Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Homes & Gardens

Spring isn’t just in the air - it’s reflected in many of the details found throughout the latest collections, from fresh green hues and joyful embroideries to soft curves and inviting natural textures. During my visit to Paris Déco Off in January, I had the opportunity to experience many of the new designs first-hand, and what struck me the most was the way brands are embracing texture and celebrating the beauty of imperfection. It’s not easy to capture through the pages of a magazine, but trust me when I say I’ve never been so compelled to reach out and touch, with so many pieces showcasing raw edges, knots, tufts and fringes. Perhaps this reflects our growing desire for nature-inspired interiors - moving away from the ultra-sleek in favour of a more…

Abstract thinking For its latest designs, Christopher Farr has collaborated with Fondation Arp, custodians of the rich cultural legacy of the husband-and-wife artist duo Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp based just outside of Paris. Swiss-born Sophie was a central figure in the avant-garde abstract art scene of the 20th century. A multidisciplinary talent, she tried her hand at textile design, architecture, sculpture and painting, and is responsible for the vibrant 1926 gouache artwork that inspired this rug. Aubette Study, produced by CF Editions, £1,500, is hand-tufted from mill-spun wool featuring varying pile heights to add interesting visual and textural detail. Christopher Farr has also produced a hand-knotted interpretation of her artwork Etude Ligne, made-to-order in custom sizes from £8,500. ELEGANT STRIPED RUGS 3 of the best pastures new Fabric and…

COLOUR OF THE MONTH DUSKY PINK SET THE MOOD ‘We chose Rouge II by Paint & Paper Library for this dining room because it has a way of injecting spaces with a sense of drama and intimacy. Its warming properties would also be suited to a guest en suite or a bathroom with low natural light levels.’ Kate Guinness, founder, Kate Guinness Design PRETTY IN PINK ‘Farrow & Ball’s earthy plaster pink, Dead Salmon, feels warm and grounding. Here we’ve used it in the principal dressing room for our Warwickshire family home project to create a calming and comforting space.’ Gema Broch, senior interior designer, Sims Hilditch PERFECT PAIRINGS ‘The Moire tiles from my collaboration with Bisazza enhance the spa-like feel of this bathroom. The soft blush colour is both…

C CHRISTOPHER FARR CLOTH This brand designs in-house as well as collaborating with renowned global artists and creatives for its textile ranges. Its passementerie collection is playful and experimental as well as heritage-honouring. The latest pieces - Trail Fringe and Totum Border – are part of its collaboration with French artisan Véronique de Soultrait and channel a retro 70s feel in colourful raffia, jute and cotton. christopherfarrcloth.com COLEFAX AND FOWLER Reflecting the timeless elegance of the brand’s fabrics, the trimmings are similarly influenced by a quintessential English aesthetic. The offering is meticulously crafted with a mix of luxurious materials in a sophisticated, subdued palette. Its recent Lansdowne collection brings a modern twist to the brand’s classic style, with neutrals and soft tones combined in stripes, twists, motifs and…

OUT OF FRAME Frameless windows are the ultimate way of dissolving the boundary between inside and outside. In the living area at The Makers Barn by Hutch Design, once an abandoned piggery on London’s rural fringe overlooking wildflower meadows, woods and hills, the barely-there glazing allows occupants to take in the ever-changing views. ‘The glass walls and frameless corner windows are held in place by “floating” timber pilasters, subtly elevated from the ground,’ explains the team. These enhance the connection to the surroundings, while the interiors are filled with earthy hues inspired by the landscape. SUN AND SEA When there’s much to look at on the outside, keep colours and patterns to a minimum on the inside to prevent distracting from the main event. The colour scheme in this coastal…

