Heart Home magazine issue 4

Page 1

Summer 2012



we are flying the flag here at Heart Home

summer holiday... the hotels feature is

this summer and with very good reason.

a ‘bucket and spade’ family break and a

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (2 - 5 June)

Glamping feature gives first-class tips on

celebrations and the London Olympics (27

successful camping.

July - 12 August) have given us even more

excuse to feel patriotic.

wonderful UK shores for your summer

break, the fashion pages ensure you look

We have the usual mix of gorgeous

Which brings us to the great British

But if you do prefer to flee the

and inspirational homes to share with you,

great on the beach, in the city and yes, even

including two very special historic houses

on the camp site.

that the owners have adapted to suit

family life in the twenty first century, and

we hope you have a wonderful time and

one home by the sea, which quite frankly

remember to take Heart Home with you.

we wanted to move into.

Carole King Editor-in-chief

Whatever you are doing this summer,

Cover image: Photographer Simon Eldon

It may have come to your attention that

Carole, Arianna and Daniel Daniel Nelson Art editor

Arianna Trapani Editor-in-chief

Photographer Oliver Gordon

The Heart Home team enjoying brunch at The Modern Pantry. Read the feature


Window shopping LLUSTRE.com is a new destination online to discover and purchase the best of local and international design for your home. Releasing new curated collections every week with a mix of limited editions, absolute exclusives and unmissable discounts of up to 50% off, it’s free to join and Heart Home readers can get £15 off an order of £100 or more with code HH15JUNE. Rex Chair Folding Rocking Chair Lime RRP £255 £204 On sale in w/c 18th June

Scent and Feel Fouta in fuschia RRP £32 £22 On sale in w/c 4th June Linda Bloomfield Two tea cup set RRP £46 £37 On sale in w/c 18th June

Michelle Mason St Tropez seedpod cushion RRP £42 £33 On sale in w/c 11th June

VBC Casa vase RRP £143 £115 On sale in w/c 4th June

Zoe Darlington Bartley RRP £950 £760 On sale in w/c 11th June


Heart Advertorial

Vitamin Knot Lamp (Yellow Small) RRP £130 £99

Knot Lamp (Grey Large) RRP £160 £125 On sale in w/c 18th June

Adam Bridgland Everything & Again RRP £225 £202.50 On sale in w/c 4th June

Liquidesign Edge Clock in walnut & yellow RRP £35 £28 On sale in w/c 4th June

Haidee Drew Small Dandy Clocks - Half Hunter & Railway Guard RRP £36.50 £29 each On sale in w/c 11th June

Bloomingville Hammock RRP £199 £135 On sale in w/c 4th June Bettina Nissen Gills Bowl (Green) RRP £54 £45 On sale in w/c 18th June

David Ryan Robinson map of London RRP £120 £100 On sale in w/c 11th June

Hario Silver Drip Kettle

RRP £52.50 £44.50 On sale in w/c 11th June


Contributors Writers

To all of the wonderful contributors that have helped to make Heart Home possible, we thank you...

Ellie

Vanessa

Walker-Arnott

Leigh-Anders

Victoria Dockrell

Photographers

Emma Lewis

Oliver Gordon

Andrew Boyd

Simon Eldon

Lauren

Helena del Rio

Kate Baxter

Mary Higgs

Columnists

Katie Treggiden

Rona Wheeldon

Bryan Knight


Sign up to our mailing list

Liggy Griffiths

Chedva

Michaela

Kleinhandler

Mildenhall

Kelly Lavender

Shane Holland

Hannah Ricci

Stylist

James Balston

Paul Craig

Richard

Avishai Finkelstein

Elkie Brown

Clatworthy

Designers

Eunice Yeo

Roberto Banfi

Staff

Tomasz Staszak

Ally Mumm


Contents Homes

Features

32 The French Connection – A Parisienne’s tips for chic rental living

12 Summer Wedding Loving – Thrifty but stylish tips for a garden wedding

56 Beach Life – A cool seaside second home full of vintage children’s furniture

74 Flower Power – A glimpse into the life of textile designer Clarissa Hulse

86 The Good Life – A stunning 17th century home full of homespun charm 100 Oliver’s House – A character filled family home in London 112 Nurtured By Nature – An interior designer’s colourful country cottage home 126 Colourful Synergy – An artist’s jewel box home in Tel Aviv

8

82 Bake, Style, Pretty – Tips for creating the perfect dessert table 66 Young Designer – James Ward


Restored antique & vintage furniture and decorative home accessories. Visit www.westegg.co.uk » Tel 0207 060 2975 Email info@westegg.co.uk

Home and Away 136 Berlin – A stylist’s guide 132 Beside the Seaside – Bucket and spade holidays within our own shores

Interviews 68 Video interview with Anna Hansen of The Modern Pantry 29 Maryam Montague talks about her new book Marrakesh by Design


Shopping 47 Fashion – Summer looks to turn up the heat 24 Skandi Skool for Kids – Stylish Scandinavian inspired looks for the little ones 43 Put the Glamp into Camping – Tips for stylish camping holidays

Regular features 21 Stop press – A last minute roundup of design news 140 The Great Date Guide – Miss Mary’s suggestions for sporty summer dates 110 Popartrockgirlyeah! – Investigates Bauhaus style. 99 Flowerona – Looks at the latest floral finds for your home 96 Aspiring Kennedy – A light hearted look at life by an American in London 124 Heart Home Diary – What to see this summer

42 Deck it Out – Our top picks for that oh, so English deckchair 142 Hidden Gems – Seed in Somerset



Summer Wedding Loving

Weddings don’t necessarily have to be about swanky venues and bank breaking budgets; especially in the summer months. With a little imagination and some extra preparation, the back garden might just be the perfect place.

Photographer Richard Clatworthy

Stylist Elkie Brown


Dazzle your guests with a bright fun wedding. Be thrifty and playful to create a relaxed day full of quirky surprises. Make flags as table numbers that can be placed into the flower arrangement. They can be made out of fabric, felt or card.

Mis-match brightly coloured prints. Make napkins out of three or four different fabrics to add colour and texture to the table setting. For cocktail hour serve gin and homemade lemonade in jam jars from buckets full of ice. Use retro paper straws and decorate the jars with ribbon.

13


Heart Style

If you have green fingers (or a family member or friend who does) why not grow your own flowers for the wedding. Flowers like Sweet Peas are fairly easy to grow but expensive to buy, just see what is in season.

Stockists

Paint tin cans in matching or contrasting colours as an alternative to glass vases.

14

You can also wrap in fabric, wrapping paper or wallpaper.


Mini flags can be made out of origami paper and skewers left on tables or placed in drinks as stirrers, you can leave fun messages on them.

Coloured glassware will create a fun but elegant feel. You can hire coloured glassware in an array of colours.

Wedding Tips

To stop fresh flower waste,

organise someone to make up bouquets You can resell anything you buy on

of flowers to give to guests as they

eBay or local neighbourhood websites...

leave, alternatively donate to a local

lanterns, tea light holders, bunting‌

hospice or nursing home.

somebody is always getting married!

church design them in a way that they

Car boot sales, charity shops and

If you are having flowers at the

Freecycle are great places to pick up

can be transported and used again at

props for your wedding.

the reception.

15


Heart Style

Create an elegant rustic wedding by keeping it simple but beautiful. Choose natural materials, scent with fresh plants and herbs and light with twinkly candles.

Sage martinis served in vintage cocktail glasses with antique lace bows will welcome your guests and set the scene.

A simple piece of lace wrapped around a linen napkin, a sprig of rosemary and a brown luggage label makes a beautiful name place. WHSmith have the best luggage labels I have found and Cox & Cox do great rubber stamps.

16


Large and small white paper lanterns clustered together make a beautiful focal point. They are great to fill spaces with high ceilings. If you can, get then wired up so in the evening they glow. Try Ikea and online paper lantern stores.

Camelot stick back chair in mahogany from ÂŁ3.50 each Trestle table from ÂŁ10.95 each Both from Rayners Catering Equipment Hire 020 8870 6000

17


An alternative to fresh cut flowers is to use potted plants such as lavender and rosemary. Plant in large metal trugs for a rustic feel.

Wedding inspiration stylemepretty.com greenweddingshoes.com postcardsandpretties.blogspot.co.uk marthastewartweddings.com snippetandink.com florenceblue.com weddingtwitter.com pinterest.com elkiebrown.com


Dot a mixture of glass and mercerised tea lights together for a beautiful twinkle along the table. Break up with simple church candles in elegant hurricane vases.

Make

inexpensive tea light holders using tumblers from Ikea. Leave as they are or using double sided tape wrap ribbon or lace around the rim. They create a beautiful light.

Table seating plans don’t need to be boring or complicated. Use them visually as a way of introducing your guests to the look of your reception. Luggage labels have been used here and then again on the place settings.

Wedding supplies notonthehighstreet.com/weddings ikea.com seamstar.co.uk dzd.co.uk easyfloristsupplies.co.uk click4warehouse.co.uk partypacks.co.uk coxandcox.co.uk prettyvintage.co.uk rayners.co.uk

19


01425 626147 info@biancalorenne.co.uk www.biancalorenne.co.uk


Stop press

The Perfectly Imperfect Home Perfectly Imperfect Home, from founder of domino and editor of the Wall Street Journal magazine Deborah Needleman, is a must-have guide to choosing furnishings that will help create a relaxed, comfortable and stylish home.

New Products from Fenella Smith Fenella Smith is launching new

Mini Moderns launches Backgammon collection

pieces to her increasingly popular

Another fabulous collection from the

Animal Collection at Pulse in June;

founders of mini moderns, Keith and Mark.

and they are very cute indeed!

