The
ENGLISH HOME
Celebrating the essence of English style December 2020 | Issue 190 | £4.75 | UK Edition
MAKE IT MAGICAL Decorating ideas for seasonal sparkle
SETTING THE SCENE Personal insights from designers Joanna Wood, Susie Watson and more
SEASONAL FLAIR Elegant entertaining Flowers & foliage
PERFECT PRESENTS • Handmade • Thoughtful • Brilliant buys • Luxuries
COSY CHRISTMAS
FIVE beautiful homes dressed for comfort & joy
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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020
36
76
120 64
Beautiful Buys 14 CHRISTMAS HOME COMFORTS Our pick
of stylish homeware for seasonal cheer.
20 FESTIVE TABLE Inspiring dining details. 22 JOY & WONDER Festive decor for
56 PAST PERFECT A restored seventeenth-
90 CREATE A MAGICAL SETTING Designer
64 PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS How one
98 PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS Anticipate
century farmhouse becomes a family home perfect for celebrating in style. couple’s Gloucestershire renovation project created a warm family home.
36 SUMPTUOUS CELEBRATIONS Designer
Joanna Wood’s inviting Gloucestershire manor house.
46 THE HOLLY AND THE IVY Interior
designer Christopher Vane Percy’s Huntingdonshire home.
6 THE ENGLISH HOME
everything needed in all rooms of the home for a truly restful season.
108 CRAFTING A NICHE The story of
children’s bedrooms.
English Homes
Susie Watson’s guide to dressing a house for Christmas.
Style inspiration 75 CHIMING BEAUTIFULLY Creating
elegant co-ordinated Christmas decor. 76 DEEP MIDWINTER DECORATING
Design ideas and inspiration for the festive season.
83 PRESENTING PERFECTLY Our curation
of stylish and considered gifts for all.
The White Kitchen Company.
Quintessentially 111 MERRY & BRIGHT Best-dressed cake. 112 FROM PATCH TO PLATE – MATTHEW FORT Our food columnist proffers
Christmas pudding with a twist.
114 HANDMADE WITH LOVE Add meaning
to festivities with handcrafted touches.
46 120 THE SEASONAL HOME: CHRISTMAS
A guide to using natural materials to dress the home this festive season.
130 ONE FINAL THING... Festive styling tips.
Regulars 8
A LETTER FROM HOME A welcome
from our Editor.
25 NOTEBOOK Our monthly digest of
notable people, places and pursuits.
32 THE LONDON EDIT Mowlem & Co, The
Chalk Pink Linen Co and David Hunt Lighting catch our eye this month.
34 SUBSCRIBE The perfect gift for a
loved one or a treat for yourself – a subscription to The English Home.
98
90
A letter from home Designer Susie Watson invites us into her home to show how she creates a cosy and creative Christmas setting. For details, see page 90.
C
hristmas is set to feel very special this year: a celebration to mark the passing of a challenging 2020 for many, and perhaps a renewed appreciation of simply spending time with those we are closest to. Our December issue is therefore designed to help savour every moment of the festive season. As preparation is key, we have gleaned ideas and advice from designer Susie Watson on how to decorate our homes for Christmas, inside and out, to ensure they feel cosy and magical (page 90). Meanwhile, interior designers Joanna Wood and Christopher Vane Percy welcome us into their fabulously dressed homes (pages 36 and 46) and offer advice on how to create and add the finishing touches. Our gift guide contains wonderful ideas for everyone you might need to buy for (page 83), but we are also mindful that many will want to create handmade presents for loved ones (page 114), as well as adding thoughtful additions for guests (page 98). There are suggestions for using seasonal foliage and berries to create natural displays in the festive instalment of The Seasonal Home (page 120), whilst Matthew Fort has opened our eyes to a mouthwatering alternative to the traditional figgy pudding (page 72). I do hope you enjoy all these treats and wish you a very Happy Christmas from everyone on The English Home team.
Follow us on Twitter @englishhometeam Pinterest at pinterest.com/theenglishhome Facebook at facebook.com@theenglishhome Instagram at instagram.com@englishhomemag
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PORTRAIT GRANT SCOTT PHOTOGRAPH ADAM CARTER
Samantha Scott-Jeffries, Editor
The
ENGLISH HOME
Celebrating the e ence of Engli h tyle December 2020 | Issue 190 | £4.75 | UK Edition
MAKE IT MAGICAL Decorating ideas for seasonal sparkle
CONTACT US Editorial 0333 014 3215 The English Home, Cumberland House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1BB Email theenglishhome@chelseamagazines.com Website theenglishhome.co.uk Advertising/Publishing 020 7349 3700 The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Email info@chelseamagazines.com
SETTING THE SCENE Personal insights from designers Joanna Wood, Susie Watson and more
SEASONAL FLAIR Elegant entertaining Flowers & foliage
PERFECT PRESENTS • Handmade • Thoughtful • Brilliant buys • Luxuries
COSY CHRISTMAS
FIVE beautiful homes dressed for comfort & joy
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: © RACHAEL SMITH
EDITORIAL
Editor Samantha Scott-Jeffries Managing Editor Sarah Feeley Art Editors Claire Hicks, Rebecca Stead Sub Editor Lea Tacey Decorating Editor Katy Mclean Features Editor Eve Middleton Homes & Lifestyle Editor Clair Wayman Editor-at-Large Kate Freud
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PHOTOGRAPH © RACHAEL SMITH
Catch up when out and about at
Welcome to a 21st century Renaissance
wedgwood.com
mforts
HOM
Prepare the home and revel in the joys of the season with our selection of festive buys
Take a seat Jewel tones and rich textures add a wonderfully festive touch to the home come the winter months. This inviting sofa in wine-red velvet provides a sumptuous spot to sink into, be it curled up with a book for a silent night in, or for exchanging gifts with family and friends. Humphrey two-seater sofa in Claret cotton matt velvet, £2,440, sofa.com
14 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Waiting for Father Christmas These simple and stylish stockings make a wonderful addition to the home at Christmas. Made with 100 per cent Merino lambswool and woven in Lancashire, they can also be personalised. Team with a co-ordinating cushion for a four-legged friend to complete the scene. Scallop Stripe stockings, £46 each; Little Cress cushion, from £70, all Tori Murphy Candlelit magic Cast a soft glow over proceedings with a selection of pillar candles in a cheering red hue. (NB Never leave lit candles unattended.) Red Pillar Candles, from £4.50, Nordic House Season’s greetings Made with a moss base and a combination of foliage including eucalyptus, rosehips, and fir cones, this stylish wreath ensures visitors are welcomed with scent, colour and charm aplenty. Berry, Herb and Foliage Christmas Wreath, £95, The Real Flower Company
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Striding out Little is as reviving come winter as a bracing walk in the crisp fresh air. Be sure to keep hands warm with a pair of charming knitted mittens. Lambswool mittens, £38, Rowen & Wren All wrapped up Choosing fabric instead of paper to wrap presents will not only charm and suprise but is also a way of reducing waste. Hem the edges of the fabrics prior to wrapping and they can be used time and again as napkins or teatowels. Clockwise from top left: Apres Ski Snow; Alpine Twilight; Pine Forest Fern; Bauble Twilight; Little Star Twilight; Little Star Neptune; Little Star Cloud, allfrom £17.40 a metre, all Prestigious Textiles Keeping cosy The chill of winter is often best kept at bay with a cosy woollen blanket. Made from 100 per cent pure new wool and designed and made in England, this one neatly fits the bill. New wool throw in Sage Green, £60, Tom Lane Setting the scene Create a chic festive tablescape with hand-stamped table linen and elegant accessories. Ivory & Gold Floral Italian hand-stamped linen tablecloth, from £249, and napkins, £22 each; table accessories, from £14 for Rattan Charger in Rustic White, all Rebecca Udall
THE ENGLISH HOME 16
ARTISAN ABODE Designed and curated by an interior design team with an amazing little black book of contacts – brands, makers, artists and craftspeople – honed over decades in design.
Shop five furnishings collections, accessories, home fragrance and thoughtful gifting. Access an edit of homewares not commonly found on the high street.
artisanabode.co.uk hello@artisanabode.co.uk | 01626 834705 |
@artisanabode.co.uk
FEATURE EVE MIDDLETON PHOTOGRAPHS P15 (TORI MURPHY) © CHARLOTTE BLAND; P16 (TOM LANE) © OLIVIA BOSSERT; P18 (HUNTSMAN) © NICK TYDEMAN; (NANCY & BETTY STUDIO) © YASHEN VENEMA
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Cocktail hour Elegant patterned glasses add a further sense of occasion to the allure of an aperitif. Try adorning with fresh edible flowers for a pretty touch. Pulcinella cocktail glasses, £80 for a set of four, Oka Games night Whether used for games with friends or for a reflective round of solitaire, this twin deck of playing cards from Savile Row tailor Huntsman, in a case made from the house tweed, is a smart addition to the festivities. Playing cards, £100, Huntsman A cracking time Dressing the table is made all the more fun with the addition of crackers that are sure to appeal to young and old alike. Designed and handmade in Kent, this recyclable, eco-friendly set also sees the company pledge a tree planted for every box bought. North Pole luxury Christmas crackers, £36 for six, Nancy & Betty Studio n
18 THE ENGLISH HOME
Hanging Wreath (70 cm diameter) £50; baubles, £10 each, Garden Trading
Luxury Handmade Moon & Stars crackers, £50 for six, Cox & Cox
FESTIVE TABLE For a traditional tablescape take inspiration from nature, adopting a palette of berry reds and winter-solstice greens, and add a twist with dashes of ice blue and chartreuse green. For a fully layered effect, gently punctuate the Christmas table with texture and pattern – from bamboo cutlery to striped linen, cabbage-leaf china and seasonal placemats. Ensure the table twinkles with sparkling glassware and decorate with fresh foliage such as fir, holly, sea thistle and eucalyptus.
Christmas placemats, £39 for a set of six, The Braided Rug Company
Four-piece Bamboo cutlery set, £70, Rebecca Udall
Pulcinella large wine glasses, £70 for a set of four, Oka Brush Tree napkin ring, £5.50 for a set of four, Cox & Cox
Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage dinner plate, £24, Amara Mirabelle dining chair in chartreuse, £495, India Jane
20 THE ENGLISH HOME
Colou tum fo Bird
FEATURE CHARIS WHITE
Maxime Blue linen-look tablecloth (made from 100 per cent recycled bottles), from £65; Toulouse napkins, £20 for four; Antibes cushion, £30, all Weaver Green
EST. 1986
PUREVISION PV5 MULTI-FUEL STOVE shown in Aylesbury surround
Offering comfort and warmth anytime of the year. T: 01952 200444 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick brands:
Red Christmas Paper Chain Kit, £3.75, Altered Chic, Not On The High Street.com
Cleopatra’s Needle Lavender Heart Tapestry Kit, £16, John Lewis
Little Robin wallpaper, £110 a roll, Bear & Beau Felt Christmas Stocking, £15, Garden Trading
JOY & WONDER
Cinderella Pantomime Kit, £20, Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop Wood Deer Head & Tree Garland, £7.49, Gisela Graham Mini Pom Pom Basket, £20, Postcards Home
Mattias Nordic Single Bed, £1,020, Sweetpea & Willow
Leo Star Lights, £14.99, Lights4Fun
Christmas At The Warren, £10, National Trust Christmas Morning Carré, £38, Atelier Choux
Indoor/outdoor pre-lit tree, £145, Cox & Cox 22 THE ENGLISH HOME
FEATURE SUZANNA LE GROVE PHOTOGRAPH (BEAU & BEAR) © EDDIE MACDONALD; SHOP.NATIONALTRUST.ORG.UK; (ATELIER CHOUX) JULIA SALK
Share in the excitement and anticipation of Christmas by helping children decorate their bedrooms with paper chains, felt stockings, charming festive garlands and perhaps even a small tree, aglow with twinkling fairy lights and pretty decorations. These festive touches will make waking up on the big day all the more magical, especially if Father Christmas leaves a special little gift beneath their own tree.
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Go to quooker.co.uk for our autumn offer.* Manchester Showroom – Open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 *Already have a Quooker tap? Visit quooker.co.uk to see if your system is compatible with a Quooker CUBE. Call 0345 833 3333 or email enquiries@quooker.co.uk for help. †Usually £384.
THE ENGLISH HOME
NOTEBOOK
Our monthly digest of inside information on people, places and pursuits by Managing Editor Sarah Feeley
PURSUITS
PHOTOGRAPH LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS INC/ALAMY
Making A Festive Wreath Ensure guests feel extra special this Christmas by welcoming them with a beautiful homemade wreath. Revel in the meditative ritual of choosing and gathering any number of key ingredients such as winter berries, pine cones, pussy willow, feathers, mistletoe, ribbon, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices and foliage, real or faux. Making rather than buying a festive wreath unlocks the freedom to co-ordinate it with the colour of the front door or make a boldly clashing style statement, allowing the wreath to reflect
its maker, whether exuberant or petite and picture perfect. Start with a circular wire frame, a ready-made base, or a homemade circle of flexible branches such as weeping willow stripped of its leaves. Use florist’s wire to secure bundles of foliage and the chosen trimmings, gradually building up the circle, teasing it out at the end for pleasing symmetry. Consider making additional wreaths to adorn the interior of the home, to hang on the inside of the front door, above the mantelpiece, up the stairs
or even to lie horizontally as a table centrepiece with candles filling its middle (choose quality LED pillar candles for ultimate safety). Adapting each wreath to chime with its surroundings in each room will bring harmony to a scheme and allow creativity to run wild. An all-white wreath, or one entirely made of feathers, for example, can look striking. A favourite florist’s technique is to only fill part of the wreath’s circle, allowing the natural beauty of the woven willow or rattan base to shine through. THE ENGLISH HOME 25
PEOPLE
Tom Coleman & Louis Porter
The Handmade Christmas Co
Alex Hall
The Little Yorkshire Candle Company What began as a mother’s mission for her son blossomed into a fruitful business idea. When Alex Hall noticed that candles heavily scented with synthetic fragrances irritated her son’s asthma, she started making her own candles at home using only natural ingredients. She founded The Little Yorkshire Candle Company in 2016 using scents inspired by the natural beauty of Yorkshire and 100 per cent natural ingredients including essential oils, plant extracts, beeswax, soya and coconut, with a natural cotton or linen wick. After selling her candles at school fairs, Alex opened a shop in York last year. Her candles are hand-poured in the company’s Yorkshire studio, and her signature Christmas fragrance, Midwinter, blends orange and mandarin with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise. “I love scent so much,” she says, “the power it has to unlock our memories, to transport us to another place.” thelittleyorkshirecandlecompany.co.uk 26 THE ENGLISH HOME
PHOTOGRAPHS (BAUBLE & TREE IMAGE) MOWIE KAY; (THE LITTLE YORKSHIRE CANDLE COMPANY) © OLIVIA BRABBS PHOTOGRAPHY
When estate agent inspector Tom Coleman and IT worker Louis Porter started a small side business selling personalised Christmas sacks to make some extra cash, they dreamed of selling 500. They were astonished to sell 42,000 sacks in their first Christmas. The friends built on this sterling start by investing in premises, expanding their range and launching in the United States. Now, six years and more than 400,000 orders later, The Handmade Christmas Co sells an array of personalised festive items, from sacks to stockings, crackers, baubles, gift wrap, Christmas Eve boxes and – new for this year – hampers. Every item is personalised and finished by hand at the firm’s base in London. “Our aim is to be a Christmas destination where you can get everything you need to be ready for Christmas,” explains Louis. “People will want to make this Christmas extra special, and they can do that by giving a personalised gift. Our tagline has always been ‘give more than just a gift this Christmas’.” handmadechristmasco.com
PEOPLE
Emily Gerrard No Ordinary Gift
Feeling a little lost after graduating with a physics degree, Emily Gerrard turned to her old hobby of what her father called “sticking and gluing”, for comfort and pocket money. “I researched the types of craft products that were selling well on eBay that I could make for some income while I figured out my career plans,” Emily explains. Thinking she could make something just as good, if not better, she found some paints and bits of wood in her father’s shed, hand-painted typographic designs and put them on eBay to sell. This was labour-intensive, so she researched again and came across transfer papers that she could print digitally and transfer onto a wooden surface. “That’s when things really took off,” she says. Today, her company – No Ordinary Gift – makes a range of personalised gifts for every occasion, inspired by people’s memories.
