spaces with unique character.’

Recent projects include a private family office in Mayfair where the team interpreted the client’s vision of a contemporary, crisp, warm aesthetic, with all the equipment of a modern office seamlessly hidden from sight, by creating a striking, bespoke limestone co-working station in the centre of the space. They have also completed the redevelopment of a 3,000 sq/ft home in Hammersmith, reconfiguring the main living areas for multi-functional family use, and transformed a maisonette set within a detached Grade II-listed villa in Holland Park. Looking ahead to the future, the founders hope the business will continue to grow and expand globally. ‘Our aim is to work on signature projects, both locally and internationally, that stand out for their exceptional design and delivery.’

BOLD CONTEMPORARY SILHOUETTES ARE PAIRED WITH VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE PIECES, BLENDING TIMELESSNESS WITH TODAY

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

AUCTION HOUSE Auctionet is an online platform for sourcing furniture, design and antiques from European auction houses (auctionet.com). GARDEN CENTRE Camden Garden Centre is a hidden eutopia and with glorious coffee (camdengardencentre.co.uk).

RUGS A Rum Fellow for patterned, colourful rugs (arumfellow.com).

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OWN LONDON's distinctive designs expertly mix genres and styles

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Layer lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to add depth and dimension to a room.’

2 3 4

‘Use gloss paint rather than a matt finish to help light bounce back into a room.’

‘Consider using a rug to define a space and add texture. It can anchor furniture, as well as bring in colour and warmth.’

‘Incorporate plants into your decor for a natural, organic feel. They add colour and texture, purify the air, and improve your mood.’

5

‘Hang artwork so that the centre of the piece is just below eye level (approximately 130cm from the floor). A common mistake is that they are hung too high to be able to be appreciated.’

OWN LONDON Third Floor 24-25 New Bond Street London W1S 2RR +44 (0)20 8968 4746 ownlondon.co.uk own.london

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HOT LIST That’s Haute!

Eight fashion brands bringing their flair to the interiors world. By CHARLIE COLVILLE

Wonderfully fun and playful, Anya Hindmarch’s first venture into ceramics earlier this spring saw mugs and tea pots decorated with the brand’s signature smiley faces. You can catch the ceramics in person at the brand’s ‘Bull In A China Shop’ concept store in London (just try not to knock anything over). anyahindmarch.com

ALICE TEMPERLEY X ROMO

If abundant maximalism is your thing, look no further than Alice Temperley’s collaboration with luxury fabric brand Romo. The collection celebrates the designer's bohemian style, with floral wallpapers and leopard print upholstery splashed with abstract swirls of colour, sequins and beads. Perfect for creating characterful interiors that tell a story. romo.com

3

ARMANI CASA

Armani Casa has had over 20 years to define its signature look, cultivating a visual language built upon simple lines, balanced proportions and precious metals. But there’s still room for something new: at this year’s Salone del Mobile, Armani unveiled its first outdoor collection alongside Art Deco-inspired furniture and accessories. armani.com

PHOTOS: © MAXIME TETARD

1

2

ANYA HINDMARCH

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5 4

HERMÈS

Hermès returned to Milan Design Week this year with ‘The Power Of The Fundamental’, a minimalism-inspired collection that draw on prints from the house’s archives (especially its equestrian roots) and vintage silhouettes from the 1930s. hermes.com

EMILIA WICKSTEAD

The Princess of Wales-approved fashion designer certainly pulled no punches when it came to her first home collection. Working with a global network of master craftspeople from Tuscany to Sheffield, Emilia Wickstead translates her contemporary elegance into porcelain, glass, silver and linens with sharp geometric patterns. emiliawickstead.com

7

6

PAUL SMITH

Another designer to recently join the interiors throng is Paul Smith, who debuted his first homeware collection last year. Stripes (a trademark print for the brand) are central to the collection, stamped across cushions, blankets and towels in vivid bands of colour. paulsmith.com

RALPH LAUREN HOME

Since its debut in 1983, Ralph Lauren Home has become a leading artisanal home furnishing brand. Collaborations with master artisans ensure that all homewares from the brand feel like timeless heirlooms, rendered from quality materials that will last lifetimes. ralphlauren.co.uk

8

ASPREY X SILVIA FURMANOVICH

PHOTOS: © MAXIME TETARD

Asprey recently teamed up with jeweller Silvia Furmanovich on ‘Giants of the Amazon’, a capsule of boxes, photo frames and vide poches inspired by Brazil’s natural landscape. Pieces were made with wood salvaged from the Amazon’s rainforest floor, and decorated with native birds, flowers and rare ‘Blue Morpho’ butterflies. asprey.com

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RANDLE SIDDELEY LIMITED

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stablished over four decades ago by Randle Siddeley, The Lord Kenilworth, RSL is renowned for its expertise in landscape design and meticulous attention to detail.

The design team specialises in crafting stunning landscapes and gardens for private residences and commercial developments worldwide. Collaborating closely with other esteemed designers in the industry, the construction division brings these schemes to life, ensuring that gardens and spaces appear established and fully developed from the moment of completion. Maintaining the

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PHOTOS: GEORGINA VINEY PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT & BOTTOM LEFT & TOP RIGHT)

Leading landscape architecture, construction and maintenance company

PHOTOS: GEORGINA VINEY PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT & BOTTOM LEFT & TOP RIGHT)

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

impeccable appearance of these outdoor spaces is the maintenance division, which comprises a team of skilled experts dedicated to garden and landscape upkeep.

This year has been filled with exciting projects, including the upcoming completion of a 27-acre site along the Thames. Originally a trading post, this estate features a sweeping lawn overlooking the riverbank, a pond, natural stream, woodlands, grasslands, and formal gardens. With the client’s desire to rejuvenate the grounds for their children and grandchildren, RSL incorporated a log wall made from clay cylinders – a tribute to Bronze Age beekeeping techniques.

Crafted using a traditional mix of Wiltshire clay and straw, these cylinders will serve as habitats for diverse wildlife. Additionally, the team reintroduced three new species of Dutch Elm (diseaseresistant trees from Holland), planting over a hundred of them across the estate.

Another recent completed project is situated in the conservation area of Hampstead.

This exemplifies the company’s commitment to design technology and sustainability. By installing a green roof, the upper gardens were seamlessly integrated with the house, creating visual continuity throughout the property. This eco-friendly approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to environmental conservation. RSL takes great pride in its legacy of creating breathtaking landscapes and gardens. The team’s passion and expertise continues to shape outdoor spaces that captivate and inspire.

1

‘When choosing trees, go for adaptable varieties with a range of colours throughout the year. For instance, the Amelanchier tree transforms with white flowers and red berries.’

2 3 4

‘For a level lawn, apply a root zone layer during installation, ensuring a flat surface and quick establishment.’

‘Fertilise your garden at the right time: avoid hot periods and choose rainy days for effective nutrient absorption.’

‘When thinking about planting, strategically incorporate different flower colours in uneven numbers, adding depth to your garden’s visual experience.’

5

‘Consider using York stone.

A stylish, practical option for a garden, it creates a cohesive, timeless feel.’

RSL creates outdoor spaces that captivate and inspire

RANDLE SIDDELEY LIMITED Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive London SW18 1GY randlesiddeley.co.uk +44 (0)20 7627 7260 randlesiddeley

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

HOTEL The Newt in Somerset has magnificent woodlands and gardens (thenewtinsomerset. com). GARDEN CENTRE Kelways Plants will always find the plant you’re looking for (kelways.co.uk). OUTDOOR FURNITURE Summit Furniture and Perennials and Sutherland – superb design and quality (summitfurniture.com; perennialsandsutherland.com).

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RIGBY & RIGBY Elevated design, meticulous craftship, unrivalled innovation and tailored exclusivity

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igby & Rigby is a Londonbased design studio offering clients a turnkey solution from concept to completion.

The team’s expertise extends across development management, architecture, luxury interior design, construction, and private client services to create the most exceptional properties in the world. With a philosophy of uncompromising quality, attention to detail, and client-centricity, it believes in creating bespoke, timeless spaces. The company is committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, forward-thinking design solutions, and an unparalleled 118 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

RIGBY & RIGBY IS FOCUSED ON EXPANDING ITS PORTFOLIO AND PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF

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LUXURY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN level of service, ensuring each project is a true reflection of a client’s desires.

In 2023, Rigby & Rigby is focused on further expanding its portfolio of projects and pushing the boundaries of luxury residential design through embracing sustainable practices and integrating cuttingedge technology into smart, environmentally conscious homes.

It has also been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, in recognition of its actions embedding measurable environmental, social and governance practices throughout the business operations – including prioritising the use of planet-friendly materials and energyefficient systems, and incorporating renewable energy sources where feasible. This is a studio that believes sustainable design can coexist with luxury and have a positive impact on both the environment and the wellbeing of clients.

Rigby & Rigby has been involved in multiple prestigious projects, including high-end residences in prime London locations, while also operating internationally with current projects in Dubai, Finland, Thailand and Japan. The team works closely with the in-house architecture department as well as incredible external architects; most recently Kengo Kuma for a large residential project in Tokyo and Olson Kundig for Lancelot House in Knightsbridge, a 17,000 sq/ft mansion steps from Hyde Park that is the UK’s first wellness accredited private dwelling. Future plans include exploring new markets, working on more international commissions, and continuing to innovate within the luxury residential sector.

‘Embrace architectural lighting to enhance natural features of a building. For example, hide an LED strip in joinery to subtly highlight an arch or up light a column.’

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‘Use full height frameless windows to seamlessly connect the outdoors to the indoors. This works well in any back garden extension.’

3

‘Consider how you will actually use a space. A piece of furniture might look beautiful but may not be practical for your needs. A sharp edge may be dangerous to children, a white fabric will show the slightest of stains.’

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‘Consider using outdoor fabrics in busier indoor spaces as they are far more hardwearing and stain resistant. If you have children or pets, this is invaluable.’

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‘If you own special artworks, use them as the basis for the colour palette in a space. This will ensure the room is coherent and considered while still giving focus to the art.’

Rigby & Rigby creates exceptional luxury homes all over the world

RIGBY & RIGBY 29 Milner Street London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 3418 0446 rigbyandrigby.com rigbyandrigby

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

KITCHENS Rigby & Rigby has a long history of working with Kitchen Architecture and it never fails to deliver (kitchenarchitecture.co.uk). STONE Oceanis is a relatively new supplier but has jumped to the top of our go-to list for quality and precision (oceanisgroup.co.uk).