Just north of Sydney Harbour Bridge in a leafy waterside suburb, the home of Brooke Testoni is an oasis of calm, epitomised by graceful 1920s architecture and streamlined yet deeply textural schemes. Much like her fashion brand Rylan, known for its sinuous shaping, every superfluous detail has been pared back here, the better to let the proportions of the building sing. ‘I’m always pulled to the period details of a Federation house,’ says Brooke of the Arts and Crafts home that she occupies with her husband Leith and two young children, Franco, six, and Mila, three, plus dog Presley. ‘In a highly decorative era, I’m still a firm fan of a less-is-more philosophy: I’ve always preferred minimalist interiors and a gentle palette of soft neutrals.’ Yet this serene home is…

With its steeply pitched roof, russet bricks and prominent chimney, Jessica and Scott Nelson’s Seattle home has a fairytale-like charm that would make it an ideal shoot location for a cosy romcom. Built in the Tudor revival style in 1929, the home had stayed in the former owner’s family for around 50 years. ‘In that time, they had done almost nothing to it,’ says Jessica, who runs Jessica Nelson Design while Scott also works at the firm. ‘We were really looking for something that was almost untouched because I wanted to put my stamp on it. The house had received a fresh coat of white paint on the walls but it was otherwise very plain. There was no stain on the floorboards and we didn’t even have outlets in the…

Organic beauty Flo – the new, limited-edition sculpture from David Harber – draws inspiration from organic forms. Design director Lior Kristal describes Flo as David’s reflection on the natural world as an endless masterpiece. Each sculpture is crafted from bronze and features hot patination, a technique that uses precise brushwork and heat to create a unique tapestry of colours and hues, while the 23¾ carat gold gilding along the edges creates a radiant glow by day, with internal lighting unveiling its elegant silhouette at dusk. Measuring 2.2m in height, prices start from £36,162 – the size and finish of individual pieces can also be customised. WASHED WITH LIGHT The new Piel Wall Wash outdoor light from Visual Comfort & Co will transport your garden to new levels of sophistication. The…

1. Immersed in nature In this garden by Spanish landscape designer Álvaro Sampedro, a swim pool with infinity views over the landscape is engulfed in naturalistic vegetation. Álvaro says that ‘the experimental space, remotely located in Spain’s Tiétar Valley, was designed to test and develop the behaviour of a sustainable and attractive community of drought-tolerant, Mediterranean-style plants and to promote biodiversity’. The small Experimental Garden, 2000sq m, ’grew’ around a refurbished rustic cabin, furnished with a shading pergola. Now an inviting, contemporary swim pool, the former water tank still holds essential irrigation water but provides the ultimate ‘dive into nature’ experience. 2. Fountain of joy At the heart of the Jay Robin’s Rose Garden, Borde Hill, a dynamic, uplifting and mesmeric water fountain cheers and captivates those who visit. Sculptor…

POT-ROAST CHICKEN WITH BORLOTTI & ROSEMARY SERVES 4-6 1.5kg whole chicken (ideally free-range)2 tbsp olive oil4 bushy rosemary sprigs1 garlic bulb, halved½ lemon2 large onions, halved and sliced250ml chicken stock125ml white wine2 x 400g cans borlotti beans, drained and rinsed5 tbsp double creamSalt ■ Take the chicken out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. Remove all the packaging and season the chicken inside and out with salt; set aside until ready to cook. ■ Heat the oil in a large casserole over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, turning it regularly. Lift out of the pan and onto a plate. Stuff the cavity with 1 rosemary sprig, half the garlic bulb and the lemon half. ■ Lower the…

SUPER SHADE Dethroning green from its long-standing reign, burgundy is tipped as this season’s top colour choice. With its roots in 1970s design – a trend set to dominate through 2025 – this rich, versatile hue is making waves. Anticipating the buzz, Claybrook has unveiled a spectrum of wine-inspired tiles and paints. Shown here is cabinetry painted in Oxblood eggshell, £33 for 1ltr, a gloriously deep maroon, almost eggplant shade, paired with Formella tiles in Plum, £180sq m, made from recycled raw materials cold-pressed in cement. Intense, in a good way. Steel appeal Stainless steel is big in the kitchen scene – and combining a cool satin finish with chef performance is Italian brand Unox Casa’s SuperOven Model 1, £20,000. Promising dinner on the table three times faster than regular…

