Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i Homes & Gardens

Now, however, it is the feeling of that first chill in the air and the glorious countryside colours that I adore. This month, we have taken inspiration from autumnal foliage, earthy tones and natural materials for our decorating feature (page 73), to bring you schemes full of warmth and character. Autumn is also the time when hibernation becomes eminently more appealing, so our attention has turned to the bedroom. Our cosy room schemes (page 177) draw on tactile weaves and bright accent colours to create welcoming havens for the cooler months. If, like me, you’re starting to look for gift inspiration now that the festive season is on the horizon, why not consider giving a subscription to Homes & Gardens? For details of our special offer from just £29.49, visit…

How would you describe your Instagram account? An informative and evocative narrative exploring our relationship with nature. Who would you recommend we follow? Interior, product and jewellery designer Amanda Lack Clark @amandaseend for Chinese and Japanese artefacts, chinoiserie and travels to the Far East. Follow H&G @homesandgardensuk.…

STAY The Gritti Palace, thegrittipalace.com, creates the illusion that you are staying in your own private palace, equipped with every home comfort – real luxury. Rooms cost from €194. For a more boutique experience, there are two design hotels that I love. Avogaria, avogaria.com, has just five rooms, from €272, and is quietly located between San Sebastiano and Campo San Barnaba. Alternatively, Ai Due Fanali, aiduefanali.com, adjoins the San Simeone Grande church in a lively spot. It’s not far from the train station and many Venetians still live in the area. Rooms from €100 a night. EAT Stop for cicchetti (small tapas-style bites) at one of the typical Venetian taverns, called bacari, in the Rialto area. Try the tasting plates at Naranzaria, naranzaria.it, and Osteria Bancogiro, osteriabancogiro.it, or head to…

  FURNITURE Turkish three-seater sofa in Painters Linen, H75xW230xD91cm, £7,328, Commune Collection for George Smith. Textured cushions are the perfect choice for bringing a cosseting feel to a living room. Tailored details, such as hand stitching, velvet piping and frayed edges, add decorative variety and an eye-catching finishing touch. WALL Flower Pot, Claypaint, £36 for 2.5 litres, Earthborn. FABRICS Cushions in (from top) Nuba in Brown on Natural, linen, £196.20m, Schumacher at Turnell & Gigon. Plain Weave Linen in Saffron (with stitch detail added by maker), linen, £38m, Volga Linen. Calimanco in Cali-003, cotton mix, £110m, Fermoie. Crosshatch Check in Moccasin, linen mix, £130m, Mark Alexander; piped in Salima in Bronze, viscose mix, £120m, Black Edition at Romo. Kelso in Cocoa, polyester mix, £60m, Designers Guild. Walls in terracotta create a…

   Fran has amassed many beautiful things, but it is her skill at arranging them that gives this home its charm. Some houses are decorated all in one go; others evolve over time, developing a layered look as their owners build up a collection of furniture and objects that reflect the way they live. Such is the case with this home, an 18th-century former tithe barn in a village in the heart of Berkshire. Its owner, Fran Wakefield, bought the property, which had been converted in the 1950s, in 1983. Over time, she opened up the layout and turned an adjoining coach house into a studio, where she teaches reformer pilates but, around 12 years ago, Fran decided to “really attack” the interior. Her children had grown up and left…

At this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Paul Hervey-Brookes’ garden, sponsored by Dogs Trust, was designed as a welcoming and safe space for both human beings and dogs. In particular, he made a point of using only plants that are non-toxic to dogs and in doing so, highlighted just how many of our common or garden plants, their beauty notwithstanding, have some potentially dangerous or harmful aspect and so require careful handling. The foxglove, for example, is an English cottage garden classic and its tall spires are increasingly seen in town gardens, too; but beware, every part of this majestic plant is quite poisonous. However, while it is important to take great care not to ingest any part of the foliage, flowers or the seeds, the good news…

Can you tell us about the project? Enthusiastic cooks Kelly and Sam Hignett came to us with their dream of creating a highly functional contemporary kitchen full of character and flair for their Victorian home in Tunbridge Wells. They’d already had permission to extend into the garden, forging the space for a generous dining area, and a separate utility room was also on the cards. What inspired the overall look? The choice of materials was very important, not just colour but texture as well. The couple saw a sample of Admonter Oak in our showroom and were immediately taken by the texture of the grain. It’s a multiply board from Austria, faced with 4mm of oak on both sides with an incredibly stable core. We finished it with a subtle…