FURNITURE We love working with Anka Bespoke on one-off furniture (ankabespoke.co.uk).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

SANDERSON

A new era for a much-loved heritage fabric and wallpaper brand

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anderson is the home of iconic florals and explosive botanicals, pushing the boundaries of heritage design and reflecting British eclecticism at its best. From Arthur Sanderson’s Soho Square showroom, where he began selling his unique style of wallpaper over 160 years ago, Sanderson has risen to become one of the most influential names in interior design.

Resolutely British and proud holders of the Royal Warrant, Sanderson’s wallpapers, fabrics, and paint are synonymous with nature, elevated through a discerning design eye.

As Sanderson embarks on the next chapter of its design story, engaging with a fresh audience whose curiosity is satiated by their discovery of some of its most coveted archived designs, hero prints are given a platform through collaborations with artists and creatives. Long-loved favourites and new designs combine and juxtapose in an array of striking colourways, reflecting the very best of Sanderson in a bold new light, placing Sanderson front and centre for a new, design-forward audience while delighting core customers with impactful imagery and exciting new perspectives.

Responding to the brief of celebrating the joy of Sanderson across the decades and the nostalgic smile synonymous with the very mention of the brand name, photographer and creative stylist extraordinaire Damian Foxe focuses his expertise and lens, harnessing the power of creativity through a series of photographs to embrace print in all its multi-layered deliciously compelling possibilities.

Lost in the narrative of her own storytelling, the protagonist becomes the heroine of her own future history.

The genius is not to reinvent but to see beauty from different perspectives. Freshness pervades as archive designs sit alongside new collections. These thoughtprovoking, evocative schemes speak to those with an appreciation for Sanderson botanicals, with a desire to put a new spin on treasured historical designs.

Freshness pervades as archive designs sit alongside new collections. These thoughtful, daring schemes are aimed at those with an appreciation for Sanderson’s botanicals, and a desire to put a new spin on treasured historical designs.

Autumn Prints collection, Rose & Peony red linen fabric

Pinetum Prints collection, Truffle Damson fabric

One Hundred Sixty collection, Stapleton Park olive/ bengal red wallpaper

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

TABLESCAPING Fiona Leahy (fionaleahy.com). INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Sanderson is working with Salvesen Graham on a Trims Collections and edit of its hero designs (salvesengraham.com). NEWSLETTER Business of Home (businesso ome.com).

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SANDERSON EMBARKS ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF ITS DESIGN STORY, ENGAGING WITH A FRESH AUDIENCE WHOSE CURIOSITY IS SATIATED BY THEIR DISCOVERY OF SOME OF ITS MOST COVETED DESIGNS

Woodland Walk collection, Woodland Chorus indigo/ecru wallpaper

Arboretum collection, Oxbow indigo wallpaper

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘Elevate interiors by pairing florals with a geometric pattern, or small-scale prints for daring contrast. Stripes set against a bold floral take your interior scheme in a new direction.’

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‘Be bold with your palette.

A vibrant wallpaper next to a strong accent colour in your woodwork makes a statement and creates a more playful interior.’

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‘Play with trimmings to embellish soft furnishings, from cushions to headboards. Bordering bright patterns and piped edging on sofas shows a flair for daring designs.’

4

‘Mix old favourites with new designs from past and present and bring them together in new spaces for a fresh, cool look. Make iconic floral patterns sing paired with newer pieces.’

5 Sanderson’s Layers of Legacy, styled and photographed by Damian Foxe, celebrates the joy at the heart of Sanderson fabrics and wallpapers.

All available from sanderson.sandersondesigngroup.com

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‘Painted shelving brings your colour palette full circle, from fabric, to wallpaper and paint.’

SANDERSON Sanderson Design Group, First Floor South Dome, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3903 3700 sanderson.sandersondesign group.com sanderson1860

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

SARA COSGROVE STUDIO

A multidisciplinary interior design practice creating uplifting, elevated spaces

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stablished in 2014, Sara Cosgrove Studio is a premium multidisciplinary interior design and interior architectural practice working on a range of hospitality, high-end developments and private residential projects. The studio is led by Sara Cosgrove, who previously worked at top design houses including Allegra Hicks, Helen Green Design and Candy & Candy. She is also a former Head of Design at Harrods London where she delivered several award-winning show apartments, consulted on residential development master planning, and worked on private residential projects across the globe.

Sara Cosgrove Studio has a fluid house style and the team love to integrate the old and new.

The studio curates layered interiors that have a freshness and vibrancy, and source material finishes and furnishings from a select range of trusted suppliers. ‘We like our designs to uplift and engage; with every project we create spaces for the client that makes them feel good and create serenity in their lives,’ says Sara. ‘We pride ourselves in the integrity of our dealings with suppliers and clients, providing creative solutions, and a tailored approach to our projects – simply put “Design That Elevates”. In 2021, a second, multi-unit fit-out business, Grove & Co, was launched, specialising in hospitality and largescale residential projects.

The studio is currently engaged in a range of inspiring and diverse projects, from a country hotel associated with the equine world to a seaside holiday home and an exciting townhouse. For the latter, the team is working with heritage pieces belonging to the client yet infusing the home with a modern, dynamic style. ‘We are also increasingly working with our clients' existing art collections or procuring new art. In addition to this, we are finding landscaping and the outdoors becoming an integral part of the overall design of a project,’ concludes Sara.

‘WITH EVERY PROJECT WE CREATE SPACES THAT MAKE CLIENTS FEEL GOOD AND CREATE SERENITY IN THEIR LIVES’

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

HOME STYLING Glancy Fawcett assists us in finding objets (glancyfawcett.com).

PAINT Little Greene is one of our favourite paint suppliers (littlegreene.com).

DESIGN BOOK Cecil Beaton at Home - there is a story behind every design decision he made (Rizzoli, £60).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘Radiators are a pet hate of mine but if you can't cover them, make sure to paint them in with the wall colour to help them disappear.’

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‘We all now have so many devices in our lives and wires can be a real aesthetic nightmare, so if you are designing a new kitchen or joinery in a bedroom or living space consider allocating a “charging drawer”.’

3 4

‘If a piece of upholstery or a curtain is feeling flat, consider adding a braid, fringe or pom pom to bring it to life.’

‘Cushion comfort on a sofa is critical and makes it super tricky to buy upholstery online. If possible, try to sit on a piece of upholstery before you purchase.’

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‘Lampshades are a great way to refresh or uplift an interior so don't let them be an afterthought. Consider adding a fun pattern or interesting lining.’

SARA COSGROVE 64 Mulgrave Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin A96 X8PO +(353) 156 12656 saracosgrove.com saracosgrovestudio

All of the studio's interiors are designed to uplift and energise

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Levelling Up

Four ways to improve your home’s value, according to the experts. By TESSA DUNTHORNE

FIND OUT WHAT BUYERS WANT

‘Key priorities for buyers are still space, gardens and home offices,’ says Sarah-Jane BinghamChick from Knight Frank. Her colleague, Christopher Burton, concurs: ‘There has been a particular trend since lockdowns towards people making more of their gardens with home offices, gyms, TV dens and al-fresco dining.’ Other trends include opening up your space. ‘By removing walls and creating a seamless flow between spaces, open-plan designs maximise natural light, promote social interaction, and provide a sense of spaciousness,’ says James Waight at John D Wood & Co.

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PUT PRESENTATION ON POINT

‘The devil can often be in the detail,’ says Daniel Copley from Zoopla.

‘Don’t underestimate the impact an unkempt garden, broken kitchen units

and mouldy sealant in the bathroom can have on the valuation of your home – and a lot of these are very easy to fix.’ Jemimah Graff, CEO of Martin Kemp Design, suggests thinking carefully about how you curate the space. ‘The sizing and placement of pieces can impact the feel of a space. Maximise the space you’re working with, which ultimately helps to maximise the value of a property.’

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UPGRADE, UPGRADE, UPGRADE

‘One of the most cost-effective ways of increasing value is to pay attention to the small things such as trim work, moulding and hardware,’ says Kelly Cinnamond-Santos at Morpheus & Co. ‘This will make your home look more considered and desirable to potential buyers.’ So an upgrade is vital to keep the sheen on your property. ‘High quality finishes (for example, bathroom fittings) are vital components in achieving a polished aesthetic which stands the test of time,’ says

Vanessa Allen of Samuel Heath, ‘which can increase the value of your property.’ You can also upgrade the tech in your house, through something like an integrated sound system (think the Dolby Atmos, which can be nested throughout your walls for total sound synchronisation). Why? Experiences sell.

Matt Nimmons, MD of the Global Association for Smart Home Technology, explains: ‘A sound system or integrated tech contributes to a curated and hi-spec living space that offers an immersive experience – and can affect property value.’

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GET SUSTAINABLE

‘Energy use has recently become a priority not only due to the steep energy price rises, but also the desire to live more responsibly,’ says Vic Chhabria of London Real Estate Office.

‘If a property can come with smart energy tech already installed, buyers are happy to pay a premium over going through the process of installations themselves.’

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

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Small tweaks can make a big difference to your house value

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SP ARROW

GARDEN DESIGN

TR A N S FO R M I N G

S PACES

sparrowgardendesign.com

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

SIMS HILDITCH

Timeless, natural interiors for elegant English living

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mma Sims-Hilditch launched her studio in 2009, using the skills she honed through her career in film production for Ridley Scott. Emma has built an expert team of 40 strong interior designers, interior architects, and procurement managers, led by Creative Director Louise Wicksteed and newly appointed CEO Henry Hird. The team champions fine craftsmanship and works with the highest quality materials to create timeless interiors. ‘It is our belief that a home should last for generations to come. Therefore, for each interior scheme, we source antiques to add individuality, good quality upholstery for longevity, and artwork for personality,’ says Emma.

At Sims Hilditch, the wellbeing of people and the planet are at the forefront of every decision. Longevity is seen as the principal form of sustainability and, as a result, Emma believes in buying once and buying well.

Antiques embody a sense of history and heritage, reduce waste and save energy on new production. Beautiful, natural materials are integral to the studio’s design ethos, so when the team do procure new pieces, the focus is on using organic and renewable materials that can naturally regenerate within their lifetime. Inspiration is drawn from various sources and travels, and one-of-a-kind items are acquired that nod to the distinctive charm of the English country house style.

This year, the studio has been working on over 35 projects, internationally and throughout the UK, including a quintessential Cotswold manor. It is a Grade II-listed country house of two halves, with a grand Georgian main section leading to an earlier farmhouse bearing more vernacular architectural details. ‘We introduced some richer notes of colour and pattern to the rooms to punctuate the scheme while respecting and preserving the original detailing and overall understated elegance,’ explains Emma. New for Sims Hilditch is a capsule collection of bespoke furniture and pieces, soon to be available online.