Customers can add names, a wedding date, a baby’s birth details, and so on, to Emily’s existing product range online or work with her on custom designs. “Our most popular products are the ones that really capture the memories of a moment or the uniqueness of a family,” she says. “I’ve come from a childhood love of ‘sticking and gluing’ to a 4,000 sq ft warehouse of ‘sticking and gluing’.” noordinarygift.co.uk
BOOKS
Homespun Charm
This charming book offers a joyous and leisurely sleigh ride towards Christmas Day, encouraging us to enjoy the journey rather than purely focussing on the destination. The author suggests that winter is nature taking a deep and rejuvenating sleep after months of busy long days – and we should do the same, slowing down and appreciating “the little joys of life”. With recipes such as creamy cauliflower and almond soup, winter chilli, red velvet cranberry cake and pomegranate and gin punch, plus festive makes including door and table garlands, gift wrap, festive room scent, decorations and more, illustrated with evocative photography, this book has everything to help set the scene for a glorious family Christmas.
28 THE ENGLISH HOME
PHOTOGRAPHS (ADVENT BOOK) © KERSTIN NIEHOFF
Advent: Recipes & Crafts For The Countdown To Christmas by Laura Fleiter (£12.99, Murdoch Books)
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EVENTS
Wrap up warm this winter and enjoy open-air events which set festive anticipation alight whilst also enabling safe social distancing. Spectacular displays of colourful Christmas lights are always a highlight every year, and Kew Gardens in London never fails to disappoint, with an illuminated trail, a canopy of stars and iconic buildings including the Temperate House and Palm House lit from within by a dynamic light show (18 November to 3 January; kew.org) The Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is due to feature new installations this year, including a scented fire garden adorning the Water Terrace and colourchanging neon tunnels. Wander beneath tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour whilst indulging in a warming hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows (20 November to 3 January; blenheimpalace.com)
A soundtrack of seasonal classics will fill the air at Stourhead in Wiltshire as visitors explore giant luminescent sculptures, a twinkling tunnel of lights, glittering trees and reflections dancing on the lake. Sip warming mulled wine under the moonlight and enjoy the historic surroundings in ever changing ribbons of colour (27 November to 3 January; nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead). Ice skating in the open air is a wonderful way to get in the mood for Christmas, with pop-up rinks due to open across the country including at the Tower Of London (toweroflondonicerink.co.uk), Hampton Court Palace (hamptoncourtpalaceicerink. co.uk), Warwick Castle (warwick-castle.com), Manchester Cathedral Gardens (skatemanchester. com) and Parker’s Piece in Cambridge (thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk). Events are subject to change in these uncertain times so book in advance and check before travelling to avoid disappointment. n
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Blenheim Palace’s Illuminated Light Trail; festive displays light up The Palm House at Kew Gardens; stroll beneath trees drenched in Christmas colour in the grounds of Stourhead in Wiltshire; ice skating in the majestic shadow of Hampton Court Palace; the temporary ice rink in the moat at The Tower Of London.
30 THE ENGLISH HOME
PHOTOGRAPHS (KEW) © JEFF EDEN/RBG KEW; (HAMPTON COURT) © BANANA PANCAKE/ALAMY
Festive Revelry Under The Stars
ADVERTORIAL
DISTINCTLY BRITISH Thoughtful design, a commitment to sustainability and premium quality are all at the heart of high-end country clothing brand, Welligogs
I
ntensely focused on marrying impeccable design with function and quality, Welligogs has established itself as a reliable clothing brand with a distinctly British edge. Producing comfort-inspired style with freedom and joy woven into the heart of each product, Welligogs delights its returning customers – including many a famous face – by making something that is more than just an item of clothing, but a piece that is inspired by a way of life. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Kim and Ray founded Welligogs in 2000 after a personal quest for an alternative to the traditional green wellington boot turned into an entrepreneurial endeavour. Noticing a gap in the market, the pair created vivid hand-painted designs that
were snapped up by customers. The brand soon expanded exponentially, eventually moving into clothing – looking to the finest in heritage design and high fashion – and introducing garments that are both city ready and country chic. CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Today, the Welligogs brand encompasses everything from classic tweeds to luxury waxed-cotton outerwear and fully waterproof coats with sealed seams. It has also expanded to offer a range of stylish accessories from just £10, including a selection of colourful socks, premium winter gloves, scarves and hats – perfect for a Christmas gift. True to Welligog’s roots, footwear is still a staple of the company, with a desirable range of waterproof boots,
leather buckled Chelsea boots, and suede ankle boots – all available for shipping worldwide. GREEN THINKING The Welligogs commitment to sustainability goes above and beyond, reducing the amount of plastic and rubber used, and prioritising the use of sustainable waxed cotton and leather materials that are sourced locally. The brand takes a sustainable approach to its packaging too. By moving to more environmentally friendly regenerative materials and ecological methods, it has set its sights even higher, hoping to be able to reduce its carbon footprint and become amongst the first brands to provide sustainable clothing and footwear. welligogs.com n THE ENGLISH HOME 31
THE ENGLISH HOME
THE LONDON EDIT British-made and sustainable designs from lighting to linen catch Editor-at-Large Kate Freud’s eye this month DAVID HUNT LIGHTING
CHALK PINK LINEN
f ever there was a company with a rich history, it is David Hunt Lighting. The brand’s heritage can be traced all the way back to John Hunt, a Birmingham-based candlestick maker in the 1790s, who was a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution. The Hunt family became one of the first adopters and manufacturers of electrical lighting products in the early 1900s and by the Fifties, the company’s namesake David Hunt began experimenting with new manufacturing techniques, inventing its unique resin composite in the process. By the 1960s, the company had moved to its workshop to the Cotswolds where it has remained ever since. Over the years, the company has established a reputation for its fine handcrafted products and in particular its resin casting and hand-finished metal surfaces. Though it may use traditional techniques, it is always at the forefront when it comes to design. Its most recent launches – the Liberty and Gavroche collections – are inspired by
halk Pink Linen has only been on the interiors scene since 2017, but it has managed to make an impressive impact in that short time. Founded by husband and wife duo Novia WhelanDunk and Craig Dunk, the award-winning brand has garnered a reputation for its beautiful quality pure linen bedding, as well as its other homewares such as cushion covers, tablecloths and napkins. Its linen homeware is made from pure European flax, gently stonewashed to create a timeless look. The fibres in pure linen bedding make it naturally hypoallergenic, boasting antibacterial qualities that ensure a fresh feel is kept throughout the night. Linen’s open-weave structure also helps to regulate body temperature, maintaining coolness in the summer and warmth in the colder months. Linen is also an eco-friendly and renewable fibre; it requires 60 per cent less water and 18 per cent less energy to cultivate than cotton. It also needs fewer fertilizers and pesticides to grow than other fibres, making it an ideal choice for those with skin allergies. Available in a beautiful palette of seven sophisticated, muted shades, including its bespoke Chalk Pink (hence the name), bedtime has never been so appealing. chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk n
C
the decadence of the Seventies nightclub scene, from New York’s Studio 54 to the Parisians’ favourite hangout Les Bains Douches, capturing the frivolity and fun of the era. davidhuntlighting.co.uk
MOWLEM & CO
F
or more than 25 years, award-winning company Mowlem & Co has been crafting bespoke kitchens and furniture
32 THE ENGLISH HOME
at its workshop in Newcastle. Not only does it manufacture its products in the United Kingdom, but it takes great pride in sourcing the best sustainable materials these shores have to offer too. Every element of the brand’s projects is designed, handmade, assembled and hand-finished, and it is this personal touch that its customers have come to know and love. The company’s designs use the best in contemporary innovation and blend it into a timelessly elegant setting that is both functional and beautiful. Though the brand is probably best known for its exceptional kitchens, it also creates seriously good-looking joinery for the rest of the home too, whether it be for a walk-in wardrobe, study, bathroom or boot room. To see Mowlem & Co’s superlative craftsmanship up close, visit its showrooms in Newcastle and London’s Chelsea. mowlemandco.com
PHOTOGRAPH MOWLEM & CO ©JAKE FITZJONES
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CELEBRATIONS Interior designer Joanna Wood’s cosy and inviting Gloucestershire manor house really comes alive at Christmas, when family and friends gather together to soak up the festive atmosphere FEATURE CLAIR WAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
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The study walls are painted in Very Well Red by Paint & Paper Library. A painting of Joanna when she was young by Susan Ryder takes centre stage above the mantelpiece flanked by a pair of 1930s Marshall Phillips brass wall lights. The warm tones of the Oka lampshades echo those of the Lawson Wood wingback chair, which is upholstered in Claremont’s Matelas de Laine. The seat of the Acres Farm fender is covered in rich red goatskin leather by Soane Britain.
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hristmas is a lavish affair at interior designer Joanna Wood’s country home in the Cotswolds. The family descends on Fyfield Manor for festive frivolity and indulgence. Roaring fires, glowing candlelight, a glistening Christmas tree and mantelpieces festooned with foliage set the scene. It is a magical time when Joanna, her husband Charles, plus daughters Hattie and Leonora can celebrate together. “On Christmas Day we watch the Queen’s Speech and have smoked salmon with champagne cocktails – which are delicious and lethal! Then, just as dusk falls, Christmas lunch starts, continuing long into the evening,” she says. During the festive period Joanna invites friends over for informal lunches and gatherings and the house really comes in to its own. “Circulation of the rooms works very well. There are lots of areas where people can sit and chat,” she says. Guests often comment on Fyfield Manor’s welcoming atmosphere, which is what first attracted Joanna to the property back in 2014. “My daughter Hattie and I walked in and didn’t get further than the drawing room. We fell in love immediately,” she explains. “We both said ‘we’ve got 38 THE ENGLISH HOME
ABOVE The Lawson Wood sofa in the drawing room came from Joanna’s previous house and has been recovered in a pretty Jean Monro Hemingford chintz with jumbosized bullion fringing dyed to match. A pair of bespoke mirrors, with antique glass in modern gilded frames, hang either side of the original hand-carved pine fireplace. RIGHT Joanna stands under the shell porch with her beloved Meath Terrier, Gypsy. A pair of Albemarle lanterns by Phillips & Wood flank the door which leads into the drawing room.
The Aubusson rug from Dominic Everest was the inspiration for the subtle colour scheme in the drawing room, whilst the inherited early eighteen-century portrait provides an elegant focal point. The comfortable, square-backed Gainsborough chair has been recovered in Fortuny’s Sevigne fabric from Claremont, and the black coffee table was made to incorporate a papier-mâché tray which Joanna inherited from her grandmother.
‘You could be here all on your own on a cold, dark, windy night and feel the house is looking after you’
ABOVE The lateeighteenth-century dining chairs, from Eton Antiques, feature William Yeoward striped fabric on the seat pads to echo the delicate tones in the rug from C John. A seascape inherited from Joanna’s grandfather hangs above the fireplace from Jamb. ABOVE The impressive facade was built in 1720 and was originally the front of the house.
to live here because it has such a warm feel’. You could be here all on your own on a cold, dark, windy night and feel the house is looking after you. It has a very kind spirit. It’s not grand, but it’s very cosy.” The elegant Grade II listed property, with its decorative facade made from local Ashlar limestone, was once quite an ordinary farmhouse. “We think there has been a farm at Fyfield Manor since Roman times, because we uncovered a Roman well and medieval bridge at the bottom of the field,” Joanna explains. “In the early 1700s, a farmer living in the farmhouse obviously did terribly well and made a great deal of money. In 1720 he employed an architect called Joseph Small to add the very pretty Queen Anne facade, with the shell porch and ball finials to create a grand impression.” The farmer also added a large entrance hall with a parlour on either side and a piano nobile on the first floor where he would entertain guests and survey his land. The hall is now a spacious drawing room, whilst the piano nobile is now home to Joanna’s bedroom.
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When Joanna first came to view the house, it was very dated but that did not deter her. “It hadn’t been touched since the 1950s,” she says. “But that wasn’t important because I knew I was going to gut it and reorganise the spaces, as we live in a different world now.” The original tiny kitchen has been turned into a utility room and Joanna has created a double-height kitchen and dining area in the former dairy. “The original kitchen wasn’t nearly big enough for family living and, if I’m cooking, I like to chat to people. The kitchen is the hub of the house.” Getting planning permission took a year, and the renovation project took another year to restore the house back to its former glory. “When we scratched the surface the house was riddled with damp and dry rot and just held together with a few coats of paint. My husband couldn’t bear to look because it was literally a construction site. He didn’t visit the house for a year.” Having had her own interior architecture and design practice for 30 years meant that Joanna knew only too well what an enormous project she had taken on, but
To accentuate the ceiling height Joanna has created a display of antique dessert plates. The subdued green tones in the Monte Cristo granite worktop from Mander & Germain blends with the island, which is painted in Brompton Road by Mylands. The striking Vertigo pendant light, designed by Constance Guisset for Petite Friture, adds a contemporary touch to the Kutchenhaus kitchen. The Buscot limestone flooring is by Artisans of Devizes.
ABOVE A graceful headboard by Lawson Wood and curtains in Lewis & Wood’s Indienne bring an understated glamour to Joanna’s bedroom. The walls are covered in silk by Loro Piana and the George III bench from Eton Antiques is upholstered in Murillo, a classic Fortuny fabric by Claremont. RIGHT An oil painting bought in Russia many years ago hangs over an antique mahogany chest bought from Blanchard Collective.
she surrounded herself with experts in their field, including Johnston Cave architects. “I knew who to ask for things like the oak floors, the restoration of the cornices and woodwork,” she says. “I tried to use local craftsmen as far as possible, and specialist decorators came down from London. As this house is Grade II listed, the historical detailing is terribly important.” Although Joanna managed to save some sections of original elm flooring upstairs, she mostly replaced old fitted carpet with random-plank English oak. “I wanted the floor to look like it would have done originally,” she says. “Random planks are more authentic because cuts from the whole tree are used. If you slice a tree through the middle and then cut to the outside, you’re getting smaller and smaller planks with the wider ones in the middle.” Wherever possible, when it came to furnishing the house, Joanna used favourite pieces that have been with her for a long time. “I’m a great believer in buying good-quality furniture, using it and reusing it in different ways, and seeing if certain pieces can be recovered, adjusted or altered. I like doing that for
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The smart nickel vanity unit in the en-suite bathroom was designed by Joanna, and has wide drawers but does not take up too much floor space. The bevelled mirror, from Joanna Wood’s shop, is paired with slim wall lights by Phillips & Wood. The Indienne wallpaper is by Lewis & Wood and the Calacatta Vagli marble floor is by Mander & Germain. THE ENGLISH HOME 43
‘Comfort is a very important part of my decorating ethic, but I still like people to walk in and say: “Gosh, this is lovely!”’ clients too, rather than this terrible consumer society that we have been living in, but I’m glad to see that people are now beginning to rethink.” When choosing a colour palette for the drawing room Joanna was inspired by the delicate pink tones in her exquisite Aubusson rug and found the perfect, complementary Jean Monro floral fabric to cover one of the sofas. “When I’m designing a house, I like to think about colour moving from light to dark, to create drama and contrast,” she says. “I also like going from texture to texture. I have chosen a tactile suede on the walls in the dining room, which is also good acoustically. I think if you stick to all paint or all paper, you lose the drama.” Colour plays a big part in Joanna’s schemes, in a subtle way. “I don’t want to be bullied by colour – I prefer to manage it,” she explains. “My bedroom is soft and muted, but there are lots of different shades there, 44 THE ENGLISH HOME
if you look at all the various layers. I am certainly not afraid of using colour and love an accent flash.” Another key factor for Joanna is comfort. “Comfort is a very important part of my decorating ethic, but I still like people to walk in and say: ‘Gosh this is lovely!’ It’s more about building and putting things together, rather than having hero pieces. The main thing is that spaces flow from one into another and everything fits together like a jigsaw puzzle.” The renovation of Fyfield Manor has been quite a journey for Joanna and husband Charles. “The house has been pulled apart, reconfigured and carefully put back together, so it looks and feels as though nothing has been done,” she says. “It feels utterly authentic. It’s incredibly important that nothing looks brand new, or jars. Now the house is finished, the thing I’m most pleased about is the atmosphere. Everyone feels very happy here.”
