Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Homes & Gardens

As we worked on the May issue, the Homes & Gardens team became eager to embrace the outdoors, tackle gardening projects and plan that dream getaway. At this time of year, the focus naturally shifts from interiors to exteriors and we begin to think about how the garden can extend the home. Our edit of gorgeous outdoor furniture (page 145) will help you do just that and the decorating feature (page 44) highlights the latest outdoor textiles, which have evolved from stiff and uncomfortable to soft and luxurious - so versatile, they can be enjoyed both indoors and out. Although unpredictable UK weather can make this challenging, I always seize the chance to fling open the back doors and dine alfresco. While my home may not be set against Mallorca’s…

FOR Dutch furniture designer Onno Adriaanse, the starting point for every piece is nature. ‘I’ve always been fascinated by geological processes, as well as flora and fauna,’ he says. ‘As a child, I had my own “museum” filled with rocks, dried plants and more, and that fascination remains. I love studying how trees grow, how stones are shaped by erosion, and the shape of an insect’s shell. These forms, colours and textures inspire my designs.’ Having grown up in a creative family – his father owned an art gallery and his mother was a musician and ran a fashion boutique – he studied at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands before setting up his own business in 2016. ‘My parents took me and my sisters to museums all over…

Sitting pretty Whether you have a large garden or a tiny terrace, patterned weatherproof fabrics are a wonderful way to elevate outdoor seating. Available in seven shades, Saona is a playful woven geometric featuring organic stripes and a slubby texture, which beautifully complements natural materials. Lazy days Bring a touch of the Côte d’Azur to the English garden with a tent in vibrant beach umbrella stripes, perfect for lazy afternoons shading from the midday sun or a joyful hideaway on a grey day. Available in an array of bold colours, Pierre Frey’s new lightfast and stain-resistant Belvedere fabric will make a lasting impression. Holiday cheer Fade-resistant saturated plains and bold graphic prints are ideal for warm climates where they remain eye-catching even in full sun. Paying homage to Portuguese culture,…

FIRST CLASS In the 1920s, the Orient Express began its journey to Istanbul ushering in what is now regarded as the heyday of luxury rail journeys – and the inspiration behind one or two murder-mystery novels. When the owner, Belmond, decided to upgrade the historic carriages into suites with bathrooms, they asked fabric house Rubelli to help. The team, working with Wimberly Interiors, created bespoke jacquards in rich colours to dress the suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Other decorative details include art deco lights by Lalique and wood panelling adorned with marquetry. At night chairs convert into beds. EASTERN PROMISE Juxtaposing different design styles or introducing something unexpected will always result in an interesting, layered space. This bedroom, designed by interior decorator and textile designer Penny Morrison, was for a…

How do you f ind a compromise between the tastes of an Italian husband and an American wife when bringing an ancient Tuscan farmhouse to life? Bring in the colour- and comfort-loving British interior designer Nicola Harding. ‘They wanted something soulful, warm and friendly,’ says the designer renowned for her gentle, soothing approach to interiors. ‘They wanted a house that would feel immediately like home the minute they arrived, and somewhere relaxing to spend time together as a family and entertain friends.’ The couple, having met ‘in some far-flung corner of the world in their twenties and made their fortune in New York from nothing,’ says Nicola, bought the house and surrounding olive groves, not far from where he grew up. They wanted to instil in it an element of…

1. Textural balance The design of this small courtyard in Woollahra in Sydney, Australia is warm and uplifting. Designer Adam Robinson, working with Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, explains: ‘We had fun playing with the horizontal and vertical lines of the bricks and tiles, which are offset with sleek pavers and painted wooden fencing. I love the contrast of the warmth and character of the rustic brick wall with the contemporary terracotta tile cladding, and then the slick white fence – it’s a great play on different textures that create rhythm in the space. The design exemplifies the warm face of minimalism – a modern Mediterranean courtyard, embracing a pared-back design aesthetic with a rustic, earthy colour palette.’ 2. Mosaic marvel The design and the materials chosen to illuminate and enliven…

ABSOLUTE GEM ‘A beautiful tap perfects a bathroom design in the same way that jewellery completes an outfit’ is the mantra C.P. Hart's buying team live by, and Gessi’s Inverso range certainly fulfils the brief. This single lever gem, with its woven metal handle and slim spout, will make a dreamy adornment to any wash area and it comes in this year’s favourite chrome finish. Coordinate with matching bath mixers and shower controls, all available in 11 finishes. Gessi Inverso single lever basin mixer with Diamantato handle in Chrome, from £399, C.P. Hart. TALL ORDER Thoughtful design meets artisanal craftsmanship in this new partner to Neptune’s Tilbury dining chair. The Tilbury bar stool, £495, blends the warmth of oak with the charm of woven rattan. Built with traditional mortise and…