‘WE SOURCE ANTIQUES TO ADD INDIVIDUALITY, GOOD QUALITY UPHOLSTERY FOR LONGEVITY, AND ARTWORK FOR PERSONALITY’

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

TILES Our go-to tile company is Marlborough Tiles (marlboroughtiles.com).

LAMPSHADES We love the hand-painted lampshades by Bloomsbury Revisited (bloomsburyrevisited.co.uk). FINE ART Treasures from Etalage often find their way into our projects (etalage.co.uk).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘Painting the walls, ceilings, and woodwork in one colour creates a contemporary look.

Painting these in different colours lends a room a classic feel.’

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‘Look for sightlines throughout the home and enhance them, for example by ending a corridor with a console and artwork.’

3 4

‘Consider loose covered upholstery that can be removed and cleaned for a busy family life.’

‘Use different levels of lighting.

Decorative ceiling lights, wall lights, and a mix of table and floor lamps can create different atmospheres, especially when on individual lighting circuits. We always specifc dimmer switches to control lights.’

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‘We love mixing antique furniture styles and periods to include English Georgian, Swedish 19th Century, and some Scandinavian mid-century furniture. Completely continental.’

SIMS HILDITCH The White Hart Gloucestershire Cotswolds SN14 8JR +44 (0)1249 783087 simshilditch.com simshilditch

Antiques and natural materials are the hallmark of the Sims Hilditch style

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

THE SOHO LIGHTING COMPANY

Driving innovations in sustainable lighting through British hand-crafting and technology

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ee Lovett co-founded Soho Lighting in 2017 after struggling to find desired lighting for her London property renovations.

Designed in London and hand-finished in Cornwall, the elegant creations bring the best of British artisan talent to lighting.

‘We believe that lighting has the power to elevate an interior,’ says Lee. Today, Soho Lighting is blazing a trail, blending high-end design with technical expertise, and heritage manufacturing methods with exciting innovation, to provide refined and responsible lighting.

Attention to detail sets the company apart – as exemplified in its revolutionary dimming toggle switch. Three years in the making, its sophisticated functionality enables full lighting control in a sleek toggle alternative to the traditional dimming knob.

Lee explains: ‘Dimmer switches are essential for influencing the ambience of a space; however, are renowned for compatibility issues and “buzzing”. Powered by awardwinning Enkin technology, all our dimmers now provide the choice of a toggle or a knob switch fitting and the only buzz you will get is the thrill of knowing there are no compatibility issues!’

Sustainability is central to Soho Lighting’s design process and practices. The core collection is crafted from natural materials such as hand-blown glass and solid brass; its lights have outstanding

Lee Lovett co-founded the brand after she struggled to find great lighting for period properties

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

SUSTAINABLE BRAND Jules Haines, founder of Haines Collection, is passionate a bout reducing waste (hainescollection.co.uk). PAINT Edward Bulmer has a timeless colour palette and an unwavering commitment to sustainability (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk).

VINTAGE I get lighting ideas at the International Antiques and Craft Fairs (iacf.co.uk).

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‘WE BELIEVE THAT LIGHTING HAS THE POWER TO ELEVATE AN INTERIOR’ energy efficiency and operate with low wastage; and the company is embarking on its B Corp journey and working towards becoming plastic-free in 2024. As part of Selfridges’ ‘Let’s Change’ campaign, it launched the Ocean Collection, a growing range of 3D-printed designs using recycled plastics and disused fishing nets. When lit, this delicate material resembles linen, ceramic, or glass. Elsewhere, a partnership with the newly refurbished Langdon Court inspired a new pendant light design: the Langdon Lantern. Offering a contemporary take on the classic lantern, this is the first of many exciting collaborations and product launches this year. Watch this space.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘In smaller rooms and cosy nooks, glass pendants help to create the illusion of space.’

‘Dimmer switches are key for controlling the output of light and changing the ambience of a room.’

‘Plan your lighting according to how you use the space. For example, in a kitchen, downlights do not have to be evenly spaced and can be positioned over work surfaces to provide task lighting, freeing up other areas for decorative pendants or ambient wall lighting and lamps.’

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‘Lighting has the power to make or break a beautifully designed interior. When renovating, invest in a lighting plan between the architectural planning stage and the first fix. It will pay dividends for years to come.’

5

‘To light a bathroom mirror, place a discreet spotlight above and slightly in front, then adorn it with a decorative wall light above or to the sides. It will saturate your face in light for those all-important ablutions.’

THE SOHO LIGHTING COMPANY 85 Great Portland Street London W1W 7LT +44 (0)20 8106 1221 soholighting.com thesoholightingco

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

SOLA KITCHENS

Leading designer and manufacturer of handmade Scandinavian-style kitchens

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s the age-old adage goes, if you can’t find what you like, create it yourself. This is exactly what Sofia Bune Strandh decided to do when, in 2006 she was searching for a new kitchen for her flat in central London. Unable to find highquality designs to match those in her native Sweden, Sofia instead commissioned a company with the traditional carpentry techniques

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘A splashback is a small but important part of a kitchen design. It can be used as a way of adding a pop of colour or feature, or to tie the room together.’

she was looking for. Thrilled with the result, both in terms of quality and style, she decided to give up her career as a solicitor to start Sola Kitchens.

Although the business has since grown, the underlying premise of creating beautiful, functional kitchens for clients remains. With a vision of bringing premium Scandinavian design to the UK, and having already established showrooms in Fulham and Hampstead, the company recently opened a flagship store on Wigmore Street. The latter was awarded Kitchen Showroom of the Year 2023 by kbbreview magazine for its winning combination of Scandinavian influences and mix of natural materials and textures.

Its kerbside appeal is heightened by a birch tree and swings in the front window display, which draws the attention of passers-by.

The beauty of Scandinavian design – and what continues to appeal to the UK market – is that the look can be interpreted in a modern or classic way. It is also rooted in practicality and will never go out of fashion. Sola Kitchens designs its own ranges so whether you prefer sleek and clean with simple Shaker-style doors and handles, or more traditional decorative features such as tongue-and-groove panels, the Scandinavian style is always timeless yet fresh. Wood kitchens can be hand-painted or sprayed to match your colour scheme and every kitchen that the team designs and builds is completely bespoke, tailored to an individual’s preferred look.

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‘A kitchen island is a popular item on many homeowner’s wish lists but if you don’t have the room, the next best thing is a kitchen peninsula (instead of standing in the middle of the room, one end is attached to the wall). It’s a great way of creating more counter surface and storage.’

3 4

‘Casual seating in the kitchen, such as a comfy sofa, creates a welcoming feel.’

‘If you lack space, combine kitchen and dining areas.

For instance, put kitchen units on one wall and a large table opposite.’

5

‘Breakfast nooks are perfect for making the most of extra space and offer a cosy spot to enjoy morning coffee and casual suppers.’

SOLA KITCHENS 17 Wigmore Street London W1U 1PQ +44 (0)20 3004 0898 solakitchens.com solakitchens

Solas Kitchens was founded to bring premium Scandinavian design to the UK market

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LIGHTING Cameron Design House’s chandeliers are beautiful (camerondesignhouse. com). FURNITURE Tollgard Design Group supplies Solas showrooms with contemporary Scandinavian furniture (tollgard.com). BLOG Yatzer is the brand’s go-to for online design inspiration (yatzer.com).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

STUDIO INDIGO

An interior design studio curating spaces with soul and character

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‘OUR COMMITMENT TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE IS UNWAVERING, AND WE INFUSE EACH PROJECT WITH PERSONALISATION, CREATIVITY, AND A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE’

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

LIGHTING Apparatus, for beautifully crafted contemporary lighting (apparatusstudio.com). PAINT Argile specialises in natured-inspired, sustainable paints (argile-peinture.co.uk). AUCTION HOUSE Dreweatts is a hidden gem for fine art, furniture and sculptures (dreweatts.com).

PHOTOS: © LUKE WHITE; © JULIAN ABRAMS

tudio Indigo is an award-winning architectural and interior design studio specialising in crafting personal and bespoke spaces. Founded in 2005 by architect Mike Fisher, the studio aims to bridge the gap between architecture and interior design, through an approach that emphasises comfort and soulful character. Having a 50-strong team of talented architects and interior designers from 20 different countries means a vibrant working environment that fosters innovation and the exchange of ideas.

The studio has a philosophy that centres around the beauty found in the intricacies of hand-crafted designs. The team strives for a harmonious balance between the outside and inside, seamlessly blending elements of the past with the present to create timeless spaces that tell a unique story. Each project is treated as a distinct journey; a collaboration with clients to encourage creativity, imagination, surprise, and most importantly, fun. Designs are not limited by stylistic constraints but shaped by a curated ethos that embodies its clients' vision. Mike describes Studio Indigo as ‘a passionate and visionary studio dedicated to transforming spaces into extraordinary experiences. Our commitment to design excellence is unwavering, and we infuse each project with personalisation, creativity, and a global perspective.’ To celebrate 15 years in the industry, the practice has published a stunning book with Vendome Press.

Looking ahead, exciting projects on the horizon include Studio Indigo’s inaugural hotel, the 50-room Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, slated to open this summer. Additionally, the team are nearing completion on several private residences in London, progressing with four superyachts, and working on a private Scottish estate in conjunction with whisky brand The Glenrothes. In the autumn, the studio will also introduce its own product line, in collaboration with hardware manufacturer Joseph Giles.

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

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‘If you have small windows, a good trick is to place mirrors in the reveals to make them appear bigger and help bounce light around the room.’

2 3 4

‘Paint the cornices the same colour as the walls to increase the floor to ceiling height of a room.’

‘Try to align doors to create vistas across two spaces.

This helps increase the sense of space.’

‘Always create a focal point within your room, whether that is through a fireplace, artwork, or window, to draw the eye in.’

5

‘Be bolder and more confident in your design choices. Push the boundaries to create something truly magical.’