ABOVE Daughter Hattie’s bedroom and en suite were once three poky rooms. The ceiling now goes up into the eaves, creating a sense of height. Joanna found the bench in a junk shop when visiting a friend and had it restored and reupholstered in a Colefax and Fowler fabric. The antique brass bed is from Divine Dreams. The Christmas stockings are Joanna Wood.
JOANNA WOOD
FESTIVE FLAIR
Artfully arranged garlands and a beautifully layered tree create a warm welcome at Fyfield Manor
FEATURE CLAIR WAYMAN
When decorating the tree, how do you combine colour, texture and lights? I always use warm white lights, which create a soft golden glow. This Christmas I’ve used a traditional palette of silver, light gold and rich red with some copper tones to create depth. To draw the eye up, I’ve tied lots of faux red flowers and ribbon underneath the gold tree topper. I always attach decorations to the tops of branches, as well as hanging them, for a fuller look. All sorts of things can go on the top of branches. There’s nothing like a few home-made, natural decorations to add texture. I often use fir cones, nuts, dried flowers and sprayed greenery mixed with contrasting, colourful, glass baubles in various sizes and shapes. The trick is to use florists’ wire to fix everything on. Do you bring out treasured vintage tree decorations every year? My family love the seeing vintage tree decorations that we’ve had since my girls were little. I’ve got some wacky Father Christmases that we bought for Hattie and Leonora when they were children, which bring back happy memories and make us all nostalgic. How do you make the tree personal? I have suitcases and boxes full of carefully wrapped Christmas decorations, and every year I collect a few more good quality
decorations. Having this collection means I can change the look a little bit each Christmas. I might decide that I’m going to go for a traditional Victorian theme, or there was one stage when I went through a more modern clear-glass-andsilver period. Building up a collection over time is the key to creating a special look. I enjoy combining all my vintage and newer decorations together on the tree. Sticking to a simple colour palette is key, because colour ties it all together. Do you like the idea of giving tree decorations as gifts? I’ve been given beautiful tree decorations over the years. I have a few from Lalique, and some Kenyan pieces, given to me by a friend who knows I like collecting. When I visit friends before Christmas, instead of taking a box of chocolates, I’ll take a little bauble with me as a pressie. Some baubles are works of art, and they can be a real talking point. What is your favourite gift-wrap style? I’ve become more eco-conscious over the years, so I like to incorporate natural materials, and I try to avoid wrapping paper with lots of sparkle. I mix and match; I might combine hessian ribbon with a fun printed paper, or simple brown wrapping paper with wonderful, elaborate ribbon, as a complete contrast.
How do you decorate the mantelpiece at Christmas? Decorating the tops of mantelpieces or shelves can be incredibly effective, especially when you add candles to create a glow. On my dining room mantelpiece, I use ivy picked from my garden to create a loose display, with a mass of scented tea lights, so the room smells delicious. In the drawing room, I’ve gone for a rich goldand-green theme, mixing faux and natural elements, including gold leaves, fresh mistletoe, branches of fir with white cyclamen plants in red glass vessels. Do you have any tips for making garlands? You can make a garland quite easily with just a piece of string or ribbon and tie the greenery on to it. The other trick is to buy a very simple faux-fir garland as a base and then mix fresh greenery in, which is what I’ve done in my red study. Artificial fir garlands are available at every florist and very reasonable. I start by sticking the artificial garland to the mantelpiece and tying in the fresh ivy, faux maple leaves, fir cones, gold baubles and little flocked animals using florists’ wire. Everyone thinks it’s 100 per cent fresh. It’s a great trick and hugely time-saving. n To see Joanna Wood’s interior design projects and to view her online shop, selling luxury home accessories, visit joannawood.com THE ENGLISH HOME 45
The circular table in the entrance hall is laid for tea by candlelight in front of the fire, where a dramatic canopy of foliage graces the original carved stone fireplace. The paisley wool throw on the table is from Oka. The painting, which Christopher inherited from his grandmother, depicts an eighteenth-century gentleman.
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AND THE IVY Interior designer Christopher Vane Percy creates an elaborate backdrop combining foliage with baubles and candlelight for magical Christmas celebrations FEATURE AMANDA HARLING PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
The Christmas tree stands at the foot of the grand oak staircase in the stone-flagged entrance hall. The columns have a theatrical lapis lazuli finish whilst the walls are painted eau de Nil, replicating the original colour, discovered by taking paint scrapes. The staircase predates the mideighteenth-century house and most likely came from a house nearby. The jute stair-runner was hand-stencilled by Colleen Bery.
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or Christopher Vane Percy, assembling the elaborate Christmas decorations which adorn Island Hall, his eighteenth-century Grade II* listed home, is a labour of love. “I start with the tree that stands at the foot of the grand staircase in the hall,” he says. “I always buy from the same grower because they deliver and help manoeuvre it into position. Generally, I chop off a bit at both ends so that it fits beneath the 14ft ceiling – the off-cut branches are useful for filling in any gaps.” Each year Christopher holds a candlelit charity Christmas Carol concert, so all the decorations have to be in place in time for that. “It’s quite an occasion. We encourage guests to dress up, and afterwards they stay for drinks and mince pies. Last year the beneficiary was MAGPAS, an invaluable organisation that Linda, my late wife, was patron of, which operates an emergency air ambulance for the East of England.” Christopher lives and breathes design and decoration. “I started collecting when I was 12, buying a set of Hogarth prints in a local sale,” he recalls. “Upon leaving school, I was taken on by Asprey’s in Bond Street, which then, as now, employed an amazingly skilled group of craftsmen. I learnt on the job, working in the interior design studio that
ABOVE In the drawing room the original architectural details were mostly intact, although the marble fireplace had been boarded up. Stripped of paint, it is once again the focal point of the room. Similarly, the panels lining the walls were all removed and carefully stripped before being painted in a pale teal finish. The curtains are a straw-coloured silk seersucker from Osborne & Little. RIGHT The drawing room sofa is upholstered in Lorenzo, a damask pattern designed by Christopher in the 1970s, available from Bennison.
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The wood-grain panelled dining room, lit by innumerable candles, is designed for evening entertaining. The table is laid for the festivities on red devoré velvet by Zuber. Different sets of china and glasses add to the opulent effect, along with Venetian glass figures, gilded picture frames, and a gilt lily chandelier, augmented by sparkling crystal icicles bought from Bloomingdale’s.
‘I instantly had the feeling that the house and I were connected in some way’ was then an important part of the business. I stayed for six years, before leaving to set up on my own.” With his knowledge and appreciation of historic style, Christopher was soon much in demand, building up an impressive client list, along with experience of working on projects in London and the country. “It was an exciting time in the interior-design world,” he says. He is still busy. Current projects include a historic eighteenth-century house near Bedford, and the refurbishment of London private members’ clubs such as the Garrick and Boodle’s. Island Hall has been part of Christopher’s life since he first set eyes on it as a schoolboy in the 1950s. “My family was on a boating holiday on the River Ouse, and we children wandered off to explore nearby Godmanchester. We came across an ornate, rickety Chinese-style bridge leading to an
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overgrown island in the middle of the river. I noticed a beautiful, but forlorn Georgian house set back amongst trees on the riverbank. I instantly had the feeling that the house and I were connected in some way,” Christopher explains. “A couple of years later, I was helping my grandmother sort through my grandfather’s papers after he’d died, when I came across a Victorian journal that had belonged to his father. I began to read and to my amazement came across a description of the Chinese wooden bridge and the house. ‘I’ve been there,’ I exclaimed. My grandmother sat down and explained that the house, Island Hall, had been owned by generations of our family since 1804. However, during World War II it had been requisitioned by the RAF, and then sold in the 1950s to the local council, when it was turned into bedsitters. When I passed
Christopher stands in front of a baroque oak mirror at the foot of the grand staircase.
An eighteenth-century portrait illuminated by candlelight is surmounted by a elaborate arrangement of greenery set at a rakish angle. “I do the decorations for my own amusement and ring the changes each year. I’m always adding more. When it all comes down after New Year, everything gets packed away beautifully, ready for next Christmas.”
ABOVE The walls of the main bedroom are lined with a decorative cinnamoncoloured toile de Jouy supplied by Simon Playle depicting the legend of William Tell. The four-poster bed which Christopher acquired as a teenager has been cleverly enlarged with lengths of picture-frame moulding to extend the pelmet. Austrian blinds, made in a sheer fabric from JAB International, filter the light.
my driving test aged 17, my first solo outing was to Island Hall. I stood on the mill weir, gazing at the home of my forebears, wondering if I would ever be able to afford to buy it back.” Over the years, Christopher returned from time to time, noting the worsening condition of the house, which became semi-derelict following a fire in 1977 when the roof above the south wing fell in. Soon after it found a saviour in the form of Simon Herrtage, an interior designer who bought it as a project to do up. In 1983, Christopher, married to Linda and living in London with their two small children, picked up a copy of Country Life. “Flicking through the property pages I saw a small announcement that was to change our lives completely – Island Hall was for sale. Linda went along with my proposal to buy it, but it was only after contracts had been exchanged that I told her I’d never actually been inside the house. She was worried the reality might not live up to the fantasy, but the opposite has proved to be true, as I knew it would.”
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Island Hall could not have fallen into better hands – with his knowledge of English architecture and access to some the most accomplished craftsmen, Christopher spent the next 10 years painstakingly restoring and embellishing each room. “Fortunately my Victorian and Edwardian forebears clearly didn’t believe in spending money unnecessarily,” he explains, “so the original panelling in the principal rooms was still in place, and, amazingly, so were the chimney pieces, which come into their own at this time of year.” “The entrance hall is where much of the action takes place over Christmas,” Christopher says. “My daughter Grace will be here, and her eldest daughter Ariadne is now four, so Christmas will be especially magical for her. Tryce, my younger daughter will be home from London, along with my son Maxim and his family, so we’ll have a fairly full house. On Christmas Eve, after everyone has arrived, we have tea in the hall in front of a roaring fire.”
PHOTOGRAPH (EXTERIOR) GRACE VANE PERCY
RIGHT Christopher bought the Indian mirrored furniture – including the settee, armchair and mirror – in the 1970s at Sotheby’s. They were once part of a collection that belonged to a Nizam of Hyderabad. BELOW RIGHT Island Hall dates from 1748 and is Grade II* listed. It consists of a three-storey central portion flanked by identical two-storey wings.
Christopher decorated the dining room with candlelit dinners in mind. “Some may think it’s a bit over the top, but I describe my style as ‘more is more.’ More gilt, more sparkle, more candles...more everything,” he says. “Part of the fun is laying the table. Rather than using plates from the same dinner service, I liven things up with a mix of patterns. Tableware is one of my weaknesses, and since the advent of eBay there is the constant temptation to add to the collection.” Christopher loves to share the house with others and is a member of the Historic Houses association, so a few times a year Island Hall is open for small tours via its Invitation to View scheme. “We host a variety of functions, from summer weddings or private parties on our ornamental island, to Christmas concerts and dinners. It is a happy house and was clearly made for entertaining. Allowing others to experience the unique setting gives me enormous pleasure. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a simple supper in the kitchen, the backdrop should be memorable — and over the top.” THE ENGLISH HOME 53
CHRISTOPHER VANE PERCY
FANCIFUL FLOURISHES
At Christmas, this interior designer decorates his home with a sense of fun and exuberance
What do you love most about Christmas? Well I suppose Christmas is the child in us all. As you get older, you have your own children, which reinvigorates Christmas. Then, when you have grandchildren, it is reinvigorated again. It’s a very exciting and magical time. We are subconsciously creating memories – that’s probably why I love it so much. How would you describe your style, when it comes to decorating for Christmas? I am a traditionalist and always say I’m from the Fortnum & Mason school of Christmas decoration rather than Liberty. I’m creating an illusion rather than setting a trend and go for quite a theatrical ‘more is more’ approach. I make sure I get the
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basic bones of the decorations right and quietly keep adding, until I wish to stop. In the hall, the arrangements above the fireplace and painting (pages 26 and 31), have to work together with the tree and garland (page 28). The intention is that they don’t match but have their own distinct look. As the fireplace decoration is very symmetrical, I decided to go for an off-centre, asymmetric display over the painting for a witty feel. As a final flourish I’ve added some whimsical pieces, such as a dove, a drum and a Father Christmas that children love to spot amongst the greenery. I’ve gone for quite a natural colour palette above the fireplace to harmonise with the stone and wood, but I’ve added a glitter ball into the pediment above the door nearby. I don’t take myself too seriously. I like to throw something in that’s clashing and eye-catching to spark it up a bit. I’ve placed an antique, handblown glass witch ball in the centre of the fireplace arrangement, along with some green tinsel to twinkle up the foliage and add a fun element. I hope the decorations convey a wit and sense of humour – it’s just to amuse really. Do you make a plan before you start? I don’t plan ahead and each year I create something slightly different. My style is
quite loose and I suppose it’s like flower arranging. I know basically what I want to do, but ideas come to me as I work, depending on what foliage is in my garden or what decorations I have to hand. How have you created such an opulent, atmospheric feel on the dining table? I like to mix and match different styles on the dining table. For example, the white wine glasses might be intricate cut glass, combined with quite plain red wine glasses and coloured champagne glasses, but they all harmonise. When my wife and I were in Venice one year, I commissioned a set of four Venetian glass figures as a 25th wedding anniversary present, and these are now part of the Christmas table centrepiece. In the eighteenth-century, people often added porcelain figures to tables, so I feel like I’m reviving a tradition from the past. There is a lot of layering and I’ve even sprinkled crystal diamond scatters on the table to give an extra twinkle. Our dining room is designed to be a candle-lit room. Apart from two uplighters and one picture light, there are no electric lights in there so it feels very atmospheric, rather like it would have done in Georgian times. n islandhall.com
FEATURE CLAIR WAYMAN PORTRAIT © GRACE VANE PERCY PHOTOGRAPH © ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
Where do you get your inspiration from? Growing up in the 1950s, Christmas was quite a meagre affair. As a boy I can vividly remember watching the film White Christmas and falling in love with the American glamour of their Christmas, thinking ‘one day I will have a Christmas tree like that’. Back in the 1980s, when we first moved to Island Hall, it was impossible to buy big trees, so I would tie three trees together to create the look. These days we use Nordmann Fir Christmas trees which are very bushy and glossy.