1. CONTAIN YOURSELF For a statement shower that doubles as a luxurious piece of furniture, look no further than Drummonds’ self-contained Thurso shower. Featuring an all-glass surround and unlacquered brass finish that will patina with age, this stunning piece allows beautiful wallpaper and artwork to be fully enjoyed, while allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. ‘As a fully enclosed unit, it offers complete freedom of placement and ensures a seamless integration with your interior,’ says James Lentaigne, managing director of Drummonds. ‘This level of flexibility is incredibly useful, especially in older properties where altering walls for a shower enclosure invariably diminishes the room’s original character.’ With its 360° views, the experience inside is just as captivating as the one outside. The Thurso freestanding shower in Unlacquered Brass,…

VERY THIN COURGETTE AND BASIL OMELETTE SERVES 1 AS A MAIN OR 2–3 AS A STARTER 2 organic eggs Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 25g unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 courgette (about 150g), sliced into thin discs Handful of basil leaves, roughly torn 20g Parmesan, finely grated ■ Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper and whisk with a fork. ■ Melt the butter with the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Pick up the pan and swirl the fat around so that it goes up the side of the pan to avoid the egg sticking later. Once it starts to sizzle, add the courgette and gently toss to ensure…

CRAFT PROJECT Makers Made is a curated online gallery founded by five artists – Hal Haines, Harlie Brown, Kate Sellers, Rosie Harbottle and Sophie Harpley. The platform showcases original, handmade homeware, from ceramics and furniture to lighting and textiles, connecting buyers with artisans. By supporting independent UK-based makers, Makers Made fosters a community where artistry and craftsmanship thrive, providing customers with distinctive pieces to enrich their homes. All the latest interiors news, including a focus on tiled floors, the design show to visit and the people and brands supporting UK makers BRONZED BEAUTY Audo Copenhagen’s Pavot collection, designed with New York aesthete Colin King, features three vessels inspired by poppy seed heads. Cast in aluminium with a brown-bronzed patina, the centrepiece (shown), £245; bowl, £140, and vase, £155, showcase elongated…

A&TRADITION Built upon Denmark’s revered design legacy, Copenhagen’s &Tradition came onto the furniture scene in 2010. Honouring historic pieces as well as the modern-day avant-garde, its product library spans the 1930s to the contemporary, its roster of designers ranging from the great Arne Jacobsen to current names such as Anderssen & Voll, Jaime Hayon, Luca Nichetto, Mia Hamborg and Note Design Studio. andtradition.com ATELIER VIME Named after a word derived from the Latin ‘vimen’, meaning a flexible branch for weaving, Atelier Vime is the go-to place for rattan and wicker design. Hailing from French village Vallabrègues, the brand was founded in 1878 when it began to build a collection of 20th-century pieces. It soon connected with artisans, now providing in-house created furniture and smaller items. ateliervime.com AUDO Denmark’s Audo (established…

CREATING a chic space can often feel quite hard to do – and add a lot of pressure. The most important element to a space is the soul that you bring it. Your home is more than just a showroom. ■ Travelling really informs design. I travel all over Europe, but Paris is always a great source of inspiration. In my opinion, Italy and France are the most important places to discover interesting references. Another place is London, it is also a great inspiration with such a good soul, very chic and timeless with a twist of the unexpected and fun. ■ European style is so desired because it is unique; it has a heritage and history filled with cultural references. As a result, it brings gravitas to a home.…

Some homes make the heart beat faster thanks to experimental finishes and trend-led schemes, others reveal their treasures more slowly, offering a familiarity that is both comfortable and comforting. This home, part of a country estate in Shropshire, falls into the latter category. A grand entrance, imposing architectural lines, a sweeping staircase and back corridors leading to hidden nooks all conjure a bygone sensibility and yet, in the hands of interior designer Guy Goodfellow, every element has been gently reappraised for modern life. ‘For me, a successful country house has to feel authentic and unpretentious rather than overwhelming,’ says Guy, who worked on this project for four years. ‘That means embracing the melting pot nature of classic English decoration, where “pristine” sits comfortably with “faded around the edges” and furniture…