The Backgammon collection derives from

Available to buy online.

their obsession from an early age with the glamorous connotations of Backgammon, as well as its

Craft Club at ‘In with the Old’

graphic geometry. Backgammon

In With The Old at 57 Amwell Street (near

4 colourways. Also available

Angel) has started a fun craft club. Since the club is aimed at becoming a fun social event, drinks and snacks will also be provided. All sessions run from 7pm to 9pm Monday and Wednesday evenings every other week. A full list of classes is available on their website.

is available as a wallpaper in as cushions and a porcelain collection.


affordable contemporary art & design from the best british based artists & designer-makers

n

op

sh

clic o ur

ew

t isi

ere to v kh

o n li n e

paintings | ceramics | sculpture | textiles | lighting | furniture www.cavalierofinn.com


Summer lovin’

Heart Shopping

Arianna’s wish list

Black Band Straw Trilby, £15.00, ASOS

Designers Guild Uppsala Teal Rug, £850, Amara

Balfazar Cushion, £29.99, Zara Home Diagonal Stripe iPhone 4 Case, $40, Kate Spade J Brand Denim skinny jeans, £225, Net-APorter

Beige Falabella Shaggy Deer Clutch, Stella McCartney, £495, Liberty

Missoni crochet-knit bandeau bikini, £225, Net-A-Porter

Tolix Classic French Cafe Chair, £190, Graham & Green

Fontana Covered Box, £88, Jonathan Adler

23


Heart Shopping

skandi skandi skool skool f By Carole King

Who says only the grown ups can have cool, clean, chic design? Take a lesson from the Scandi school of thought and give the kids bright decorations and accessories that will stand the test of time and might even be with them forever.

Hedgehog baby bedlinen from Skandivis. £46 Bedtime stories guaranteed.

Birdy garden mugs from DotComGiftShop £4.95

24

Bird on a Wire wipeable blind from Bodie and Fou. £64.99


for for kids kids Oslo flowers lampshade. Retro style from HunkyDoryHome £34

A modern twist on the classic doll's house from Ferm Living, available from MyHaus. £129

Practical storage that won’t offend the eye. Sold as a set of three from Nordic House. £39.95 From Danish design house Superliving these five beautiful hand painted wooden birds nest together to make the Bird Family. £29.99 from HunkyDoryHome.

Dutch boy stool £29 from 4-Living. Stronger than it looks and very adaptable. Is it a chair, a stool or a table?

‘How it Works’ wallpaper from PaperBoy. £60 for a 10 metre roll. Cute and educational!

25


Heart Shopping

skandi skandi skool skool f Patriotic but oh, so cosy. Knitted lambswool London soldier cushion from Folly Home. £39.95

This oak Bambi style lamp will add a mystical feel to any kids bedroom. £59.95 MyHaus.

Geo’s desk and Lilly’s chair. Made in Denmark from sustainable bamboo. £200 and £120 from e-side.

Our Little Monster framed print. 50 x 70cms and available in 3 colours from Koko Kids. £29

26

Pricey but surely a future family heirloom? Rocking sheep made from real sheepskin from Story North. £345

Melamine rabbits plate from the ‘Animal Inside Out’ collection at the Natural History Museum. £6



Summer lovin’ Carole’s wish list Antik Batik Woven Leather Belt, £90, Net-a-Porter

Pink Paisley Liberty Print Trilby, £68, Liberty

Aderyn Deep V Neck Dress, £169, Reiss

Esther Patterson Glass Pendants, £288, Cavaliero Finn

Paisley Crescent Wallpaper Tangerine Dream, £45, Mini Moderns

Blue Urn Cushion, £54, PreyUK Rose Three Tier Cake Stand, £44.95, Not on the High Street

Grand Cafe Margot Clock, £195, Graham and Green

Chunky Turquoise Teardrop Necklace, £30, Pasttimes

Gigi Statement Chain Sandels, £110, Reiss


Heart Interviews

Marrakesh By Design By Arianna Trapani

Maryam Montague is a writer, photographer, designer, human rights specialist & owner of boutique guesthouse, Peacock Pavilions. She is also the author of her award wining blog, My Marrakesh. Here she talks to Heart Home about her first design book ‘Marrakesh by Design’ and her love affair with this captivating city.


Maryam

Montague

first

moved

to

to buy them, no matter where you are’.

Marrakesh 6 years ago and has never looked

When asked what has been her favourite

back. When asked what made her fall in love

part of putting the book together, she

with Marrakesh, she simply responds ‘Its

said ‘I really loved spending time with the

gorgeous madness. It’s a place that is literally

homeowners whose houses are included in

a whirlwind of colour, sound, and taste, with

my book. Many people who choose to live

a snake charmer or two thrown in there for

in Marrakesh are a pretty creative bunch. I

good measure’.

adored seeing their collections and hearing

It is for this very reason that Maryam

their stories’.

decided to start her popular blog, My

So what is it that fascinates her so much

Marrakesh; to chronicle her life in the city

about Moroccan design? ‘I love that Morocco

and express her fascination with Moroccan

has such an iconic design culture with

culture and design. ‘I began to get more

features that are so instantly recognisable’.

and more readers on my blog and then was

If one has to describe Maryam’s style it

contacted by Artisan Books to write a book

would have to be modern global glamour. ‘I

to discuss the beauty of Moroccan design in

love things that are made by hand, unique

a more comprehensive way’.

and worldly. I also adore things that are

Maryam

describes

her

first

book,

intriguing and curious like talismans and

‘Marrakesh by Design’ as a love letter to

African games. Beauty with a strange past is

Moroccan design. ‘In the book I talk about

my favourite combination’.

the ABCs of Moroccan design: Moroccan

So where do Maryam’s inspirations come

architecture, decorative features, colour and

from? ‘Simply from wandering the souks of

pattern. In the second section I discuss how

Marrakesh’.

to add Moroccan flair to every room in the house. In the last section I talk about all the very best Moroccan things to buy and where

Read the full interview on the Heart Home blog »


“Beauty with a strange past is my favourite combination”

- Grace Bonney

Marrakesh by Design is currently available to buy on Amazon. moroccanmaryam.typepad.com Photography Excerpted from Marrakesh by Design by Maryam Montague (Artisan Books) © 2012

31


Heart Homes

The

French

Connection Parisienne blogger Carole Poirot is the author of the blog Mademoiselle Poirot. As we take a look around her chic and feminine Forest Hill flat, we discover that her beautiful home is just like her wistful and stylish blog , très jolie!

Photographer Andrew Boyd Writer Michaela Mildenhall

32


The oil painting above the desk is one of Carole’s own.



“I like the way it overlooks parts of London … and it’s nice and green”

U

pon glancing around the rented flat that Carole shares with her teenage son, you witness the evidence of

a creative mind at work everywhere you look.There are many of Carole’s lovely paintings on the walls. Carole prefers to work with oil on canvas, but has recently been experimenting with watercolour due to the lack of space. She has also made lots of cushions for the flat herself, and had a go at some curtains too.

The flat itself is not architecturally

unusual, although its location is. Situated above several garages, the flat looks out over leafy Forest Hill and you can watch the squirrels playing about in the trees. The nature continues inside as Carole is a lover of plants, and their presence in her home brings a lovely freshness to the flat. Carole has nicknamed the space “The Penthouse”, and it affords a little nook of quiet in the centre of London. Carole explains why she originally chose the flat;

“I like the way it overlooks parts of

London, it’s up on a hill. It’s quiet up here; there’s just nobody around unless you live up here…and it’s nice and green!”


Heart Homes

The Penthouse is open plan, but Carole

has skilfully managed to separate the rooms, and has cleverly used furniture that doubles up as storage.

Carole has sourced the finds in her

home from a varied range of places; she says she gets her inspiration “from absolutely everywhere and anywhere”, and goes on to say, “I’ve got pieces inherited from grandparents, my desk and table are from eBay, the dresser is from La Redoute - it took months to get it here from France!” Carole also picks up the odd item from flea markets, and describes her signature style as “eclectic”, whilst stating that she is “definitely not minimalist”.

36

“The one thing I would say is to make sure you get on with your landlord”


37


Heart Homes

“The Penthouse” may well be rented but

and that is how you gain their trust and are

Carole has very much made the space her

able to paint walls and things like that.”

own - it feels like a home. This is something

that she feels strongly about; attitudes to

Poirot is a wonderful snapshot of her chic

renting are very different in the UK to on

life in London, but she does admit that one

the continent. In France, for example, it is

day, probably when her son is a bit older,

still very important to invest in your home

she might consider moving back to France,

whether you actually own it or not.

“..but not necessarily Paris”. Let’s hope

Carole’s lifestyle blog, Mademoiselle

In fact Carole has recently blogged

that if Carole does move back to her native

about this; kindly giving us tips on how to

France that she keeps on blogging, although

make a rented home feel like your own. She

this time about her stylish life across the

tells Heart Home, “the one thing I would

Channel!

say is to make sure you get on with your landlord…show them that you are treating the property as your home…with respect,

38

www.mademoisellepoirot.com



Heart Homes

40


Style steal

Heart Shopping

Get the look from Carole’s home Herb Pot

Chunky Hand Knit

Stylish Life

White Company

Trio, £34.99,

Throws, £400, The

Antique Venetian Dressing

Table Mirror, £169, Ivory Pearl Interiors

Lisbeth Dahl Square Gemstone Charm

Perfume Bottle,

£12.99,

Handmade Portugese Glass

Decanter,

£44,

Jasmine Way

Mollie &

Oriental Floral Cushion,

Fred

£30, Digitex Home

Wrought Iron Day bed,

£355, Lavender and Sage

Paris In The Pink Eiffel Tower,

£55, Ghost Furniture

Rustic Industrial Style Cabinet, £565, Out There Interiors


Deck It Out! Blue & White Stripe Deckchair The Conran Shop £59 Bird on Egg Deckchair Thornback & Peel £125.00

Sheila Bownas Double Deckchair Pedlars £495

Come Summer and us Brits like nothing more than lounging around on our deckchairs. Here is a selection of our favourite picks…

The Seabird Deckchair The Seaside Company £70

Vintage French Deckchair Bubbledrum £48 Maui Lizzie Deckchair Sling Habitat £10

42

Pigeon & Jelly Deckchair Rume £125

Union Jack Deckchair Next £30


Put the Glamp into Camping

Heart Shopping

A Stylist’s guide to camping by Vanessa Leigh-Anders A-Z Paper Plates, Graham and Green, £12

Melamine Bowl, Pedlars, £8.85

Enjoying the great outdoors can be more glamorous than a two man tent and a roll mat. It might take a bit more effort and a fairly long checklist but it’s worth it when you get together with a group of friends and create a cool and fun camp. Enamel Mug, John Lewis, £6

Melamine Cups, Pedlars, £4,

Kissing Horses OilCloth, Anorak, £55 (for 2 metres) If you can’t live without your cup of tea in the morning don’t forget your kettle and enamel mugs to give you that outdoor feeling.