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With the fire lit, the family gathers in the cosy drawing room on Christmas morning to unwrap gifts and enjoy coffee and Bettys mince pies. The banquette is made in Romo’s Layton Henna fabric, whilst the curtains have been made from Larissa Sienna/ Rose fabric by Mulberry. The bespoke sofas, are upholstered in GP & J Baker Lea/Stone fabric and piped in Neptune’s Isla Velvet Otter. The Juliette 815 chandelier is from Estro.
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nthe for FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
Blue accents from one of the couple’s favourite paintings, Beauty, by Danielle O’Connor Akiyama, have been pulled through to the dining room. At Christmas, the striking Oval Lartigue chandelier from Porta Romana is laden with fresh eucalyptus, whilst the Wimbledon dining table from I & JL Brown, is strewn with holly and ivy from the garden.
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hilst Stephanie Thorne strolls from room to room, admiring her cherished Christmas decorations, she reminisces about the day she first viewed the historic farmhouse that is now her home. “Although I instantly fell in love with the exterior, having stepped inside, I was deeply concerned about the amount of work that would be required, she recalls. “Even though I struggled to visualise it at the time, my husband, Steve, said it could become a wonderful home, particularly at Christmas. I am so glad that I trusted his judgement and vision.” Back in 2014, keen renovator Steve was captivated from the moment his online search uncovered the handsome Dorset property, set in acres of unspoilt countryside. “The rural location with views over paddocks was idyllic and, because I’m passionate about history, the prospect of living in a period house did appeal,” says Stephanie, who hails originally from the United States. “However, we had already renovated two houses and I was initially reluctant to tackle what was clearly going to be a lengthy, major project.”
ABOVE Two islands in the airy new kitchen ensure there’s plenty of worktop space for Christmas food preparation. “We’re so pleased with our Suffolk kitchen from Neptune, and the Aga, which really comes into its own at this time of the year,” says Stephanie. RIGHT Wooden panelling lends interest and texture to this cosy corner of the kitchen, which is a relaxed space for the Thornes and their dogs, including Golden Retrievers Brodie and Bria. The Roman blind has been made in Rapture & Wright’s Cloud Garden in Quink.
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‘I am absolutely thrilled at how the farmhouse has been lovingly and imaginatively restored’ ABOVE LEFT At Christmas, the staircase, with its Lambrook 1 runner from Fleetwood Fox, is adorned with foliage and twinkling lights. ABOVE RIGHT An antique map, part of Stephanie’s treasured collection, injects further character in the spacious drawing room. The lamp bases are painted in Radicchio by Farrow & Ball.
Weighing up the pros and cons, Steve, the CEO of a creative company, and former solicitor Stephanie, decided to take the plunge, and, in March 2015, they clinched the deal. “Steve is a stickler for detail and, with his experience in renovating properties, I was confident that he would go the extra mile to sensitively transform this house into a beautiful home,” Stephanie says. Built in the 1600s, the property was significantly altered and then reconfigured in the nineteenth century. It was later extended in the 1900s. “In years gone by, the roof had been thatched, but a fire destroyed that in 1947,” Stephanie explains. “On further inspection, we found the remains of charred timbers in what was to become our bedroom.” Fully embracing the property’s rich heritage, Steve was determined that the restoration would do justice to this languishing countryside residence. To bring his vision to fruition, he enlisted the help of interiors company, Sims Hilditch. “We love their aesthetic and holistic approach to renovations,” says Stephanie. “The scale of the project was daunting, and the choices were
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overwhelming. We felt that Sims Hilditch could help us with selecting the right materials, formulating a lighting plan and designing the interiors.” As well as repairing the roof, the whole house needed rewiring, new plumbing and electrics. The iron guttering and downpipes had to be replaced, and new wooden windows and doors installed. Plans were drawn up for a two-storey oak-frame extension at the back of the house to create a spacious family kitchen on the ground floor, plus two additional bedrooms, one bathroom and three shower rooms on the first floor, and a new loft space on the second floor. “Many jobs were much more timeconsuming than we had anticipated,” says Stephanie. “For instance, because the ground floor had been laid straight onto earth, we had to take the old flooring up, and excavate 120cm down, before laying underfloor heating and flooring. Thankfully, the builders, 3 Gen Construction, were fantastic and, with Steve project managing, no stone was left unturned.” During the renovation, poignant echoes of the property’s previous residents gradually came to light,
The dusky pink and orange tones found in the drawing room are echoed in the informal living area that forms part of the entrance hall. The coffee table is from Flamant whilst the Browning pendant and Eva sofas are from Neptune. Stephanie found the wooden sledge at Krave Antiques in Bath and the tree is from Real Christmas Trees.
ABOVE The twin beds in this bedroom are from The Bed Workshop and are upholstered in Peony & Sage’s Faded Dotty Butterflies fabric. The wallpaper is Pretty Maids in Dusky Pink by Vanessa Arbuthnott.
such as the yellowing, faded newspapers that were lining the shelves in what had once been the farm office. “I pored over them, reading about the Second World War and lovely stories about Queen Elizabeth’s early life,” Stephanie explains. “It was amazing to happen upon such tangible links with the past.” As the year-long build progressed, the couple felt themselves becoming increasingly connected to the farmhouse. Taking on the mantle of custodians, they enthusiastically salvaged and enhanced any of the period features that had survived the fire and passage of time. “Cornicing and plaster moulds were restored
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or replaced to match the existing ones by local firm, Wessex Plaster Mouldings,” says Stephanie. When it came to considering the interiors, the Thornes were inspired by designer Kit Kemp, and the decor at Crosby Street Hotel in New York. a favourite of theirs. “Sims Hilditch understood that we wanted our period farmhouse to have a fresh, modern country look with a sense of understated elegance,” says Stephanie. “When they showed us the Adam’s Eden wallpaper by Lewis & Wood, we felt the subtle palette in the ivory colourway would work very well in the hallway and throughout the rest of the house, linking the schemes together.”
ABOVE LEFT Tongue-and-groove panelling and a pretty Roman blind made from Grainsack Pink Icing fabric, by Peony & Sage, add rural charm to this bathroom.
ABOVE The house, with parts dating back to the early 1600s, has been given a completely new lease of life. The front door has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Green Blue and is adorned by a welcoming festive wreath.
In April 2016, the couple were thrilled to finally relocate to their enchanting home and it has played a significant role in their desire to merge their English and American traditions. “Christmas and Thanksgiving have always been incredibly important to me,” Stephanie says. “It’s wonderful to have plenty of space to celebrate both these special occasions with the children.” On Thanksgiving, the Thornes get together to share a lovingly prepared meal in the dining room. “When we go round the dining table to voice what we are all thankful for, health, family and home, are always priorities for me,” Stephanie says.
ABOVE A comfortable armchair and footstool, upholstered in Manuel Canovas fabric, create a relaxing spot to unwind in this bedroom with its far-reaching countryside views.
Weeks later, with the house beautifully decorated, the Christmas celebrations begin. “The day starts with stocking opening, accompanied by a breakfast of smoked salmon and poached eggs, fresh from our chickens,” says Stephanie. “Next, Steve lights the fire in the drawing room, where we all open our presents. After a dog walk along the river, we head back for Christmas dinner. At dusk – when I draw the curtains, light the candles and glance around at my loved ones – I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather spend this magical time of the year. Steve was absolutely right.” n
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CHRISTMAS Simpl what m Gan
d Martin rshire FEATURE SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY DAN DUCHARS
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A small Christmas tree, plenty of foliage and several candles create a cosy atmosphere in the dining room. The upholstered bench was a happy find outside an antiques shop and was earmarked for reupholstering but the couple loved it just the way it was. The beams and ceiling are painted Light Bronze Green from Little Greene.
ABOVE LEFT The couple’s lifestyle ethos stretches to Christmas, keeping parcels natural with brown paper and pretty ribbons. ABOVE RIGHT Natural linens and foliage maintain the laid-back yet chic style and create a welcoming table. LEFT Simple foliage with brightly coloured berries foraged from the garden is attached to the front door with a pretty ribbon.
D
esigners Elle Kemp and Martin Gane take a relaxed approach to decorating their home for Christmas. “For many years I would just buy lots of oranges and liberally spread them around the house with a few bits of greenery and pine cones thrown in for good measure,” says Elle. “The oranges would get eaten, the pine cones would end up on the fire and there was little left to pack away at the end of the holidays.” Simplicity and sustainability are key to the ethos of the couple’s design practise, Ridge & Furrow, and it has shaped the home they share with their young sons Claude, aged eight, and Gilbert, five. Before they had met each other, both Elle and Martin had dreamt of building a home from scratch – it was quite possibly their first-date conversation on the topic that clinched their future together. Yet, suitable plots are hard to come by in the UK and it was necessary to widen their criteria to find a home they could fall in love with. That home turned out to be a Cotswold-stone former piggery outside Stroud which sits in less than
A corridor runs the length of the ground floor, one side of which is finished in Drab by Farrow & Ball. At this end a chest of drawers provides a resting place for a large bowl filled with brightly coloured baubles to add a low-key yet jolly festive touch. THE ENGLISH HOME 67
‘The stone sink in the kitchen sums up everything we have done here; it was great value and came with huge amounts of age and character’ ABOVE The doubleheight kitchen is a wonderful mix of exposed brick walls and dark painted cladding and cabinetry. Cooking centres around an Everhot range and the stone sink is one of Elle’s favourite salvage buys. Reclaimed iroko work surfaces bring warmth to the space.
an acre but includes a meadow, orchard, courtyard and vegetable plot. They bought it in 2012 and moved into it in 2016. “It was one of two farm outbuildings with permission to develop,” says Elle. Fortunately for the couple, the property already had a new roof and footings. However, unusually for such a building, it also had listed status as it falls within the curtilage of a Grade II listed farmhouse. Gaining planning permission was a lengthy process – despite good relations with the planning office and a shared desire to retain as much of the fabric of the building as possible – but it has resulted in a home that makes best use of the compact space and still pays homage to the building’s agricultural past. A straight
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hallway runs the length of the ground floor granting access to a living/dining room, kitchen, snug, bathroom and two bedrooms, plus there is an office and an unusual split-level bathroom above. “Building regulations prevent us from having living spaces on the upper level, but that does not cover bathrooms,” explains Elle. “When we were looking for ways to make the most of the tall ceilings, Martin had this idyllic vision for a truly relaxing bathroom with just a bath and nothing else. Although we always try and put a chair as big as we can manage in any bathroom; it makes it such a luxurious place to be.” The couple have sourced fixtures and fittings for the house from reclamation yards and there is an emphasis
ABOVE LEFT Spiced on quality and patina of age throughout the house. punch and mince Elle describes her favourite piece as the shallow pies bring warmth stone sink in the kitchen: “It sums up everything to the soul. Christmas we have done here. It was great value and came is a time for the with huge amounts of age and character but it also family to hunker down and enjoy has its compromises. We have had to learn how simple pleasures. to work with it – we are really not into making ABOVE RIGHT lives easy for ourselves.” Shelving provides The kitchen has a wonderful utilitarian feel, inspired display space for by the sculleries and pantries of old. Yet there is gathered treasures warmth here too – this is a place to hunker down, to in the kitchen. enjoy the sense of comfort and familiarity. “The idea RIGHT Elle and Martin run an interior for the black gloss paintwork came directly from our and garden design favourite pub, The Woolpack in Slad, which is full of business near Stroud, Laurie Lee memorabilia, and has these amazing black ridgeandfurrow.co.uk gloss settles,” explains Elle. “The dark colours in the lower section make it an intimate space but then there
ABOVE & LEFT There is a raw and honest beauty to the interiors in this home. Reclaimed, antique and junk shop finds bring real character too. Elle and Martin used English Salvage (formerly Leominster Reclamation & Architectural Salvage) as a source for doors and fixtures, and Sprauncy in Stroud as a treasure trove to rummage in.
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is also this tremendous height that draws you up and gives you room to breathe.” Elsewhere in the house, the colour palette has earthy shades of olive, gold and tan; a nod to the landscape perhaps, but also inspired by the colours of one of Martin’s old tweed jackets. During the renovation, Martin took on almost all the work himself and boosted his skills by assisting the few tradespeople they brought in to help out on specialist tasks. “He laid the floors, made all the timberwork, taught himself how to lay out stairs and how to apply lime plaster, as well as working with all kinds of sustainable materials,” remarks Elle. “I think we really have learnt how to build a house after all.” The proportions of this building have posed some interesting challenges along the way. “It took us a while to get the fireplace right in the sitting room,” explains Elle. “We wanted a stove set into a traditional fireplace, which sounds simple enough, but it is a small
In the master bedroom, comfort is layered over the raw beauty of exposed brick, bare lime plaster and stone cobbles on the floor. An antique tapestry hanging behind the bed was an online auction find. The vintage Kantha throws on the bed came from Ian Snow. The beams and ceiling are painted in Sand, an archive colour from Farrow & Ball.
The boys each have a cosy cabin bed in their room, this one painted in Riverbank from Earthborn paints. The rocking horse was made by Elle’s grandfather and just happened to fit in the cubby hole.
The couple describe their design style as ‘creating spaces which feel like they’ve always been there’, to which their house is testament room requiring a small stove, yet it is also a very tall room, so the scale needed to be right.” The couple designed the surround several times but, in the end, the chance find of suitable materials led the way. “Martin found the stone surround in pieces in the farmer’s shed and bought it as rubble,” explains Elle. “We glued it back together and it just worked; we used it exactly as it was without sanding back or removing paint.” The couple describe their design style as “creating spaces which feel like they’ve always been there”, to which their home is testament. It has a sense of
permanence and solidity, with a variety of textures providing plenty of interest. Elle point outs that “it is not a house that needs to be dressed”. This time of year is an opportunity for the couple to spend quiet time at home with their boys. They put up a Christmas tree a day or two before the main event, and it is decorated with simple lights and some favourite decorations under the direction of Claude and Gilbert. “We tend to focus on simple pleasures, such as the children’s play and sitting by the fire,” says Elle. “We all love to hibernate,” she says. “This is a very soulful place – this house is part of us.” n
ABOVE LEFT In the master bedroom, a vignette stands out against the raw beauty of exposed brick. ABOVE RIGHT In the bathroom, the timber is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Clunch and the flagstone flooring is from Winchcombe Reclamation.