Can you tell us about the project? This is the dining room of our family house, a late-Victorian property in north London. We don’t like open-plan spaces, so we interfered little with the layout to enable each room to have its own use and identity, colours and character. As well as the original mouldings, which we restored, the main features are the fireplace and the southeast-facing windows, which look on to a magnificent ash tree in the garden. The room has a real sense of serenity – how did you achieve it? Balance is key to creating calm; here, it is achieved by the symmetrical arrangement, the interplay of textures and the monochrome palette of the materials. The pale hue of the pendants, which draw the eye to the ceiling,…

“The curvaceous path encourages exploration and forces the eye to focus on different plants and features as you move from left to right.” What was the clients’ brief for this garden? The garden was formerly the playground of a school, which the clients had converted into a five-storey home, and it is one of the few properties in London that connect directly to the River Thames with no towpath or road between. Despite its late-Victorian façade, the interior of the house is very modern, and the clients wanted a garden that would sit well with this while being sympathetic to the exterior and setting. They also like country gardens and asked for this look to be included. How did the location influence the design? I was keen to make the…

“A good piece of tableware should be pleasing to the eye and durable enough to be used every day. Simplicity and timelessness are key.” SOPHIE CONRAN WINNING FORMULA With heritage and craftsmanship at its heart, Portmeirion has been producing classic British ceramics for more than 50 years. The brand has embraced new trends, shapes and styles over the decades, but its philosophy remains steadfast: the creation of beautiful, high-quality products with timeless appeal. Founded in 1960 by Susan Williams-Ellis and her husband Euan Cooper-Willis, Portmeirion now produces more than 140,000 ceramics per week. Susan’s iconic Botanic Garden range is still a cornerstone and new designs, such as the Ted Baker Portmeirion collection, underpin the commitment to marry quality with creative flair. After more than half a century, the company has…

White accents alongside warming neutral linens, woods, wools and a textural wallcovering keep this scheme light. A double curtain pole allows for a layered window treatment, adding to the cosseting effect. Pretty mirrors that evoke the sun and flowers add uplifting notes, while also helping to maximise light and space. Neutral bedlinen is given extra appeal with tactile throws and cushions in softest panne velvet and small-scale print fabric. A desk doubles as a dressing table and makes the room more of a retreat for relaxing and reading, rather than solely for sleeping. This chic wardrobe with distinctive grooved doors and a pale scrubbed finish suits contemporary and more classic schemes. Taking inspiration from the corals, washed indigos and sea blues found in faded wool kilims, this scheme offers richness…

• A room at the top has a special quality, being quiet and self-contained, often with great views. Standard furniture isn’t much help under the eaves, where there are so many angles, but fitted units can maximise the space. • Walk-in wardrobes feel wonderfully decadent and you may be surprised at how affordable they are – having no doors reduces the cost. The storage needs proper planning, with a place for everything to keep it tidy. • Painting fitted furniture in the same colour as the room helps to blend in awkward angles and planes. Neutral colours, such as light dove grey, and a matt finish are favourites for a loft room. Painting the inside of wardrobes in a darker shade gives a luxurious feel, and stylish handles add character.…

FIVE-STAR EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES Eight days from £1,099pp or 15 days from £1,799pp. Departures up to November 2016 and April to November 2017. HOLIDAY INCLUDES: Choice of 11 stunning cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhône and Seine. Return rail* and Eurostar, or flights, taxes and transfers. Five-star cabins with hotel-standard beds, private bathrooms and river views. Exceptional cuisine with full-board throughout. Extensive tour programme with fully escorted sightseeing. LAKE GARDA, VENICE AND VERONA Eight days’ half-board from only £629 per person. Departures up to October 2016 and April to October 2017. HOLIDAY INCLUDES: Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers. Seven nights in lakefront hotels on a half-board basis. Fully escorted sightseeing including beautiful Lake Garda, the dramatic snow-capped Dolomite mountains, Venice’s spectacular canals, basilicas and…

BEETROOT AND CELERIAC REMOULADE WITH HAM Serves 4-6 Two roots come together here to create a creamy and indulgent salad. Apple lends a hint of freshness to the mellow flavours of beetroot and celeriac in a dish that perfectly complements cold meats and bread, making a simple yet delicious French-style lunchtime treat. 1 small celeriac 3 beetroot (preferably candy stripe if available) 1 small eating apple 150ml crème fraîche 4 tbsp mayonnaise 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp Dijon mustard Juice of a lemon Salt and freshly ground black pepper Handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped Thick-cut ham to serve • Peel then coarsely grate or julienne the celeriac, beetroot and apple. Tip into a large bowl. • In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche, mayonnaise, oil,…