Picture the craftsmen’s emphatic Gallic shrugs when Ramdane Touhami first presented them with the plans for the drawing room of his family’s new home in Paris’ 9th Arrondissement. The maverick French-Moroccan designer and entrepreneur, who runs his own creative agency, tasked them with panelling the walls with ebony burl; but the panelling needed to appear to peel away in the corners to reveal traditional mouldings – suggesting another world behind this world. ‘It was pretty complex to produce,’ acknowledges Ramdane of a process that involved soaking the wood for two months in order to achieve the precise curl he had in mind. There is nothing mundane about the home Ramdane and his wife, Victoire de Taillac-Touhami – together the couple revived Cire Trudon, the world’s oldest candle manufacturer, and relaunched…

WHEN it comes to creating beautiful things and spaces, many artistic people can turn their hand to any medium. This is the premise of this new book by Dara Caponigro, the creative director of Schumacher. Dara went on a journey to explore what’s behind the back door of the homes of the world’s leading interior designers, revealing their approach to their gardens and outdoor spaces. Many apply the same design logic as they would when curating interiors. Emma Burns, joint managing director at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, thinks of the garden of her Oxfordshire home ‘as a series of rooms that lead from one to the next’. In the outdoor space of the Lourmarin home that belonged to the late decorating icon François Catroux, there is a ‘living room’…

Sitting comfortably Armchairs you won’t want to move from Sleek seats Smart chairs for alfresco entertaining Top tables Designs that feel at one with nature Sun lounge Sofas for relaxing in the heat Solid state Durable tables for drinks and nibbles…

SOLID CHOICE Few things rival the impact of a chunky cantilevered stone slab when it comes to creating a standout seating area on your island. In this project, Cabbonet went all in with dramatically veined Arabescato Orobico marble in swirling rust and grey tones. ‘Visually, this cantilevered seating area brings a sense of modern elegance, enhancing the open, airy feel of the room by eliminating the need for support legs. This not only frees up floor space but also creates a more expansive atmosphere,’ explains Andrew Hays, founder and creative director, Cabbonet. ‘It’s a versatile spot for casual dining, prepping or entertaining,’ adds Andrew. Bespoke kitchen in brass, oak and marble, from £50,000, Cabbonet. Mater high stools by Space Copenhagen, £864 each, Viaduct TABLE TALK So, you’ve set your heart…

HEIGHT OF ELEGANCE ‘The showstopper of my dream bathroom is a marble tub, filled to the brim with scented hot water to enjoy while reading a book,’ says interior designer Joanna Plant. Known for comfortable rooms that celebrate colour and a sense of timeless elegance, Joanna would set the bath against walls painted in Edward Bulmer’s Lilac Pink, sumptuously interlined curtains made up in Bennison Fabrics’ Songbird linen and a vanity in dramatic Breche Violette marble. ‘Above the vanity, I’d hang a Venetian mirror with antique Baguès wall lights to add a little sparkle and a whole lot of glamour,’ she says. A slipper chair to throw clothes on, nickel taps and beautiful monogrammed bath linens are also part of the chic scheme. ‘Keeping splashes to a minimum, I’d have…

Precision in every piece If you’re after floor tiling that makes an impact, it’s worth perusing the new Composition collection from tile and stone specialists Lapicida. The recently launched 12 designs formed of impressive collages of cut stone feature abstracted patterns, including checks and argyle print, signifying a new modern design direction for the stone experts. Yet rest assured that quality remains top-grade – the designs are made from a mix of premium natural stones, such as travertine, marble and basalt. The beauty of the stones’ organic colours and markings shine through, and the collection’s palette is defined by sophisticated natural hues such as amber browns, jade greens, monochromes and sandy beiges. The Composition collection works on walls as well as floors and can be viewed at Lapicida’s new London…

COLOUR OF THE MONTH FIERY ORANGE JOYFUL CANVAS ‘For this snug TV room we wanted a warm yet cheerful colour. Malahide by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint is a versatile shade which works in dark or sunny rooms. It also makes a great backdrop for artwork - we’ve used it several times drenched over walls and joinery.’ Alex Keith, co-founder, Otta Design SUNSET GLOW ‘I wanted this penthouse at Chelsea Barracks to have a sense of glamour so I selected Dedar’s moiré Amoir Libre fabric wallcovering in Mandarine for its beautiful reflective qualities. It’s a flattering shade, especially in candlelight, and it pairs well with greens and blues.’ Susie Atkinson, founder, Studio Atkinson GROUNDING WARMTH ‘This beautiful Cotto tile from Clay Imports strikes the perfect balance between earthy and sophisticated. The…