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LENNOX CATO ANTIQUES & WORKS OF ART Est. 1978
T H E L U X U RY O F C H R I S T M A S
www.bournehome.com 74 THE ENGLISH HOME
1 The Square, Church Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5BD T: +44 (0)1732 865988 M: +44 (0)7836233473
www.lennoxcato.com
STYLE INSPIRATION
Our special section dedicated to design and decorating inspiration begins here
CHIMING BEAUTIFULLY
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
When the decor of a home is perfectly considered with a clear vision and elegant style, it pays to co-ordinate Christmas decorating to suit. A harmonised, timeless scheme will look good year after year, and can easily be added to with newly discovered treasures. Here an opulent garland adorned with navy baubles and velvet bows is made all the more beautiful with the addition of miniature blue-and-white ginger jars to echo the oriental-style vase and Delft tiles. Frosted Pine Cone garland, £120; Midnight Brocade ribbon (457cm x 10cm), £65; Midnight Sky baubles, £54 for six; Dawn Gold Leaf baubles, £85 for six; Lin Bu Ginger Jar tree ornaments, £49 for two; Moonbeam tassels, £20 each; Golden Berry bunches, £18 for six; Lin Bu Ginger Jar, £385, all Sophie Conran
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DEEP MIDWINTER DECORATING Strike the right note for the festive season with rich dark tones and a subtle shimmer of gold for an enveloping, luxurious mood with an abundance of comfort and joy
E
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
very Christmas is a chance for rejoicing, reconnecting and relaxing, but this year may see celebrations taking on a different form. We do not know if large family reunions can take place, and lavish parties certainly seem to be off the agenda. Quieter, more intimate and personal festivities are likely, with the comforts of home more important than ever. Here we share a few ideas to set the scene for a cossetting and welcoming home, with considered choices to bring a sense of joy and Christmas cheer. Lusciously dark backdrops provide an opportunity for accents of berry red and emerald green to take centre stage. The soft flicker of candles and twinkle of white fairy lights, along
with flashes of gold and silver, will set a soothing glow. This look is not about overblown glitz but understated elegance – gold candles, mercury silvered baubles, and brass bells hung on a door will all add a sense of occasion. Vignettes of candles with gleaming baubles and sprigs of holly, ivy or pine along a mantelpiece or on a table will add just the right note. Fill vintage jugs with sprays of berries and leaves for easy yet cheery arrangements around the home and dress a natural wreath with an opulent ribbon as a final flourish. However Christmas is celebrated this year, we hope this approach will provide an indulgent, heartwarming decorative backdrop for a happy time with loved ones.
Daily ritual (left)
Count down to the big day in traditional style with this advent candle wreath. By Christmas morning it will be all aglow. Black Metal Advent Candle Holder, £33, Not On The High Street.com
Golden glow (below)
Enliven a dresser or shelves by threading strings of metallic or glitter beads around bowls or ornaments, along with small white fairy lights and sprigs of holly. Champagne Glitter Ball
Garland, £12; Starburst Light Chain, £30; Antique White Ceramic Bowl, £14; Antique White Ceramic Footed Bowl, £15; Antique White Ceramic Small Serving Bowl, £18, all Rockett St George
Go bold (right)
A large pared-back wreath with a decadent silk or velvet ribbon providing an accent of colour looks especially sumptuous against a dark backdrop. Oxford Navy Chalkpaint, from £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan
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Warm embrace
The flicker of candles looks particularly comforting against a rich, warming backdrop, perhaps a burnt orange as here, or a burgundy red (see opposite). Walls in Chestnut, £54 for 2.5l Eggshell; selection of candlesticks and ornaments, all Neptune
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Truly, richly, deeply
Combine a sumptuous crimson red on the walls and woodwork with gold and green tones for a cocooning effect. Huguenot No.49, £26 for 1l Marble Matt, Mylands
Winter’s harvest (below)
decora i e lled with foraged foliage makes for a cheery wintery mood. Hawthorn Berries & Robin Jug, £49.95, Emma Bridgewater
Rich texture
Luxurious velvet and faux fur add extra richness to a classic Christmas stocking. Red Velvet Stocking, £35, John Lewis & Partners
Soft focus (below)
Candles add a romantic feel to a dark winters’ night. British Beeswax Candles and Holders, all Rowen & Wren
Jingle bells Bells, whether silver or aged brass, cannot fail to add festive cheer. Hang on a front door, in a window or as part of a beautiful staircase garland, for a timeless Christmas feel to the home. Vintage Brass Bell Set, £15, Nordic House
Vintage silver
Add glamour and seasonal character to a Christmas tree or around the home with these delightful vintage-style mercury silvered baubles. Wavy Mercury Silver Bauble, £5 each, Nordic House
All that glitters (above)
Create a vignette of candles and ornaments on a mantelpiece or shelf. These votive holders also add a little sparkle to the scene. Light Up Candles in Apple & Spice and Neroli, Lime & Basil, £8 each, Marks & Spencer
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Deck the halls
A vase of greenery can be adorned with treasured decorations for added interest in a hallway or on a landing. Zhenyao Vase, £195, and all decorations, Oka
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPH P79 MATT CANT
(far left)
Decadent dining
Dining rooms can afford a darker decor, with beautiful lighting setting the mood for intimate suppers and indulgent winter feasts. Ledbury Pendant Light, £185, Fritz Fryer n
FernsbyHall tapestry kits are designed by Catriona Hall and produced by Diana Fernsby. They are quirky and amusing mostly of rotund animals and birds using soft colours. Prices range from £55 to £85. Kits have a printed canvas, Appleton wools, a needle a photograph instructions and a canvas bag.
See them at fernsbyhall.com or email at kits@fernsbyhall.com 82 THE ENGLISH HOME
Give gifts that will delight with our curation of ideas. Walls in Olive, £54 for 2.5l Eggshell, Neptune
gadgets, designer buys and botanical delights THE ENGLISH HOME 83
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Charming ideas for the green-fingered and flower-loving 1 Buddleia Lampshade, from £69.50, Lorna Syson 2 Meadow Flowers Stencil Kit, £17.95, Annie Sloan 3 Willow Flower Trug, from £21.95, Sarah Raven 4 Rose Globe with Peony, £150, JamJar Edit 5 Glass Plant Mister, £8, Feather & Nest 6 Canvas Garden Apron, 84 THE ENGLISH HOME
£25, Garden Trading 7 C sey Thistles Silk Scarf, £65, V&A Muse hop 8 Heart Bird Feeder gift set (with bag of seed), £26, Boxwild 9 V&A Water Bottle in Clover wallpaper print by JH Dearle, £18, Wild & Wolf 10 Aquaflora X Framed Art (30cm x
40cm), £108, Mind The Gap 11 Christmas decoration Jewelled Trowel, £15 and Jewelled Watering Can, £18, both Raj Tent Club 12 House of Plants Card Game, £14.99, Dobbies 13 Luxury Green Gardening Hamper, £195, Petersham Nurseries
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Practical gadgets, appliances and handy buys that look lovely too 1 Limited Edition London Weathe Black, £450 and Copper, £480, bo ell Brown 2 Fennel Rose Gold Pimpernel watch with Green Perlon strap, from £219, Morris & Co at August Berg 3 Faux Shagreen Brush Holder, Taupe, £95, Oka 4 Rose Gold Funky Iron, £79.99, Funky Appliance Company
5 Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, £399.95, Sage 6 Marcato Atlas 150 Wellness Pasta Machine, Copper, £99, John Lewis & Partners 7 Leather Contactless Payment Key Fob, £55, Tovi Sorga 8 Floral Print Sewing Machine JL111, £140, John Lewis & Partners 9 Velvetiser, Copper, £99.95,
Hotel Chocolat 10 Koble Kobe Smart Side Table, with integrated bluetooth speakers and wireless charging surface, £299, Cuckooland 11 Typhoon, Cafe Concept Stovetop Espresso Maker, £22, Amazon 12 Biscay Blue Retro 746 Telephone, £50, Wild & Wolf 13 Hanover Small Cordless LED Lamp, Bronze, £160, Neptune
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6 Windsor Silk Bedspread, y, £620 for a double bed size, Ging Midnight Stripe Linen Trouser Set Pyjamas, £100, Piglet in Bed 8 Christmas Teddy Bear (32cm), £225, Steiff 9 Wonki Ware Squat Style Ceramic Mug in a Marine Wash, £16.95, The Grey Works 10 Round Pashmina Selection Box of Black
Teas, £15, Newby Teas 11 Pink Supreme Cashmere Bed Socks, £28, Soak & Sleep 12 Elizabeth Scarlett Velvet Bee Hot Water Bottle, £30, Amara 13 Christmas Marzipan Fruits Selection Box, £22, Fortnum & Mason 14 Cire Trudon Scented Candle, 270g, £75, Selfridges & Co
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Accessories for the home from designers’ own shops 1 Salvesen Graham x Jennifer Manners Mini Rugs (90cm x 60cm), £250 each, S Graham 2 Gold Resin Leaf Plate £14, Joanna Wood 3 Wooden Lacquer Rainbow Box, Small, £110, Matilda Goad 4 Bella Blue Carafe (500ml), £90, William Yeoward Crystal
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5 Arles Tablemats, £21 each, Nina Campbell 6 Swirl Stepped Bookends, £225 for a set of two, Tom Dixon 7 Cornucopia Cushion, £285, Flora Soames 8 Buccellati Sterling Silver and Murano Glass Pineapple Jam Jar II, £POA, Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam
9 Checkerboard Backgammon Set, £395, Joanthan Adler 10 Creamware Column Candlestick £40, Pentreath & Hall 11 Mother of Pearl Dragonfly Plate, £260, Katharine Pooley 12 Indian Sunfowers Washbag, Graphite, Large, £29, Designers Guild n
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPHS P84 (1) © YESHEN VENEMA PHOTOGRAPHY; (7) BARRETO PHOTOGRAPHY; (13) © CHLOE HOLDSWORTH. P87 (4) KLUBAN DMITRY. P88 (11) RICHARD GREEN
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m the preparations are almost the most exciting part of the season for me – I really enjoy it. I love adding that whole extra layer of decoration to the house, and the fact that the holly, the tree and a crackling fire also add their own scent by the time its Christmas,” says Susie, who is adamant that creating that Christmas feel at home can be achieved in an afternoon.
SETTING A RELAXED TONE “I really like a comfortable English country house look, and I don’t personally like things to look too precious. Decorating is about entertaining, and family and friends. You want it to look beautiful but welcoming, and not at all off-putting. Create an environment that encourages people to sit down. Little children and
g be ready with throws and cosy cushions – nice feather ones that are comfy. One has to remember it’s a home, a place for people to gather and somewhere that they enjoy coming. “I don’t think you need to be concerned about things matching exactly. Old English houses had lots of things brought back from around the world and there was plenty of colour and variety. I think that’s the best of British decorating. You may have things you’ve owned a long time, such as an old piece of mahogany furniture, and newer things to add in, particularly at Christmas [such as additional seating for guests]. It’s good to have a mix, and once it’s all in there, you don’t notice it. “The same applies to decorations. You may have some favourites that remind you of Christmases past, you can then add maybe one or two, or even four, new baubles every year. I think we should reuse and pass down decorations that we treasure – such as heavy cotton-and-jute Christmas stockings or sacks that last at least a childhood, or festive tableware that’s a little bit of an investment just for Christmas. When you RIGHT The magical scene starts as guests approach Susie’s home. “I think it’s lovely to have some decorations outside and to use trees or climbers that are strong enough to decorate with inexpensive baubles that twinkle nicely,” she says. “It makes such a dfference when you arrive as a guest to see a welcoming wreath. We decorate the stone dogs with ivy collars and sometimes ribbons for Christmas. For me, it shows that dogs will be inside to welcome you, too.” LEFT “Very occasionally you do have quite fine weather at Christmas and it’s lovely to sit outside and huddle up after a walk. It’s a bit of a fantasy. Decorating the garden is a really fun idea, especially if you create a spot in which to enjoy a hot drink in the garden beneath twinkling baublefilled trees.” All products used to decorate throughout Susie’s home and garden are from Susie Watson Designs Handmade Home Collection
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you bring them out at this time of year, it marks the occasion and makes it feels special. There are also simple touches, like ribbon, which is very useful for stringing up wreaths and baubles, and can be ironed and put away for next year rather than thrown away.”
KEEP IT CLASSIC “I don’t do anything particularly fashionable. I think my style is quite classic or contemporary-classic. The colours I use in my home are all soft and very much to do with the English countryside; all can be found in nature and therefore all go together. “I like to layer different colours and textures. For example, I create a Christmas sofa with a red or green throw and cushions in a mixture of fabrics. Velvet is very important to use because it’s as soft and tactile as the wool throws are and I like the contrast between 92 THE ENGLISH HOME
ABOVE ”We place the Christmas tree in the hall, which instantly makes the house feel festive and looks very pretty by the staircase. I put faux ivy garlands intertwined with rosehips up the banister. It’s a bit of a cheat but I like using faux as you can create a garland two or three days before Christmas and know it’s not going to deteriorate. “I do, however, always love a real Christmas tree – the smell of it is so lovely. You don’t need every millimetre of the tree covered in baubles. Enjoy the tree – they are quite expensive and you don’t need to completely cover them. I like to see the green branches and just add some white lights, a few decorations, which I mix up, and a handmade fairy on top.”
RIGHT “If people are coming on Christmas Eve, it’s quite fun to make the sitting room look very cosy. I use baubles, glass hurricane vases and tea light holders everywhere, putting greenery where I can and hanging the stockings at the mantelpiece. It gives an opportunity to add a different dimension to a room. Christmas is an opportunity to go mad and people do love it when they walk in. I’m always so sad to take all the decorations down. “Cushions are very useful – a layer you can put on instantly. If you want to change the colour of your sofa, you can add a throw and cushions to change the look for the season.”
the two. I always add in linen, but if it was all linen it would look at bit flat. Adding velvet or silk adds a shot of shiny fabric without being too much – everything is better for being mixed up with something else. “It’s about using a bit of this and a bit of that and trying to give a look that’s eclectic and appears to have been put together over a period of time. This creates something relaxed and seamingly unstudied. Then you can swap things around more easily if you see something new that you love and want to add in.
RIGHT & BELOW ”We often place small cushions at the back of the dining chairs to make them a bit softer and allow guests to sit comfortably for a longer time. I mix up the designs of the chair cushions to give a bit of interest. I do the same with Christmas crockery and use two different designs along with some plain plates. It’s possible to be effective with just a few Christmas plates and bowls rather than it being necessary to have a whole set. A little bit of Christmas pottery is really fun. If I didn’t have any, I’d start with the candles as they are cheaper, and the hurricane vases make great vases, too – it’s important to have things that are versatile and reusable. “To dress the table I mix short candles, hurricane vases and tall vases. Something with personality adds a further layer of interest, such as our hand-painted, candy-striped candles. Don’t worry too much about how to style it, but have a pair or even numbers and something in the middle of a table like a jug of flowers, and then the same amount of candles both sides, but have lots – pile them on! Of course, make sure candles are lit in a hurricane vase or in a candlestick and never leave them unattended when lit – especially if tinies [children] are around.”
ABOVE ”A dresser is another area to decorate quickly and effectively. Use white hellebores, Christmas plates, cyclamen in tea cups or jugs, pine cones and ivy. A few little things, like baubles in vases that glint in the light, can add a whole different layer of decoration. Little flower bottles are really useful and you can use them all year round in different ways.”
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KEEP IT SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE “I think people can find decorating for Christmas daunting and complicated, but it needn’t be. If you have a pile of baubles, string them up in unexpected places and in groupings of different colour combinations. Use foliage everywhere – I love using a mix of faux and real trailed across door frames, picture frames and headboards. “I think candlelight is extremely important and really gives a Christmas atmosphere. I put candles everywhere around the house and they never look gaudy. Use a few techniques like this and repeat them all over the house – there’s no need to feel that you need to do something different in every room. By the second year you do this, you’ll find you have discovered what works and it’s a real pleasure to spend an afternoon adding festive touches to your home.” n 96 THE ENGLISH HOME
ABOVE ”If guests are coming to stay and find a posy of festive flowers by the bed or trailing ivy decorating the chandelier or headboard, it really shows that you’ve thought about them. Find a place on the bed or a window latch in which to group baubles together and hang them up to show off their lovely colours. Use different clusters of colours – blue and silver, green and red – to vary the look around the house.”