We’re welcoming autumn with a lively mix of pattern and bright tones. We particularly like this playful geometric motif shown with this season’s must-have shade of deep yellow ochre for a light, uplifting mood.…

1 Designed in collaboration with House of Hackney, luggage doesn’t get much more stylish than the Eastpak Tranverz extra-small two-wheel suitcase in William Morris-style Blackthorne print. Despite its compact size, this carry-on bag has an impressive capacity. It measures H48xW32xD20cm and costs £180 from Selfridges, 0800 123 400, selfridges.com. 2 The Strawberry Thief collection by Spode, 01782 744721, spode.co.uk, which encompasses everything from dinner plates and spoons to a trinket box, is perfect for everyday use. The colourful new print is based on a William Morris fabric and depicts fine-billed thrushes; from £13 for a teaspoon. 3 Whistler Leather, 020 7352 4186, whistlerleather.com, has also been inspired by 19th-century prints and William Morris with its new embossed leathers. Floral Vine, £18sq ft, is reminiscent of brocade with raised foliage on…

Prettily romantic, Orphee (1) by Yves Delorme, 0808 234 4609, uk.yvesdelorme.com, features charming embroidery on pearl cotton sateen. It costs from £1,510 for a 200cm sq duvet cover. Drift (2) by Sheridan, 01925 453410, sheridanaustralia.co.uk, is inspired by the soft textures, hues and beautiful natural light of western Australia. The painterly Lake Cave quilt cover, from £89, is a particular favourite with its sweeping watercolour tones of blue. We also love the new reversible quilt covers in contrasting colours. Pure French Linen bedlinen (3) by Soak & Sleep, 01483 437762, soakandsleep.com, is both whimsical and feminine. It costs from £100 for a double bedset, and two boutique cushions with ruffle edging and crisscross detailing also sit within the range.…

Tell us a bit about your background. I’ve always had a passion for interiors and my career in the industry began about 28 years ago. I worked for Colefax and Fowler, then Andrew Martin in Walton Street. What made you want to open a shop? It was a natural progression, after having a family and moving out of London. I started my first shop in 2004 in Dunfermline but, in 2008, I moved to Perthshire and began working from home. I missed having a shop, so I opened in Aberdour in January 2015. What do you enjoy most about it? I’m passionate about creating an environment that shows a relaxed lifestyle. I take great pleasure from helping customers, seeing their reactions to the items in the shop and hearing feedback…

Best printed fabric FIELDS OF JOY , linen mix, £109m , Ottoline. GERBERA , linen, £69m , Kate Spade New York for Kravet. Best woven fabric TODI , viscose mix, £69m , Nina Campbell at Osborne & Little. VITTO , cotton mix, £68m , Harlequin. Best embroidered fabric RAIN DANCE , linen mix, £139m , Mulberry Home at GP&J Baker. LINE WORK , linen, £366m , Vanderhurd. Best wallpaper PURE BACHELORS BUTTON , £66m , Morris & Co. OH LA LA , £119 a roll , Kiki Slaughter at Feathr. Best wallpaper collection FABLE , from £59.90m , Linwood. A SWINGING COLLECTION , £55m , Ottoline. Best fabric collection CURIOSITIES , from £35m , Kate Spade New York for Kravet. RUFOLO FABRICS , from £49m , William Yeoward at Designers…

THIS MONTH, we feature a restored dairy in Melbourne decorated in striking shades of blue (page 87) and a converted barn that effortlessly balances elegance with a little bit of an edge (page 96). Contemporary art fills the pared-back interior of a Belgian farmhouse (page 107), while carefully curated pieces tell a story in a smart Victorian home (page 119). We also showcase a beautiful naturalistic garden (page 126) and an English design with zen-like calm (page 135).…

During the ten years before Ann-Sophie De Stoop and her husband, Charles, decided to rebuild this early 20th-century farmhouse in the Belgian countryside, she amassed a considerable file of ideas for it. “I’m a complete magazine addict and the folder was full of pages I had torn out of them, pictures of furniture and spaces I liked,” she says. “For a decade, I planned what our house would be like.” WORKING PARTNERSHIP To help them achieve Ann-Sophie’s dream, the couple chose long-standing friend and architect, Benoit Viaene. “I knew he was good at respectfully giving old buildings a second life,” says Ann-Sophie. They decided to keep the exterior walls of the house but to demolish the internal walls so they could create a new layout that would flow in an…