Folklore Enamel Teapot, Liberty, £14.95

43


Put the Glamp into Camping

Fire Bowl, Toast, £99

BBQ’s are a huge part of camping fun - choose a portable BBQ that doubles as a fire pit for after hours sitting round the campfire - don’t forget the marshmallows..

Storm Lantern, Toast, £29 Petal Dome Tent, Cath Kidston, £85, Send some sky lanterns into the night sky to finish off the perfect glamping day....

44

Smokey Joe Weber BBQ, John Lewis, £59.99


Heart Shopping

Punk Bunting, Ruby Shoes Rocks, £19.50 (for 3 metres)

Marshmallows, Harvey Nichols, £3.95

Cable Knit Blanket, John Lewis, £80

It’s the small things that count - get creative with decorating your camp. It's amazing how a table cloth, some bunting and flowers will transform your camp to glamp ! Hang battery

Kissing Stags Sleeping Bag, Anorak, £59

powered fairy lights from tent to tent to give a magical feel - the kids will love it !

There is no reason why camping

Knot Garden cushion by Melin Tregwynt, SCP, £51

should be uncomfortable and hard work. You can create a comfortable homely feel both inside your tent and in your camp. Invest in some self inflating mattresses and fun sleeping bags, especially the ones that can still be zipped together to create a double bag and take your blanket from home to get that extra cosy feel - camping is no fun unless you get some sleep!!

45


Put the Glamp into Camping Don’t forget to have some fun!

Sky Lantern, Graham and Green, £14.95 (pack of 5)

Stomp Rocket, Skyhighkites, £11.99

Washing up can also be glamorous with a huge selection Trugs stack easily inside one

of tea towels to choose from.

Classic Diamond Rainbow Kite, Skyhighkites, £7.99

another which can then be packed with other things for easy packing in the car and can double up as washing up bowls and ice buckets for drinks - Love them.

Coloured Trug, Rainbow Trugs, 15L £3.30, 25L Shallow £6.99 and 45L £5.90 Give Me Sunshine Tea Towel by Pintuck, To Dry For, £9.95 Pick up a camping book for inspiration or there are some great websites to entice you to visit some fantastic campsites Coolcamping.co.uk is a good place to start. Visit Jamie Oliver's website for great summer recipes for camping too.

jamieoliver.com/recipes theyurtfarm.co.uk featherdown.co.uk

The Camping Cookbook by Annie Bell, Oliver Bonas, £12.99, Glamping Getaways, Cool Camping, £14.95


FASHION Summer Lovin’ Helena del Rio turns up the heat with her favourite summer looks


FASHION Jonny D ruched bandeau bikini top by Norma Kamali, £170, Net-a-Porter

Faux patent-leather and cork sandals by Stella McCartney, £225, Net-a-Porter

Kimono, £14.99, H&M

48


Beach Glam Handmade Acetate Cateye Sunglasses, $150, Cole Haan

Rosebud Salve, $6, Sephora

Kindle Touch, £109, Amazon

Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream, £unknown, La RochePosay Katie Basket, £30, Le Papillon Vert

49


FASHION Lizard-trimmed cat eye acetate sunglasses by Linda Farrow Luxe, £345, Net-a-Porter

Diem Tie Front, Medieval Blue, $184, Equipment

Jack Purcell Helen sneakers by Converse, £70, Neta-Porter

50

Paris cropped mid-rise straightleg jeans by Mih Jeans, £145, Net-aPorter


Hit the city pavement Bahari Necklace, £85, Stella & Dot

Bobble BPA-Free 550 ml Water Bottle, Blue, £7.99, Amazon

Michael Kors Jet Set Logo Medium Travel Tote, $278, Michael Kors

Nikon 1 J1 Compact System Camera, £365.90, Amazon

Mikas Pond Lacey, $178, Kate Spade

51


FASHION Organic cotton tank by Chinti and Parker, £45, Net-a-Porter

Cropped ikat-print silk-blend pants by Michael Kors, £195, Net-aPorter

Native Envelope Clutch, £30, TopShop

52


Marrakech Dunes, Vintage Chic Pentax Asahi K1000, $299, eBay

14-karat gold-vermeil teardrop earrings by Chan Lui, £115, Net-a-Porter

Eye Kohl, £14, Mac Cosmetics

Nikomachi Sandals, £114, Boutique1

Flower Cocktail Ring by Oscar de la Renta, £118, Boutique1

53


FASHION Mini Gracie pleated leather shoulder bag by Anya Hindmarch, £395, Net-aPorter Zoe Karssen Paris Can Wait Tee, £55, Asos Original Tall Hunter wellington, £79, Hunter

Denim Shorts, £7.49, H&M

54


Rock it, it’s festival season!

House of Harlow 1960 Leather Station Necklace, £51.93, Nordstrom

Batiste Dry Shampoo Floral & Flirty Blush 400ml, £4.99, Boots

Tangle Teezer Professional Detangling Brush, £10, Asos

55


Heart Homes

Beach Life

Photographer Simon Eldon Writer Kelly Lavender

A shabby cottage near a sandy beach went from a weekend bolthole to a successful holiday let for one business-minded couple. 56


57



“There is quite a lot of vintage furniture in the house”

A

family

trip

to

Camber

Sands

turned out to be about much more than just building sand castles

for Rebecca and Mark Partridge and their Over the past 18 months Rebecca has

three young boys, as they instantly fell in

love with the area and decided to put down

been working hard to make the 1930s coastal

roots. However, it was Mark who saw the

cottage welcoming and comfortable for

business potential in the property that they

anyone wishing to rent it, a mission that has

found to buy, just a stone’s throw from the

been aided by her other business venture

beach, and he convinced Rebecca that they

back home in Brighton. Along with business

should let it out as a holiday home.

partner Jess Bird, Rebecca runs Nest, a

company specialising in vintage children’s

Rebecca says: “We bought the property

about a year and a half ago after falling in

furniture.

love with the area. I persuaded Mark to

buy it, but he said it had to be as a business

throughout the Camber Sands property,

investment rather than entirely as our

as Rebecca who is mum to 11-year-old

second home. We make the most of our time

Tom, six-year-old Charlie and four-year-

here when it’s not being let, but it’s proving

old Rufus, explains: “There is quite a lot of

popular with families as a great place to

vintage furniture in the house. When I’m

stay at weekends, during the summer and

out sourcing new products it’s one for me,

at Christmas.”

one for the house and one for the business.”

Her love for all things vintage is apparent



“When I’m out sourcing new products it’s one for me, one for the house and one for the business”

61


Heart Homes

Now

called

Sandways,

the

cottage

Rebecca and Mark restored the entire

comfortably sleeps up to 11 people, with

property, re-wiring, re-plumbing and re-

three

children’s

cladding along the way. “The en-suite

bedroom with bunk beds and a further sofa

bathroom was just like a little folly, it wasn’t

bed in the living room. Outside there is a

even built-in, just the framework was there,”

large decking area and a fabulous garden,

remembers Rebecca.

complete with donkeys braying in the field

that backs on to it. The clean white space is

is the perfect base for families looking to

practical yet homely and a far cry from how

make the most of what Camber Sands and

Rebecca remembers it when they bought it.

its mile after mile of sandy beach has to

She says: “It was revolting. I just remember

offer.

it all being brown, with UPVC windows and

just absolutely tasteless.

spending time here as a family,” concludes

“We used to come here every weekend

Rebecca. “We can invite friends to stay now,

to work on it. I thought Mark would never

whereas at first no-one wanted to come

want to come and stay again and that he’d

because we’d give them a job to do!”

double

bedrooms,

a

hate it forever but he loves it now.”

62

With the hard work complete, Sandways

“When it’s not being let out we just love


63


Heart Homes

“When it’s not being let out we just love spending time here as a family”

64

Rent the house www.cambersandscottage.co.uk Rebecca’s vintage shop www.kidsnest.co.uk


Style steal

Heart Shopping

Get the look from Rebecca’s home

Classic Couffin French Market

Basket set, £56,

Le Klint 172 Pendant Light,

Basket Basket

£246, Cloudberry Living

Framed Original Bus Destination Blinds, £175, Unlimited Editions

6 Mini School

Roberts Vintage Digital Radio,

Milk Bottles

£120, Cotswold Trading

In Metal

Crate, £9.95, DotComGiftShop

Young Hunter Yellow Wellington Boots, £26.99,

Vintage

Wellie Boots

Mirrors,

£135, The Dormy House

Beer Hall Table & Benches, £275, The Old Cinema

Vintage French School

Chair, £68,

Bubbledrum


Heart Columns

Animal Magic Like many artists, James Ward of JimBobArt finds business a tough challenge but you wouldn’t know it from his inspiring success story.

C

urious creatures inhabit the fascinating

James. “I was also recently involved in an

world of illustrator James Ward. There’s

exhibition curated by EtsyUK for Clerkenwell

Viv the badger with a penchant for

Design Week, which had me drawing large

Victoria sponge cake and party bags; feline

scale drawings on tiles and in a bathtub.”

beauty Kat who, while shy, loves to boogie

and dreams of becoming a respected author;

gearing up to sell wholesale and take part in

and Ralph the ram, a political puppeteer who

the larger trade shows such as Pulse at Earls

is set on taking his act to the West End. These

Court in June. He highlights press exposure a

characters and many others are created by

valuable helping hand to raise his public profile.

32-year-old James at his studio in Angel, north

“I think the hardest thing for a small business is

London, which he sells as art prints and hand-

increasing your visibility. There is so much great

drawn ceramic plates and espresso cups.

work and competition for design-led gifts.”