Francis Sultana combines classic design with functionality while maintaining a sharp focus on aesthetics – skills that he’s honed working with A-list clients from the art and design worlds. ‘I love Plain English for its aesthetic and craftsmanship, which is classic yet not stuffy or too old-fashioned,’ he says. A whimsical touch is vital. For example, he added baroque-inspired scalloped frames to the kitchen cabinetry in his home in Malta. ‘They look pretty and always receive lovely comments,’ he says. ‘I’d also include a glazed cabinet to show off china and objects.’ An island and a high-spec oven are essential and, along with a generous table, make the space more sociable. Francis hunts out beautiful taps too, noting ‘they can often be ugly and utilitarian’, and sources boldly veined marble…

Samantha Todhunter believes bathing should be an indulgent experience, which means the space needs to feel cosy enough to linger in. She has built her career on creating effortless interiors that are relaxed and inviting but peppered with dashes of glamour and luxurious details, and her bathrooms are no exception. ‘My dream bathroom is less about “bath” and more about “room”,’ she says. Expect to see wall lights with pretty shades, a painting or two, a rug and at least one piece of furniture in her schemes. ‘I like my vanity to feel like a capacious chest of drawers – full of practical intent but not screaming “bathroom”,’ she explains. ‘For the utilitarian requirements, my bath needs to be the most comfortable and made of a material that feels dense…

CENTRE OF ATTENTION As part of the restoration of her historic family home in Normandy, designer Isabelle Moltzer repurposed this dramatic space into a modern bathroom with no loss of character, opting to nestle Drummonds’ Baby Ness bath in a teal cabinet between the original oak columns as a focal point. ‘The bath alcove allows the natural beauty of the surrounding wood to take centre stage,’ says James Lentaigne, creative director, Drummonds. Local artist Dominique Bouillon created the bespoke wall mural with decorative painted tassels as a complementary flourish. MARVELLOUS MARBLE ‘We’d been searching for the perfect marble for some time, so when we discovered this wonderful Calacatta Viola, we applied it to as many bathroom surfaces as possible to make a bold statement,’ says Eliza Davey, interior designer, De…

FRUITFUL COLLABORATION Marking 25 years of creativity, French design house Casamance unveils a collaboration with graphic artist Geoffroy Pithon. The Jardin Dansé wall panel, shown here in Blush Multicolore and priced at £2,352, features vibrant botanical shapes in fruity tones on an irregularly crinkled base. Including linen fabrics Vallées Suspendues and Douceur Ardente, the collection reimagines interiors with a vivid, dreamlike quality. All the latest interiors news, including spring collections, Farrow & Ball’s new palette, rather wonderful rugs and an artist that combines crochet and cuisine PLANE PERFECT Drawn to working with his hands, furniture maker Thomas Veryard applies traditional woodworking techniques to each of his pieces. Inspired by the eaves of Victorian railway stations in his hometown of Hertford, the Scallop dining chair, £650, features distinctive scalloped detailing. Crafted…

AFTER being taught to knit at an early age by her mother and nana, by the time she was a teenager, Kate Jenkins was experimenting with embroidery, weaving and ‘basically anything that could be created out of yarn’. Graduating with a degree in Fashion Textiles at the University of Brighton (where she is still based to this day), Kate went on to work as a freelance knitwear designer for a roster of big names – think Missoni, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs – until setting up her own accessories label, Cardigan, in 2003. ‘I didn’t have any money for advertising, so I started to create crochet food to get people to notice my knitwear in a different way,’ says Kate. ‘I wanted to create something that nobody else was doing.’…

Movement: art deco Chic pieces reflect the enduring influence of the design style, which marks its centenary this year Colour: spring greens Embrace nature’s verdant hues and a sense of optimism as we head into the new season Shape: organic curves Furniture and accessories with flowing contours have a visceral, natural quality…