Thanks to the savannah-inspired schemes of influential contemporary designers such as Piet Oudolf, Dan Pearson and Sarah Price, ornamental grasses have become a firm favourite in the repertoire of plants chosen for today’s gardens. This graceful style of planting mixes grasses with other perennial flowers, often merging them together in sweeping drifts reminiscent of a meadow or prairie landscape. Grasses more than earn their place in both small and large plots, with their slender arching stems lending height without heaviness, as well as natural movement and sound as they sway in the wind and provide a long season of interest that lasts well into the chillier months. HOW TO CARE FOR GRASSES Perennial ornamental grasses can be deciduous or evergreen. At the end of the growing season, rather than cutting…

THE ALNWICK GARDEN Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1YU, 01665 511350, alnwickgarden.com. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland after a visit to the Medici Poison Garden in Italy, The Poison Garden here was opened in 2005. Entry is with a guide, by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants for healing. Following in that tradition, the Garden of Medicinal Plants opened last April, and contains toxic, analgesic and hallucinogenic plants including opium poppies and datura. opportunity for drug education, with featured plantings of cannabis, coca and opium poppies. CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS, 020 7352 5646, chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk. The oldest botanic garden in London was founded in 1673 through a locked gate embellished with skulls and crossbones. The plants…

PIECE OF CAKE Designer bakeware won’t guarantee a perfect sponge but your chances of success will surely rise. Jamie Oliver took a hands-on approach to his new range (above), available from Debenhams, 0344 800 8877, debenhams.com, which includes mini spring-form tins, £25 for four. The matching tools are thoughtfully designed to work in tandem: the rolling pin, £20, is the ideal length for the tart tins, and the palette knife, £10, is large enough to lift a 23cm cake in one motion. Joseph Joseph, 020 7261 1800, joseph joseph.com, brings a similar attention to detail to its latest products. The Glaze refillable silicone pastry brush (left), £8, promises mess-free application via two non-drip heads for sugar glazes and egg wash, while the Fin silicone bowl scraper, £6, is shaped…

Can you describe the project? The house, in the heart of the Cotswolds, is a large new-build but its architecture follows the local, classical vernacular. This is the guest en suite and its main features are high ceilings and a porthole-style window. When I first saw it, the décor was quite cold, with glass tiles and uninspiring fittings. While the window is unusual, it is also small and high, so the area below it is cast in shadow. The plan was to make the room more interesting and inviting, while improving the feeling of light and space. How did you plan the layout? We had a few issues with the existing plumbing, which was making it difficult to achieve the sleek lines I wanted. We actually ended up reducing the…

There’s nothing more important than a sense of relaxed elegance when it comes to entertaining at home, so a well-designed kitchen with plenty of space alongside a fabulous table and cookware is a must for cook, designer and mother-of-two Sophie Conran. “It’s all about rustling up simple dishes in the company of those I love and serving them in beautiful oven-to-tableware on a thoughtfully laid table,” she says. “A large island that I can use for preparation, and where guests can chat while I work, is ideal.” TIMELESS CLASSIC Having a kitchen that blends style and practicality is essential and this English Collection kitchen by Martin Moore makes entertaining very easy. The handmade design, inspired by the elegant symmetry of classical English architecture, features generous proportions, clean lines and subtle…

What is the inspiration behind your designs? I always have the cook in mind and how they’ll use the pieces. The collection, with its organic shapes and tactile quality, is designed to fit in naturally in any home. If I’m creating a mug, I want to produce a piece that enhances the moment when it’s used; likewise plates are designed with the idea of food looking great on them. As a busy working mother, how does cookware form a part of your daily life? Easy-to-use quality appeals to me, with pieces that go straight from freezer to oven to table and can be popped in the microwave or dishwasher. But it’s important that the collection looks good, too. What is your favourite part of the design process? The most important…