“I’ve always drawn animals. I enjoy

Throughout the past year, James has been

James shares a hurdle faced by many

creating an emotional connection with their

creatives: finding the time and acumen to

expressions or with text,” explains James,

profit from his passion. “The balance is very

who graduated in illustration at Westminster

difficult. I want to spend every day drawing

University in 2008 in need of a plan of action.

new products but I have to be focused and

“Illustration can be a difficult industry to get

try to concentrate on all parts of business,”

into so I wanted to supplement my income

explains James. “I took a business course run

by selling in markets and local shops. I had

by former Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Doug

to find a product and after being inspired by

Richards which has been really useful and I

natural history surface design on a trip to

now employ an assistant two days a week

Sweden, I decided to start with plates.”

which is a huge help.”

Hard work and perseverance has seen

Whatever James is doing, he is clearly

James’ grow his passion into a successful

doing it right and is firmly on track to achieve

business

with

his goal. “I would love to just continue what I

profile

am doing but free up more and more time to

in

international

the

past

stockists

12

months

and

high

commissions, including a recent T-shirt

produce new work.”

illustration for apparel brand Lacoste.

“It was a great project because I was given

a lot of control on the final piece,” explains

jimbobart.com etsy.com/shop/jimbobart


Writer Hannah Ricci

Portrait photograph Zack Mclaughlin

“I’ve always drawn animals. I enjoy creating an emotional connection with their expressions or with text”

67


Heart Interviews

68

By Shane Holland


Anna Hansen opened The Modern Pantry in 2008 to show us all how to use ingredients to their fullest. Chair of Slow Food London, Shane Holland, tells us more...

“My grandmother was excellent at adapting dishes and recreating them with other ingredients �

69


Heart Interviews

Play video

Watch the video interview in partnership with Crane.tv

Anna Hansen set out to write a book called

Zealand, a mixing of cuisine has been with

the “The Modern Pantry” after she left

her from birth. Taking everyday ingredients

Providores, a restaurant she had opened with

you’d find in your home pantry and paring

Peter Gordon a fellow New Zealander whom

them with the new global offerings available

she had previously worked with in Mayfair’s

in virtually every supermarket, she creates a

Green Street Club. The book came, but not

modern eclectic cuisine which is both deeply

before Anna opened one of London’s most

familiar yet surprising new at the same time.

chic and playful restaurants in Clerkenwell

in 2008.

in 2011, and includes home versions of all

the signature dishes such as the Sugar Cured

Born in Canada, to a Danish mother and

Canadian father, but brought up in New

70

The book “Modern Pantry” was published

Prawn Omelette and Matchta Tea Scones.


“You can go to a supermarket and buy anything ... I try to show people that you can use these kind of ingredients�

71


Summer lovin’ Daniel’s wish list

Stelle Polaris decanter, £64, I Like It Here boutique

Cake stand (small), £25.19, SCP

Kensal Rising by Old Town cushion cover, £32, St Judes

2012 cushion by Michelle Mason, £49, Lifestylebazaar Nicoll High Back chair, £350, Habitat

Bobby floor lamp, £60, Habitat

Tea Towel English Dinner Red by Victoria Egg, £9, Moska

Braque cushion cover, £69, The Conran Shop Vessel Light by Decode, £228, mydeco

Blinder armchair, £795, The Sleep Room



Heart Features

Flower power

74


Photographer James Balston Writer Ellie Walker-Arnott

Clarissa Hulse is well known for her lively and vibrant botanical designs. The exciting prints, which capture the colours and shapes of the natural world, can now be found in hundreds of department stores and exclusive boutiques across the globe.

75


We meet Clarissa in pretty North London

design bed linen.

at her studio. The building was once home

Although her career really began in fashion, she

to the chauffeurs who worked in Islington’s

says: ‘I felt happy with the move into interiors

grand houses, but it now it

because in fashion everything is very fickle.

serves

People are much more conscious of what is “in”

as

Clarissa’s

and what is “out”. With homeware people just

studio, and will soon

buy what they really love.’

be converted into

When coming up with the ideas for her

her family home,

designs she sometimes starts with sketches.

too.

‘I

‘A lot of my designs originally

started

start

my business in

from

or

1994 completely

photography

plants

that

I’ve

gathered from trips

by accident!’ says

to the countryside

Clarissa. ‘I was hand

though,’

printing scarves and I

says

got an order from Liberty

Clarissa. ‘Some

and then Barney’s in

p h o to g r a p h s

New

I take in situ,

York

saw

my

scarves in Liberty - then

but

I had an order from

plants

Neiman

take

Marcus

and

and

before I knew it I had

home press.

I

a picture of an

ears. All of a sudden I had

amazing sunset or

to employ people and get a

beautiful flower for

bigger studio. I had a business

colour and inspiration.’

before I knew what I was doing!’

‘For the next fabric and

Clarissa’s business was a challenge

to begin with. ‘We had a lot of ups and

I’ll

also might take

orders coming out of my

other

wallpaper

collection

I’m

doing

I’ve

downs,’ she says. Now though, she employs

actually done a lot of research online, which

3 full time and 3 part time staff to help her

I’ve never done before,’ says Clarissa. ‘It’s a

manage the ever-increasing work load.

very different way of working. On the one hand

In 2002 she expanded and launched her

it’s very frustrating because you’re sat at a

first cushion collection. She quickly sold the

computer and it doesn’t affect you in the same

collection to Heals, The Conran Shop, Liberty

way that being out there experiencing nature

and Selfridges. ‘I just knew I was really on to

does, but at the same time the enormous breadth

something!’ she says. After that the business

of what you can find is just mind blowing. I

grew into lampshades, wallpapers and fabric,

think it’s good to change the way you work and

before she was asked by House of Fraser to

challenge yourself every now and again.’


“I still feel like really I’m an artist”

Clarissa and Business Manager Sue Davenport (left)


She also finds inspiration in the area

visiting Clarissa we popped into nearby

around her. When she is in need of a little

Thomas Kleibrink, where Clarissa bought

natural inspiration, Highbury Fields, with

a cute vintage cup and saucer and Annie’s

its vast expanse of green grass, is a must-

Vintage Costume and Textiles where we

visit. As is Angel’s Camden Passage, bursting

couldn’t help but try on some hats – we

with quirky shops and cafes. It’s a little

also stumbled upon a newly opened shop,

haven of creativity – and only a short walk

Folklore, which Clarissa loved. ‘What I love

away from Clarissa’s studio.

about London is that you come across new

things all the time!’ she says. Clarissa also

A favourite haunt of hers is The Elk

in the Woods, a cafe and restaurant with

showed us another of her favourite places,

impeccably designed, wonderfully eccentric

the Little Angel Theatre - a puppet theatre

interiors. After seeing the plush fabrics

for children which showcases amazing

and bold prints for ourselves its clear why

puppets and props.

it’s one of Clarissa’s favourites! While A few moments of relaxation at Elk-in-the-woods


“What I love about London is that you come across new things all the time�

Clockwise from top left 'Little Angel Theatre' 'Thomas Kleibrink' 'Camden Passage'


Heart Features

Before we left we asked Clarissa what

she hoped to achieve next. ‘Life is totally nuts at the moment - I feel like I’m spinning hundreds of plates!’ says Clarissa. ‘But I’ve got a great nanny and a great team and because this is my own business there is a lot of flexibility. Travel is the one thing I really miss since having children. I used

Annie's Vintage Costumes and Textiles

“I felt happy with the move into interiors because in fashion everything is very fickle”

to go to India all the time. Now they are getting older though I hope I’ll be able to

clarissahulse.com

start travelling again.’

the-elk-in-the-woods.co.uk

anniesvintageclothing.co.uk

‘I still feel like really I’m an artist. I

want to work with new techniques and new

littleangeltheatre.com

fabrics and I’d like to do more arty projects.

shopfolklore.com

Most of all though I do miss doing scarves

Thomas Kleibrink 07710 770214

and I’ll definitely go back to that.’

80


New shop Folklore

Win

Enter now


Heart Styling

Bake Style Pretty Photography & Words Eunice Yeo

82


Dessert tables are all the rage these days; they add the wow factor to any party. Contrary to what many may think, a simple dessert table really isn’t that difficult to set up. Here Eunice Yeo shows us how it is done in a few simple steps.

83


Heart Styling

1. Plan ahead

Know how many people you are catering for

vintage and other interesting accessories

and estimate the total number of items you

from flea markets and thrift shops. A mix of

will need. A rule of thumb to use is about

styles work well together for a vintage look

2-3 items per person. Estimate the number

that is not too formal. Try to avoid too many

of stands and platters you will need and

clashing patterns or colours. Remember,

gather them in one place.

less is more!

2. Bake or Not

6. Decorate!

you could assemble a variety of baked

theme such as flowers, fruits in pretty vases

goods from your local bakery or get friends

or teacups and bowls. Objects like old books,

involved in making an item each!

lamps or boxes also add an interesting

For minimum effort and maximum results,

3. Work with a theme

Add decorative elements to play up your

dimension. You could add stationery like tags and labels to indicate what desserts

Style your dessert table around a theme. It

there are. Also consider hanging tissue

could be as simple as a colour palette like

pompoms, bunting, or other décor in line

yellow & green, or something more elaborate

with your theme.

such as ‘a vintage garden tea party’. This will help you decide what desserts and decorating colours to use like icing, as well as the colour and style of the plates and other props.

4. Include a variety of items

7. Add height and depth to your display

Remember to vary the height of the display using a variety of holders. Boxes and old books make fabulous raisers. You want to draw the eye’s attention to a focal point,

With your theme and colour palette in mind,

such as a beautiful cake or a cupcake tower,

decide what kind of desserts you would

which can be set in the middle at a higher

like to have. Cupcakes and macaroons are

point than the rest of the display.

easily customisable in terms of flavours and colours. A variety of items always add interest to your table.

5. Use interesting display plates and stands

Display platters and stands are just as

8. Add depth to your display

Think of your display in layers from front to back, with shallow platters placed near the front and taller stands & objects placed behind. Smaller props and flowers scattered around.

important in creating a visual impact. Collect www.carpenterandcook.com

84

heavenwildfleur.blogspot.co.uk



Heart Homes

The

Good Life Canadian expat and blogger Elisa Rathje takes us round her stunning 17th century home, and lets us into a few secrets about her handmade style and homespun living!