PHOTOS: © LUKE WHITE; © JULIAN ABRAMS

STUDIO INDIGO Unit 37 Chelsea Wharf 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ +44 (0)20 7349 1290 studioindigo.co.uk studioindigoltd

Studio Indigo's 50-strong team of architects and interior designers create truly unforgettable spaces

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LONDON’S M OST P RESTIGIOUS F LORIST 020 7730 0030

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sales@pulbrookandgould.co.uk

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www.pulbrookandgould.co.uk

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24

BREAKING NEW GROUND Meet the 20 gardeners and landscapers designers transforming our green spaces for the better. By Tessa Dunthorne

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ANCA PANAIT STUDIO

Trained architect and RHS medallist Anca enjoys the juxtaposition between hard detailing and softer planting. ‘The outdoor space should be inviting, responsive to the needs of owners – while respecting and supporting nature,’ she says. Nor should a garden be instant, she says: there’s an increasing climate-conscious willingness to wait for plants to grow (versus be transported in full maturity from abroad) among her clients. Recent projects include a colourful podium garden focused on climate resilient species that can not only cope with increased variability in weather, but naturally foster local biodiversity. And then, on top of that, there’s her own allotment to care for. ancapanaitstudio.com

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BUTTER WAKEFIELD

Butter, who grew up near Baltimore before coming to the UK to train at the English Gardening School and London College of Gardening Design, ended up beginning her career in decorative interiors. But it’s her work with exteriors that have seen her celebrated with a plethora of awards for purposeful design. Her team are currently working on a mix of town and country gardens, from Kent to Chelsea, and are constantly thinking of ways to advance sustainable innovation within its process (whether that’s through better urban drainage or careful research into materials). butterwakefield.co.uk

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CAREY GARDEN DESIGN

Carey Garden Design doesn’t fit into a box, stylistically. Instead, husband and wife duo Joe and Laura are better defined by their curiosity, seeking out the projects that excite them. This year, they showcased an industry-first at the Chelsea Flower Show: their innovative use of a new hot embossed thermo wood mimicked ‘shou shugi ban’ – with much less carbon consumption. Always on the prowl for the types of innovation that retain aesthetic integrity, current projects include a charming cottage garden in Cley and a small, contemporary industrial garden in Hertfordshire. careygardendesign.co.uk

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CHRIS BEARDSHAW

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You might recognise Chris from television – or from his impressive call sheet of gardens (most have their own Wikipedia pages). Chris and his team always try to develop a design narrative that balances the needs of clients with site opportunities; the designer is currently putting fresh life into the manicured greens of Trinity College Oxford, where the new gardens will speak to a horticultural history while sitting alongside the most contemporary campus buildings. chrisbeardshaw.com

Cleve’s Chelsea Flower Show garden this year was a study on youth homelessness.

Setting a garden in the rubble of a demolished Victorian house, the designer worked with Centrepoint to use his platform for purpose.

The studio has been operating since 1990, and Cleve’s work can be characterised by clashes: whether that’s structure with sensuality or the classic with the contemporary. The gardener is also author of The Garden of Vegan, his call for us to form fairer food systems. clevewest.com

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EMILY ERLAM STUDIO

For Emily, the trick to a well-designed garden is sensitivity: pay homage to the landscape and respect the integrity of the architectural surrounds, and the rest will follow.

Her small Clerkenwell practice began in 2008, after a prior career in television (a visual medium that still informs her aesthetic principles).

Her portfolio spans the country, and she’s no stranger to creating anything from huge estates and barn yards to impressive courtyard gardens and roof terraces in Soho. erlamstudio.com

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FREDDIE STRICKLAND GARDENS

From tiny green nooks in town to sprawling country estates, Freddie Strickland says no two gardens he completes are the same, presenting unique challenges and advantages. But both, he says, provide equal opportunity to be transformed into havens designed for dining, relaxation and entertainment. Current projects include a garden extension set to feature a curvaceous sunken artist’s studio and adapted with accessibility in mind. Freddie also works as the lead designer of landscape architecture firm Balston Agius. freddiestrickland.com

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HARRIS BUGG STUDIO

This studio – a team of twelve led by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg – recently won Best in Show at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show for its collaboration with spinal injuries charity Horatio’s Garden.

The practice was formed in 2017 and called ‘pioneering design talents of their generation’ by the Royal Horticultural Society. Its signature style, says Charlotte, is that they create bespoke gardens that abandon conventional design styles in favour of telling the unique story of the place. The result? Thoughtful and resonant outdoor sanctuaries, all injected with a sparkle of joy and individuality. harrisbugg.com

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JILAYNE RICKARDS

A recent garden at the Chelsea Flower Show for conservation charity Fauna & Flora transported an incredible Afromontane landscape to West London.

Highlighting how ecotourism can protect the natural environments of endangered and threatened species, this particular flavour of symbiosis between human beings and the wild sits at the heart of much of Jilayne’s work. Sourcing locally, seasonal planting and a use of reclaimed materials are parts of her core working practises when creating her characteristically atmospheric garden spaces. jilaynerickards.com

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MARIAN BOSWALL

Marian doesn’t do sustainable gardening – the author and designer actually goes that one step further into regenerative gardening. She’s happy her clients and contractors embrace the same ethos as her, and her no skip policy means all hard landscaping waste is carefully considered for reuse. Right now, she’s working on large-scale regenerative projects, including the grounds of the Birling Estate, plus the Charleston Farmhouse, the grounds of which were once wondered by inhabitants Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. marianboswall.com

Randle Siddeley is an eminent name in landscaping today, having formed his design studio over four decades ago.

A close eye for detail and an imaginative approach to the legacy of any given landscape form the key underpinnings for his distinctive composed and elegant design style.

A recent project saw 27 acres adapted to meet the needs of three generations of a family, and the introduction of a clay log wall for beekeeping. randlesiddeley.co.uk

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From shaping the gardens of A-listers to complete freedom in Lady Getty's garden, Jinny Blom's past projects are impressive and her client list star-studded.

The multidisciplinary team is known for its studious approach; considering the history and sometimes folklore of the land when drawing up their plans. Jinny's coffee table book, The Thoughtful Gardener, is a vast compendium of the thinking behind her career's 250-plus garden projects. jinnyblom.com

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RICH LANDSCAPES

Brothers Harry and David both trained in landscape architecture at university, and have been called the ‘cool guys’ of gardening after their television stint on BBC’s Garden Rescue. Whether it’s the balance between formality and informality, they’re experts at treading the line between a space that fosters a sense of naturalism while also being informed by the same practicalities that will keep their gardens alive and well in the colder months. richlandscapes.net

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RICHARD MIERS

What makes a good garden? According to Richard, it’s about putting a stamp on a space. ‘Just like clothes say a lot about who we are, I think the same can be said of our gardens and what we choose to put in them,’ the designer says. His studio favours timelessly elegant designs through carefully softening structure and formality with herbaceous planting. He also takes time to educate clients about sustainable horticultural practice as a core part of his design process. richardmiers.com

JULIET SARGEANT GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

Juliet pivoted from medicine to landscaping almost 30 years ago, and perhaps it is this that informs her approach to gardening – she certainly believes that healthy living involves access to beautiful natural surroundings. ‘I like to believe I don’t have a style,’ she says, ‘I simply want my clients to connect with nature in a way that is most comfortable for them. By doing so, I make gardens that feel as good as they look.’ julietsargeant.com

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SOPHIE WALKER STUDIO

At Chelsea in 2014, Sophie Walker was the youngest woman to ever design a garden. She’s currently working on projects that push the bounds of what a garden can be. An English parkland, on one hand, that is being put to experimental use, allowing livestock to graze in a way that regenerates the land; on the other hand, a London town house that seeks to create a functional kitchen garden interspersed with ornamental flowers. sophiewalkerstudio.com

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SPARROW DESIGN

Sparrow Morgan-Grenville left the finance world 11 years ago in order to pursue her love of garden design. Her work is contemporary and English, but reflects a career and education that took place in a global setting, and so her gardens often contain notes of Asia and the Mediterranean. Recent projects are in Hampshire and the Cotswolds and are vast garden redesigns; a scrubby mess shaded under ancient trees will become a sea of wildflowers, perennials and grasses, and home to plenty of biodiverse species. sparrowgardendesign.com

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GROW TO KNOW

The founder of Grow To Know, Tayshan Hayden-Smith, turned his hand to gardening after Grenfell.

‘People were lost at Grenfell as they were deemed unworthy of beautiful, healing and safe spaces,’ says Tayshan, ‘it is my mission to ensure everyone has access to such spaces.’

Grow To Know sprung up from acts of guerilla gardening and aims to confront environmental and societal issues. This year, it created Chelsea’s smallest garden to highlight the green spaces access gap. @manliketaysh

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TOM MASSEY STUDIO

Despite only hitting the scene in 2015, Tom Massey is no stranger to rocking the boat. At this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, the studio brought a working insect laboratory in for the Royal Entomological Society Garden. The award-winning studio strives to work with nature to produce sustainable, ecological and beautiful gardens that foster biodiversity – and Tom’s book RHS Resilient Garden: Sustainable Gardening for a Changing Climate speaks to the expertise of those at the helm of the studio. A garden of his recently rocked festival audiences at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. tommassey.co.uk

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ULA MARIA GARDEN DESIGN

If asked to describe her signature style, London-based Ula would say that she creates character through her gardens. ‘It’s all about a play between architectural forms and naturalistic planting, to create spaces rich in character that don’t feel pastiche,’ she says, ‘places infused with ideas of formative landscapes, memories and senses.’ She is currently working on ten private gardens across the capital – in which, she says, she is increasingly finding exciting ways to incorporate reclaimed materials and build up wildlife. ulamaria.com n

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THE HEVENINGHAM COLLECTION STYLISH, ELEGANT IRON FURNITURE CUSTOM MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— S

SUB ZERO & WOLF

Elite, high-performance kitchen appliances, from freezers to wine storage

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ounded in 1945 and headquartered in the USA, Sub-Zero, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer, and wine storage products. Specialising in food preservation, the company pioneered the concept of dual refrigeration and prides itself on being the first to store frozen foods at ultralow, ‘sub-zero’ temperatures. In its third generation of family ownership, the privately held firm acquired the residential side of Wolf Gourmet (a specialist commercial kitchen manufacturer) in 2010, becoming Sub-Zero & Wolf. Together, the brand continues its pursuit of bringing best-inclass appliances and beautiful design to homes around the world.

Sub-Zero & Wolf’s mission is to make sure its appliances aren’t only of the highest quality, but also the most energy efficient in the industry.

Over 30 of them have already earned the Energy Star rating for outstanding efficiency, meaning they use around 15 percent less energy than non-certified models. In other words, the average Sub-Zero & Wolf product uses less electricity than a 75-watt bulb.

This year, the brand released its newly redesigned ‘Classic’ refrigeration range.

The renowned stainless steel, grill-topped refrigerators have undergone an upgrade, incorporating a suite of new innovative features.

These include a NASA-inspired antimicrobial air purification system that eradicates ethylene gas and odour every 20 minutes, slowing the rate of food spoilage and reducing food waste; a Split Climate™ intelligent cooling system that revolutionises Sub-Zero’s already superior preservation capabilities and means food is kept fresher for longer; and Clearsight™ LED lighting which adds light where it’s needed most: overhead, under each shelf, and in each drawer. It also has a touch control panel with easily customisable settings, from lighting to humidity (the ‘party mode’ increases ice production by 40 percent), nano-coated glass shelves with hydrophobic properties that stop spills spreading, and night mode. The latest boundary-pushing launch from this innovative kitchen appliances brand.