DESIGN EVENT Join Sally Storey, Britain’s leading lighting specialist, for insider inspiration in Chelsea Lighting can be one of the most challenging aspects of an interior design project, yet with planning and expert information it’s possible to create schemes that can significantly enhance the look and feel of a room. On 12 October, Sally Storey, the driving force behind John Cullen Lighting, will be at OKA’s London store to provide advice and inspiration for anyone keen to add richness and depth to living spaces with architectural and decorative lighting. In addition, Cara Gillford, interior design consultant for OKA, will be explaining how lighting can transform the character of a room to create inviting schemes. Plus you can browse OKA’s extensive range of lighting while you’re there. STYLE FOR LESS Enjoy…

• Loft conversions are an obvious choice if you are short of space, but adding extra bedrooms can upset the living-to-bedroom ratio and actually make a house feel smaller. As architects, we look at how any addition affects the house as a whole. We urge clients to take a step back, and ask, “What’s your vision for your home, your family, the way you live?” This helps to find an imaginative way forward, rather than the house just wearing a hat. • Each storey needs an entrance and circulation space. A loft may look big from the top of a ladder, but add stairs and a landing and the net space soon shrinks. Joists may be designed only to support the ceiling below, so a lot of work and expense…

A Also Home, 0844 870 0165, alsohome.com. And So To Bed, 0808 144 4343, andsotobed.co.uk. Another Country, 020 7486 3251, anothercountry.com. Anthropologie, 0800 0026 8476, anthropologie.eu. Appley Hoare Antiques, 020 7351 5206, appleyhoare.com. Aram, 020 7557 7557, aram.co.uk. B Best Tile, 00353 51 354905, best-tile.co.uk. BoConcept, 020 7388 2447, boconcept.com. C Caravane, 020 7486 5233, caravane.fr. Carl Hansen & Son, 0045 66 12 14 04, carlhansen.com. Casamance, 0844 369 0104, casamance.com. Cassandra Ellis, cassandraellis.co.uk. Chaplins, 020 8421 1779, chaplins.co.uk. Christopher Farr Cloth, 020 7349 0888, christopherfarrcloth.com. Colefax and Fowler, 020 7244 7427, colefax.com. Cologne & Cotton, 0845 262 2212, cologneandcotton.com. The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000, conranshop.co.uk. Crucial Trading, 01562 743747, crucial-trading.com. D Daisy Ellis, daisy-ellis.com. David Mellor, 020 7730 4259, davidmellordesign.com. Dedar, 020 7351 9939, dedar.com. Designers Guild,…

As the evenings draw in, carefully planned lighting schemes become ever-more important. As well as looking fabulous, the best adapt effortlessly to different times of day. Whatever your taste, we hope you’ll find plenty to inspire you, from our extensive shopping pages to Sally Storey’s expert advice. To create this supplement we joined forces with OKA, which makes an ideal first port of call for anyone planning a lighting scheme. From simple discreet wall lights to elaborate chandeliers, OKA offers an enormous breadth and depth of designs to suit every style and taste.…

Lighting can be one of the most challenging aspects of an interior design project yet, with careful planning and some inside information, it’s possible to create beautiful schemes that can enhance the look and feel of a room. On 12 October, Sally Storey, the driving force behind John Cullen Lighting, will be on hand to provide advice and inspiration for anyone keen to use architectural and decorative lighting to add richness and depth to a living space. In addition, Cara Gillford, interior design consultant for OKA, will be sharing advice on creating inviting spaces and how the right lighting can transform the character of your room. While you’re there, you can also browse OKA’s extensive range of lighting designs from classic to cutting-edge. IN DETAIL WHEN Wednesday 12 October, 6-8.30pm.…

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY…

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY…

“While function may dictate their size and positioning, the choice of design is entirely aesthetic. By combining form and function, lamps are a fantastic decorating tool that offer an opportunity for self-expression and embellishment, all within the bounds of what is essentially a practical item.” Annabel Astor, co-founder, OKA. GOLDEN GLOW Bedrooms need to be warm, comfortable and inviting, somewhere to truly relax and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. In this room, rich autumnal colours set the right mood, while luxurious fabrics provide welcome softness, but it is the burnished brass table lamps that lift the scheme, adding a note of modern glamour. Their sculptural design catches the eye, even before they are lit, while their finish is mirrored in the choice of side tables. The symmetrical layout is…