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. “Art is often the first thing someone notices when they enter a room. It captures their attention and imagination and leaves an impression. Art is the keystone of creativity in interior design. It is centre to my design ethos and approach, with every project being shaped by its own carefully curated pieces. Allowing art to guide you in the design process isn’t just practical, it gives a space meaning. Interesting interiors always combine functional design with expressive and emotive art. The two disciplines are inextricably linked, influencing each other – and when successfully executed, they enhance each other. Art can…

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. “For me, there are two important initial steps for designing a home, hospitality or commercial project. The first step for any client presentation is the mood board. It is the vessel for development of the palette and finishes later. It occurs in the ‘concept phase’. Mood boards are done following initial chats with a client. This is an early marker to check we are on the right track. As the kids would say… “that we understand the assignment”. I’m listening intently to the content…

Behind the facade of this classic three-storey Victorian property in London lies a completely unexpected interior. Alluring use of colour, rich woods, crafted furniture and beguiling fabrics inject a certain joie de vivre that ensures the interior sings. It’s a quintessential design by Tom Morris of Morrisstudio, who describes his signature style as ‘steering towards earthy or warmer tones, a touch more on the masculine side but never too overdesigned or stylised, with a diverse mix of things’. The brief from the client, who had lived in the house for some time, was to make the interior more cohesive and improve storage. Tom’s solution involved devising a colour scheme that brought everything together, utilising the space with custom joinery and elevating the interior with bespoke pieces and Danish furniture. Colour…

Colour in Interior decorator Emma Grant has once again collaborated with garden furniture maker ODD, bringing two new outdoor fabric designs to the collection. The new Atlas Stripe is modelled on an old Berber textile and is available in two uplifting colourways - a tomato red and dusty blue, and a pale butter and lemon yellow. The Baracca fabric, pictured here on the sofa and lining, draws inspiration from an 18th-century Portuguese tent and a group of ceramics from the Manises region in Spain. It comes in two shades of indigo and a beige. The new fabrics were designed with ODD’s Rocker swinging sofa in mind (shown here). Prices from £6,200. Hard-working weaves Christopher Farr Cloth has recently launched five new performance fabrics that offer durability without compromising on style.…

“I’m from Galicia originally, where I grew up on a smallholding. I moved to the UK over 20 years ago and did my further gardening studies with the RHS and have been at Emmetts Garden near Sevenoaks for over three years now. The garden sprawls across six acres of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – due to the mixed woodland. We have beautiful views over the Kentish Weald and North Downs. It used to be a farm but was bought in the late 1800s by Frederic Lubbock, a banker passionate about plants. The area was covered in giant anthills when he bought it – the word ‘emmet’ is an old colloquial word for ant. The gardens, as we try to recapture them today, were influenced by Irish gardener…

BEAUTY WITH UTILITY Adam Bray is known for his expert eye for antique furniture, textiles and unusual objects, coupled with an ability to transform interiors with a sophisticated use of colour (he has designed two collections of cabinet colours for Plain English). ‘I like kitchens to feel as if they are made from elements, rather than completely fitted,’ he says. Preferred options might include a free-standing vitrine, a vintage dining table and an antique cupboard. ‘They bring in the patina of age, which blends so well with modern utilitarian pieces, such as a large La Cornue range or industrial ovens from Wolf,’ he adds. ‘While I enjoy both strong and faded colours, the choice will depend on the setting, and I do think our wallpaper collection from Hamilton Weston looks…

COMPORTA has been a destination for me and my family for years. As well as its namesake, the area is home to a number of small villages, most just over an hour south of Lisbon. They hug a 75 kilometre stretch of wild Atlantic beach – in my opinion, the best in Europe. Exuding the charm and authenticity of the agricultural Portuguese Alentejo countryside, the region remains real and is all the more beguiling for it. ■ I spend my days exploring wide sandy beaches or walking through wildflowers under magnificent cork trees in the countryside. Comporta and the surrounding area is ideal for long lunches at the beach, enjoying local seafood and spending leisurely time with friends old and new. ■ We always make a beeline for our favourite…

1. Reading is a huge part of my life. When I studied literature at university I jotted down specific quotes that resonated to inspire me when writing my essays and I still do that. Returning to these notes is to revisit the essence of a book. One book I often return to is Against Design by Josef Frank. 2. My parents would never take me on a beach holiday but they would drive me and my three siblings from Sweden to Normandy to show us the Bayeux Tapestry. It is not what I wanted but it has stood me in good stead. Art has the ability to make you see things through someone else’s eyes and the more you see, the more it opens your mind. 3. A long soak…