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 anything art-related. “One of my favourite things is collaborating with artists and when you commission a piece of work that is exactly what is involved. Collaboration is a form of dialogue, a two-way process, where you share ideas and create something new that perhaps neither of you could have preconceived or produced alone. Every time the result is surprising and the process enriching. In some circumstances there is an artist whose work you love and you want to have something made that has meaning for you. In other situations, there is a particular location that you want a specific piece for.…

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. “Trends are like persimmons: if you don’t get a ripe one it leaves an awful powdery nasty taste in your mouth. I never start a project with a trend in mind. We often see what becomes a trend at trade shows such as Salone del Mobile, Maison&Objet and Paris Déco Off. The looks tend to take hold first in the fashion world. Fashion has a six-month season shelf life, but interiors trends last considerably longer. Generally, because most people don’t refresh their homes every…

the designer Lara Bates is so versatile in her ability to work with many different decor styles that her studio, Lara et al, has picked up commissions from places as far apart as Florida and Folkestone. But the one through line is that her homes are always grand yet inviting, impressive but like you can relax into them. ‘I’d like to think my schemes are elegant, calm and welcoming, aspirational but still comfortable,’ she says. These are all words that easily describe her latest project, a five-floor, mid-terrace townhouse in London (it officially has four bedrooms, but one has been appropriated as a playroom). ‘I was listening to the family tell me they wanted a home to be proud of, and one they could entertain in. They’re not traditional people,…

there is nothing that jars in this apartment: every material has been carefully considered to create a soothing aesthetic that belies its urban location. ‘The owner asked us to design a sanctuary from the city, within the city,’ recalls interior designer Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman, who worked with Mark Sanderson and Harris Ford of architectural practice DIGSAU to produce this refined home. ‘The ground floor of the building houses one of the area’s buzziest restaurants, but you step into this flat and you have a sense of calm,’ she adds. The owner is a media executive with two grown-up children who was relocating from a large suburban property to this second floor, 4,300-square-foot apartment. When she bought her new home, it was a raw space with only its stud…

“We’re based in Cheshire, just outside of Manchester near the village of Styal. Quarry Bank was first built in 1784 as a working mill by Hannah and Samuel Greg who lived in a Georgian-style villa on site. It became one of the largest cotton manufacturers in the world, and today is one of the most complete examples of an early industrial landscape and a rare surviving expression of the Industrial Picturesque movement. The mill was included as part of the designed landscape to celebrate its importance. The surrounding 11-acre gardens were built for family life as well as to indicate the Gregs’ social status. They include a Victorian-style garden, a walled garden, a rockery, orchards, caves and woodland with a significant collection of rhododendrons and several impressive ancient trees, all…

Lucy Cunningham is drawn to warm, inviting colours, timeless craftsmanship and understated elegance, creating spaces that feel effortlessly refined yet approachable. Her signature style reimagines the classic ‘downstairs’ kitchen with a modern twist, blending lived-in comfort with subtle touches of luxury. ‘I work a lot with cabinetmakers Guild Anderson and in my dream kitchen I would have one of their French polished oak island tables that looks like an old piece of furniture – it makes it feel more like a room for relaxing, not toiling over the stove,’ Lucy says. Atelier Ellis’ golden Sadhika yellow is one of her all-time favourite colours, while an Aga framed by antique Delft tiles and a striped rug or two provide pattern and texture. For a hint of luxury, Lucy would have a…

MATERIAL WORLD At the heart of this live-work space, the kitchen is a creative hub for Alexander & Co. Designed by founders Jeremy Bull and Tess Glasson, it became a testing ground for innovative materials and techniques. The monolithic pink island by Concrete Bespoke was pre-cast and craned into place, while the pendant was a collaboration with The Lighting Guild. ‘As well as reclaimed timbers and rammed earth bricks made from waste materials, the palette of concrete, polished plaster, steel, brass and stone supports our aesthetic vision which fosters a “found” feeling,’ says Jeremy. ‘We embraced imperfect, expressive materials designed to age beautifully.’ OAK APPEAL The allure of natural timber is on the rise, as confirmed by Martin Moore’s new Legacy Collection. Celebrating the beauty of oak, it features doors…

