Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2023 i Homes & Gardens

The H&G team recently attended Paris Déco Off. A wonderful opportunity to note new trends and be inspired by spring collections, it always shows how far design leaps forward in a year. What to expect in 2023? Wallpaper is back with a bang: Arte’s incredible approach to materials, colour and pattern is the creative gold standard. Standout sculptural forms and courageous colours, seen in furniture, rugs, accessories and, yes, wallpaper, are everywhere. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword: brands are taking action, and those that have always worked with ecofriendly materials are enjoying the spotlight – Atelier Vime’s rattan Medici pedestal and vase is an attention-stealing example. Tying these threads together is the renewed interest in traditional materials, processes and motifs. We have explored how you can introduce this bold…

IN CELEBRATION In preparation for its upcoming 40th birthday, Fired Earth has added six new colours to its paint collection. With undertones of yellow for added warmth, Silver Needle, £49.50 for 2.5ltr matt emulsion, pairs well with red-toned whites and neutrals. It’s named after one of the rarest and most celebrated Chinese teas. TWO’S COMPANY Julian Chichester is launching his first collaborative collection with Turner Pocock. The five new pieces, all named after Turner Pocock founders Bunny and Emma’s children, include the Caspar chair, JJ dining table, Jackson desk, Lilah mirror and Indie side table (shown), price on request, which is made from light African walnut with a black vellum inlay. IT’S A TREND Make a feature of flush-mount lighting…

Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt of Urquhart & Hunt won Best in Show and Gold at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and were named Homes & Gardens’ Garden Designer of the Year 2022. This month, the duo share their insights into the benefits of an insect-rich outdoor space. WE have all heard it in the news; the number and indeed weight of insects outstrips us humans so much that we are almost a footnote when compared to the prevalence of insects on earth. They are also extremely important to the wellbeing of our beautiful planet, responsible for such a large range of vital services that it’s hard to name them all. Nearly all flowering plants have evolved on the basis of the ability of insects to pollinate and help…

ROSE & THORN There is a romantic fairy-tale quality to this floral design, but it is based on a Victorian furnishing fabric held at the V&A Archive. The foliage in the original print is dense, while for this modernised reworking the flowers have been spread out. To use a classic floral pattern, introduce current design tweaks to prevent your room feeling twee. For example, paint your woodwork in a strong colour, here a shade of green has been picked out from the lightest hue of the leaves. In terms of accessories, only display a few prized possessions. MAGICAL & MOODY Deep and dark wallpapers work beautifully in period properties if you restrict the presence of other patterns. This allows the wallpaper to remain the star attraction but also ensures your…

STYLISH NOOKS SMALL areas are fun to style because they allow you to create an extra space. It’s those little in-between spots that can – if you’re clever – work harder and become places you want to stay in. ■ Hallways are a great opportunity to create a nook; if you can put a piano in – even just an upright one – you can turn it into a music room. Instead of just being a space to walk through, it becomes somewhere to stop. If your stairwell is large enough, our studio likes to add books going up the side. It can look spectacular. ■ But creating nooks can happen in bigger rooms, too. If, for example, you’ve got an odd-shaped room with an alcove corner or a walk-in…

There is something beguiling about the setting of this 19th-century patrician villa. Located just outside Florence amid undulating countryside, the villa’s grounds are dotted with maritime pines and cypress and olive trees, while the air is filled with the scent of lemons and lavender. It is little surprise that the villa’s owners, a French family with three children, spend almost as much time outdoors as they do inside. The owners bought the property in 2019, having decided to relocate to Italy from Belgium. ‘The house had once belonged to the Gucci dynasty, but had stood empty for years and needed updating,’ says Patrick Gilles, who, with his wife Dorothée Boissier, heads up acclaimed Parisian design studio Gilles & Boissier. ‘Our aim was to renovate it in such a way that…

While most homeowners aim to create a sense of easy communion with their environment, interior designer Victoria Sass cheerfully describes the relationship with her own home as ‘somewhat challenging’. Built at the turn of the 20th-century, it features wood-panelled walls, large fireplaces and 12-foot ceilings. ‘As a result, the house has an inherently strong personality,’ she says. ‘With such a bold backbone, it lays down the gauntlet, inviting us to meet that character with some bold decorative choices. But that edge is what makes things interesting.’ Located in a suburb south of downtown Minneapolis, the property had been divided into three apartments before Victoria and her Danish husband Torben came across it five years ago. After stints in Copenhagen and Malmö, the pair had returned to settle in Minnesota with…