APPLIANCES AREN’T ONLY OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, BUT ALSO THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT IN THE INDUSTRY

TABLEWARE Villeroy & Boch, for elegant cutlery (villeroy-boch.co.uk).

FABRICS Fameed Khalique has an innovative approach to leather and other materials (fameedkhalique.com). OUTDOOR FURNITURE Gaze Burvill, for its craftsmanship (gazeburvill.com).

PHOTOS: © TOM HOWLEY

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Whether you’re a future Bake Off superstar, host with the most, or master mixologist, consider your cooking and entertaining style and what appliances you require prior to engaging with a kitchen designer.’

2

‘Choose timeless appliances that will match any kitchen style and transition seamlessly with any future re-design you may do.’

3

‘Quality is key so always go for the best appliances you can afford, for a superior cooking experience and greater food preservation.’

4 5

‘Maximise unused space with concealed storage such as a hidden bar, wine cellar, utility space, or boot room.'

‘Make sure your kitchen extraction is powerful enough to efficiently remove cooking smells and fumes, particularly if you enjoy teppanyaki or cooking with dual-fuel burners.’

PHOTOS: © TOM HOWLEY

SUB ZERO & WOLF 251 Brompton Road London SW3 2EP +44 (0)20 8418 3855 subzero-wolf.co.uk subzerowolfuk

Sub-Zero & Wolf's expert appliances will take your kitchen design to a whole new level

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FRIDA

Maison de parfums d’intérieur eu.baobabcollection.com

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TANIA JOHNSON DESIGN 144 TAYLOR HOWES 146 ULTIMATE LIBRARY 148 WARD & CO 142 WENDY MORRISON DESIGN 154 WEST ONE BATHROOMS 156 THE WHITE COMPANY 158 YIANGOU ARCHITECTS 162 YVES DELORME 164 ZOFFANY 166

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— T

TANIA JOHNSON DESIGN

Specialising in custom, contemporary hand-knotted rugs

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sing her signature photography as inspiration, Tania Johnson translates each image into handknotted wool and silk rugs. Handmade in the finest natural materials, each rug will last generations. Tania graduated from London’s Royal College of Art with a Masters in Woven Textiles before working in Switzerland and New York. As a designer for Calvin Klein Home, she was behind the brand’s first rug collection and discovered her passion for innovative design.

She went on to launch her debut collection of hand-knotted rugs in New York in 2010 and has since returned to London.

Every rug in the collection is certified by GoodWeave, which aims to eliminate child labour and improve working conditions for adults. Tania has been a member of GoodWeave since forming the business. From the start, she wanted to be sure her rugs were produced ethically and to help the communities involved in their production. She creates every design and weaving graph herself, specifying how each pixel be translated into yarn and colour.

This attention to detail is evident in characteristically intricate designs that set her apart from competitors.

Every rug in the collection is then

Tania’s rugs are characterised by her attention to detail and colour – each one is like a work of art

produced by highly skilled weavers in Nepal.

Tania Johnson Design offers a bespoke service working with both interior designers and private clients. Each rug can be produced in any colour, size or shape. Tania and her team love to welcome clients to the studio or are happy to make site visits with samples and poms. With an emphasis on a highly personalised experience, Tania loves the process of developing the perfect, individual rug. This year will see new designs and colours in the ‘Glass’ collection, inspired by patterns formed on or through glass. Designed with integrity from beginning to end, each rug conveys a unique connection between inspiration, design, tradition, and skill.

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

GIFTS I always find something perfect in my local store, Mojo, in Twickenham.

FLEA MARKET On twice a month, Sunbury Antiques Market is fantastic for vintage furniture and home accessories (sunburyantiques.com). INSPIRATION Whatever the season, there is always inspiration to be found at Kew Gardens (kew.org).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘If it’s possible to start a room with the rug – do.

A rug is usually one of the largest elements of a space and can play an important part in bringing the room together.’

2 3

‘Fashions and trends will come and go but a good quality, hand-knotted rug will last generations.’

‘Be true to you and source a rug in colours and patterns that you truly adore. That way it will always work with your next scheme or update.’

4

‘Don’t be afraid to go bold with colour or pattern. Art for the floor, a rug can be a statement piece defining a room or simply provide a pop of colour.’

5

‘Use natural fibres, such as wool and silk, whenever possible. They are more environmentally friendly, durable and easier to clean.’

TANIA JOHNSON DESIGN Unit 12, Crane Mews 32 Gould Road Twickenham TW2 6RS +44 (0)7979 193971 taniajohnsondesign.com taniajohnsondesign

TANIA CREATES EVERY DESIGN AND WEAVING GRAPH HERSELF, SPECIFYING HOW EACH PIXEL BE TRANSLATED INTO YARN AND COLOUR

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— T

TAYLOR HOWES DESIGNS

Celebrating 30 years of creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship

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ounded in 1992, Taylor Howes Designs is celebrating 30 years this year. Under the stewardship of founder and CEO, Karen Howes and the Creative Head of Studio, Jane Landino, the serially decorated interior design studio, based in the heart of Knightsbridge, has become synonymous with couturelike room schemes and creating exceptional homes for exceptional people. The practice’s work-inprogress illustrates not only its international scope but the heights of the commissions the team of nearly 30 designers is undertaking: a chalet in Switzerland, a FrenchMoroccan style palace in the Middle East (which is nearing completion), and a new-build country house in the South East of England.

In London, the team are heads down on delivering the superprime rental apartments within Knightsbridge Gardens, which are to launch this summer. Inspired by the immediate heritage of the surrounding area and its place in fashion and royal British history, the apartments showcase British design with furniture, colours and accents influenced by the likes of Burberry and William Morris.

Inspiration for Karen comes from her team, who are a constant source of energy and creativity, second to none. In equal measure, the artisans and craftspeople that the studio collaborates with also inspire.

Sustainability is hugely important to Taylor Howes Designs, which work with carefully selected suppliers

Under the leadership of Karen Howes and Jane Landino, Taylor Howes has established itself as a leading luxury interior designer

FABRICS The team loves the breadth and texture of Dedar’s fabrics (dedar.com).

AUCTION HOUSE You can find everything from modern British furniture to exquisite jewellery at Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury (woolleyandwallis.co.uk).

PODCAST We’re avid listeners of The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.

PHOTOS: © ANNA MOODY

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

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TAYLOR HOWES DESIGNS IS SYNONYMOUS WITH COUTURE-LIKE ROOM SCHEMES AND CREATING EXCEPTIONAL HOMES FOR EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE to ensure products are ethically sourced and environmentally conscious. It continues to work with British brands and makers wherever possible.

Outside of client projects, Rest Nest, the charitable initiative founded by Karen and the studio that endeavours to redesign and improve the on-shift break room faculties for NHS nurses and key workers, has made further ground in a significant roll-out across the Imperial Healthcare Trust in partnership with NHS Charities Together. Under the scheme, the studio has most recently redesigned the staff rooms on the A&E ward and children’s intensive care unit at Charing Cross Hospital.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Purchase mindfully. It’s worth waiting to buy that one-off, exceptionally crafted object or item of furniture that you truly adore.

It’s not about the quick fix of an impulse buy, but the long-term value of something that gives you fond memories when you look at it.’

2

‘Choose timeless pieces. Items with a timeless quality are not only sustainable but provide outstanding value. Ask yourself if you will still like something in 20 years.’

3

‘Repair, don’t replace. Choose pieces that evoke feelings of joy and last for a lifetime that can be re-upholstered or re-finished time and time again.’

4

‘Always add something old or antique to every room. It grounds a new space and give it a feeling of being lived in. It can also become a talking point.

5

PHOTOS: © ANNA MOODY

‘Bring the outdoors in. Nature is a key inspiration for the team at Taylor Howes, influencing its choices of textures, colours and scents.’

TAYLOR HOWES DESIGNS 49-51 Cheval Place London SW7 1EW taylorhowes.co.uk taylorhowesdesigns

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— U

ULTIMATE LIBRARY

Bespoke book collections to educate, entertain and inspire

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A coffee table collection at the Double Red Duke hotel, the Cotswolds

An italian selection for Villa Passalacqua

ULTIMATE LIBRARY HAS INVIGORATED BOOK Ultimate Library collaborated with Albion Nord to design the new residences at the OWO

COLLECTIONS FOR CLIENTS IN OVER 50 COUNTRIES

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER Hoxton Mini Press produces beautiful art and photography books (hoxtonminipress.com). PODCAST The Wandering Book Collector,

by Michelle Jana Chan, who interviews award-winning authors. ONLINE BOUTIQUE The Garnered for hand-crafted interior objets (thegarnered.com).

PHOTOS: © PATRICK WILLIAMSON

ow celebrating its 15th anniversary, Ultimate Library has invigorated book collections for clients in over 50 countries. The company was founded by Philip Blackwell, inspired by his love of travel and the power of books to create a sense of place and a unique perspective. Its London-based team of bibliophiles curate intelligent and stylish libraries that entertain and captivate readers in high-end hotels, resorts, private townhouses and holiday homes. It offers a highly personalised service beginning with design concepts, through to installation.

The pandemic caused a surge in demand for home libraries, as people sought fresh and economical ways to decorate their living spaces. The team works closely with interior design studios, developers, and private clients to achieve the perfect book look. Recently, a Kensington townhouse designed by Emilia Laurie required a library that felt like it had been built over many years. Ultimate Library sourced vintage cloth titles with gilded spines for the higher shelves, contemporary hardbacks highlighting the client’s love of travel, history and philosophy for the mid shelves, and illustrated titles on the lower shelves that explore London’s fashion and design scenes. Further afield, it worked with stylist Amie Mercer to create a space to cosy up in after a day on the slopes for a ski chalet in Austria. The bookshelves feature winter crime, Austrian classics by authors such as Joseph Roth and Stefan Zweig, cutting-edge books on wellbeing, and plenty on skiing and hiking.

Within luxury hospitality, wellbeing titles are being requested more frequently by global clients including Six Senses and Raffles to complement ground-breaking spas. With reading itself helping many to relax and unwind, well-chosen books on meditation, mindfulness and breathwork encourage guests to put away their devices and enjoy what is truly an ultimate library.

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Create stylish and lived-in book collections by mixing contemporary hardback books with vintage clothbound and leather tomes.’

2

‘Install bookplates in your collection. These small stickers go on the title page to personalise your treasured books and ensure you can retrieve any that you’ve loaned out.’

3

‘Build joinery with your books in mind. When planning a collection, the first thing we ask clients for is joinery elevations.

Illustrated books add weight to lower shelves, while books you’ve already read can live higher up, out of easy reach.’