Having recently refurbished his own bathroom, interior designer Henry Prideaux says the trick is to get the ‘feeling’ right – calming at some times of day and energising at others, with versatile lighting key to its success. ‘I also like a bathroom to be practical, but not disconnected from the rest of the home,’ he adds. ‘It needs to feel like a room you could spend time in, with comfort and interest as important as functionality.’ Henry believes the space should have a quiet sophistication, with light and bright materials. ‘I often choose chrome over brass or nickel as it’s easier to keep clean and match across brands.’ Engineered wooden flooring creates an immediate sense of warmth, paired with underfloor heating, while marble finishes provide a touch of glamour without…

for the first time since its 1946 founding, revered paint brand (and paint-naming champion) Farrow & Ball is looking back to usher our walls forward. Twelve colours have joined its main paint palette – nine new creations and three colours drawn from the archive, which is a collection of the brand’s retired paint shades and limited-edition ranges that you can browse online and request to buy. The new shades are a celebration of the everyday, putting the spotlight on colours that may already exist in the home but tend to be overlooked, hence the smoky grey of Douter, which came from the soot and tarnished brass of traditional candle snuffers; the soft terracotta tone of Naperon, inspired by the origins of the word ‘apron’; the mossy green of Dibber, named…

AVANT-GARDE APPROACH Washed Linen wallpaper in Atlantic, £149 a roll, Arte. Scagliola pedestal, £2,350, Lassco. Fabius table lamp base, £225, Oka. 30cm square sloped shade, from £71.90, Jim Lawrence; covered in Leaf Trellis in Caramel, £150m, Paolo Moschino. Andrés Nagel desk and chair, £3,200; Marco Zanini chalice, £1,200, both Béton Brut. Framed 18th century wallpaper, £250, Maison Artefact. Oil on wood panel artwork by Italian artist Maria Alexandrovna Lagorio, £850, Punch The Clock. Wooden sculpture, plate and black and cream jug, all stylist’s own; for similar, try 1stDibs LINE OF BEAUTY A silhouette of a Greek column was made out of wallpaper and a screen with similar curves gives the space architectural interest and modernity with its swathe of black. Washed Linen wallpaper in Atlantic, £149 a roll; architectural detail…

GLAMOUR is important to have in your everyday life. It just elevates your experience. It can be small, thoughtful touches – a cashmere throw instead of an acrylic one or a beautiful, carefully chosen teacup. ■ A glamorous interior is easy, tactile and desirable. Being beautiful and elegant doesn’t mean that you can’t be relaxed. I like my interiors to feel comfortable whether you’re in a cocktail dress or jeans. ■ I find glamour in beautiful materials that are visually stimulating, be that exceptional fabrics, great artwork or crafted pieces you’ve picked up on your travels. ■ My architecture training helped me to understand the importance of balance and proportion in beautiful design. It’s things like making sure the joinery you use is tall and slim, rather than short or…

Living in New Rustic Style by Vivienne Ayers with photography by Brent Darby (£45, Lannoo Publishers) This captivating release by Vivienne Ayers carves out the visual language of a new type of country home, no longer characterised by cottagey quaintness, but instead, celebrating ruralness while embracing modernity. The beautiful interiors reflect the wildness of their localities, using materials and colour palettes borrowed from nature. Some homes are rich with history, preserving original details while contrasting them with modern accents like concrete flooring. Others are impressive new builds that respond sensitively to the landscape, becoming part of it, like an impressive eco home in East Sussex built around a swimming pond. The thread that runs throughout is that these homes fuse contemporariness with cosiness while being rooted in their wild landscapes.…

The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely,’ declared Louisa May Alcott, and that dictum could certainly apply to the owner of this Victorian terraced home in London, with its interior that nods to the Japanese art of wabi-sabi. Interior designer Anna Haines was tasked with reimagining the three-storey property, undertaking a considered renovation that focused on honouring the home’s historic character, while at the same time injecting modern functionality. Original mouldings and features were carefully restored with natural and reclaimed materials woven in for authenticity and sustainability, and unique finds judiciously introduced, resulting in an interior with its own distinct personality that celebrates its imperfections. ‘The client really embraced the quirks of the house – he didn’t mind the wonky floors,’ explains…

