Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Homes & Gardens

EDITOR’S PICK The interior designer Christian Bense introduced me to artist Freyja Lee, who painted tiles for his latest project (see page 109). I adore this Dawn Chorus trefoil bowl, £450, available at Partnership Editions. November is all about adding layers. It’s not only the time to dig out your winter coat, but it’s also an ideal moment to look at what decorative layers can be introduced at home. In our Design Rules feature on page 76, interior designer Brigette Romanek describes it as: ‘When you walk into a room that is thoughtfully layered with textures, colours and personal touches, it immediately feels like home’. I couldn’t agree more. For my own place, I’m focussing on adding a ‘layer’ of art to our frightfully bare walls; framing some of my…

An expert when it comes to luxurious window furnishings that are both practical and beautiful, Thomas Sanderson has long been a company we’ve admired. That is why we’ve worked together to produce a capsule collection of quality blinds designed to bring elegance to your home while creating effective light-control solutions. Launching in spring, the collaboration will see 30 new blinds added to Thomas Sanderson’s offering, including roller and Roman styles in a variety of timeless and unique fabrics. Here’s a sneak peek. ELEGANT AND VERSATILE There are a range of prints, plains, stripes, embroideries, jacquards and sheer fabrics to choose from in a colour palette inspired by nature. Warm neutrals, earthy reds and rich terracottas will help you feel grounded in your space, while the watery blues in the collection…

COLOUR OF THE MONTH SAGE GREEN NATURAL APPEAL ‘We love to use earthy greens with neutral tones, for example linen cream curtains against the dusky green walls adds both a freshness and a contemporary feel to the space. Layering with characterful oaks and chocolate leathers adds extra depth.’ Ottalie Stride, creative director, Albion Nord TEXTURAL LOOK ‘We feel immediately closer to nature in this green environment. The hand-applied pastel green plaster gives a velvet-like finish which changes in different lights, from warm amber greens through to a paler, calm backdrop.’ Chris Cox, creative director and co-founder, Cox London SWEET DREAMS ‘The pattern and texture of this Elsworthy wallpaper creates a cocooning effect and gives a cosy, reassuring feel to a space. I’ve used it in Moss in our bedroom, as…

“As design director for Kit Kemp Design Studio and art ambassador for Firmdale Hotels, and having studied architecture at Cambridge and sculpture in Germany, Willow is well versed in finding the perfect pieces. A blank canvas, a piece of paper, an empty room… can all seem daunting until you make a mark, then you’re on your way. It’s the same with curating your own art collection. The art you are drawn to is personal and reflects your character, so everyone goes about it in their own manner. Some build their collection over time and some like to blitz it in the beginning with a bulk buy. So, where to start? There are many approaches, including working to an era, a subject or a style. You could choose a theme –…

PICKING A TYPE Selecting tiles is often a balancing act between creative decisions and more practical considerations of resilience and cleaning. Glazed tiles are excellent for reflecting light in a space, providing a more finished look, says Murude Katipoglu, founder of interior design studio Murudé. ‘We particularly love using zellige tiles, which not only reflect light beautifully but also offer a unique hand-finished quality due to their individual differences. For spaces where I want to achieve a more textured, aged appearance, we opt for tumbled tile finishes.’ DECORATIVE OPTIONS Tiling a small but unexpected area, such as an architrave or a window reveal, can have a high impact. ‘Tiling large spaces can be costly, but this trend allows for small splashes,’ says Charlotte Buchanan, co-founder of Buchanan Studio, who used…

With details that pique the curiosity at every turn, each scheme in this Antwerp home is like a jewel box of surprises. From the tassel fringe on a lampshade to the braid contouring a hand-painted wallpaper; the piping on a sofa to the contrasting lining of a curtain, there is always something to excite the eye. ‘It is the small details that make all the difference,’ notes Stephanie Barba Mendoza, the creative behind these confident yet surprisingly calm interiors. ‘They turn a room from good to great,’ she adds. Stephanie, who was born and raised in Mexico, cut her teeth with one of the most noteworthy maximalists of our time, Martin Brudnizki, who has studios in both New York and London. She spent 10 formative years at the London practice,…