About Susie Watson
Susie Watson started her current business by designing a range of kitchen china which was made at a small Stoke-on-Trent factory. A lucky introduction brought Susie and her team to a highly specialist ceramics factory in Sri Lanka. This in turn led to further product ranges being developed in India, using specialist makers and preserving traditional techniques and skills. These family-run workshops have become very much part of their working family and close friends. Today, Susie Watson Designs produces items for every room in the home which can be bought online and in 10 showrooms around the UK. The business sells homeware focused on a classic look and also offers an interior design service. For more information visit susiewatsondesigns.co.uk
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FOR CHRISTMAS Anticipate everything needed to make Christmas the perfect occasion with thoughtful additions to create lasting comfort and joy for each room
Create a sparkling tablescape with silver beaded placemats, glitter pinecone placecard holders and beautiful glassware. Silver Pinecone Placecard Holders, £25 for a set of six; Silver Round Beaded Placemats, £38 for a set of two; Cut Glass Champagne Coupes, £40 for a set of two, all The White Company 98 THE ENGLISH HOME
T
he festive season is a time when we can take great pleasure in enjoying our homes to the full, so this is the ideal moment to consider larger purchases that will not only make Christmas extra special, but also be life enhancing for the year ahead. Wellconsidered smaller touches can be just as valuable to refresh interiors and, along with traditional and new festive flourishes, they can enhance the customs of the season and everyday moments. Within each room, we consider the essential elements that will work wonders to help make this Christmas one that best celebrates the delights of home.
Dining Room
The dining room has a big part to play in the Christmas festivities and comfort is key. Comfortable dining chairs are essential – consider fabric-covered chairs or armchair-style designs or, to improve the comfort of wooden chairs, add sheepskin rugs for a contemporary look as well as softness. To set a warm, inviting atmosphere, well-chosen lighting will have a desirable effect. The dining room is the perfect backdrop to evoke a sense of excitement with use of a showstopping lighting centrepiece such as an ornate chandelier, striking central pendant or simply plenty of candles dotted around. To enhance the celebrations further, a fully stocked home bar heightens the party mood. Consider different options to create a suitable drinks storage and display area. A cabinet has a classic mood, whereas a drinks trolley or cocktail bar imparts a more contemporary aesthetic. It is also worth considering extras accessories, such as cocktail shakers and serving dishes for nibbles, to complete a stylish evening. From aperitifs to after-dinner drinks, make sure there are suitable glasses for all types of tipples so the toasts keep flowing. RIGHT ABOVE Enliven a dining room scheme with chairs in colourful velvets. Hampton Low Back Armchair, £645 plus fabric and studding; Hampton Low Back Chair, £525 plus fabric and studding, Brittany Dining Table, from £2,995, all I & JL Brown
RIGHT BELOW Set the celebratory tone and have everything at hand, including plenty of ice, with a well-stocked drinks trolley. Trainor Bar Cart, £2,491; Richmond Chair, £962; VonWebber Mirror, £3,043, all Arteriors
LEFT Match stylish Christmas crackers with an eye-catching tonal place setting. Two-Tone Gold Star Luxury Christmas Crackers, £38 for six; Riviera Glossy Gold Leaf Plate, £28, both Rockett St George
Gather details to beautifully offset each special repast, including: • A floral arrangement. Create a sublime, long-lasting table centrepiece for Christmas lunches and dinners, adding candles in varying tones to ring the changes for table settings at different times of day. • Foliage, fairy lights and tea lights, to dress the length of the table. Little gifts or Christmas confectionery provide a little extra magic hidden amongst the display. • Fully dressed place settings with details such as place cards, placemats in festive colours and co-ordinating linen and tableware. • Crackers. A traditional essential, these look particularly fetching when matched to the colours of the table decor. • Garlands and hanging decorations. To decorate the rest of the dining room, arrange garlands on a mantelpiece or sideboard and hang ribbons and miniature decorations from chandeliers and pendant lights.
ABOVE Ensure drinks and nibbles are served in stylish glassware for a sense of luxurious aplomb. Wine Champagne Saucers, £60 for four; Champagne Theatre Flutes, £75 for two, LSA International
Sitting Room
It is in the sitting room that we truly embrace the relaxation of Christmas time, gathering together to revel in the comfort of our warm and cosy retreat. Investing in a new sofa or armchair can transform this restful haven for the holidays and far beyond. It is also timely to consider if extra occasional seating and side tables are needed, and, as furniture is often moved around to accommodate the tree, it is worth taking time to experiment with arrangements. The process of reorganising furniture will also make it clear where extra lighting may be required. Little can compare to a roaring fire on a frosty night, to draw everyone closer together and create welcoming scene. As a fireplace or wood-burning stove are likely to be used throughout winter and into spring, it may just the moment to replace a chimneypiece or fire grate, or install an efficient woodburner to keep the home fires burning. Remember, too, to have the chimney swept. Whilst considering larger changes, a coat of paint can make the room feel completely different – whether simply refreshing the current colour or changing the mood completely with a striking new shade. Small changes such as adding layers in luxuriously tactile textures to seating in the form of cushions and throws are a quick and easy way to enhance a sitting room. Simple decorative embellishments on soft furnishings can also enrich the overall scheme. Seek out patterned trims that can be easily added to curtains and cushions for a more tailored look and smart attention to detail. RIGHT, ABOVE Occasional chairs can e ed in o li le sed s aces and ade co for a le i h he addi ion of a side a le for se in do n a drink Spencer Wing Chair, £4,140 plus 8m of fabric, Beaumont & Fletcher
RIGHT ns re li h in is erfec for a cos s o he re i h a floor or a le la addin so e a os heric inkle in he for of candleli h Drax Desk Lamp, £137; Percy Pendant, £153, both Pooky
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The main room for all the essential Christmas decor, a checklist includes: • The Christmas tree and all its trimmings, which is the focal point of the room. It is lovely to buy a special new ornament together as a family to create new memories, alongside unwrapping decorations that evoke the nostalgia of Christmases past. • Mantelpiece garlands. These can be refreshed with the addition of feathers, ribbons, twinkling miniature ornaments, cinnamon sticks, clove-studded oranges and dried apple slices. • An indoor wreath hung above a fireplace, perhaps pre-lit for added ambience, or used as a centrepiece on a coffee or dining table, with candles placed in the middle. • Stockings to hang from the mantelpiece. These may be cherished old favourites, a new family set or ones made on a special weekend set aside before Christmas.
Father Christmas never tires of liquid refreshment and a mince pie to send him on his way. Black Toast Sherry Glass, £24.95; Christmas Joy Mince Pie Plate, £17.95, both Emma Bridgewater
• Ornaments and candles grouped together on tables and sideboards to bring the Christmas spirit to all areas of the room. Odd numbers and varying heights and widths of candles always look pleasing to the eye. ABOVE LEFT When moving furniture around to accommodate the tree, consider how to ensure each person can see everyone else and enjoy the festive scene. Accessories and interior design Katharine Pooley LEFT Reversible cushions and throws refresh the sitting room, making it irresistible to all. Grey Dachshund Cushion, £30; Grey Dachshund Throw, £65, both Emily Bond
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Bedroom
Christmas is the time of year to recuperate, so there is no better moment to consider if beds and mattresses need replacing. The gift of a good night’s sleep would certainly be welcome at Christmas to start the year refreshed. Remember, too, to test the comfort of guest beds. Sumptuous bedding also helps ensure a peaceful night’s slumber, along with ensuring that the bed is a cosy place to spend a relaxed Christmas morning opening presents together or retreat to at the end of a day of indulging in delicious food and party games. Consider a few choice additions in premium natural textures to create an enticing bedscape. Lazy weekends are a time to linger a while longer in bed, and little luxuries remind us to make time to for ourselves throughout the year. A cosy hot-water bottle, items for breakfast in bed and an elegant dressing table area are inspiring prompts to unwind more often. In children’s bedrooms, making a little effort goes a long way towards creating a mesmerising Christmas build up and memories for years to come. Temporary wall or window stickers are an easy way to add festive cheer to their rooms without going to too much trouble. To really keep the magic going beyond Christmas, make a fairytale hideaway with a bed canopy or indoor wigwam. Set the mood by reading magical Christmas bedtime stories with them in their special den.
ABOVE LEFT It is a timely month to buy a new bed ready for a restful Christmas break and improved sleep all year long. Bonaparte DeepButtoned Bed in Claret Red, £6,897 for king size, And So To Bed LEFT Heighten the nostalgic excitement of Christmas with bedding and a stocking that match. Bedding Set, £45; Decorative Cushion, £30; Stocking, £15.50, all Home For Christmas Collection, Sophie Allport
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OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT Natural textures of cashmere and cotton create a blissful bed to climb into on chilly nights. Cashmere Blanket, £415; Double Cashmere Duvet, £395; Wool-Filled Pillows, from £75, all Ava Innes OPPOSITE PAGE TOP RIGHT Whatever the weather, make it a white Christmas that little ones will remember. Large Snowflakes Window/Wall Stickers, £18 for a set of five, Nutmeg Studio
Add a few key elements to the bedroom to start Christmas Day off the right way, including: • Christmas bedding, which might seem frivolous, but – much like the joy of revisiting sentimental tree decorations – it will become a joyful sign of the festive period beginning for many years to come. • Personalised stockings for children will make waking up on Christmas morning extra special and might just provide others with an extra 40 winks. • Christmas-scented candles or diffusers are a low-key way to imbue bedrooms with a festive mood. • A mini tree or a simple branch with a few choice decorations hung on them, to instantly add a cheery atmosphere to bedside tables or bare corners. • Foliage with miniature fairy lights threaded through. For a decadent Christmas mood, hang on bedframes or drape along the top of a wardrobe or chest of drawers.
ABOVE Breakfast in bed need not be kept just to Christmastime and this amusing tray with bespoke lettering will hopefully encourage better room service on weekends. Breakfast in Bed Tray, from £435, The Oak & Rope Company ABOVE RIGHT Reach the perfect temperature to easily fall into a deep slumber the night before Christmas. Mini Hot Water Bottle, £20, The White Company RIGHT A dressing table in a quiet corner with everything necessary close to hand at the beginning or end of the day is invaluable. Lantau Faux Shagreen and Gold Dressing Table, in Taupe, £1,850; Trois Mirror, £450; Rander Ceramic Stool, £175; Grisewood Lamp and Shade, £195, all Oka
Lift the mood with festive touches to make one and all smile, including: • Seasonally themed oven gloves, aprons and tea towels, to make food preparation a cheery affair. • Foraging for ivy, sprigs of holly, pine cones and nuts to dress beams, sideboards and oven mantels. • A cake stand piled high with mince pies or a glorious Christmas cake. • Special cups and saucers to make tea time feel extra special. • A ribbon in a rich hue or rustic string garland adorned with miniature decorations.
LEFT When planning a new kitchen, it is worth considering if the design allows family and friends to congregate, whether for a lazy Sunday lunch or Christmas Eve cocktails. Somerton Kitchen in Baltic Green, from £15,000, Kitchen Makers by Burbidge; Henry Pendant in Glass, from £70, Pooky
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BELOW LEFT Enliven the kitchen with colouful textiles. Christmas Robin Double Oven Gloves, £21.95, Cherith Harrison BELOW Combining hand-poured wax with technology, these LED candles mimic the look of a real flickerin fla e TruGlow Candles, from £21.99 for four, Lights4Fun
Kitchen
A room at the heart of all the feasting preparations, the kitchen is never more industrious than at Christmastime. From children baking spiced gingerbread houses to multiple side dishes being created for the main event, everything needs to function beautifully, so this is an ideal time to consider how a dream kitchen design would work for all requirements. Over the festive period, when the kitchen is at its busiest, everything is needed to hand, and suitable workspace and organisation is vital for preparing a large variety of meals with minimum fuss. As an alternative to redesigning the kitchen, invest in freestanding larders with clever multipurpose storage and islands on wheels which can provide an extra preparation surface or be moved out of the way if necessary. In terms of presenting food at the table, decorative serveware that can be taken from oven to table will reduce the need to decant food into serving dishes and, therefore, the amount of clearing up to do. Aside from preparations for main meals, it is worth considering the aspects that elevate seasonal pleasures, such as indulgent Christmas breakfasts and gathering the family together for mulled wine and carols on Christmas Eve. Little touches, including a themed tablecloth and special glasses to toast the occasion, will enrich each family tradition. ABOVE LEFT A punch bowl of mulled wine sets a generous ood and lls he kitchen with a delicious aroma. Rum Punch Bowl and Ladle, £85; Rum Balloon Tumblers, £26 for two, LSA International, Amara FAR LEFT Bring a little festive cheer to the busy cook on Christmas Day by dressing the cooking area with some
seasonal flo rishes Victoria built-in pyrolytic oven, from £879, Smeg LEFT A designated pantry area is not just helpful for food preparation but also for carrying out essential tasks and keeping main kitchen surfaces and functional areas clear. Old Rectory cabinet pantry kitchen, from £35,000, Guild Anderson
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Hallway
The warmth of Christmas can instantly be felt in a cosy hallway. It sets anticipation alight for the rest of the house and evokes a familiar comfort. An inviting and relaxed mood begins with considering how to partner functionality with welcoming touches. To prepare a hallway for the hustle and bustle of Christmas, new flooring makes a dramatic difference. If selecting stone or wood, the colour of the material can help ensure the room does not feel cold – opt for lighter wood tones or mottled stone to invest the room with a brighter surface underfoot. Layer with a large hard-wearing rug or juxtapose with a patterned wallpaper to add panache. Alternatively, a patterned carpet can be the ideal foil for walls in a dark or neutral hue. Hallway storage comes into its own during winter, with heavy boots and wellies regularly being pulled on and off for long walks and foraging adventures. To save on space, practical bench storage can be used to house footwear, as well as providing a welcome seat and a place for other essentials, such as extra layers and warm blankets. Smaller changes also help make the hallway ready for Christmas. Replacing worn-out doormats, reviving a tired-looking door with a fresh coat of paint or replacing a light fitting will give it a new lease of life. Make the most of a console table in the run-up to Christmas with a welcoming festive display. 106 THE ENGLISH HOME
• Hanging wreaths indoors as well as out, to brighten hallway walls and to enjoy throughout the festive period. • A vessel filled with fresh or dried flowers. If dried, spray with metallic paint to create a more glamorous scene. TOP LEFT A striped carpet creates a warm welcome. Striped Carpet in Tabasco, £36.99 a square metre, Carpetright TOP RIGHT Hang a faux wreath for added charm. Eucalyptus Christmas Half Wreath Micro Light Bundle, £19.99, Lights4fun
ABOVE Add enchanting decorations to branches. Porcelain Stars, £15 for a set of three, Nordic House BELOW Create an uplifting hallway scene. Pepperberry gift wrap, from £5; Seasonal faux foliage, from £12, and all other items, Neptune
• To really amplify the festive spirit, a small – or even full-size – tree dressed tree adorned with twinkling lights cannot fail to imbue the Christmas mood. Add a few beautifully wrapped presents underneath for added anticipation. • A garland threaded up the stairs brings classic charm. Adorn with small decorations or Christmas cards for added interest and character. • A display of foraged branches from the garden or treasured ornaments in front of a window is a lovely way to project the Christmas mood outside. LED candles or lights in contemporary Christmas shapes are ideal to add a soft glow into the evening. n
FEATURE SUZANNA LE GROVE PHOTOGRAPHS P97 (I & JL BROWN) SIMON BEVAN; P99 (KATHARINE POOLEY) © NICO WILLS; (EMILY BOND) © JAKE EASTHAM; P101 (AVA INNES) © JOHN PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY; P102 (KITCHEN MAKERS) © JON DAY PHOTOGRAPHY; P102 & 104 (LIGHTS4FUN) © OLIVER PERROTT
Create a seasonal welcome with a few well-chosen details, such as:
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sittingspiritually.co.uk 01297 443084 © The Royal Horticultural Society 2020. Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262. rhs.org.uk
THE ENGLISH HOME 107
THE STORY OF THE WHITE KITCHEN COMPANY
CRAFTING A NICHE
W
hen Christopher and Rima Proudfoot founded The White Kitchen Company in 2015, they had one clear objective in mind – they wanted to offer exceptional quality at a fair price. In addition to this, they were adamant that all the costs should be transparent from the start, rather than added as the design process went along. “We have been designing and building kitchen furniture for more than 30 years and have always prided ourselves on giving our customers practical, beautiful and hard-wearing furniture designed to last,” explains Christopher, whose expertise was firmly established before forming the company. “The secret to the continued success and growth of The White Kitchen Company has to be the clarity of what we do; there’s no smoke and mirrors involved,” Christopher continues. “Just by looking at the website you can quickly establish roughly how much it will cost to create the kind of kitchen you are looking for within your budget.” With an impressive portfolio of kitchens, the company really does have something for everyone, from timeless, period English and Shaker styles to modern and freestanding designs, and all can be viewed online. By simply browsing The White Kitchen Company’s website, it is possible to establish the desired look and cost of a kitchen as the price of each item is listed, from wall, floor, appliance and larder cupboards to canopies, corbels and a large range of handles.