4

‘Show off your books by installing lighting at the front, rather than at the back of shelves. This adds atmosphere to a room, and also means that they photograph better.’

5

‘Remember your library tells a story. Create interest in shelves by accessorising your favourite books with photographs and attractive objects from your travels.’

PHOTOS: © PATRICK WILLIAMSON

ULTIMATE LIBRARY Studio 9, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road London SW6 4QL +44 (0)20 8705 0765 ultimatelibrary.co.uk ultimatelibrary

Ultimate Library creates considered custom collections for hotels and homes all over the world – but this one is close to home, at Riverstone Living Kensington

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Green Fingers

How to be more planet positive in your planting. By TESSA DUNTHORNE

ELLEN MILES (@OctaviaChill) Guerrilla gardener behind Nature Is A Human Right campaign

What is sustainable gardening for you?

I actually want to move past sustainable gardening and get into regenerative gardening.

Letting nature lead, working with it, not against.

What planet-positive practices can we try in our gardens? Think about your tools – rather than buying a new suite of tools, can you borrow any?

Where are your plants coming from? Instead of sourcing plants from nurseries or abroad, ask around your local community first. I now mainly plant things that have been donated. For example, a neighbour that’s propagated a perennial, or post flower-show, a lot of plants get donated. And that’s sustainable!

And if you’re going to get into guerrilla gardening… Start nearby. Monitor a site – local to you, you can’t just rock up to someone else’s neighbourhood and start imposing what you think needs to be done! Preferably somewhere that’s currently lifeless, a bit bare or grey. We can add beautiful biodiversity in urban areas with guerrilla gardening.

Get Guerilla Gardening (DK, £18.99), natureisa humanright.earth 150 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS; RAWPIXEL

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GET GUERRILLA GARDENING

2

DO A LOT LESS

ANDREW TIMOTHY O’BRIEN Online garden coach, writer and host of the Gardens, Weeds & Words podcast

What is sustainable gardening for you?

It’s about making a closed system, and bringing less stuff in.

What planet-positive practices can we try in our gardens? Create that closed system, and limit what you bring in (and what you take out). Nature is brilliant at recycling, breaking down everything it has used in the previous year, making its own compost. Old weeds, for example, you can recycle. Take the leaves, stick them in a bucket of water – it smells bad so if you can get a bucket with a cap on – let them drown and rot, and you can use that water for plant food.

What’s the best thing to plant? There’s a lot in just going into the garden and observing. Your garden is quite good at growing stuff but we’ve decided that we don’t like what it naturally grows – ask yourself why.

To help biodiversity in your garden, try a no mow month... I didn’t actually mow my lawn until October last year.

3

ADD MORE TO THE LAND THAN YOU TAKE MARIAN BOSWALL Regenerative gardener

What is sustainable gardening for you?

Sustainability is doing as little harm as possible – regeneration is putting more back into the land than was there before.

What planet-positive practices can we try in our gardens? Do your own composting – and then get it tested. Testing makes sure it’s biodynamically complete and providing the soil with all the nutrients it needs.

If you’re composting in a flat... Keep a bokashi bin or wormery on your balcony.

We throw away 40 percent of our food in the UK, so this helps avoid food waste, too.

Sustainability means looking after yourself... We have a meditation spiral mown into our lawn. Walking it connects you with the land, calms you – and that liminal space, short grass against long grass, creates lot of biodiversity. So you’re doing good for yourself, biodiversity, and using 50 percent less petrol by mowing the lawn this way.

4

TOM MASSEY Landscape designer focusing on resilient gardens

What is sustainable gardening for you?

Not constantly inputting resources, and schemes that are adaptable, resilient and will survive extreme weather events.

What planet-positive practices can we try in our gardens? Keep a biodiverse planting scheme – monoculture is also far more susceptible to pests and diseases, so you’re more likely to lose it all in one go.

You need to think about future conditions, too, not just the now...

For example, if a tree, which will live for centuries, won’t deal well with the climate in 50 years’ time, then reconsider it. The City of London is no longer planting birch trees because it will be too hot and dry to sustain them. In 2050, London’s climate is predicted to be more like Barcelona’s.

Follow by example... One good way to work out what will thrive in your own garden is to look at what grows in wild spaces or your neighbours’ gardens.

Sustainable Garden (Frances Lincoln, £18), @MarianBoswall, marianboswall.com

To Stand & Stare (DK, £16.99), gardensweeds andwords.com

PLAN AHEAD FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

RHS Resilient Garden (Dorling Kindersly, £27), @TomMasseyUK, tommassey.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS; RAWPIXEL

DO IT FOR THE BEES: Pollinator-Friendly Plants Lavender

‘I tend to go with native wildflower stuff. Or lavender.

I think they love lavender. Every time there’s a lavender bush, it’s covered in bees.’ Ellen

Salvia Hot Lips

‘A lot of people don’t like salvia hot lips, but it’s lovely – it’s a sage, so it has the scent, and it flowers quite late in autumn. The tubular flowers have a petal that’s almost like a little landing stage for bees.’ Andrew

Crab Apple

‘It’s wonderful for pollinators in spring and then it feeds birds at the most critical time in the late winter, keeping its fruit until the very end of the year when all others in the garden is gone.’ Marian

Viper’s Bugloss

‘The RHS have a great list called Plants For Pollinators, which is a free online resource, that accounts for lots of different soil conditions. But I really like Viper’s Bugloss for a sunny, and exposed site.

It’s a very ornamental wildflower.’ Tom

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WARD & CO

Versatile interior design studio with projects from the UK to the Caribbean

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SARAH AND ROSIE’S MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP MEANS COMPLETE COLLABORATION AND AGILITY

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLOWERS For weddings, events and installations, Veevers Carter is always phenomenally creative (veeverscarter.com). FURNITURE Timothy Oulton’s sofas and chairs are so comfortable (timothyoulton.com). RUGS Sustainable, stunning rugs from Jennifer Manners (jennifermanners.co.uk).

PHOTOS: © JONATHON BOND

nspired by her childhood in the Far East and with a passion to create, Sarah Ward originally established her interior design and architecture firm in 1988. A decade ago, her daughter Rosie joined the company and it was rebranded as Ward & Co to reflect her valuable input. The studio is known for delivering classic contemporary designs with bold flair and has projects spanning the UK and abroad – from rural Suffolk and London to the Alps and the Caribbean.

As a family business, Ward & Co offers a unique proposition: Sarah and Rosie’s mother-daughter relationship means complete collaboration and agility while clients can enjoy the combined expertise, insight and imagination of two creative directors. The studio has an authentic, highly personalised approach to interior design, with a deep respect for culture and context that is considered through a modern lens, enabling the international team to deliver impressive spaces that stand the test of time. They adapt to each individual client, respecting their wishes, not just in terms of style but also their appetite for sustainability.

‘With each new project, we take the time to fully understand how each client lives and how they will use the space, thinking about family and staffing arrangements, working habits, likes and dislikes,’ says Sarah.

Not a follower of industry trends necessarily, the studio’s work stands out from the crowd for its clean lines and warm tones that are threaded with confident colour, maximising the longevity of each project through both quality and design. Ward & Co takes conservation, renovation, and redesign commissions from conception to completion, across private client, developer and commercial sectors, working harmoniously with planning consultants to complete on time and within budget.

Dedicated interior architects, combined with the wider team’s technical knowledge in spatial planning, ensures interior and exterior layouts are always functional and fitting, for each unique design brief.

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘Be confident and scale up sofas and artwork. Bigger pieces are more eye-catching.’

‘Painting walls, ceilings, coving and woodwork all the same colour creates a sense of calm. Spend time choosing the right tones and be consistent throughout.’

3

‘Mirrors are an effective way of adding space to a small area or one which lacks light, such as a hallway. When positioned opposite a window, they reflect the light, which creates huge impact.’

4

‘Use layers of light. For instance, a five-amp circuit for table lamps, and additional bedside ‘pockets of light’ for reading at night.’

5

‘If you have space in the bathroom, a double basin feels like a luxury. Build-in niches for easy storage of products in the shower and place water controls near the entrance so it can be easily turned on to warm up – and you don’t get wet.’

PHOTOS: © JONATHON BOND

WARD & CO Michelin House 81 Fulham Road London SW3 6RD +44 (0)20 3667 7796 wardandco.com wardandcointeriors

Clean lines, warm tones and contemporary classicism define the global work of Ward & Co

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— W

WENDY MORRISON DESIGN

Rugs, wallpaper and fabric inspired by maximalism

S

cottish textile designer Wendy Morrison is known for creating extraordinary rugs, wonder walls and fabulous fabrics with distinctive style and attention to detail. In 2012, Wendy partnered with a manufacturer who shared her desire to create rugs of outstanding quality. The relationship instantly blossomed with an inherent understanding of Wendy’s aspirations and prompted the next chapter for Wendy Morrison Design, with the introduction of rugs into the collection.

With an outward-looking approach and curious nature, Wendy takes inspiration from an eclectic range of sources: Oriental symbolism, chinoiserie, art history and colour (in particular, the way colour can evoke feelings and emotions), as well as nature and its connections to life and the wider world. ‘Mother Earth has always been bountiful and I find endless magic in her flora and fauna,’ says Wendy. Authentic rug-making demands incredible skill and she is passionate about supporting historic craftship and techniques. ‘We want to protect those skills, to support the artisans who tuft and weave, and bring our designs to life, to explain the history and storytelling behind rug design, and to celebrate and help maintain this centuries-old art,’ she continues.

This year has been particularly exciting for Wendy Morrison Design with the opening of their first London showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, in March. ‘I’m absolutely delighted with the result,’ Wendy says. ‘We’ve packed a lot in there, but that adds to the journey of discovery and the joy of finding something unexpected.’ On show is an eclectic mix of the brand’s favourite rugs, such as ‘Pink Moon’, as well as the latest designs, including ‘Talisman’, ‘One Hundred Birds One Hundred Flowers’ and ‘Solace’. ‘I really do feel we have managed to include something for everyone and we are delighted to have a showroom where we will be visible to the interior design community,’ she concludes.

Chinoiserie is a big source of inspiration for Wendy’s work

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

RESTAURANT The Lookout on Carlton Hill in Edinburgh, for the best views of the city (thelookoutedinburgh.co). SHOES When styling our designs, shoes by Chie Mihara are a signature (chiemihara.com). TABLEWARE Wedgwood’s new collection, Wonderlust.

It has bold colours, beautiful patterns, and curious creatures (wedgwood.com).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Place a rug in a bedroom so you can see as much of the design as possible! We have created several designs that accommodate this by having the detail around the perimeter of the rug. Alternatively, place the rug a third under the bed and showcase the design at the other end.’