GUNPOWDER CEVICHE SERVES 2 240g super fresh fish (cod, tuna, salmon, bass or bream), pin boned Juice of 1 lime and wedges, to serve Pinch of salt⅓ cucumber, peeled8 ripe cherry tomatoes, quartered1 small red onion, finely slicedCoriander, chopped FOR THE GUNPOWDER 3 tsp sesame seeds8 fresh curry leaves1 tsp coriander seeds1 tsp cumin seeds½ tsp brown mustard seeds8 dried whole Kashmiri chillies (mild heat), stalks removed1 tbsp vegetable oil60g dried channa dhal (yellow lentils)1 tsp sea salt¼ tsp ground turmeric¼ tsp amchoor (dried mango powder)½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper ■ First prepare the gunpowder. Put the sesame seeds, curry leaves and all the whole spices in a frying pan. Dry-toast for 4-5 minutes over a medium heat, gently swirling the pan. When the aroma of the spices is…

CONTEMPORARY CONTRAST Take your cue from the striking definition of colour opposites. ‘Choosing a contrasting finish on an outsize extractor hood will secure the cooking area as a firm focal point,’ says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, founder, Unique Kitchens & Baths. ‘The traditional chimney-style shape of this bespoke hood soars right up to the ceiling, enhancing the sense of height and providing extra design drama.’ Bespoke kitchen, Unique Kitchens & Baths. Professional 48-inch dual-fuel range cooker, from £15,000, Monogram. CHOOSING STYLISH, HARD-WORKING COOKING APPLIANCES FREESTANDING VS BUILT-IN Deciding between a range and built-in cooker comes down to available space, cooking style and design. Range cookers are aspirational and capacious, and can be configured to your fuel type, hob specification and ovens. It’s hard to beat them for pan-banging satisfaction and solidity, but…

PERFECT PLACEMENT ‘Setting the bath at this jaunty angle directs the eye towards the statement window and out to the greenery beyond,’ says Sophie Chapman, associate, The Vawdrey House, who specified a gentle shade of green for the tub to echo the colour of the treetops. ‘It’s designed for relaxation and a little escapism in the city,’ she adds. A burnished brass floor-standing mixer completes the design and reinforces the role of the bath as the main feature of the room. The Rockwell bath, from £5,540, The Water Monopoly. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BATH FREESTANDING ‘As freestanding baths are designed to be the sculptural focal point of a bathroom, they tend to work best in larger rooms, where there can be a feeling of space all around,’ advises…

DOWN TO EARTH ‘We love this striking linear design, combining four earthy shades to zone the shower area and create an eclectic feel,’ says Louisa Morgan, marketing director, Mandarin Stone. These ceramic tiles mimic the look of traditional handmade zellige clay tiles with a subtle sheen that highlights the surface contours, but are manufactured using a process that makes them more durable and well suited to bathroom applications. Zellige Gloss tiles in Sky, White, Sage and Sand, £55.20sq m, Mandarin Stone. PICKING THE BEST MATERIALS FOR YOUR PROJECT TILES Thanks to technological advances, porcelain tiles are now available in a huge variety of designs and formats of up to 1.2x2.7m. ‘Extra-large or XL tiles create a uniform aesthetic, making rooms look bigger by reducing the number of grout joints across…

CONSIDERED COLLECTION This spring sees an abundance of new designs from Soane Britain, including furniture in the form of counter stools and a 19th-century-influenced foldable tray table, lighting and five fabric designs, some of which have been inspired by Soane Britain’s iconic textile archive. A selection of the brand’s most loved wallpapers have also been reworked in different colourways and an entirely new design called Berlioz, £180 a roll and shown here in Meadow, is named after the composer and based on a French pattern in one of the brand’s Mulhouse pattern books from the 1830s. REFLECTED BEAUTY William Yeoward’s curvaceous Matthew mirror, £1,375, is now available in three new hues – the charmingly named Seal Pup, Willie’s Blue and Jade Grey join the original antique bronze finish. Handily, the…

SCHUMACHER’S roots lie in a deep respect for craftsmanship and artisanal skills – and the team continues to scour the world for experts in their respective fields. The offering is dazzling: alongside the vast archive, each month a new collection of wallpaper, fabric and trims is produced – Schumacher is the only company in the industry to do this. How it started Frederic Schumacher, a Parisian émigré living in New York, set up shop in 1889 in what was known as Ladies’ Mile, a historic shopping district. Schumacher decided to import exquisite French designs for America’s high society. It was a clever move: within just 10 years, his fabrics appeared in houses owned by leading industrialist families including the Vanderbilts and Carnegies. In 1895, Schumacher bought a weaving mill and…

‘An amalgamation of grey, green and bluey brown, this shade has a moody, sophisticated feel and adds great depth to interiors. It is perfect for hallways and drawing rooms and would work well as a background colour for artwork.’ FRANCESCA WEZEL, founder, Francesca’s Paints…