86

Photographer Paul Craig

Writer Michaela Mildenhall



Heart Homes

88


“Literally you had to be a knave to farm here. You couldn’t get your horse in – there’s a cliff rising up in the middle of the garden!”

T

here aren’t that many people that you can safely say make and restore most of the furniture and furnishings for their own homes,

but that is precisely what Canadian blogger Elisa Rathje does! The handmade chic of this inspiring writer is very much in keeping with the style of the historical property that Elisa shares with her husband and two young girls in West Sussex.

The 400 year old building was

originally a Wheelwright and has undergone a few transformations in that time - and for the Rathje family it was love at first sight! Elisa explains, “Originally we looked at another property; it would have been so easy to live in – it was very straightforward, nothing weird or unexpected, but in the end we couldn’t not go with this property (Knave’s Acre) – it was so unusual, and there’s so many stories”.

The property was originally one

building, but is now a semi-detached space, and was first named Knave’s Acre as, “literally you had to be a knave to farm here. You couldn’t get your horse in – there’s a cliff rising up in the middle of the garden!”


Heart Homes

“I’ve always learned what I need to learn to make an idea happen”

The layout of the property is very

already to Elisa’s taste, she explains, “..It

unique due to the nature of the origins

already “fitted” when we moved in. We

of the building. Unusually, there are four

didn’t own hardly any furniture…so there’s

levels in total! But Elisa has a very strong

this opportunity to get some great antiques

feeling of historical perspective, and she is

and pieces that we are interested in and fix

sympathetic to the period style of Knave’s

them up!”

Acre and the subsequent changes that the

building has been through.

The list is almost endless – pottery,quilting,

spinning,sewing,shirring,dressmaking,knittin

This is something which she tries

Elisa loves to learn traditional skills.

to convey in the way she decorates and

g,woodturning and preserving: “I’ve always

furnishes her home. The house is rented,

learned what I need to learn to make an idea

but Elisa has still managed to make the

happen. I’ve never focused on one particular

home feel uniquely hers, and the neutral

medium…and I love a lot of variety and

white walls and the worn beams were

change”.

90



Heart Homes

“We didn’t own hardly any furniture…so there’s this opportunity to get some great antiques and pieces that we are interested in and fix them up!”

92



Heart Homes

Obviously Elisa uses these skills to

“It already ‘fitted’ when we moved in”

pass on some knowledge about this wonderful

furnish her home, creating a wonderful

skill. The videos will also be beautiful because

backdrop to a creative and domestic life

everything Elisa uses for the skills are vintage.

filled with the aroma of home-baking; using

Her ironing board is wood; there is an old

organic ingredients of course. Not only that,

fashioned iron on it. Her sewing machine is

everything is shared with her readers on her

vintage. There doesn’t appear to be anything

blog Apple Turnover.

plastic in the house, although Elisa did say the

So passionate is Elisa about homemade, and

children had some Lego!

preserving traditional skills, that she is now in the process of making ‘how to’ kits for

appleturnover.tv

people who might like to do the same. She

www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

has even being talking with a Stonemason to

94


Style steal

Heart Shopping

Get the look from Elisa’s home Octagonal Pottery Dinner Plate, £15.95, Boutique Provencale

Daisy Mae Quilt, £100, Berry Red

Vintage Imperial Typewriter, £75, Bubbledrum

Vintage

Bobbin String & Scissor

Waxed

Holder,

Oak

£12.95,

Rattan

Homes and

Chair,

Dreams

£314,

Amelie Bedside Table, £119, Newtons Furniture

Sweatpea Vintage Style Cushions,

and Willow Linen Red Rose Curtain,

£39.95, Nordic House

Susie Watson Designs

Gabriela Louis XV Sofa,

£Bespoke, Oficina Inglesa


Aspiring Kennedy Diary of a Texan living in the UK

By Lauren Bryan Knight won’t make it to England summertime anytime soon, take heart, there is Pimms! Where there is sun in England, there will be Pimms by the gallon. Whether you are at Wimbledon, at a garden party, or a wedding cocktail

reception-

England

toasts

to

summer with this classic drink. Whenever it’s summer in Britain, it’s always Pimms O’Clock! Classic Pimms Cup 1 part Pimms 3 parts lemonade (or Sprite, if in the US) Ice Freshly cut orange slices & strawberries ICED TEA Growing up in Texas, we have a

A handful of fresh mint

certain opinion of how to make the perfect

Sliced cucumber pieces

cup of tea: unsweetened over ice in a large

Fill a carafe or jug about halfway full of ice.

tumbler with lemon wedge (porch swing

Add in your fruit, mint & cucumber.

optional). Iced tea is more than just a drink

Pour in 1 part Pimms and 3 parts lemonade.

back home, it’s a part of life. Upon arrival to

Stir, serve & pray for sunshine.

England, I was a bit dismayed to see that in this land of great tea culture, iced tea really isn’t acknowledged. I, eventually, chalked it up to a loss, but found myself enthused at the Oxford Cambridge boat race last year when I fell into a crowd of people meandering along the Thames drinking giant cups of iced tea. Glory be! The South has risen! Iced tea has come to England! However, upon my first drink I realized my mistake. This was not iced tea, this was… well, I didn’t know what it was. “Darling, haven’t you ever had Pimms?” my friend laughed. While iced tea probably

96


some consolation as the amazing talent of these young athletes reminds me that I have completely passed my physical peak.

SUMMER BARBECUES American Ex-

PAT Public Service Announcement, Please Read: Are you headed to a friend’s house for a “barbecue” this summer? In order to avoid confusion (and dare I say, “beginner’s disappointment”), here are something you might want to know before setting out for a day of sticky BBQ in the sunshine: there isn’t actually any barbecue. In British-

OLYMPICS It’s impossible to ignore

that the 2012 Olympics are approaching! The weather is warming up, stores in London are

stocked

with

trinkets,

restaurants

are starting to advertise Olympic-themed food like “Olympic Onion Rings”, and longforgotten friends are appearing at recordbreaking frequency in hopes of qualifying to earn a spot in your guest room. The chance to watch some of these events in person offers me the chance of a lifetime… and, hopefully,

English, “barbecue” refers to the grill used rather than the type of food. Instead of sticky ribs & hotlinks, envision grilled burgers. In fact, just switch out the term “barbecue” completely for the American term “cook out.” Beyond that small-buttotally-befuddling factor, you are in for a treat. While you won’t find any brisket or hotlinks, you are going to discover a new realm of delicacies like meat-flavored crisps & Eton mess.

97


ENGLISH

COUNTRY

WALKS

To

fully experience the splendor of an English summer, you need to get out to the country. Until you’ve tromped through a field with fluffy sheep, watched the clouds suspend like clumps of wool over the hills, and felt like Elizabeth Bennet wandering to Netherfield, you really haven’t lived. Pack a lunch for the day out (or plan your route in the direction of a village pub) and head out the country for a rustic adventure. (Americans: This is an example of an appropriate time to wear your rainboots/wellies.) Not only will you be indulging yourself in one of Britain’s favorite pastimes, but you’ll experience England at it’s best.

starts to feel personal. It’s very one-sided relationship, too. Even though good weather constantly ignores this corner of the earth, Britain couldn’t love the sun more. When it sporadically appears, the day’s plans go out the window. Upon the sun’s arrival, the only thing anyone seems to care about is getting somewhere, immediately, that maximizes exposure to the golden skies. While most people find themselves lunching on patios or hauling out the grill, others satisfy the craving for Vitamin D a little different. And for these people, who appear dotted along grassy fields & public spaces missing key articles of clothing, we wish you the catnap in the sun you crave... and some aloe vera

SUNSHINE With all the talent sparking

within this tiny country, it’s a privilege to live in such a place. However, there’s one problem; it’s got the worst weather in the world. After working through about 8 months of grey skies & rain, the lack of sun almost

98

for the burn.


Heart Columns

2

Floral Finds for your Home By Rona Wheeldon

6

Rona Wheeldon is the writer behind the floral-inspired blog, Flowerona 1 Bluebellgray’s new Harebelle cushion features a perfect combination of blue hued florals in an abstract style. A great way to add a splash of colour to your sofa this summer. £70.00

2 With a cascading blossom

3

design in teal blue with metallic highlights, Giselle wallpaper from Harlequin would certainly add impact to a room. £42.00 per roll

3 Featuring bright blue

Morning Glory blooms is this 1/2 pint hand-decorated mug from Emma Bridgewater £19.95

4

4 With a dainty floral design,

this pretty Blue Rose Tableware collection from John Lewis draws inspiration from traditional cobalt porcelain decorations used back in the 9th century. £6.00-£25.00

5 This lavender diffuser

from Crabtree & Evelyn is

1

a lovely way to add such a quintessential English scent to

5

your home. £28.00

6 A beautiful Blue

Hydrangea Heart Wreath from Bloom — perfect for creating a country cottage feel outdoors on a patio in the summer, or indoors all year round. £35.00

99


Oliver’s House Turning a run-down Edwardian house into a character-filled family home was more than just a passing fancy for Hannah Gooch, as it led to her setting up an interior design business of her own.

Photographer Oliver Gordon Writer Kelly Lavender


101


Heart Homes

W

hen Hannah and Richard Gooch moved in to their

three bedroom Edwardian home south east London, finding any original style features seemed like an impossible feat, but Hannah was determined to restore the house to its former glory. The Gooch’s bought the property seven years ago and Hannah still recalls what it was like when they first moved in. “It had louvered windows which let in the draught and an old gas boiler,” says Hannah. “There was so much paint on the woodwork and plaster work that you couldn’t see the detail so we stripped it all back to its original state.”

With a helping hand from

Richard’s carpenter dad, the couple set about restoring the property to its former glory, stripping the walls and floors, installing alcove cupboards, placing Victorian fireplaces in each room and replacing all the windows with wooden sash glazing.

102




“We gutted the whole house,” says

Hannah. “We put a working fireplace in the living room so we can enjoy open fires and put architraves on the windows to replicate what would have been there originally.”