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For the Proudfoots, a fair price does not mean economising on the quality of the cabinetry, as Christopher explains: “We are very proud of the exceptional standard of the kitchens we offer at The White Kitchen Company. All the company’s custom-made, hand-painted, solid-wood and lacquered-oak kitchen furniture is designed by bench-trained cabinetmakers and traditional craftsmen with years of experience between them.” His team’s experience is something which Christopher himself knows all about, having trained as a cabinetmaker and furniture designer after leaving school. “We have all the fine details, like solid-oak carcasses and dovetailed drawers, European Alder cabinet doors, frames and brass hinges, but at a very economical price,” Christopher says. Also, because the company supplies its kitchens direct, it provides handmade quality direct from the manufacturer and so keeps costs even lower. In fact, The White Kitchen Company is so confident in the quality of its products that it offers a lifetime guarantee on all its kitchens. Based in Northamptonshire, in the heart of England, the company has a raft of happy customers and today sells its kitchens and cabinetry throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. It is also planning to open a new, larger showroom in 2021 in which to truly display all it has to offer. Proof indeed that The White Kitchen Company has carved itself a popular niche in a difficult market with its offering of custom-made cabinetry, transparency of cost and fair pricing. n
PHOTOGRAPHS © RUSSELL VALENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Craftsmanship, custom-made cabinetry and value for money are at the heart of this English kitchen-manufacturer’s guiding principles
ABOVE Designed as part of a complete home renovation in Leatherhead, Surrey, this classic Shaker-style kitchen is painted in Drop Cloth, with the island hand-finished in Railings, both paints by Farrow & Ball. The worktop was created in Silestone’s Lagoon. LEFT This sage green kitchen takes pride of place in its home in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. With its
curved island and Classic Quartz Olympia worktop taking centre stage, the kitchen units are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon. BELOW Boasting two larder cupboards and a butler’s pantry to hide the toaster and coffee machine, this Surrey kitchen is designed to keep clutter to a minimum on the surfaces. The nickel cup handles and knobs perfectly offset the kitchen units.
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QUINTESSENTIALLY
Inspiration for seasonal pastimes and making the most of life at home starts here
MERRY & BRIGHT
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPH © BRUNA BRANCO/UNSPLASH
A decadent, home-made Christmas cake rich with brandy-soaked dried fruit, treacle, brown sugar and spices and lovingly fed a bit more brandy each week to ensure a warming treat come the big day, deserves to be beautifully decorated. Marzipan and white icing are a classic choice, adorned with handmade fondant figures or holly leaves and perhaps a shimmer of edible glitter, but for something more unusual, gingerbread biscuits can be cut and iced to create festive figures or a snowy town scene. Here glossy red cherries encircled by sprigs of greenery create a jolly, tempting centrepiece. Try the National Trust’s gingerbread recipe with clementine and ginger icing for added zing. nationaltrust.org.uk/ recipes/gingerbread
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‘N
ow thrice welcome, Christmas, which brings us good cheer, minc’d-pies and plum-porridge, good ale and strong beer’ runs an entry in Poor Robin’s Almanac for 1695. We all love Christmas. We adore Christmas. We treasure Christmas. “It’s Christmas,” we say, “the Season of Good Cheer.” There’s the magic of Christmas, with Christmas stockings, hampers, cakes, trees, decorations and presents. Added to which, there is Christmas dinner. In Germany they celebrate Christmas with Gänsebraten mid Äpfeln, Rotkohl und Kartoffelklösse (roast goose with apples, red cabbage and potato dumplings to you). In Finland they tuck into Rusinasoppa (cinnamon-spiced plum porridge). In the French region of Provence they make do with a mere treize desserts (thirteen puddings). In Poland, as far as I can make out, they eat their Christmas Day feast on Christmas Eve. And those generous Americans go for a double celebration, with Thanksgiving one month and Christmas the next. In England we have roast turkey or goose with all the trimmings, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, roast parsnips, cranberry sauce or apple sauce, bread sauce, gravy, Stilton cheese, Christmas pudding, brandy butter, chocolates, and much else besides. Okay, some years we try to vary it, with, say, pheasant instead of turkey or goose, or venison perhaps, or beef, but sooner or later we revert to turkey or goose, and usually turkey at that. Christmas is not the time, in my view, for exploration of the culinary hinterland in search of
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novelty. It’s about about ritual and tradition, hearth and home, family and familiarity. It’s about eating what we ate last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, because that’s the way we like it. At the heart of Christmas ritual, tradition, hearth, home, family and familiarity, there is the Christmas pudding. In 1843, Charles Dickens summed up the appeal of the Christmas pudding when he wrote of Mrs Cratchit’s Christmas pudding in A Christmas Carol – ‘Hallo! A great deal of steam! The pudding was out of the copper. A smell like a washing-day! That was the cloth. A smell like an eating-house and a pastry cook’s next door to each other, with a laundress’s next door to that! That was the pudding. In half a minute Mrs Cratchit entered: flushed, but smiling proudly: with the pudding, like a speckled cannon-ball, so hard and firm, blazing in half of half-a-quartern of ignited brandy, and bedight with Christmas holly stuck into the top.’ Yes, indeed. No other nation has a pudding of such magnificence, such many layered beauty. It’s a monument to gastronomy, a summary of what makes British cooking great. Yes it’s substantial. Yes, it’s filling. Yes, it’s the exclamation that marks the end of the gastronomic ramble that is Christmas dinner. But, ah, the perfume of spice, the sweetness of fruit, the dancing flames of burning brandy, the drama, the brandy butter or double cream, the brandy butter AND double cream. That is the spirit of Christmas. But if you want to dazzle your family, friends, waifs and strays, and break away from strict tradition yet honour the glory that is our Christmas pudding, may I suggest these two recipes. There will be no complaints.
CHRISTMAS PUDDING SOUFFLÉ INGREDIENTS 40g butter, melted 500g cooked Christmas pudding 400ml full cream milk 6 large eggs, separated, plus 2 extra egg whites Salt Icing sugar, for dusting
METHOD • Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/ gas mark 5. Grease two soufflé dishes with melted butter. • Put the pudding into a processor and whizz to break it up. Leave it in the food processor. • Bring the milk to the boil, then add to the pudding, whizzing until mixed in. • Add the egg yolks one by one, whizzing them in, too. • Beat the whites with a pinch of salt until stiff, and fold this airy mass into the pudding mixture. • Spoon the lot into the soufflé dishes. Bake for 40 minutes – keep an eye on them as you don’t want to burn the top too much. • Dust with icing sugar and serve with brandy butter ice cream. (See recipe opposite for how to make this.)
About Matthew Best known as a judge on BBC2’s Great British Menu. Matthew is an award-winning food writer and critic. He was the Food & Drink Editor of The Guardian for 15 years and is the author of four books.
PHOTOGRAPHS P110 (PORTRAIT) GRANT SCOTT; P111 © STOCKFOOD/NEWS LIFE MEDIA. ILLUSTRATIONS YEVHENIIA LYTVYNOVYCH/SHUTTERSTOCK
BRANDY BUTTER ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS 2 eggs 100ml full-cream milk 150g brandy butter 234ml double cream 125g honeycomb
METHOD • Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Heat the milk in a pan until boiling, then pour into the eggs, whisking all the time. • Return the custard to the pan and heat very gently until it begins to thicken. Allow to cool. • Add the melted, cooled brandy butter. • Whisk the cream until it is almost stiff, then carefully fold into the custard mix. Add in the
chunks of honeycomb, keeping a few bits back to sprinkle on top of the ice cream at the end. • Churn in an ice-cream machine or, if you don’t have one, freeze for two hours until it begins to set, then whisk vigorously to get air into the mixture and return to the freezer – repeat this a couple of times if you want a really soft ice, though it’s not strictly necessary. • Defrost slightly before serving. n THE ENGLISH HOME 113
WITH LOVE Add depth of meaning to the season’s rituals with handcrafted touches personally tailored to loved ones
BELOW Take time to set the scene with handmade baubles, foraged pinecones and scented candles. Try a calendar candle for added charm to count down to the big day. Scented Christmas Calendar Candle, Red Brown, £19; Hand-painted Glass Ornaments (two seen in bowl), £19 for a set of four, all Ferm Living
T
he festive season is the ideal opportunity to celebrate the strength of bonds forged and deepened over the course of what has been an undeniably challenging year – now is the time to show our nearest and dearest how much they truly mean to us. Though there is immense pleasure to be had in spoiling loved ones with generous gifts they would never otherwise indulge in for themselves, adding to the season’s rituals with handcrafted touches tailored to the individual only heightens the depth of feeling. Taking the time, thought and care to create a truly personalised element both gladdens the heart and lifts the spirits – take inspiration with our ideas to add meaningful touches in the home and beyond.
Creative foundations
The draw and appeal of creating thoughtful elements to incorporate into the festive season is a strong one, and whilst creativity, enthusiasm and time can range
from limited to full-to-overflowing, taking a measured approach will ensure that the process and its pleasures are seamlessly incorporated into celebrations. Start with areas that would naturally prompt creative ideas when it comes to the run-up to Christmas, such as advent calendars, says colour expert Annie Sloan. “Rather than purchasing new every year, try making your own advent calendar bunting using pockets of fabric,” she counsels, suggesting thoughtful gifts from independent stores and homemade treats as suitable fillings. “Getting the advent calendar out of the loft and hanging it up every year will become a wonderful new family tradition that you can be proud of.” Extending artistic endeavours to other areas of Christmas preparation will fire up the creative process, not to mention add a further dimension and fun element to tasks such as preparing presents, writing cards or adding embellishments. Customising paper, tags and other details allows for playfulness and experimentation. As the fundamental base, gift wrap naturally falls under the spotlight as the primary area of focus. “Homemade gift wrap is so much more special than shop-bought, and immediately lets your recipient know that the gift inside has been chosen with love,” says Sloan, who notes that going back to basics is a great way to get started. “Try making your own by using Chalk Paint and potato prints. You can print whole rolls at speed, and young hands love to help – it’s a great seasonal activity to keep them busy.” Consider, too, a return to plain brown paper, or even monochrome newsprint, both of which keep environmental impact low and are easy to recycle. Adding personalised accents brings further charm – ribbon, twine or coloured string can be used to wrap
How to make a ribbon-covered bauble You will need: • Polystyrene ball • 2 types of ribbon • Scissors • Glue • Crochet flower
Cut the ribbons into strips of equal length (each long enough to cover half the circumference of the
polystyrene ball). Then fix the ribbon strips alternately with glue until the whole ball is covered. Next cut a length of ribbon for hanging the bauble. Fix the ends of the ribbon to the top of the bauble and glue a small crochet flower on top. Leave to dry completely.
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packages, whilst gift tags can be created from old maps or tickets saved as reminders from times spent together, or adorned with small bells or tree decorations with the recipient’s name for use in future Christmases. For additional embellishment, handwritten calligraphy-style notes on gift tags or place cards equally show care and consideration taken in the time given over to their creation (visit Bath-based Meticulous Ink’s website meticulousink.com for illuminating insights into the process). If putting pen to paper is not an option, bespoke stamps from specialist sources such as The English Stamp Company (englishstamp.com) also provide a thoughtful touch.
Simple style
Getting creative need not mean complex schemes and grand plans – often simple is best for maximum impact, especially when it comes to elements such as festive favours. Creating keepsake mementoes for guests adds a further layer of thought to festive proceedings, with rich rewards for all concerned. Elements such as crackers provide an opportunity for customisation, TOP Home-made decorations add characterful charm. Origami Star Garland Kit, £13.96, Cambridge Imprint RIGHT Daylesford’s Ginger Millionaire Slice (see page 118 for a link to the recipe) makes for a delicious gift. FAR RIGHT Rustic touches in simple colourways perfectly offset any gift wrapping scheme. Nordic Wrapping String, from £5, Nordic House
OPPOSITE PAGE With Christmas and the festive period proving a time for feasting, foodie gifts tailored to the recipient can bring new and unexpected sources of joy. Recipes for preserves such as apple jelly can easily be found online (try bbc.co.uk/ food) and are a delicious addition to the table. Experiment i h fla o rs s ch as star anise or cinnamon to add a twist to an old favourite.
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be it in the aesthetic design, the contents, or both. Online tutorials are readily available for those wishing to take a truly hands-on approach and craft their own using coloured card, paper and ribbons – our tip, from experience, is to make sure each end of the cracker snaps is secured with sticky tape to ensure the pulling goes with a bang. Alternatively, there are make-your-own kits available from any number of retailers. As well as customising designs to suit, crackers also offer opportunity to tailor the contents as keepsakes too. Selecting
individual toys, gifts or charms pertinent to each guest is all part of the fun, as is writing jokes, guess who-type anecdotes, or even poignant memory notes to be concealed within. Incorporating playfulness to proceedings not only chimes with the childlike joy of the season, but also brings levity and fun to festivities. Irreverent games that require no equipment and can be enjoyed by the whole family are a good way to pace the rhythm of the day, and equally lend themselves to tailoring to guest participants. Try, for example, the meowing game, where
Thoughtful touches Simple suggestions for added eaning an seasonal flair Create festive favours as keepsakes for guests In addition to making crackers (see page 116), adding decorative accents to suit all generations is a lovely way to add a personal touch to proceedings. An example might be attaching a personalised item to each napkin at the table – anything from mini felt decorations for children to vintage brooches for elegant style mavens – or printing childhood photographs as place cards. Tap into nostalgia Accessing memories and reminiscing together requires no planning and is a great way to reflect positi ely on what has been a ifficult year for any. Each in turn sharing their highlight of the year will ensure plenty of conversation and jollity ensues.