ALTYN Collaborating with 20th-century design dealers, contemporary furniture makers and interior designers, east London-based brand Altyn specialises in upholstering and reupholstering complex contemporary pieces in need of attention to detail. Also working with antique and classic furniture, founder Olga MacKenzie is well versed in traditional upholstery techniques, plus seat weaving. altynhome.com ASNEW UPHOLSTERY With over 35 years of upholstery experience between founders Gary Morley and Jeremy Adamberry, Asnew Upholstery was founded in 1995 with a focus on the highest quality craft work. As well as reupholstering, repairing and resizing antique furniture, the brand also makes bespoke pieces. Based in Abingdon, the brand offers free home visits and consultations within Oxfordshire. asnew-upholstery.co.uk ATELIER RAY CLARKE Working with furniture from any timeline as well as applying modern upholstery methods to traditional seating…

1 NATURAL POISE Nothing in nature is totally linear or symmetrical. That humbles me and reminds me to abandon perfection. Beauty lies in organic flaws. With flowers you are at the mercy of the seasons. Surrender to what is available at the market or in your garden. It might not be the perfect branch – maybe part of it looks frail – but it can fill a vertical void like a line drawing in space. As a stylist, natural ephemera has been a lifeline. Even a stone can become a sculpture. 2 ART OF EMPTINESS We often feel compelled to fill the void. In conversation, it’s a struggle to endure the awkwardness of a pause. We rush to break the silence, even if we have nothing to say. And the…

WE’RE huge fans of pattern but it would be fair to say that Scott and I differ in our approach. Scott will always be very clear with the overall vision and concept and he will highlight where he thinks we need to use larger and smaller scales within a space, while my strength is looking in-depth at the technical design and aspects of a pattern. It’s always a team effort. Our inspiration for patterns can come from almost any source. We’re both from a fashion background, so fashion is a consistent go-to. The current Dries Van Noten collections are a recurring reference because he mashes things up in such an interesting way. There’s a stair runner in our Dawson project inspired by a section of a dress which we found…

RUSTIC REIMAGINED Rustic sustainable timber is being taken in a new direction: less boho farmhouse, more high-end chic. In this Norfolk barn conversion, reclaimed sun-dried fir and satin-treated steel form a sophisticated pairing on Italian cabinetry. ‘The combination of rough, natural wood textures with soft pink marble and sleek metal creates a smart visual link between old and new,’ says Andrew Hamilton Barr, managing director, Espresso Design. Bespoke kitchen, from £45,000, Espresso Design. Project, Studio 29 Architects. SELECTING SURFACES THAT MAKE A KITCHEN SING FOCUS ON FLOORING Choose kitchen flooring as early as possible in the design process, says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative, Ca’ Pietra. ‘The thickness of limestone is different from porcelain or engineered wood, for example, so your builder will need your decision in plenty of time…

RICHLY LAYERED ‘It’s the combination of the materials and the layering effect that makes a scheme interesting,’ says Peter Sallick, CEO and creative director, Waterworks. ‘In this space, the choice of walnut creates warmth and richness, cane brings texture and lightness, and the cool modernity of marble surfaces and nickel taps adds balance.’ A tall wardrobe allows this bathroom to double as a dressing area, while providing storage for robes and towels, and the vanity cupboards are designed for toiletries. Bespoke Alta cane furniture and vanity unit, Waterworks. KEEP ORDER WITH SMART FURNISHINGS SIZE The starting point when choosing furniture is to consider how much you need to store and the size of your bathroom. You may want drawers with compartments for make-up and small toiletries and larger storage for…

DESIGNER INSIGHT Visit the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from 5 June to 6 July for the second instalment of WOW!house, the immersive design experience built within the Design Avenue. We are delighted to announce this year’s invited designers – the Legends room by Nicky Haslam and Colette van den Thillart; the study by Clare Gaskin; the dining room by Martin Hulbert Design; the courtyard room by Maddux Creative for Fromental; the morning room by Waldo Works for de Gournay; the kitchen by Henry Prideaux for Martin Moore; and the bedroom by Christian Bense for de Le Cuona. These designers and more yet to be announced will create 18 rooms. You’ll also have access to the complimentary series of talks and tours – and learn how the event keeps sustainability at…

SHAPE SHIFTER Homeware is finding beauty in Matisse-inspired shapes LOOKING TRIM Pretty passementerie is turning up on everything OUT OF THE BLUE A beautiful shade of vibrant blue-green is the hue of the day DO A TOILE Traditional motifs with a twist have been popping up…