With its muted colour scheme and

original features, the house is now a far cry from the draughty shell the Gooch’s first moved into. But it is Hannah’s eclectic style and passion for hunting down individual pieces that really makes this house a home for the couple and their two-and-a-half year old son Oliver. Hannah says: “I like to find elements that are unique and accessories that are a little bit different, although I am much more like this now than when we originally furnished the house so if I was doing it all over again it would probably be quite different.

Originally two rooms, the kitchen

diner was the last piece of the puzzle for the Gooch’s, as they knocked two rooms into one and opted for large glass doors that overlook the garden. Hannah says: “This is my favourite spot of the whole house. We can enjoy the views of the garden whatever the weather and in the summer Oliver can run in and out to his heart’s content.”

105


Heart Homes

Hannah and Richard have opted for

an off-the-shelf Ikea kitchen which they adapted so it looks custom-made. “We couldn’t afford a hand-built painted kitchen and did consider gloss but that would have been a nightmare with Oliver’s sticky fingers,” Hannah explains. “Ikea had one that was the right shape so we built a frame around it and painted it so it looked handmade.”

It was this passion for individuality

that led Hannah to set up her own interior design website –eburyhomeandgarden. com. She says: “It initially started out as a wedding directory and blog, which is still online at theeburycollection.com. When I was planning our wedding I didn’t want to conform to what everyone else had and it’s been the same with the house.

“I’ve always preferred shopping for interiors rather than clothes”

106


107


Heart Homes

“I source pieces from

countries such as Denmark and India but am keen to stock more items that are made in this country and support local businesses. I’ve always preferred shopping for interiors rather than clothes and creating the website has enabled me not only to fill the house with things I like but also to showcase my styling.”

www.theeburycollection.com www.eburyhomeandgarden.com

“I like to find elements that are unique and accessories that are a little bit different” 108


Style steal

Heart Shopping

Get the look from Hannah’s home Adorno Chair Set, £119,

Handcrafted Shell Mirror, £175, Graham & Green

Fashion For

Vintage Style Box Files, £18.95£35, Graham

Home

& Green

Glass Dome Bell Jars by I Love

Retro, £15, Not On The High

Vintage Shoe Last, £13.50,

Street

Homes & Dreams

Brushed Motor Floor Mandara Table Lamp,

£29.75, The Chandelier

Lamp, Concrete Candlestick, £14.90, Nordic Bliss

& Mirror Company Ltd

£445,

Alexander & Pearl

Victorian 7 Drawer Jumbo

Chest, £445, UniqueChic Furniture


Heart Columns

Michaela Mildenhall, otherwise known as Pargy, is the author of the blog which hunts down the best in bold and daring design from the past and present.

B

e prepared to be seduced by bold

- who see “Pattern Everywhere”, and the

geometric shapes and bright colours.

creator of the Bauhaus birdfeeder (yes

Get out those Kandinsky and Klee

that’s right, even your common House

posters. That’s right, Bauhaus style is

Martin can reside in Bauhaus style), Julia

massive in interiors right now, and it’s young,

Jacobs.

cool, British and very modern darling!

For those who wanna be in the know,

lather regarding all things Bauhaus due to

the main components of this uber-trend are

the exhibition being held at the Barbican

the circle, the triangle and the cube - along

Art Gallery this summer. The original

with lots of flat, but vibrant colour. There

movement was German, but it wasn’t some

are some fabulous young Brit Designers that

dusty old Art “ism”, but in fact an Art and

are rocking this modernistic look right now:

Design school set up by the architect Walter

Fashion and prop designer (and the creator

Gropius in 1919, and initially funded by the

of THAT Lady GaGa telephone headpiece),

Weimar Government. Basically it started

Fred Butler; the inspiring Patternity Girls

out by being what we might call “a bit of an

Of course we are all getting in a bit of a

experiment”. It was shut down by the Nazis Wassily Lounge Chair by Marcel Breuer

in 1933.

What is especially exciting for many

designers about this school is its unique way of paying equal attention to art, architecture, design and craft; it combined these disciplines to create a unified vision for a modern way of living. The Bauhaus had some very cutting-edge tutors too, such as the German Expressionist Artists Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee; the now famous colour theorist and painter of the “Homage to the Square” series, Josef Albers; and of course, designer of exquisite furniture, Marcel Breuer.

110


So how do you add a bit of Bauhaus

to your own house? Most importantly, I always think that when you are looking to the past for inspiration it’s best to do so in a

The Bauhaus Birdfeeder by Julia Jacobs at REthinkthings

fresh way; there’s no need to teleport your home back in time! Here are some how-to Bauhaus tips:

It’s hip to be square, triangular or even

Rhomboid! Embrace strong shapes and look for inspiration in architecture, abstract art and mundane everyday objects.

When looking for furniture to fit with

the Bauhaus theme, you can’t go far wrong with a bit of tubular steel! Think of the furniture of one of the original members of the school, Marcel Breuer, whose “Wassily” Chair is still hugely popular today!

Phase Bureau by Toby Winteringham and Patternity

Colour was a key part of the design of

the Bauhaus school. Stark white modernist or soft grey walls are a great backdrop to showcase lots of colour. Magnolia is best avoided.

Strong geometric vases are very

sculptural and add depth to any room. Simply fill with a cheap bunch of vibrant tulips for an instant piece of Modernist Art!

You can take your pick when it comes

to Bauhaus poster Art. Why not check out vintage Bauhaus exhibition posters, or buy a new one from a contemporary show!

Vintage 60s Bauhaus exhibition poster from a selection at Fears and Kahn

111


Heart Homes

112


Photographer Emma Lewis

Writer Liggy Griffiths

Nurtured by Nature Henny Tate was brought up in the countryside by a mother who loves nature. Following in her footsteps, she has settled in a remote country cottage where she works as an interior designer. She discusses the inspiration behind her work and setting up a family home.

113


Heart Homes

“We had no reason to move here whatsoever, but we just loved the house”

I

nterior Designer Henny Tate lives in a stunning grade II listed house with her three young

children and husband Rupert. They fell in love with the country cottage six years ago and decided to follow their hearts and buy the property, “We had no reason to move here whatsoever!” she laughs, “but we just loved the house”.

The

house

has

evidently

evolved throughout its lifetime and if walls could talk, it could certainly tell some stories. It’s 350 years old in parts and occupies what would originally have been two and a half cottages.

In its time it has posed

as a hardware shop, hairdressers, a bakery and even an armoury during the war. “There’s a little door in our bedroom that’s bricked up - I think it’s from when it was a bakery, but I’m not sure what would have been brought up through that window” Henny says with interest. “That’s what I like- houses like this that grow organically. Some of the doors aren’t A cow painting by mum ‘Celia Lewis’ hangs in the kitchen

114

square- they just lean!”


“I find bits from everywhere!”

Henny’s studio is situated in the old shop front.


The ceramic wall art behind the sofa is by Fenella Elms who lives in the same village


“I think it’s nice to have everything thrown together”

117


Heart Homes

The master bedroom with its mysterious door to nowhere

Henny has maintained the character

of the house beautifully when renovating, but has managed to assert her own style with quirky, thrifty furnishings. Dotted around the home you can spot old church pews, re-upholstered chairs, a bargain sofa bought from her local auction house and, her favourite piece, a work top cleverly recrafted from an old billiard table top - need I say more!

From looking at the combination of

cleverly put together crafts and objects it is clear that Henny has an inherent talent. Very few could inject touches of ethnic art and colourful textiles into a quintessential English Country cottage quite so effortlessly.

118

A quick delve into her background reveals where she gets her creative flare from. Her mother, Celia Lewis, is an artist and author whose published books, ‘The Illustrated Guide to Keeping Chickens’ and ‘The Illustrated Guide to Keeping Pigs’, are proudly placed on the coffee table.

“We were brought up in a house down

a two mile bumpy track into the middle of nowhere; Mum and Dad were always quite self-sufficient, they had chickens, sheep, pigs and a huge vegtable garden” Henny says warmly.

Mum’s on her fourth book now which

is an ‘Illustrated Guide to Nature’- she’s nature mad!”


“I also love things that friends and family have made�


“Some of the doors aren’t square - they just lean!”


Celia’s illustrations can be seen on

linen and hasn’t looked back. “There are linen

various cushions or table mats throughout the

curtains here, there and everywhere- it’s the

house and although she is not as big on nature

one thing I still use all the time!”

as her mother, it’s evident that the country

theme is very close to Henny’s heart.

of all things wholesome have undoubtedly

“I find bits from everywhere!” she smiles

influenced her attitude to life and design.

“I love things that friends and family have

She places great emphasis on homemaking,

made, a lot of items in this house have come

and her penchant for cultural pieces, natural

from them. I like blending things together

fabrics and up-cycling has proved the perfect

and prefer it to a curated look- particularly in

recipe for creating a beautifully nurtured

cottages and family homes, as I think it’s nice to

family home.

Henny’s earthy background and love

have everything thrown together”. Alongside all the mix-matching even the most eclectic

www.hennytate.com

designers such as Henny have their staple

www.celialewis.co.uk

pieces. After a memorabletrip to France one

www.mollybydesign.co.uk

year, she discovered the wonders of French

121


Style steal

Heart Shopping

Get the look from Henny’s home

Floral Pink Quilt, £76.75,

Vintage Industrial Factory Enamel

Berry Red

Shade, £185, Bubbledrum

Indigo & White Carpet, £17, Berry Red

Nek Vase in Pink,

£59, Villeroy & Boch ‘Have a Seat’

Stool by House Doctor, £70.99, Artic Design

Ikat Cushion, £9.50, Very

Elegance Armchair,

£POA, Oficina Inglesa

Sissy Rug, £115, Idyll Home

French Upholstered

Bed, £1397, Sweetpea & Willow


Join the Heart Home mailing list Want to get emailed with fantastic competitions, exclusive discounts and captivating blog posts? Would you like to be the first to read the best new interiors magazine in the UK? Yeah? Just pop your pretty little email address in to the box at hearthomemag.co.uk/ mailing and we’ll tell you the very moment it is out on the virtual shelf... Subscribe now 


J

0

1

Heart JUN Home JUL Diary AUG

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

CM

1

2

3

4

5

By Katie Treggiden

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Lab Craft: Digital adventures in contemporary craft The Barony Centre, Scotland, 2 May to 1 July 2012 Tickets: Free entry Open: Mon to Sat 10am - 5pm and Sun 12noon - 5pm Lab Craft: ‘Digital Adventures in Contemporary Craft’ is a Crafts Council touring exhibition that previewed at Tent London at London Design Festival in September 2010 and launched at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh, Greater Manchester in October 2010.