2 3 4 5

‘Choose a design and colour that makes you smile. A statement rug should be something you fall in love with.’

‘A wonderful place to start when designing a room is from the floor – and rug – upwards.’

‘Mix old with new. Try your local antique or salvage dealer; you never know what gems you’ll come across.’

‘Create vignettes within rooms that you can easily mix up when you need a change.’

WENDY MORRISON DESIGN 112 First Floor Design Centre East Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XF +44 (0)1312 859824 info@wendymorrisondesign.com wendymorrisondesign.com wendymorrisondesign

‘MOTHER EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN BOUNTIFUL AND I FIND ENDLESS MAGIC IN HER FLORA AND FAUNA’

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— W

WEST ONE BATHROOMS

An industry-leading supplier of bespoke bathrooms

A

n illustrious and innovative supplier of luxur y bathrooms in Europe, West One Bathrooms offers an industry renowned, end-to-end sales and design service. Established in London’s Mayfair in 1978, the company remains family-run and is currently in its third generation.

Breaking the mould in the industry, it led the way in innovation, transforming the perception of bathrooms from being seen as merely functional and basic, into being seen as an indulgent sanctuary. Today, it has a reputation for sourcing the most beautiful bathroom products and accessories worldwide.

From the beginning, the essence of the company was to offer clients the widest selection of products paired with exceptional advice from highly skilled and experienced staff.

Everything the company does is individually tailored because the team understands that planning a bathroom is a big decision: a fine balance driven by the desire for the finer things along with the practical considerations of who will be using the space. Its approach is one-of-a-kind, as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for expert advice, service and access to an unparalleled product portfolio that spans over 750 global suppliers including brands such as Ann Sacks, New Ravenna and Wall&Deco, which are available exclusively through West One Bathrooms.

The brand is proud to offer eight

This year, West One Bathrooms marks 45 years of shaping the industry from the front

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

PAINT Mylands paint is superb quality (mylands.com). SUSTAINABLE BRAND Haines Collection resells unwanted textiles, wallpaper, lights and accessories that would likely end up in landfill (hainescollection.co.uk). WALLPAPER Innovative and decorative, Wall&Deco’s waterproof wallpaper can be applied in the shower (wallanddeco.com).

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THE ESSENCE OF THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO OFFER CLIENTS THE WIDEST SELECTION OF PRODUCTS PAIRED WITH EXCEPTIONAL ADVICE luxury bathroom showrooms across London and the South East that are regularly updated with new and cutting-edge products to reflect trends as well as timeless classics. This year is a momentous year as the company celebrates 45 years in business and its ongoing commitment to providing the most luxurious bathrooms and outstanding service. The year will also see a complete refurbishment of the expansive Battersea site, which is set to redefine the concept of bathroom showrooms as we know it. Another forward-thinking move from this award-winning bathroom specialist.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1 2

‘Always buy the best you can afford; it will last longer and still look fabulous in years to come.’

‘Use wallpaper on the ceiling in a cloakroom or compact shower room to add a bold statement to the “fifth wall”, which is often overlooked as a feature area.’

3 4

‘You start and end your day in the bathroom, so it is important to ensure it’s not only your personal sanctuary but also a functional space.’

‘Opt for water saving products where possible, such as a Hansgrohe EcoSmart shower or tap. The experience feels the same as normal but the water saving benefits are massive.’

5

‘Never underestimate the importance of bathroom lighting – it can make or break a scheme. Use lighting to highlight features in the room and create a relaxing atmosphere.’

WEST ONE BATHROOMS 610 Kings Road London SW6 2DX +44 (0)20 7751 8000 westonebathrooms.com westonebathrooms

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— W

THE WHITE COMPANY

Timeless, long-lasting, and responsible design for today, tomorrow, forever

‘N

early 30 years ago, my then boyfriend, now husband, was moving into his first home and asked if I could help him find the basics,’ recalls founder of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker OBE. ‘I was on a budget but wanted to buy simple yet stylish things – white bed linen, towels and china – that would also last. At the time, there were two ends of the scale: luxury brands selling designer ranges that were expensive, or highstreet chains selling affordable items that were poor quality. The lightbulb moment came when I realised it would be great if there was a company that just sold lovely white things that were beautifully designed and affordable.’

From the beginning, Chrissie wanted The White Company to be a destination and to be famous for white (she calls it ‘quiet luxury for everyday’). ‘For me, the real beauty of white is that it’s classic, yet modern. It creates a great canvas to build on – and it also works beautifully with colour,’ she says. ‘I have always loved the inherent calm that comes with a white and neutral palette. There is a magical and almost spa-like quality it creates when used in the right way.’

The company’s extensive lifestyle and homeware range includes scents such as best-selling Seychelles, which is available as a candle, diffuser and bath treats; Chrissie's favourite Santorini bedlinen made in soft linen or pure cotton; and a collection of robes ranging from hydrocotton and waffle to longlength snuggle styles and cashmere options. Chrissie has also published two books: For The Love of White (2019) featuring real homes that are not just wonderfully white and neutral but also full of character, and the sequel, The Art of Living with White (2022), which explores inspirational homes featuring ways to decorate throughout the year.

‘THE REAL BEAUTY OF WHITE IS THAT IT’S CLASSIC, YET MODERN. IT CREATES A GREAT CANVAS TO BUILD ON’

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

FLOWERS I love the simplicity and style of FlowerBx; its workshops offer such inspiration (flowerbx.com). CATERING Potage delivers home-cooked, fresh food – a great mid-week cheat (potage.co.uk). SOFA Our Southwold sofa is an all-round comfort (thewhitecompany.com).

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Add in natural, tactile elements: a soft rug or a diaphanous window drape can transform a room. Materials such as wood, linen or slate connect us to nature and add interest.’

2 3

‘White and neutral homes need to feel sensory so scented candles and diffusers create the right mood.’

‘A white scheme tricks the eye by expanding space visually.

For a wrap-around look whitewash floorboards, or for a subtle look, opt for limed oak.’

4

‘Creating bedrooms where we can retreat and sleep well is crucial. Choose a supremely comfortable bed and beautiful linens.’

5

‘Tools like Pinterest are helpful in seeking out ideas but it is important to have a physical mood board that you can move around and view in situ.’

THE WHITE COMPANY 2 Television Centre 101 Wood Lane London, W12 7FR +44 (0)20 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com thewhitecompany

Founder Chrissie Rucker sees white as the ultimate quiet luxury

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— LIST

HOT LIST Settle In For Story Time Seven special designs with tales to tell, by CAROLE ANNETT

1

THANDA COLLECTION

Ardmore is an artist community creating ceramics and fabrics in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, founded

by Fée Halsted. The new collection, Thanda was inspired by the wedding of Fée's son.

‘On December 19, 2020, my eldest son Jonathan married Kate Anderson at Thanda, meaning love, a game lodge in northern Kwazulu Natal,’ explains Fée. The partying carried on for three days, with the bride’s 30th birthday and a game drive where elephant, warthog, rhino, zebra, giraffe and kudu were sighted, inspiring a Thanda toile.

Cocktails at a watering hole resulted in Ardmore’s Thanda Nests design. At colonyuk.com; ardmore-design.com

2

BIRDLIP

The collection by Nancy Parker and Juliet O’Carroll of Parker & Jules takes its name from a Cotswold village. ‘There is an escarpment looking out over the edge of the Cotswold Heights, and these views and paths below are ancient. We felt that the mark-making of human paths and agriculture on the land could be reworked into a cottage-style print celebrating simple mark-making and timeless motifs,’ explain the duo. Their starting point was a traditional ticking stripe and from there they were inspired by a pretty Victorian border on Nancy’s cottage and dotted walking paths annotated on maps. From £135 p/m. parkerandjules.com

3

VITHAL JESSE DESK

‘The Vithal Jesse is our showstopper and helped us launch St James Interiors,’ says founder Pritesh Lad. ‘My grandfather had a workshop back in Uganda, and always had a passion for furniture.’ As a child, Pritesh spent time with him and learned to appreciate the intricacies of beautiful craftsmanship, which is what spurred him on to launch his business. ‘I designed this piece to showcase what we could do; it’s named after my grandfather and his wife, Jesse.’ £POA, stjamesinteriors.com

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4

AESOP’S FABLES

This abundant toile wallpaper by Sanderson features well-loved scenes from Aesop’s Fables, a collection of stories credited to a Greek storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. This design is adapted from one found in Mulhouse, France, dating back to the 19th century.

Caverley Prints collection, £85 p/roll. sanderson. sandersondesigngroup.com

5

GILDER’S LAMP

‘Originally I made the Gilder’s lamp for my home,’ explains Rupert Bevan. ‘I really needed a standard lamp and I love the work of Giacometti, in particular, the figurative element of his work.’ Inspired by this and referencing his background as a gilder, Rupert created the lamp at his workshop in Shropshire.

Unfortunately the lamp went walkabout when he took it to an exhibition – ‘someone obviously wanted it for themselves,’ he laughs. Being so fond of it he made a replica and now the piece is part of his collection. Gilder’s lamp, hand sculpted in solid steel patinated to a blackened finish, stem oil-gilded in gold leaf. Made to order, £3,500. rupertbevan.com

6

HUMMINGBIRDS

One of the oldest designs in wallpaper company Cole & Son’s archive, ‘Hummingbirds’ dates back to the 1770s and was chosen

by Queen Mary in the early 20th century for the redecoration of Queen Victoria’s old room in Kensington Palace. Marie Karlsson, Cole & Son’s managing director, says. ‘Hummingbirds features 28 colours, which means using a combination of block and hand-painting across numerous wooden blocks. It was introduced to that historic room and it’s something we are still very proud of.’ Approx. £120 p/m. cole-and-son.co

7

LAND, SEA AND SKY TABLE

Made by Wrexham-based furniture specialist Silverlining for a nature-loving client’s superyacht, the Land, Sea, and Sky table incorporates brown burr oak from a tree planted in 1773 at Castle Howard to celebrate the birth of George Howard, 6th Earl of Carlisle.

Brought down during the storms of 1987, the tree lay untouched for over 25 years. During that time it became home to a parasitic fungi, which stained the honey-coloured wood a darker brown called tiger oak. It’s beauty and rarity is also caused by the tree being in ‘stress’ whereby burrs form in the wood creating an irregular pattern. Silverlining sourced the oak five years before using it in this one-off commission. £POA, silverliningfurniture.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE | 161

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— Y

YIANGOU ARCHITECTS

Blending tradition and innovation

Y

iangou Architects is a dynamic practice based in the Gloucestershire market town of Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Established in 1981, it has acquired an enviable reputation for the spread and scope of its work, being equally at ease in traditional and contemporary idioms. Recently, the practice won, in the same year, an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects for a contemporary scheme and one from the Georgian Society for a traditional design. This rare combination of honours is testament to the breadth of skill 162 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

YIANGOU HAS ACQUIRED AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION FOR THE SPREAD AND SCOPE OF

1 2

‘With interiors, comfort and practicality are key.’