Go big or go home’ was the client’s mantra when it came to the renovation of this petite one-bedroom apartment, in a 19th-century property in the vibrant De Pijp area of Amsterdam, as she was starting a new chapter in her life. So it was apparent that a bland decor just wouldn’t cut it, and interior designer Mabel Muijres of Mabella Artisans rose to the challenge, creating an interior that exudes a cosy Mediterraneanmeets-Moroccan vibe. Mabel, who has spent time living in Guatemala, takes inspiration from a wealth of sources from around the world: ‘I always have ideas because I’ve seen them somewhere,’ she says. However, this project was a departure from Mabel’s signature style, which focuses on working with whites and injecting pops of colour and texture in a…

FUTURE CLASSIC Trends come and go, but Drummonds’ Newton bathtub is forever. A rare new addition to the British manufacturer’s cast-iron line-up, it features organic curves based on Scandinavian design, while the broad roll-top edge echoes classical English cues and outsized bun feet add a joyful touch. The interior is dry frit vitreous enamelled for a flawlessly smooth finish and the exterior comes raw, polished, primed or painted. Newton bathtub, from £6,804, Drummonds. SKY HIGH Defying gravity with its magnificent cantilevered structure, Eggersmann’s new Skywalk kitchen is a sight to behold – a showcase of luxury materials such as granite, Taj Mahal leather quartzite and burnished and bronzed brass. Innovative design options include the brand’s recently launched Depot door system, which allows several tall doors to slide and hide away…

OUT OF AFRICA Vintage wedding baskets from Africa lend pattern and texture to the soothing palette in this bathroom by interior designer Kara Childress. Her objective was to blend old and new to achieve comfort and harmony. ‘I used tadelakt plaster on the walls to create a sense of spaciousness and organic cohesion,’ she says. ‘The bath is beautifully complemented by the baskets, embracing the timeless art of Zambian weaving, which along with the rustic stool add warmth and authenticity.’ JAPANESE ZEN ‘When we designed this bathroom, the goal was to evoke the feeling of a modernised Japanese onsen – soothing, relaxing and, above all else, luxurious,’ says Christine Carney, director of design, Blackberry Farm. ‘The deep soaking tub and wet room design give it the feeling of an indulgent…

I’VE BEEN travelling to this unspoilt island for nearly a decade, after staying with friends on the mainland at Porto Cheli. I’d been to Athens and Crete a few times, but Spetses has a charm that never changes. An early autumn visit is perfect because it’s not too hot to sit outside during the day, but the sunsets are incredible all year round. I completely switch off here for two weeks every year. ■ Stay at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel (above right). It’s luxurious and beautifully done, but you still feel like you’re in the middle of island life. It’s a glorious sun-drenched building and on our first evening I always make a beeline for the Palms bar on the terrace for a mocktail. ■ The best place to shop…

Store and order A practical yet stylish addition from Neptune, the Ophelia footstool, £1,725, is upholstered in a rich Harris tweed. This elegant piece offers hidden storage beneath its cushioned frame, revealing two solid oak trays. Ideally suited for holding drinks, displaying collectables or setting the stage for a cosy games night. START TO FINISH Bias Editions aims to make everyday moments more special with its five new hardware collections, each cast in brass and starting at £30. Ribbon introduces soft, feminine curves, while Zig Zag showcases bold angles. Inspired by the iconic sculptor, the Brancusi handles give a totemic presence. Perle features elegant, pearl-inspired designs and Line Dot embodies classicism with a modern twist. Anniversary edition In celebration of its 20th anniversary, furniture maker Pinch unveils the Garagh Series,…