9 10 11 12

Southbank Centre Festival of the World Southbank, London, 1st June – 9th September 2012

13

SouthBank Centre Festival Of The

14

World: the largest ever UK poetry

15 16 17

festival that gives the chance to work with, and learn from, the world’s leading artists- this festival has it all! This summer, the Southbank

18

centre will be transformed into

19

an international learning site that

20

shows how art transforms lives.

21 22

Public Receptors by Gabi Schillig. © LFA 2012

23

International Architecture and Design Showcase Various embassies and cultural centres across London 23rd June – 23rd September 2012 Tickets: Free Open: Opening times vary

24 25 26 27

The International Showcase will draw upon the relationship between architecture,

28

design, the creative industries and the cultural context of cities. Projects and

29

examples from around the world will show how cities and their inhabitants are incubators and leaders of extraordinary cultural, social, technological and

30 31

© Johnny Ladd

124

environmental change.

20

21


22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

41

40

42

J 1

Design Stories – the Architecture behind 2012 Royal Institute of British Architects, London, 25th June – 21st September 2012 Tickets: Free entry Open: Wed - Sat 10am – 5pm, Tue10am – 10pm.

2 3 4 5

Showcasing the design stories behind the venues and spaces of London 2012, this audio-visual installation is

6

a unique collection of films, images, models and a new

7

14 metre mural that reveals the thinking and design

8

flourishes that shaped London’s newest architectural landmarks.

9

The layers of the London 2012 stadium © Populous

10

Christian Louboutin The Design Museum, London 1 May to 9 July 2012 Tickets: £11 adults, £10 concessions, £7 Students Open: Daily 10am - 5.45pm Celebrating a career which has pushed the boundaries

© Luke Hayes

1

11 12 13 14 15

of high fashion shoe design, this exhibition celebrates

16

Louboutin’s career showcasing twenty years of designs

17

and inspiration, revealing the artistry and theatricality

18

of his shoe design from stilettos to lace-up boots.

19 20

London Festival of Architecture Venues across London, 23rd June – 8th July 2012 Tickets and opening times: Vary

21

The London Festival of Architecture is

24

a city-wide celebration of architecture

25

22 23

and architectural talent in the UK capital.

26

It brings architects and communities

27

together to examine how we make London a better place. The theme of

28

the 2012 Festival - ‘The Playful City’ –

29

responds to the presence in London of

30

the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

© LFA 2012

125

31


Heart Homes Abroad

Words Chedva Kleinhandler Photography Avishai Finkelstein

Colourful Synergy 126


An artist re-invents himself in his new jewel-box of a loft

F

or years, artist and designer Samy David – known as Samy D - wouldn’t even have one of his designs at home.

“I didn’t want to come across as arrogant,” he says, “like I was on some sort of ego trip.” But as the years passed by, the jewellike aesthetic of his sculptures and ceramic creations started leaking into his life… and apartment.

After living in Jaffa and having his own

boutique shop in Neve Tzedek, where he sold his eponymous ceramic dishes, D and his writer partner Yohai felt like a fresh start. “I moved to this new studio space in south Tel Aviv,” says D, “and the energy was amazing. When we were looking for a new apartment we didn’t initially think about this area, but then the loft above the studio became available for rent and we just went with it.”


Heart Homes Abroad

“When we came here, the apartment was

totally open space.” D re-planned the space to allow some privacy (two rooms) and turned the tiny kitchen into something more appropriate for its cooking- and entertaining- loving tenants.

Apart from the new space plan,

the design was done more freestyle, as befitting an artist. “I knew there was going to be a lot of colour, but not exactly which colours or where each would go.” The artist-come-designer had a certain yellow, which he first saw in a book from the ‘70s, in his mind for years. He thought he found the right match and indeed used it to paint the wall that connects the entrance to the bedroom and dining room, but later found out the effect wasn’t the one he was lusting for. Another regret is the green hue the couple used for the living room ceiling and the pipe on the same room’s wall, but D doesn’t feel like design regrets are a bad thing. For the designer, whom experimented with colour and interiors since his childhood, design is more about evolution. Taking those “décor disasters” in stride is part of the everyday for an artist whose become more and more interested in returning to interior design, years after he studied it in university. The paint scheme wasn’t the only thing recycled here. Though boasting a luxurious look and feel, the loft is filled with sentimental – and many times repurposed – furniture and different items.

128


“You can spend all the money in the world on an architect, designer and so on, but what’s it worth if you can’t tell who lives there?”

129


Heart Homes Abroad

It seems like flexibility is a must when

designing a perfectly imperfect home, which happens to be a rented loft in an aging building, without a humongous budget. “We didn’t set a fixed budget for this project. Frankly, I never thought we would spend so much – and not only money – on a rental.” But budgetary restrictions aren’t all bad. “If we don’t have the budget for a project, we wait. It actually allows for some welcome time to re-think, re-value and plan ahead.

For a designer well known in Israel and

abroad, Samy D is awfully un-pretentious. The highlight of designing their loft, he says, was the freedom of experimenting with colour and the sheer fun of practicing one of the greatest loves – design – together with his partner. “You can spend all the money in the world on an architect, designer and so on, but what’s it worth if you can’t tell who lives there?” says Samy. “My favourite houses are those where the owner’s personality

shines.”

The

next

step for the colourful loft? “We started designing the bedroom recently, but then I decided we simply had to have some sort of greenery in the building and I installed a koi fish pool and planted some grass.” In the building’s joint yard, right in the middle of the formerly-grey, industrial area, hints of grass are already raising their green little heads and hinting at a new life.

130


“My favourite houses are those where the owner’s personality shines”

131


Heart Travel

Beside the Seaside By Ellie Walker-Arnott

Buckets and spades at the ready! 2012 is the year to embrace the Great British summer. 132


The Lugger Hotel, Cornwall (from £450 for a 3 nightstay with bed and breakfast)

T

he Lugger Hotel is the ideal

stone’s throw from the Cornish

setting for a Frenchman’s

surf. With a heavenly terrace for

Creek-style romantic getaway.

sampling locally sourced treats

Once a smuggler’s inn, the hotel still

when the sun does shine, a cosy

retains its atmospheric fog-filled

and chic interior for less pleasant

history, but now embraces a more

days and a luxurious spa for truly

relaxed and modern feel.

disappointing days, The Lugger

The boutique hideaway

is a seafront haven whatever the

can be found in the delightfully

British weather throws your way.

coastal village of Portloe. Think

whitewashed walls, lobster pots

rugged coastal path to explore, little

and fishing boats - and you won’t

mobile phone signal and no street

be disappointed. The hotel clings

lamps, you can really get away

to the water’s edge, literally a

from it all.

In Portloe, with miles of

133


Heart Travel

Titchwell Manor, Norfolk (from £330 for a 3 night stay with bed and breakfast)

S

et above the North Norfolk coastline in the pretty village of

Titchwell, Titchwell Manor is a perfect bolthole from which to explore Norfolk’s sweeping stretches of sandy coastline. The county’s beaches will delight bird watchers, sand castle builders and sun seekers alike. Marshes and woodland sit alongside miles of sand that are just crying out for a picnic blanket. When you’ve selected the perfect sun-soaked spot indulge in a lunch of local crab and deliciously salty samphire.

Titchwell Manor itself

is an elegant Victorian manor. Simply designed, with calm, coastal shades and luxurious fabrics, it’s an ideal place to wipe the sand off your feet and refresh after a day on the beach. With ambitious, bold and eclectic menus, foodies won’t be disappointed by dishes on offer in the Manor’s restaurant either.

This charming hotel,

set on the edge of Titchwell Marsh, is the perfect treat for a summery weekend away.

134


Artists’ Beach House, Kent

via Unique Home Stays (from £1250 for a 3 night stay)

I

f you’re dreaming of a Great British

built in 1906 and retains all of its vintage

summer holiday, what could be better

charm, with a wrap around veranda and

than your very own cottage on the

a chic period interior. The veranda is the

beach? Set on the edge of Tankerton Beach

perfect spot to enjoy 180° views of the

in Kent, surrounded by wild woodland, the

ocean, or indulge in some seaside cuisine -

Artist’s Beach House is an idyllic setting for

fish n’ chips anyone?

a beachside break.

place to retreat to when you need a break

You can spend your days sunbathing

The Artists’ Beach House is an ideal

on the sand, reclining in your hammock

from London. After just a 90 minute train

or frolicking in the surf – there’s even an

ride you’ll be able to hear the sound of the

outdoor shower for rinsing off afterwards.

surf and sink your toes into the sand.

The white, wood clad beach house was

135


Heart Travel

A Stylist’s

Guide to Berlin

By Kate Baxter

It was one of those gloriously sunny days reserved exclusively for introducing you to a foreign city when you have just 24 hours to explore; everything is tinged with magic, the possibilities are endless, and yet you have to somehow distil the complete essence of the city into just a few hours of wondrous enlightenment. And thus, the stage was set for my introduction to Berlin...