one person meows the opening bars to a song of their choosing for others to guess (the winner then takes on the meowing role) – great fun made even more so when wishing to draw out not-so-cool mainstream musical appreciation tastes to bond the family. Of course, the season would not be without its impetus were it not for a sugar boost in the form of Christmas biscuits, whether to hang on the tree or as takehome gifts for guests. Providing festive sustenance and a fun way to exert creativity, these can span simple sugar
biscuits stamped with festive designs for an elegant offering, or an opportunity to unleash one’s inner artist. For those wishing to decorate their bakes, The Great British Bake Off 2018 finalist Kim-Joy, known for her playful and artistic creations, suggests using 15-second royal icing for biscuits, so-named because of the time for it to take on a smooth state when decorating. Her recipe sees 40g of egg white for 225g of icing sugar beaten with a stand or electric handheld whisk to create a smooth consistency. When it comes to designs, Kim-Joy notes: “Once the icing is
Play a game As well as the meowing game (see left), try other pursuits that require no equipment to bring all ages together. Try Two Truths and a Lie, where one person in turn gives three statements about themselves and the others must say which they think is which and why, with the person then revealing all at the end. Another favourite is 20 Questions, where one person in turn thinks of a persona (it can be anything as abstract as Mickey Mouse through to real people such as The Queen) and the others have to put a maximum of 20 questions to them, which are answerable only by yes or no, in order to deduce the correct answer. THE ENGLISH HOME 117
ABOVE Adding characterful details at the breakfast table is a wonderful way to start the festivities on Christmas Day. Holiday Pancake Pan, £39.63, Nordic Ware (available from amazon.co.uk) LEFT Create handmade touches with a drink and a sweet treat at hand to make it time spent even more enjoyable. Triple Chocolate Panettone, £10; Ultimate Thick and Rich Chocolate Cream, £2.50; Collection Mince Pies, £2.50 for six, all Marks & Spencer
Food for thought
Whether a small intimate affair or a lavish occasion, Christmas is irrefutably intertwined with the notion of delicious food and drink. “Home-made edible gifts are a lovely way to give something very personal and of offering something that’s going to be enjoyed and has a low environmental footprint,” says Carole Bamford, founder of Daylesford Organic. She points to “a home-made chutney or hedgerow jelly” with ingredients such as crab apples, blackberries or rose hips to partner one of her favourite things to give. “I love gifting cheese,” she explains. “Not many people know that cheeses can be seasonal, but artisan cheeses do have their seasons, depending on what the cows, sheep or goats are eating throughout the year. Mont d’Or is a particularly special experience at this time of year. When it’s perfectly ripe, it can just be spooned out of its container, but it can also be baked until it is golden and bubbling.” With the festive season being a time for indulgence, consider creating nonperishable food items, too, to allow for leisurely, less time-pressured consumption. Gifts that can be enjoyed piecemeal, such as fruit-infused liqueurs, bring extended pleasure throughout the quieter, less 118 THE ENGLISH HOME
hectic weeks of the year that follow the Christmas celebrations. “We make big batches of our own sloe gin and damson vodka at home, foraging for the sloes in the hedgerows around the farm and picking the damsons from the orchard,” explains Bamford. “They’re perfect gifts and they’re simple to make. Choose elegant glass bottles that can be reused, and create handmade labels with the recipient’s name and the date.” As well as preserves and liqueurs, look to sweet treats such as fudge, fruit-and-nutstudded chocolate drops, rich, indulgent florentine biscuits or similar creations
which can be kept refrigerated to offer a delicious treat over the festive period and beyond. Such morsels make particularly lovely gifts when presented prettily packaged in a box or brown paper bag tied artfully with string. For inspiration try browsing the websites of Mary Berry (maryberry.co.uk) or Nigella Lawson (nigella.com) amongst others. Alternatively, consider, as a starting point, Daylesford’s Ginger Millionaire Slice with its textured nutty base topped with thick, lightly salted, date caramel and dark chocolate. Find the recipe at daylesford.com/ recipes/ginger-millionaire-slice n
FEATURE EVE MIDDLETON PHOTOGRAPHS P114 © FLORA PRESS/EWA; P117 ( MAIN) © FLORA PRESS/EWA
completely set (leave it overnight to be sure) you can actually just write on top using an edible-ink pen – you can write names and your own messages just like you would on paper.” Her recipe for Robin Cookies in her new book Christmas With Kim-Joy are a particularly easy-to-create delight, having basic icing detailing and a smaller inner circle stamped out and replaced with a red sugar centre before baking to create the bird’s red breast.
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n 1984, Annie and Lachie Stewart founded ANTA with a simple principle in mind – to produce high-quality, traditional home furnishings, using natural materials from Scotland. Realising that good design should be affordable, the couple began producing their home and giftware in multiples. Originally based in Spitalfields, East London, in 1989 the Stewarts moved back to Scotland, to Fearn in the Highlands, and for over 30 years now, ANTA products have been manufactured at the brand’s factory there, training local people to gain diverse skills. In 2015 a new factory was built, housing the textile and ceramic workshops, and design and dispatch offices. CARPETS & CLOTH ANTA has continued its tradition of manufacturing flatweave carpets and furnishing fabrics in contemporary and subtle designs from British wool since 1984. Its carpets are contract quality and are made from the wiry wool of British hill sheep. Like the sheep, the wool is hardy and tough, making the carpets and cloth long-lasting, hard-wearing and sustainable. Each ANTA design is inspired by the wonderful colour palette of the Scottish landscape and seasons. STONEWARE Alongside its textiles production, ANTA manufactures stoneware for the home and giftware. This is a zero-waste operation, making its own clay from British raw materials. Every stage is carried out by hand, ensuring high-quality pieces of ceramics. Made in a range of spongeware and hand-painted designs, ANTA stoneware is decorative but most importantly is practical and useable. All the pieces are freezer, dishwasher, microwave and oven-proof, making them suitable for contemporary living. CRAFTSMANSHIP Today, ANTA continues to grow and has become a leading Scottish design company that remains family-owned and has been recognised for its dedication to quality manufacturing; every process at ANTA is carefully undertaken by hands that care. With its motto being ‘Made in Scotland since 1984’, the company is committed to promoting the good craftsmanship of the local people that are employed and trained in its Highland factory and it strives to have an impact globally, nationally and, importantly, at home. In a time when we often feel far from the ones we love, ANTA’s skilled craftspeople continue to manufacture homeware and accessories, allowing the opportunity to say congratulations, thank you, happy birthday or simply to let someone know we are thinking of them with a gift that is timeless. n
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SEASONAL
D
ecking the halls with boughs of holly, ivy, mistletoe and other greenery is a long-held ritual whose roots lie in celebrations of the winter solstice and warding off evil spirits. Today the festive period sees all manner of greenery brought into the home to dress mantelpieces, hallways and doors, as well as, of course, a resplendent Christmas tree – a custom believed to have been introduced to England by Prince Albert. Though fresh flowers are not so abundant, evergreen foliage is plentiful and readily evokes the festive feeling, from a small sprig of holly on the corner of a picture frame to a magnificent table dressing full of greenery. Florist and founder of Wild at Heart, Nikki Tibbles says: “When it comes to seasonal plants for winter, I love every type of foliage – from Scots pine, to ivy and lichen branches. I also adore holly and mistletoe, and, of course, eucalyptus, because of the fragrance.” Kim Robinson, floristry manager at Daylesford, adds that a favourite material to use is “blue spruce, which has a beautiful blue-grey colour and a lovely Christmas pine smell, particularly whilst you are working with it”. Holly, or ilex, is an obvious choice for natural decorations and comes in a host of different varieties, including glossy green to variegated leaves, as well as very prickly and not-so-prickly guises. “The less prickly ones are much nicer to work with for holly wreaths,” Robinson says. Holly berries can also be used to add extra colour. Robinson reveals that they use stems of berries, which are available in shades from pale apricot to ruby red, without any foliage. 120 THE ENGLISH HOME
Other seasonal greenery includes holly’s perfect partner, ivy, as well as cuttings of pine and spruce. Robinson advises foraging in the garden for anything evergreen. “We gather most of our materials for wreath making from the Daylesford estate. They don’t have to be Christmassy: laurel, rosehips, seed heads, grasses. We start drying materials in late summer to work with alongside fresh foliage.” Dried fruits such as oranges can also add colour and scent. Herbs such as rosemary, myrtle and sage can add a lovely aroma, too. A bough of mistletoe is a welcoming sight in a hallway and is readily available – either foraged or bought from local farms that have it growing in apple trees. In addition to greenery, there are some flowers that can be used to bring colour and beauty to natural displays. Traditional roses are a classic addition to a luxurious wreath, but the seasonal Christmas rose, or hellebore, is also a popular choice. Bulbs such as amaryllis, hyacinth and paper whites (narcissi) are desirable for displays or gifts. Cyclamen and poinsettias are good potted plants for seasonal colour. Finally, a natural tree is the biggest seasonal plant to come indoors. “I strongly encourage people to use potted trees,” Tibbles advises. “We always use potted Christmas trees at Wild at Heart for sustainable reasons, but they also stay fresh and are easy to water throughout the festive season.” Over the coming pages we explore creative ways to work with Christmas greenery, flowers and other natural materials to create decorative, festive displays.
ABOVE LEFT Florist Nikki Tibbles enjoys the abundance of seasonal material to work with at Christmas. Assorted foliage and berries help to create an immediate festive feel in reds and greens, in an array of textures and scents. RIGHT A simple garland of pine and holly sets the scene in a hallway, with a few colourful baubles and ribbons to envliven the arrangement. Jugs or vases of holly can also be used to add festive cheer in any room of the house, and, of course, a sprig of green leaves on a picture frame is a charming idea.
A WELCOME WREATH
‘You can achieve so much with foraged materials from the garden. Just hand-tie bunches of foliage on the door with a luxurious bow. Very simple but very effective’ Kim Robinson, floristry manager, Daylesford
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A wreath on the door signals festive cheer to passersby and a welcome greeting to guests. Nikki Tibbles advises: “If you have a huge front door you need to make sure your wreath is in proportion. It’s down to personal taste but don’t feel you need to match the wreath with the colour of your front door. For me anything goes and I like to mix the colours up.” That said, she adds that whilst she is known for bold colour combinations, “at Christmas I tend towards a more traditional approach and take inspiration from nature.” She uses an enormous three-metre diameter wreath on her barn door made from a selection of natura materials including pinecones, lichen branches and holly. Daylesford makes wreaths to sell but also offers courses for home-made creations (2020 courses TBC, subject to Government guidance). Kim Robinson explains they start their wreaths from scratch, using foraged willow for the frame rather than wire. A wreath hung on a front door should absorb some moisture from the air to keep it fresh throughout December. Robinson advises that anything brought inside or kept in a porch should be given a gentle misting every so often to prolong its life. However, for anything being used for a display on Christmas Day, Robinson advises bringing it in at the last minute so it is at its optimum appearance. ABOVE LEFT Nikki Tibbles advises that a door wreath should be in proportion to the size of the door. This one has a classic look, completed with a luxurious velvet bow. ABOVE The Daylesford team create wreaths on foraged willow frames, working in any gathered materials from the estate. LEFT A ribbon-tied bunch of mistoe in a hallway or porch is a welcoming sight.
‘I love big vases full of one type of foliage or with red berries. It makes a statement whilst being simple’ Niki Tibbles, founder of Wild at Heart ABOVE This impressive hanging bough by Daylesford is simply a wreath hung upside down. RIGHT Strands of ivy can be wrapped around a branch or light fitting for a simple table decoration. Hand-painted baubles unite a warm golden orange scheme. Paint, Annie Sloan BELOW Ethereal old man’s beard found in the hedgerows creates a snowy, romantic feature. Tableware, Rowen & Wren
Add aroma to displays with scented candles, spices, fruit and pine cones.
TABLE DRESSING Whether for the big day or events during advent, dressing the table sets the scene for a festive feast. Natural decorations can be used in a small way – adding sprigs of holly or herbs to napkin rings – through to garlands running down the length of the table and dramatic hanging boughs above. “When entertaining I love to fill the table with bud vases filled with fresh, seasonal flowers and taper candles to create drama and softly light the room,” Tibbles says. For a large, impactful display Robinson advises that a large wreath can be created and hung upside down above the table.
“The back of the wreath is at the top so you don’t see it,” she explains. “You can bevel foliage round so you don’t see the base at all. If you want it to be seen at all angles, you have to make it up on the full frame, front and back.” Simply hanging mistletoe, ivy, or old man’s beard overhead can also create an effective arrangement. For displays with tantalising aromas, Robinson says: “Add some drops of essential oil to pine cones. A warm room will help release all the aromas of these, as well as herbs and other scented foliage, or dried fruits such as orange slices.” THE ENGLISH HOME 123
For an alternative, ethearel look, place gypsum with sprigs of rosemary and lavender in delicate bud vases.
ABOVE Stylist Tamsyn Morgans suggests glass yoghurt pots as tea-light holders on an upturned galvanised-metal tray, adorned with sprigs of ivy or olive leaves for a pretty table centrepiece. BELOW LEFT Use a bauble as a festive bud vase o add a s ee flo rish re o in i s ca BELOW RIGHT Pink amarylis adds a feminine note.
PRETTY IDEAS Though natural materials lend themselves to a classic green-and-red scheme, a softer, twinklier, more romantic look can be achieved with hues of white, silver and pink alongside touches of greenery. A garland of ivy on a mantelpiece or along a table, woven around tealights in jam jars, is a simple but charming way to imbue a festive feel, and a jug or case of greenery can be given added sparkle by with a metallic spray. Gypsum adds an ethereal, delicate look when added to bud vases or larger arrangements. Buds placed in a bauble used as a makeshift vase, can be hung on windows, or hooks on a fireplace or shelf. Dried flowers from summer, such as hydrangeas, statice and lavender, along with delicate hellebores, offer some pastel colours for wreaths and table arrangements, and cyclamens are available in snowy whites, pastel pinks and lilacs. Add cut-crystal glasses, candles, fairy lights and silver decorations for added twinkle to create a magical mood. 124 THE ENGLISH HOME
‘Evoke a romantic feel with twinkling lights, the soft glow of candles and touches of pink, white and silver’
ried s er flo ers including hydrangeas, s a ice and s ee William can be used o crea e a ro an ic rea h for door or a le
MAKE IT SPECIAL
‘Decorate home-made gift tags with sprigs of greenery and dried flowers’ Tamsyn Morgans, stylist ABOVE Fill clear baubles with dried flowers or seed heads for a natural look – or these are available ready made from Cox & Cox. ABOVE RIGHT Stylist Tamsyn Morgans suggests: “Make your own gift labels. I dyed these plain labels using tea and a little food colouring. Decorate with buttons, tiny brooches, dried flowers and sprigs of greenery.” RIGHT & FAR RIGHT Dried oranges add a flourish to gifts or create an aromatic wreath. Gift wrap (left), Rowen & Wren; paint (far left), Annie Sloan
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FEATURE KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPHS P118 & 120 (WILD AT HEART) © BEN QUINTON; P119 © FLORA PRESS/EWA; P120 © MATTHEW TAYLOR/ALAMY; P121 © EWA/FLORA PRESS/ANTJE MICHAELIS-HAEG; P122 © (TOP LEFT) © SARAH GARDNER; (TOP RIGHT) © TAMSYN MORGANS; (BOTTOM LEFT) © EWA/FLORA PRESS/FLORA PRODUCT; (BOTTOM RIGHT) © IBULB; P123 © EWA/FLORA PRESS/HELGA NOACK; P124 (TOP RIGHT) © TAMSYN MORGANS
Making a home-made gift or decoration, adding a natural flourish to gift wrap or drying fruits and petals for potpourri give Christmas the personal touch. Here are some sweet ideas for using flowers, foliage and fruit for that extra level of detail and care at the most wonderful time of the year. n
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NEW YEAR EDITION Discover what ‘home’ will mean and look like to designers, experts and names of note in 2021 Be inspired by uplifting interiors
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THE FINAL WORD...
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Whilst Christmas is a time steeped in ritual and tradition, with treasured decorations lovingly brought out each year, it can be nice to ring the changes with something a little different. These oversized mercury silver baubles make quite the impact. Just three hung in a hallway would look impressive, but en masse above the table offers a modern twist on classic Christmas styling. A room with beams offers the best opportunity for replicating this look and the mottled, shiny surfaces offer the perfect foil to a rustic location without being incongruous to the relaxed setting. Extra Large Mercury Silver Baubles, £39.95 each, Nordic House
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