GROWING up in Budapest, amid its melting pot of baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, Gergei Erdei was fascinated by decoration. ‘The buildings are very evocative, often ornate with flowers, shells and figures,’ he says. ‘These details stimulated my imagination as a child.’ And it seems Gergei has never been far from beautiful objects ever since. After studying at London College of Fashion, he landed a job at Gucci in Rome, where his drawing talents were brought into play as an embroidery designer and illustrator. Back in London, Gergei started his homeware brand during the pandemic. ‘The idea was to bring a higher level of storytelling and captivating visuals to everyday objects – cushions, tableware and table linens, printed with my illustrations.’ Full of expressive marks and vivid lines, these…

“Calming and elegant, this striking wallpaper features metallic lines evocative of a mountain landscape” “Covered in chrysanthemums on gilded paper, this wallpaper evokes the feeling of a Japanese screen”…

WHEN you walk into a room that is thoughtfully layered with textures, colours and personal touches, it immediately feels like home. It’s like the room is hugging you, helping to reduce stress and ground you. I love creating spaces that are a love letter to yourself and make you feel at peace. ■ A cosy home blends textures, colours and personal artefacts. Soft furnishings, layered rugs, curated art and lighting all play a part. It’s about creating a space that serves its purpose while also being a joy to be in. I always ask myself, ‘How do I want people to feel when they walk into this room?’ and design from there. ■ I love a mix of paint and wallpaper. White walls are a classic because they provide a…

Joy is a US-based designer but her work takes her all over the world. Now running her own studio – Joy Moyler Interiors – she has over 25 years of experience and a degree in architecture. She is celebrated for her use of colour and pattern. “There are lessons you learn in life that make you who you are – certainly for the better, if you pay attention and absorb them. One of my earliest memories is of my mom telling me, ‘Do not touch the hot stove.’ Whenever I cook, I can still hear her voice saying those exact words. And one of the most embarrassing lessons for me was learning to tie my shoes in the presence of schoolmates. It was so traumatic, that even at this point…

We wanted the house to retain its period heart with a pared-back period look,’ says the new owner of this Grade II-listed 19th-century townhouse in a Knightsbridge garden square that had been stripped of its features in the 1990s. Stairs, fire grates, mantels, wooden floors, cornicing and joinery were selected to ensure that the home was authentically Georgian, ‘and communicated the early 1880s’ quality and distinctive elegance,’ explains the client. ‘We wished to create the feeling that the home had been lived in from then by one family, who had collected the best of the interiors and art through time to now. This developed an eclectic mix of the most special enduring pieces.’ Tasked with bringing this ambitious vision to life were renowned firm BLDA Architects and interior designer Christian…

Behind the relaxed, layered interiors of this New England home lies an eye for detail that’s forensic in its approach. Perhaps that’s no surprise given that the interior designer at the helm of its renovation is a former criminal defence attorney – career paths that seem wildly different on the face on it, but in fact share key elements. ‘Both professions require a great deal of emotional investment, consistency of approach and the need to do your homework,’ says designer Robin Gannon, who set up her practice 15 years ago after having a family. Since then, she’s become known for her strongly decorative aesthetic, underpinned by the principles of robust interior architecture. For the owners of this timber-fronted family home in the historic town of Lexington, close to Boston, the aim…

1. Modern romance Garden Designer Tom Stuart-Smith employs a range of design techniques that permit good garden views throughout the year. In autumn, the planting matrix is deliberately reduced. Pared back to soft bones, the RHS Garden Wisley reveals a strong, bold and simple design that makes use of the season’s best qualities: backlighting and movement. Repeat positioning of upright, crisply clipped beech blocks draws the eye through a contrastingly soft, swishing sea of tousled light-catching grasses. Working with ‘a detailed understanding of the nature of a place’, Tom’s design complements the golden framework afforded by the more naturalistic arrangement of mature and existing trees. ‘Our work has a richness of form and texture that belies the economy of means by which this is achieved.’ 2. True colours Nursery owners…