EAT I made a point of seeking out contemporary Alpine restaurant Alpenstueck, whose minimalist décor combines a wall of stacked logs with cool grey tones and well balanced lighting to create an alluring environment. The food was hearty with a contemporary twist; lots of schnitzel, maultaschen, goulash, kässpätzle and sauerbraten, all made with local produce. I settled on the cream of asparagus soup, swirled seductively with herb oil, followed by chicken breast with a spring onion and goat’s cheese risotto, both fragrant and delicious. The following morning, their sister-venue Baeckerai was calling my name, and provided a welcome break from sightseeing with a delectable array of kaffee und kuchen, Alpenstueck, Gartenstraße 9, 10115

136

Berlin


Consisting of 2,711 massive rectangular

stones on a sloping stretch of land, architect Peter Eisenman courted controversy with his abstract design for the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The imposing grey stone slabs appear outwardly to symbolise the regimented order of the Third Reich, while ARCHITECTURE Designed by US architect

the contrasting disorderly terrain and

Hugh Stubbins, the Haus der Kulturen der

differing dimensions of the blocks seem

Welt caught my eye for its shell-shaped

to reflect the despair, confusion and fear

concrete roof, which is known locally as ‘the

of the persecuted Jewish population.

oyster.’ The contemporary arts centre is

The whole space is at once beautiful and

one of Berlin’s cultural hubs and the go-to

eerily sombre, and deep inside the myriad

place for spectacular large-scale exhibitions

of stone slabs you feel a million miles

as diverse as contemporary Indian art,

from the city, providing a place for quiet

Bedouin culture and Chinese avant-garde.

contemplation. Holocaust Memorial,

Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-

Cora-Berliner-Straße1, 10117 Berlin

Dulles-Allee 10, 10557 Berlin

137


Heart Travel

ART Whether it be illegal street art, spatial installations in unconventional settings, provocative action art or inventive contemporary architecture, Berlin has it all, and more. It definitely pays to walk around the city with your eyes wide and darting, taking in the brightly coloured streetscape, political slogans and anarchist caricatures, as well as more modernist art installations and advertising hoardings, for Berlin is a photographer’s dream!

Top of my agenda for art consumption

in Berlin was the Boros Bunker, where the

peeling urban decay of anex-air raid shelter

credited art in the Oranienburger area,

provided a surprisingly stark yet sympathetic

make sure you keep your eyes peeled (!)

contrast to the modern art installations on

for spray painted yellow bananas by cult

display from the Christian Boros collection,

street artist Thomas Baumgaertel, which

including artwork by Damien Hirst and

are tagged outside art galleries he holds

Olafur Eliasson. I was also captivated by

in high esteem. I was delighted when

the Banksy-style graffiti adorning the

I finally spotted one outside the Sara

exterior, which further enhanced the

Asperger Gallery, but apparently you can

concrete bunker’s estrangement from the

spot a number of Baumgaertel stamps of

surrounding modern district. Boros Bunker,

approval locally. Sara Asperger Gallery,

Reinhardtstraße 20, 10117 Berlin

Sophienstraße 18, 10178 Berlin

138

If you are on the look-out for highly


SHOPPING Guided by the vivacious Antiques Diva a.k.a Toma Haines, I concluded my introduction to Berlin with an afternoon’s ‘vintiquing’ on Suarezstraße. The beautifully curated selection of turnof-the-century luggage, steamer trunks and travel ephemera at Antik-Center had me in a spin, as did the eclectic junk-shop style inventory at Hin&Weg. The ultimate selection for me though had to be the iconic 20th-century design classics at B3, where I swooned over a mouth-watering array of vintage Bauhaus posters, classic Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs and mintcondition mid-century modern sideboards, wondering how I could ever fit it all in my carry-on! Antiques Diva, Antik-Center, Suarezstraße 48/49, 14057 Berlin Hin&Weg,Suarezstraße 55, 14057 Berlin B3, Suarezstraße 47, 14057 Berlin

STAY The Cosmo Hotel Berlin Mitte, situated in the heart of Berlin’s historical city centre, offered the perfect urban crash-pad for my whistle-stop tour. My sleek minimalistdesigned 7th floor room afforded me stunning views across the heart of the city, while the interior décor melted shades of chocolate into cream and slate for a warm, understated appeal, creating a decadent home from home. Cosmo Hotel Berlin Mitte, Spittelmarkt 13, 10117 Berlin Kate Baxter is author of inspirational blog fabricofmylife.co.uk

139


Miss Mary’s suggestions for... Sporty Summer dates By Mary Higgs

Rowing

Tennis

In London our favourite water-based date is hiring a boat in Richmond and rowing down to beautiful Ham House for a spot of culture, followed by a delicious afternoon tea at the quintessentially English (and effortlessly stylish) Petersham Nurseries which is just a short stroll around the corner. Another favourite is hiring a boat in one of London’s parks and smuggling some wine and cheese aboard! Wherever you live there’s bound to be some water nearby so don a Breton top and a pair of deck shoes and set sail.

Wimbledon is now a symbol of British

summertime. If you haven’t been before you really should go, as it’s a fantastic experience. If you’re not lucky enough to get a ticket in the ballot then queue up for a day ticket, or (and this is our top tip) head over after work and buy a cheap evening ticket then, once inside you can queue for Centre Court returns. If you don’t live in London there are plenty of other options. Dress in your best tennis whites and head to the Nottingham Open (men’s) or Eastbourne (women’s) for the

We hired a rowing boat from Richmond

pre Wimbledon competitions. Or how about

Bridge Boathouse for the day. It cost £45

your own DIY tennis tournament? Book some

for two adults but we got a 50% discount

courts at your local park and get a couple

on production of our National Trust ticket

of friends together (tennis doubles = double

for Ham House. A pot of earl grey and two

date!). A strawberry’s and cream picnic is

delicious slices of cake cost us about £12 at

essential.

Petersham Nurseries.

www.petershamnurseries.com

just £14 after 5pm. www.wimbledon.com

www.richmondbridgeboathouses.co.uk

Ground court tickets for Wimbledon are


Horse racing

Cycling

Another classic summer date is going to

Perhaps our best chance at winning Gold

the races and our favourite, for the sheer

and certainly a winning date idea. Again,

glamour, has to be Glorious Goodwood.

lycra is optional. If you’re in London then the fabulous “Boris Bikes” make planning a cycling date very easy. All you have to do is pack a picnic (or cheat and have one delivered!), unlock a bike and set off through London’s beautiful parks, stopping when you see a suitably romantic spot. We recommend the Rose Garden in Regent’s Park, perfect for some blowsy summer blooms. If you’re after something a little more strenuous then head to Richmond Park and hire mountain bikes – after 5 minutes you feel like you’re in the countryside! Even if you don’t have your own bikes, it’s easy to hire them all over the UK so there really is no excuse.

Whether you like horse racing or not, there’s no better excuse for dressing up than a trip to Goodwood. Retro style rules here, so girls, a 1940s tea dress would be perfect – with a hat of course! And did I mention the view? Perched on top of a hill, it’s renowned as one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world, with stunning views for miles around. On the way, make sure you stop off at the lovely town of Petworth, which is full to the brim of super stylish antique shops and an incredible deli – great for upmarket picnic supplies. If you

Boris Bikes cost £1 each for the whole day

can’t make it down to Sussex then have a hunt (we cycled in half hour stints which means it’s around for a race meeting in your area, and

free to use the bikes) and ordered a delicious

perhaps have a little flutter whilst you’re at it.

“lawn” picnic from picnic2u costing £45.

www.tfl.gov.uk

Glorious Goodwood runs from 31st

August to 4th July and tickets range from just

www.picnic2u.co.uk

£16 to £126 with discounts available if booking before June.

Mary Higgs is the author of popular

www.goodwood.co.uk

website The Great Date Guide.

thehungryguest.com

141


Hidden Gems: Somerset’s

SEED Writer Victoria Dockrell Photography SEED

W

ith a background in fashion, Sinead was frustrated by the struggles faced by talented, fresh young

designers and artists, to get their products showcased when they are first starting out. Through SEED, and the creation of a platform showcasing the work of emerging British design talent, she hopes to help them blossom. “I would like to think that in some small way I can help designers to fulfill their potential, whether they make as a hobby or a full-time career, there is nothing better than the knowledge that someone else appreciates and loves what you have created.”


Sinead Foley’s Frome emporium provides fertile soil for the germination of young British design talent.

“I love architecture, design, fashion, interiors and draw inspiration from all aspects of life” 143


“There is nothing better than the knowledge that someone else appreciates and loves what you have created.”

“I would like to think that in some small way I can help designers to fulfill their potential”


Sinead is clear that she wants SEED

oxidised silver, with an etched bone brooch

to “offer something unusual, something

set with onyx, it’s completely stunning and I

different to the high street” not only in

love trying it on!” she says.

the products and designers she stocks, but

also in the environment in which she sells

individual new pieces and admits her labours

them. “Good design is what inspires me” she

of love can be hard to part with, for example,

enthuses, continuing “I love architecture,

a bobbin trolley with wheels and leather

design,

reinforcements along the sides which originally

fashion,

interiors

and

draw

Sinead loves scouring antiques fairs for

inspiration from all aspects of life.”

came from a British textile factory, “I’m in no

Currently housed within the Black Swan

rush to sell it, it’s totally unique!” she admits.

Arts Centre in Frome, SEED stocks a wide

The fairs and markets provide a fertile hunting

range of items including jewellery, art,

ground for the furniture/home accessories

ceramics, sculpture, homeware, candles

sourcing service that SEED offers.

and scents, accessories, furniture and gifts.

The shop itself is beautiful and Sinead

talks” which provide an independent artisan

incorporates lots of freestanding vintage

or designer with the opportunity to host an

and antique furniture into her displays, all

event within the shop and they have a local

of which are also for sale. “The appearance

blacksmith coming to demonstrate his art with

of the shop keeps changing which keeps it

a mobile forge lined up for their next workshop

fresh, there is always something new to

in June.

see” Sinead says. She claims she “wanted

to create a store interior that embraced

hopes to continue SEED’s success through

industrial

also

organic growth and expansion. “I would like to

providing a “relaxed and welcoming space

try to get people thinking differently, to help

to display the variety of merchandise”.

them appreciate the wonderful talent Britain

Metal racking is used as a picture rail,

has to offer and not to be afraid to shy away

from which art hangs on industrial wires,

from mass-production.”

and

antiques”

while

In late 2011 Sinead also launched her “SEED

Sinead is positive about the future and

juxtaposed by an eight foot mirrored French antique chiffonier, which is used

www.designsbyseed.co.uk

to display items under glass cloches. Her current ‘need’ is a beautiful vintage inspired brooch from Nicola Wylie “it’s

145


Summer lovin’ Anniversary issue out 13 September 2012 Photographer Oliver Gordon

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to read the Autumn issue.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.