ITS WORK, BEING EQUALLY AT EASE IN TRADITIONAL AND

‘In expensive areas to fit out, go timeless and avoid trends.

For example, a classic handpainted kitchen can be updated by repainting it a different colour or changing the door handles.’

CONTEMPORARY IDIOMS and knowledge that Yiangou offers its clients. New-build country houses and extensions are at the core of the practice’s business. Designs are conceived with the site’s characteristics and the client’s requirements in mind and are executed in a variety of styles, including vernacular and traditional architecture.

One notable, just completed project is Freelands, a spectacular 1870s fishing and hunting lodge. Yiangou removed jarring later architectural additions, redesigning the house with a romantic, Gothic Revival feel.

Not only is it in keeping with how the building was originally envisioned but also in the local vernacular.

Having an in-house interior design department ensured a cohesive outcome for the client. Yiangou interior designer Paul Ainsworth and his team were in charge of the entire fit-out – from the eclectic mix of furniture, bought at auction houses over the last 18 months, to the final teaspoon – and a scheme that looks as if it has evolved organically over time.

Yiangou employs around 30 staff, many of them young and all of them talented and enthusiastic.

Its projects employ predominantly local craftspeople, helping to keep alive many centuries-old skills, and use local suppliers. And the practice’s output is increasingly sophisticated, occupying a special position within British architecture with its blend of traditional and innovation.

3

‘Good paint is worth spending money on – colour matching is not the same. Good quality paints have a depth and finish that cheaper paints don’t.’

4

‘Be adventurous and brave.

When you are, more often than not these become favourite rooms or spaces and create a memory for your guests.

If you’re nervous, small rooms where you don’t spend much time, like hallways and guest loos, are ideal places to experiment.’

5

‘Create moments of joy.

For instance, a special place with a view for your morning coffee or vista to your favourite painting.’

Yiangou’s homes blend timeless country charm with contemporary styles

YIANGOU ARCHITECTS LTD Dyer House, 3 Dyer Street Cirencester GL7 2PP +44 (0)1285 888150 yiangou.com yiangouarchitects

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

PAINT Edward Bulmer’s natural paints: they are ecologically sound and the colours have depth (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk). FLOORING Town & Country Flooring has beautiful, bespoke finishes for timber flooring (townandcountryflooring.org).

FABRICS GP & J Baker, for a range of timeless fabrics (gpjbaker.com).

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— Y

YVES DELORME

Leaders in beautifully decorative bed and bath linen

F

ounded in France in 1845, Yves Delorme is a familyowned, international luxury home linen brand recognised by the French government as an ‘Enterprise of Living Patrimony’ – an indicator of the highest quality manufacturing. Its first boutique opened in Paris in 1979; now the company has over 400 stores worldwide, including the flagship on London’s Walton Street.

Here, clients can find homeware, nightwear, gifts and a bespoke monogramming service.

Over 125 artisans – including engravers, embroiderers and weavers – are based in the company’s studios in Nieppe and Sevelinges, where they work diligently on the fine detailing of every Yves Delorme piece.

Collections are manufactured with certified organic cotton that eliminates pesticides from its production, respects soil fertility, has less impact on air quality, and uses 88 percent less water and 62 percent less energy than cotton produced by conventional methods. The studios optimise logistics and avoid pollution, while re-using excess threads and fabrics, harvesting rainwater and eliminating single-use plastics.

For the past two seasons, Yves Delorme has woven a new fabric for its printed percale designs: a fresh, light batiste cotton that combines aspects of voile and percale. Complementing the readily available classic designs is a couture range whose rare fabrics and the finesse of the tailoring make each creation truly unique.

Yves Delorme's elegant, sumptuous linens are designed with finesse and beautifully made from organic cotton

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

ONLINE BOUTIQUE Luxury duvets and pillows from Brinkhaus (brinkhaus.co.uk).

NIGHTWEAR Classic, stylish nightwear and loungewear from Laurence Tavernier (laurencetavernier.fr). WEDDING REGISTRY The Wedding Shop offers a brilliant curated gift list service (weddingshop.com).

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‘THE COLLECTION RE-INTERPRETS THE DÉCOR OF INDIAN PALACES, REFLECTING THE STONE FILIGREE, ORNAMENTS AND GARDENS THROUGH TEXTILES’ The AW23 collection is inspired by the rich decoration of grand palaces – from the silk brocades of Persian palaces translated into an ornamental damask, to the foliage room in the Grimani Palace in Venice reimagined as wispy greenery. Head of Design at Yves Delorme, Laurence Rouet says: ‘The collection re-interprets the splendid décor of Indian palaces, reflecting the stone filigree, decorative ornaments and hidden gardens through textiles.’

A dreamy new collection from a heritage linen house rooted in craftship.

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Don't scrimp on basic bedding: think about what you're sleeping under and how this can create a restful night. Organic cottons and natural fillings are breathable, cooler and luxurious.’

2 3

‘For the ultimate luxury, invest in a duvet a size bigger than your bed. It feels cocooning and cosy.’

‘Change your bed linen with the seasons. Sleep with lightweight batiste cotton sheets to keep cool on hot summer nights and cotton sateen in winter for extra warmth.’

4

‘If you have multiple bedrooms and struggle to remember which sheets are for which size bed, add a discreet monogram to the corners so you can keep the sets together.

You could even colour-code them for maximum organisation.’

5

‘Finally consider a long-standing French tradition: rotate your sheets, with a set in the closet, a set on the bed and a set in the wash.

This ensures that no one set receives more wear than another.'

YVES DELORME 158 Walton Street London SW3 2LJ +44 (0)20 7589 4033 uk.yvesdelorme.com yvesdelormeparis

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24 —— Z

ZOFFANY

Timeless wallpaper and fabric masterpieces, underpinned by artistry and craft

‘T

he narrative that underpins a Zoffany collection is crucial; it’s a thread of storytelling that weaves through all designs, giving provenance to the historical documents that have been a source of inspiration to our brand since its beginning,’ says Peter Gomez, head designer at interiors brand Zoffany.

Its collections include wallpapers, printed and woven fabrics, embroideries and paint. He continues: ‘By repurposing these documents, we can give them a new lease of life, ensuring their appeal and longevity for future generations.’

This heritage and dedication to the restoration of archive pieces lies at the foundation of Zoffany, where producing artfully crafted designs for today comes with knowledge and respect for the past.

Moving beyond the expected, the Zoffany team delivers refined, globally attuned designs that draw their influence from Britain’s architectural and cultural history. Permeating each collection is not just a look, but an atmosphere of Britishness and its past, inextricably linked to nature and the surrounding town and country landscapes.

New collection Arcadian Thames sees Zoffany resume its visual tour of London with wallcoverings, prints, fabrics, weaves, and an exquisite embroidery that pays homage to 19th century nobility. It features works by both emerging and established artists.

Artisan embroiderer, Livia Papiernik, a graduate from the Royal School of Needlework, has created the ‘Hampton Embroidery’ design. Paying homage to Jacobean embroidery and the heraldic beast statues that decorate Hampton Court Palace, this considered piece is embellished with hand finished detail and decorative stitching. Meanwhile, muralist Melissa White was commissioned to create an outstanding threemetre-high landscape mural titled ‘Arcadian Thames’. Hand drawn using traditional chalk paints, the design frames a vista of riverside life, incorporating elements from London’s Syon House, Strawberry Hill House and Hampton Court. Melissa herself has worked with Zoffany for over a decade and continues to bring an exceptional level of artistry to her bespoke pieces.

THE ZOFFANY TEAM DELIVERS REFINED, GLOBALLY ATTUNED DESIGNS THAT DRAW THEIR INFLUENCE FROM BRITAIN’S ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

SECRET ADDRESS BOOK

ANTIQUES Interior designer Benedict Foley’s eye for antiques is astounding (benedictfoley.com). EMERGING TALENT Zoffany’s links with the Royal College of Art grow each year (rca.ac.uk). ARTWORK Eye of the Collector is a next-generation art platform (eyeofthecollector.com).

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Zoffany takes inspiration from its extensive archive for its beautiful, intricate designs

TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS

1

‘Honour your prized possessions, consider heirlooms, artwork, cherished artefacts when decorating and choose colour styles to bring them to life.'

2 3

‘Devil is in the detail – so always be sure to elevate, adorn in your home!’

‘For a simple elegant look, consider a tight colour palette and focus more on textures to add a more luxurious feeling. For instance, fabric on walls softens an interior and adds a tactile finish whilst bouclés and velvets heighten the sense of luxury on upholstery.’

4

‘Mixing heritage with contemporary living, be unexpected. For a truly refined interior, honour heritage designs or in period homes make them relevant for today by mixing them with contemporary artwork and furniture, resulting in an eclectic interior tradition.’

5

‘Plain fabrics are simplicity refined. Natural fibres add movement to a scheme, and pairs of plain fabris are elevated through layering.’

ZOFFANY Sanderson Design Group Showroom, First Floor South Dome Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3903 3700 zoffany.sandersondesigngroup.com zoffanyfw

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COUNTRY & TOWN INTERIORS 2023 ⁄ 24

I N DE X A Amy Kent Rugs Armac Martin

N 28 30

B Baccarat Bernard Interiors

32 34

C Celine Interior Design Cole & Son Corston

36 38 42

F Fermoie

44

46 48

H Heirlooms Linens Helen Green

54 56

J Janine Stone Juliette Byrne

58 60

K Katharine Pooley König Design Studio

62 64

O Octagon OWN London

110 112

R Randle Siddeley Rigby & Rigby

116 118

Sanderson Sara Cosgrove Studio Sims Hilditch Soho Lighting Sola Kitchens Studio Indigo Sub Zero & Wolf

120 122 126 128 130 132 140

T Tania Johnson Design Taylor Howes Ultimate Library

144 146 148

W Ward & Co Wendy Morrison Design West One Bathrooms The White Company

152 154 156 158

Y

L Lawson Robb Life Kitchens Lladró Loomah Louise Bradley

102 104 108

S

G Gaze Burvill Graphenstone

Naturalmat Neptune Nina Campbell

66 68 70 74 76

Yiangou Architects Yves Delorme

162 164

Z Zoffany

166

M Maddux Creative

100

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Artfully trimmed

samuelandsons.com

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FA BR IC | WA LLPA PER | PA INT sanderson.sandersondesigngroup.com @Sanderson1860

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