SUE JONES talks to us about table lamps 1 Its diminutive proportions make this perfect on a bedside table and it’s great for a modern scheme. Small Santerno table lamp in Cobalt, H33xdiam12cm, £74. 2 I adore this whimsical lamp; it makes me smile every time I see it. Lark table lamp, H56xW26x D14cm, £165. 3 Elegantly proportioned and richly hued, with a modern twist in the form of the metal base. Grenadilla table lamp in Saffron, H40xdiam21cm, £94. LUCINDA WATERHOUSE picks her top task lights 1 Ideal on a desk or beside the bed, the articulated arm allows you to direct a pool of light exactly where it is required. Adjustable desk lamp, H46xW15xD25cm, £185. 2 Ornamental and versatile: tilt the shade up to vertical to illuminate a dark…

1| A smart setting for an indoor garden. Greenhouse, H135xW95xD40cm, £638, Atelier 2+ at Design House Stockholm, designhousestockholm.com. 2| Can be tailored to suit a scheme. Diamond Olive wrought-iron and glass chandelier, H90xW90cm, £6,879, Cox London, 020 8885 1765, coxlondon.com. 3| Six classic anthologies, with works selected by contemporary poets. Nature Poets, £10 each, Faber & Faber, 020 7927 3800, faber.co.uk. 4| Delicately ornate monochrome design. Sibylla Garden wallpaper, £59 a roll, Designers Guild, 020 7351 5775, designersguild.com. 5| A flight of fancy for afternoon tea. Bird side plate, diam22cm, £6, Marks & Spencer, 0333 014 8000, marksandspencer.com. 6| Mini trees made from offcuts of wood. Topiary, Pine and Arboretum trees, around H10cm, £58 set of five, Midgley Green, midgleygreen.com. 7| Botanical image with exquisite detail. Hand-drawn artwork, to commission…

The government’s intention to take art and design off the curriculum was a hot topic at New Designers, newdesigners.com, the 31st edition of the showcase of graduates, which was held in Islington earlier this year. A poll here revealed that for more than half of the exhibitors, it was GCSE art or design that inspired their entry into the field. This year’s One Year On section demonstrated the worth of a career in design. It featured 65 designers who have set up in business over the past two years. Despite the prevalence of digital technologies, craft was a strong presence. For example, textile graduate Rachel Howarth, rachelhowarth.co.uk, hand-dyes and screenprints cloth for exquisite cushions and Rowenna Mason, rowennamason.co.uk, hand-weaves natural wool to create neatly piped geometric cushions. Ceramicists demonstrated the…

Anyone looking for guidance on giving their home a fresh new look will not want to miss this exclusive H&G event at sofa.com’s Chelsea showroom. Here, you will have the chance to explore all the latest upholstery, occasional furniture and cushions in a beautiful array of colours, styles and fabrics. As colour will be at the heart of every scheme, Farrow & Ball’s renowned expert Joa Studholme will share insights on using paint to transform your interiors, whether for a decorative update or major makeover, and will also talk about Farrow & Ball’s latest wallpaper collection. And with the festive season in sight, Chelsea-based floral designer Paul Hawkins will demonstrate two ideas for creating stylish Christmas wreaths, while you enjoy a two-course lunch with wine. THE EVENT WHEN Tuesday 8…

For property developer Piers Cavendish and his business partner Jonathan Moffat, a Victorian building in London’s South Kensington provided an irresistible opportunity to create a new home that would showcase their interest in interiors and art. We visited the property with Piers and interior designer Sophie Elborne to find out more. What attracted you to the property? PC The location is fantastic, overlooking what has to be one of the best garden squares in South Kensington. The grounds are beautifully maintained and have magnificent mature plane trees, while the building is tall and unusually wide, and all the rooms have wonderfully generous ceiling heights. Was there a lot of work to be done? PC The building was in a terrible state. Originally a single dwelling, it had been divided into…

The unwritten rules of home ownership decree that successfully renovating one property behoves you to take on a more challenging project. Stylist Belinda Hall had no qualms about ignoring this custom when she plumped for a former Victorian dairy in one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs that had already undergone modernisation. This meant that she, husband Patrick and their two children – Charles, then aged two, and babe-in-arms Ted – could settle straight into the double-fronted home with its modern open-plan rear extension. TAKING THE PLUNGE Eight years on and the interior has now been transformed. “The back extension was a vast, white, boxy space with no atmosphere, which was di8cult to make feel homely,” says Belinda. “I was thinking of adding personality by choosing a dark shade for the walls…