1. CHECK MATE Wall tiles offer a versatile way to introduce pattern to a room, while providing a durable, wipe-clean surface. Decor tiles, such as those featuring geometric, floral or Morocco-inspired patterns, are great for making a striking statement. You can also create patterns using plain tiles installed in more unusual ways, such as herringbone or striped arrangements. ‘Simple, classic chequerboard layouts like this one add a timeless charm while providing a modern and sophisticated look. For maximum impact, consider using contrasting cabinetry colours or intricate motifs as a splashback or on an accent wall,’ recommends Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth. 2. WOW WOOD Give classic timber a decorative touch with interesting grain pattern and 3D texture. Here, modern slatted marquetry-style panelling brings the tall storage…

CREATIVE THINKING Known for imaginative and contemporary design, Alex Dauley enjoys using colour and texture to produce superbly layered schemes. ‘I like to layer materials in bathroom design to create a tactile space that is as inviting as it is restful,’ she says. ‘I have a rule of three: an accent tile and two complementary tiles or finishes to create a result that is both beautiful and functional.’ Her dream bathroom features shower walls clad to half height in natural quartzite with dramatic veins of green, ochre, white and blue. Using these colours as her palette, Alex would opt for an ivory concrete basin, a restful green freestanding bath, recycled stone floor tiles and plain cream painted walls, with amber zellige tiles used above the quartzite in the shower to add…

ROASTED GARLIC SCAPE AND TOMATO SOUP SERVES 4 900g tomatoes2 tbsp olive oil450g garlic scapes, broken into small pieces1 medium-sized onion, diced500ml chicken stock2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil120ml double creamSalt and freshly ground black pepper Garlic scape pesto and garlic scape croutons (for recipes seeThe Garlic Companion – details on page 186), to garnish ■ Preheat the oven to 190C/gas 5. Place the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Roast for around 30 to 35 minutes, until the skins pucker and the tomatoes can be easily squeezed. ■ Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a soup pot. Add the garlic scapes and onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. ■ Gently squeeze each roasted tomato…

1. As a child I constantly had my nose in a book. Not much has changed; I still love to get lost in a good piece of fiction. My favourite author is Zadie Smith – White Teeth is one of my all-time picks – but I also love to find recommendations on social media. 2. One of the best parts of living in New York is access to great theatre. My husband and I love an early dinner before we race across 7th Avenue for a show. One of my favourite plays this year was Oh, Mary! 3. In the past two years I’ve struggled with hormonal acne, so recently, on the advice of my aesthetician, I’ve been double-cleansing my face every morning and using sun cream. I’ve also been…

Reimagined classics Gubi has launched a collection of reinterpretations of timeless pieces created by the pioneering lighting designer Paavo Tynell, who was known as ‘the man who illuminated Finland’. The 1972 pendant (above) has particularly caught our eye. Its bold, conical shape, slatted folds and fabric diffuser create a warm, ambient light, making it the perfect choice for hanging above a dining table. The company’s relaunch features bamboo in place of the original aspen, favouring its sustainable qualities as a regenerative and fast-growing plant. The wire frame is finished with a playful, decorative brass detail and there is also the option to add a brass counterweight that allows you to easily adjust the height. We also love the 1967 version, made from unpleated canvas lined with linen. Prices start at…

Project Awards Decorating Awards Furniture, Lighting & Accessories Awards Kitchens & Bathroom Product Awards…

A ACRU Artist Amelia Dennigan describes her work as ‘fine art thread paintings’ – perfectly apt given the artistry that goes into each piece. Using hand-embroidery and appliqué techniques, she creates richly detailed compositions that have strong narratives and surrealist overtones (she cites René Magritte, among other symbolist and surrealist artists, as a source of inspiration). As well as smaller works, Amelia makes large-scale wall hangings and commissioned pieces, such as cushions, to order. Cushions from around £254. acrunyc.com AMECHI After working in the fashion industry as a stylist, buyer and creative director, Amechi Mandi studied product and furniture design. Upon graduating, he spotted a gap in the market to create homeware which celebrated and reimagined indigenous West African culture before colonialism (he is of Nigerian and Cameroonian heritage),…