WORK OF ART The hand-painted decorative detailing around the fireplace in this reception room helps to soften the edges of grandeur that might otherwise overwhelm the space. Decorative artist Tess Newall collaborated with interior designers Kit and Minnie Kemp to create an engaging space which would inspire authors at the home of Bloomsbury Publishing. ‘We wanted to reference the artist and writers of the Bloomsbury Group,’ explains Tess. ‘My design is inspired by the bold geometric shapes used by Duncan Grant with a hand-painted fire screen also inspired by his textile designs.’ MAKE THE CUT Spend time choosing the right colour for a room with limited light – it will pay dividends. In this snug, Fiona Duke carved out a separate space by installing a fluted glass and wood screen.…

1 NATURAL SWIMMING POND Many swimming pools spend most of the year under cover whereas a natural swim pond sits comfortably within a garden landscape – marginal planting provides valuable habitat for wildlife, too. ‘I believe it’s crucial that our gardens are in harmony, allowing people and wildlife to live side by side and be mutually beneficial,’ says garden designer Matthew Childs. If you’re thinking about adding one, he recommends consulting a specialist. ‘This is part science project, part art form and getting the best results requires careful planning,’ he says. Aim to locate your pond at the lowest point in your garden as this is where water would naturally accumulate. A sunny spot away from trees and falling leaves is also important. 2 PLANTING PLAN Maximising the space you…

A feast for the eyes, this Galway city residence – an amazing project suspended between history and modernity, conceived and realised by Kingston Lafferty Design – is a never-ending surprise. ‘Today it’s a family home for husband, wife and five children, the very epicentre of a hectic and bustling family life,’ says Róisín Lafferty, founder and creative director of the Irish studio that works internationally. Built in the 1860s, this post-Georgian-era, three-storey house is part of a terrace of similar homes. It’s been a five-year project. ‘We were first approached to look at the house back in December 2018, with Helena McElmeel Architects having started to investigate the best planning application approach the previous year,’ says Róisín. ‘Due to the historical and conservation relevance of the building, the conservation and…

PASSALACQUA is the passion project of the De Santis family, one of Italy’s leading hoteliers. Using the finest craftspeople, they meticulously restored the villa, stables and lakeside garden as a 24-suite retreat. Original frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, Fortuny lampshades, soft furnishings by Rubelli and marble dating back to 1787 come together to create luxurious interiors, with views over the village of Moltrasio and the lake beyond. Despite the villa’s grandeur – it was home to Bellini, who composed two operas there, and hosted Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill among others – it is incredibly informal. The villa houses 12 sumptuous suites; the palazz – the former stables – a further eight plus the spa; and four suites nestle in the terraced gardens, at the foot of which there is a…

UPLIFTING IDEA Elevating an island off the floor encourages the flow of light through the space. For this kitchen with limited natural daylight, Andrew Griffiths, founder, A New Day, conceived a slimline, freestanding steel-framed island with raised legs. ‘We wanted it to feel more like a piece of furniture than a monolithic island, yet it’s still full of storage and provides useful counter space, while the reeded glass sliding doors add to the sense of lightness,’ he explains. Similar bespoke kitchen, from £50,000, A New Day. ACHIEVING THE PERFECT ISLAND UNIT ESTABLISH SIZE The overall dimensions of any island unit should be influenced by the size and proposed layout of your kitchen. Begin by planning the perimeter cabinetry, plotting out depth as well as width, to ascertain how much space…

IN THE GROOVE Worried the reeded glass trend was a flash in the pan? Danish brand Vipp reassures that its many benefits will secure long-lasting appeal. ‘Fluted or reeded glass cabinet doors are one of those additions that instantly elevates a scheme, bringing a sense of real refinement,’ says Kasper Egelund, CEO. ‘In darker kitchens, fluted glass lends a sense of airiness, while the ribbed texture allows for a semi-transparent view into what’s inside.’ V2 kitchen in dark oak and reeded glass, from £43,000 including appliances, Vipp. CLEVER AND TIME-EFFICIENT STORAGE DECISIONS SORT IT OUT When designing a kitchen, start with an audit of kitchenware. ‘Working out which items you use every day and those that are for special occasions will help determine how much and what type of storage…

STEAM ROOM STYLE Tom and Emma Lipop of @49_rg chose Artisan Ochre ceramic wall tiles, £33.59sq m, Tile Expert, for this shower that features an Insignia steam generator kit and Archipelago fittings by Lefroy Brooks. ‘We wanted a tile that wasn’t completely uniform in colour and texture, to add depth to the walls and ceiling,’ says Tom. The Swan tiles, copied from an original Walter Crane design, £16.50 each, Pilgrim Tiles, accentuate the height of the room. ‘They also pay homage to the Victorian tradition of the house.’ GETTING THE BEST SHOWER FOR YOUR STYLE AND SPACE SIZE The shower you choose will depend on the space available, but you will need to have enough room to move. ‘The smallest size we’d recommend is 800x800mm for a standard enclosure,’ says…