“The self-confessed Agatha Christie aficionado delights in weaving quirky embellishments into each room.” Kylie Pentelow is no stranger to interior design projects. Over the years, the ITV newscaster has refurbished a number of properties, including a beach hut and a 1970 Carlight Casetta caravan. “I always need a project on the go,” she says. The refurbishment of a six-bedroom Victorian terraced house in the heart of Clevedon, near Bristol, however, was a rather different proposition and one that Kylie recalls as being rather daunting. “The scale was quite intimidating. Structurally, the building was in excellent condition, but it required a lot of decorative adjustments to reflect my and my husband Brady’s personal style.” Original features, such as marble fireplaces, stone floors and ornate cornicing, were among the many details that…

There was nothing here before we started work,” says Jim Burns as he stands looking at his garden, a modern take on an Oriental garden that is so immaculately conceived it would not seem out of place at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. “Nothing. In fact, at the start of last year, this whole area was covered in tarmac, and what is now my home was the site of a four-car garage,” he continues. The property is idyllically situated, at the foot of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, and in 2015 Jim decided it was time to do something special with it, beginning with the removal of the tarmac and a refurbishment of the garage. With the help of his daughter, who owns an interior design company, the up-and-over garage…

AUTUMN-FLOWERING NERINES Buy 5 bulbs of any variety for £9.99 or buy 20 bulbs (5 of each variety) for £19.98 (rrp £39.96), saving 50 per cent, or buy 40 bulbs (10 of each variety) for only £34.96 The autumn-flowering Nerine bowdenii (also known as the Guernsey lily) bears star-shaped blooms on sturdy stems and makes dramatic cut flowers when other blooms are scarce. This RHS AGM species is best planted in tight clumps or in pots for a late-season display. The collection comprises four varieties (clockwise, from top left) ‘Alba’ This has eye-catching white blooms with curved petals that float above the tall stems. ‘Isabel’ Its dark pink flowers add a bold statement to borders and patio pots, contrasting beautifully with paler blooms. ‘Stefani’ These pretty white and shell-pink bi-coloured…

“We dropped the level of the garden so that the interior flows seamlessly out to the terrace.” Can you describe the garden? This is the walled garden of a house in Chelsea. The original property was built in the mid-20th century and had no architectural merit, so we sought planning permission to replace it with a new, contemporary building and wanted the garden to have a similarly progressive design. The rear elevation of the house opens up completely to the outdoor space and we dropped the level of the garden so that the interior flows seamlessly out to the terrace. How do you think outdoor spaces have changed in the past few years? We no longer draw a line in the sand as to what is the interior and what…

STARTER Moules marinière, served straight from hob to table in the Large casserole dish, £85, is one of Sophie’s favourites. MAIN COURSE Butterfly leg of lamb, served individually or on a large platter alongside ratatouille, is a crowd pleaser. DESSERT Tarte tatin can be cooked a day in advance. Prepared in the Round pie dish, £32, it goes straight from freezer to oven to table. See the recipes on hgliving beautifully.com.…

 As a specialist in bespoke kitchen furniture, Martin Moore is known for classic English designs featuring understated elegance, balanced proportions and timeless beauty. Not only do the kitchens look impressive, they are also perfectly organised, highly functional spaces, individually built for the way you like to cook and socialise. Whether catering for an intimate dinner, a relaxed and casual supper for a group of friends or a party on a grand scale, the designers at Martin Moore recognise the need for a kitchen with entertaining very much at its heart. “We understand that no two families are the same, and every one of our projects is a tailor-made, hand-crafted solution to suit your home and your lifestyle.”RICHARD MOORE, DESIGN DIRECTOR, MARTIN MOORE, MARTINMOORE.COM WELL PLACED Plenty of storage…

  “Light schemes with splashes of colour are the most successful. I wouldn’t recommend a dark décor for a loft, as it can make the space feel too close.”AMELIA CARTER , interior designer, 020 7371 9179, ameliacarter.com.   “If your en-suite has a window, a frosted glass pocket door between the bathroom and bedroom will maximise natural light.” AMELIA CARTER “Consider woven rattan covers for shading on roof lights – they look stylish and add a lovely texture.” AMELIA CARTER…

FINDING AN ARCHITECT For practices that specialise in residential projects, go to RIBA, architecture.com, and the Architects Registration Board, arb.org.uk. BUILDING REGULATIONS Check current regulations and apply for planning permission at planningportal.co.uk. FOR TRADESPEOPLE Recommendations by word of mouth are ideal, but you can also use the following to find reliable local tradespeople, including loft specialists, builders and furniture makers. British Woodworking Federation, bwf.org.uk. Crafted People, craftedpeople.com. FairTrades, fairtrades.co.uk. Federation of Master Builders, fmb.org.uk. The Guild of Master Craftsmen, guildmc.com. HomePro, homepro.com. National Federation of Builders, builders.org.uk. Rated People, ratedpeople.com. Trust Mark, trustmark.org.uk.…