Italianate Terracotta tones and citrus hues transport us to the Med Down to earth Pieces inspired by nature are timeless New nautical Modern materials and sleek forms add a contemporary edge Secret garden Frills and other whimsical touches define this country-inspired look…

THIS beautiful city in northwest India, founded in 1727, was designed and built on Vastu principles, which prize a fusion of beauty and technical detail – a concept that has always inspired me. In 1876, much of it was painted pink to welcome the then Prince of Wales, Albert Edward. Craftsmanship is seen everywhere, especially in the decorative hand-painted buildings. ■ I enjoy exploring the city’s still-thriving ateliers. Block printing is huge in Jaipur so you are spoiled for choice, but do visit Ridhi Sidhi Textiles, a family-run business. You can buy shirts, dresses and even parasols there. I always come back with bags full of bed covers, table linen and pyjamas. ■ I like to stop by Jaipur Rugs, one of the largest manufacturers of hand-knotted carpets. The founder,…

1. The book I buy most for presents is Wise Words for Women by Donna Lancaster; she’s a legendary therapist and we offer group workshops together at festivals. 2. I adore beauty products and prioritise brands that really care about their ingredients. Next to my bed I always keep de Mamiel Skin Recovery Concentrate and, in my handbag, MV Skintherapy Rose Hydrating Mist. 3. Bookshops are my happy place: I particularly adore the magnificent Topping & Company in Bath and Daunt Books in Marylebone, they are both stunning buildings. 4. As an antidote to cold, breezy days, nothing beats getting cosy under a vibrant blanket by Oshana, handmade by artisan refugees. I discovered the brand through the charity Choose Love. 5. I don’t fear missing out on parties or late…

For Linda Boronkay, the kitchen is much more than a practical space – it’s a gathering point, a canvas for creativity and a reflection of personal style. Her dream kitchen features a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and sculptural artistry. ‘My choices emphasise thoughtful design, tactile beauty and a blend of vintage and modern pieces to create a space that is functional and soul-stirring,’ she says. Embracing contrast, Linda juxtaposes a sleek kettle and fine porcelain dinnerware with rustic serving boards and brutalist bar stools. She also invests in materials that age beautifully and serve a purpose, such as durable volcanic stone surfaces and handcrafted tiles, and favours practical elements – vases, glassware and utensils – that can double as art. ‘I prioritise pieces that bring a sculptural quality to…

RIPPLE EFFECT We’ve seen reeded basins and shower screens, but now it’s all about creating large-scale backdrops with fluted surfaces. These deco-inspired ribbed marble tiles from Mandarin Stone provide the perfect focal point, while also adding tactility and interest. The four Marble Fluted Decor options – Calacatta, Calacatta Viola, Calacatta Amber and Violetta (shown) – start at £226.62sq m. Note that these tiles require sealing during installation. Art deco revival The 1930s aesthetic is everywhere in bathroom design right now, but there’s been a particular resurgence in deco-style lighting, including the iconic ‘flycatcher’ ceiling fittings typical of the era. These alabaster and milky glass pieces are making a comeback, adding a jewel-like quality and touch of glamour. We love Soho Home’s Quinn flush light, £495, with its sandblasted glass panels…

Kate Guinness has made her name in the world of design by creating vibrant yet timeless interiors that put a modern spin on eclectic country-house style. Her dream bathroom is calm and peaceful, with a rich palette of textures and colours that modern bathrooms ‘often lack’. ‘The perfect bathroom needs to be incredibly practical, but it must also be a beautiful and inviting space to spend time in,’ Kate says. ‘The sanitaryware must be of high quality, the water pressure suitably strong, and in a bathroom for a couple, a double vanity is essential.’ Most importantly, however, Kate believes that the lighting scheme should be considered very carefully from the start. ‘There needs to be enough task lighting by the mirrors, as well as a lower level of lighting for…