CENTRE STAGE Victorian and Edwardian fireplace surrounds were often covered in decorative tiles as an inexpensive way of introducing colour and pattern to a room. Here, Sophie Rowell, from interior design studio Côte de Folk, created a statement fireplace using coffee-brown zellige tiles, making the fireplace a key feature of the open-plan living room. Extra seating for guests was added on either side. ‘The tiles are remarkably dynamic, appearing silver under certain lighting conditions,’ explains Sophie. ‘The versatility is why I love working with zellige tiles; they play with light and reflections, adding a unique element to any room.’ PRECIOUS RESOURCES Using reclaimed stone tiles for a splashback requires the same approach as any other tile, except they tend to be thicker and heavier, says interior designer Maria Speake of…

DESIGNED BY AN ICON British designer Jasper Conran’s debut womenswear collection, designed in 1978 at aged 19, catapulted him to the forefront of a new generation of designers. Since then, Jasper’s earned a multitude of accolades and awards, and has been a constant and respected figure in the design world, prolific not just in fashion, but homeware, too. Produced in collaboration with Next, the Jasper Conran London homeware collection is designed at Jasper’s London studio, and follows his guiding ethos of timeless style, bold colour and outstanding quality. ELEVATING THE EVERYDAY Characterised by Jasper’s elegant and effortlessly chic aesthetic, the pieces have been designed to work in every type of home for any occasion – think staples that make a statement. From the classic silhouette of the elegant oak Bray…

1. ACHILLEA FILIPENDULINA ‘PARKER’S VARIETY’ This species grows vigorously in Spain’s wilderness and I love it for bringing nature directly into gardens. Achilleas offer year-round structure (H1-1.5m), golden yellow flowers from April and rattling brownish seed heads in winter. Cut back in spring for repeat performances. This is a super-plant – no diseases and no need to water. 2. STACHYS BYZANTINA The silvery-grey largely foliage plant grows well in this climate, in full sun and dry, free-draining soil. The low-growing (H45cm) furry foliage is soft, dense and tactile, carpeting the understory, helping to suppress weeds. I plant it as a gentle foil to set off taller, brighter flowering perennials. 3. HYLOTELEPHIUM (SEDUM) ‘MATRONA’ A drought-tolerant stonecrop that I like especially for its red autumnal colouring, not just the flowers, which bees adore, but…

“I was terrible at hide-and-seek as a child because my family always knew where to find me – in the greenhouse with the tomatoes. Growing up in Berkshire and Nottinghamshire, both nature and art were part of my childhood - I have memories of my mother making elderberry wine and painting outdoors with my father. I used to work in the art world on public commissions, and even with Damien Hirst for a while, but at some point I realised I wanted to be a creator, not a curator. When I first got my own tiny courtyard garden, it changed everything - I became obsessed with plants, filling it with scented roses and growing whatever vegetables I could. My gardening style is quite romantic, layering scent, texture and colour to create…

SOCIABLE AND SMART SPACE Known for layered interiors that are full of life, Studio Vero creates contemporary designs with considered use of colour. ‘Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen needs to be the most practical so the layout is very important, especially because most elements are fixed,’ says co-founder Venetia Rudebeck, who recommends well-planned storage and zones for specific tasks, from cooking to washing up. ‘I also want a really sociable space, because I love entertaining,’ she says. ‘The focus of my kitchen is a substantial table as the communal area where everyone hangs out, with enough room for piles of books or the children’s colouring at one end and space for dinner at the other.’ Venetia also likes to include art in a kitchen design. ‘If you…

MANY factors contribute to the creation of a spa-like sanctuary in our homes, from natural materials to mood lighting and concealed storage. However, to elevate bathroom design even further, there are several additions that allow it to operate with sustainability in mind. And, with reports stating that each of us uses 142 litres of water a day – 63% of it in the bathroom – the need to reduce our impact is imperative. ‘The art of bringing sustainable functions into beautiful, timeless forms and shapes will be crucial,’ says Roberto Martinez of German bath, shower and basin manufacturer Kaldewei. In line with this, the brand’s extensive Luxstainability Report, released last year, is helping us to reimagine the bathroom through innovation that doesn’t compromise aesthetics. One such innovation is Kaldewei’s Flowline…