WHERE SHOULD WE LOOK FOR A FLOOR LIKE THIS? Inspired by the flooring in a local restaurant, we’d like to lay reclaimed timber in our semi-industrial kitchen. The boards could be stained, painted or a mix of the two. Where can we find something suitable? PK, London EC1. Nick Newman, at reclamation specialist Lassco, 020 7394 2100, lassco.co.uk, says Victorian pine boards are a popular choice. These are supplied trimmed and unfinished with nails removed, which means they always have a characterful patina, can be dusty and may have paint marks. He advises scrubbing them, then applying a matt lacquer. Prices range from £48 to £60sq m, or you can order them pre-finished. At Bert & May, 020 3744 0776, bertandmay.com, old mill boards, usually oak, are a good option.…

1 JONATHAN CHARLES Fine Furniture presents the 55” Rustic Grey round to oval extending dining table 491009-55D-RGA, accompanied by the Rustic Grey Upholstered Armchair 491018-AC-RGA, fully upholstered armchair in rustic grey finish, with turned arm and leg detail. To find out more contact www.jonathancharles.com Sheffield Showroom Tel: 0114 2452777 London Showroom Tel: 0207 351 1922 2 PULLMAN EDITIONS designs striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their posters feature winter sports, glamorous resorts around the world, and historic automobiles. Over 100 designs available at £395 each. Call 020 7730 0547 or view and buy online at www.pullmaneditions.com. 3 AMOLOULOU LIMITED Beautiful giclée prints featuring our ever popular pineapple design. These make a perfect Christmas gift and can be purchased framed or unframed with prices from £24.…

TREND TIP “We are seeing a move towards lights in mixed materials, such as metal with natural wood, ceramic or coloured glass.” ELENA PAPAROZZI , lighting buyer, Heal’s, 020 7896 7451, heals.com . DING DONG Designed by Reiko Kaneko and handmade in fine, translucent bone china in Stoke-on-Trent, these bell-shaped pendants are just as beautiful whether on or off. Nami pendant lights in Green glaze, H15xdiam15cm, £165 each, SCP, 020 7739 1869, scp.co.uk. VINTAGE CHARM Inspired by a 1960s lamp found at a French flea market, this Little D-Light, H23xdiam10.5cm excluding shade, £79, The French House, 020 7859 4939, thefrenchhouse.net , features a pretty yellow crackle glaze. IN A SPIN The spiral pattern of the Patera pendant, diam60cm, £745, takes its cue from nature; think of the seed formation in…

1 UP AND DOWN Rise-and-fall pendants are a versatile solution for lighting a dining table, especially hung in a row along its length. Pull them up for the maximum spread of illumination or lower them to cast pools of light for evening glamour. Dome Rise & Fall pendants, £262.80 each, Davey Lighting at Original BTC, 020 7351 2130, originalbtc.com. 2 STATEMENT STYLE The star of the show in this elegant library is a sparkling chandelier, which attracts attention whether on or off. A large overmantel mirror enhances the dramatic effect in this room by Cochrane Design, 020 7751 0075, cochranedesign.com. For a similar chandelier, try the Buckingham, £2,250, India Jane, 020 8799 7166, indiajane.co.uk. 3 WELCOME HOME A classic lantern creates a smart focal point in an entrance hall, while…

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY…

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY…

ALL PIECES ARE AVAILABLE FROM OKA, 0844 815 7380, OKA.COM.…

With the anticipation of seasonal entertaining and having guests to stay, there are plenty of reasons to update your room schemes. Just a few key changes, from introducing new cushions and lampshades to adding a statement bed in a guest room, can be enough to create a fresh mood without a major overhaul. OKA’s range of home accessories, fabrics and furniture, many sourced from small producers and skilled craftsmen across the globe, combine beauty and comfort, and are ideal for creating elegant looks. There is also a host of style options to choose from, whether classic, sleek or contemporary. Browse and buy online and arrange for quick and easy delivery, or shop at any of the companys 13 nationwide stores, including its London flagship in Chelsea, London, where you can…