The English Home July 2021

a letter from home

There has been a much-quoted phrase circling my mind for the last few months that will perhaps resonate with you too: “The eye has to travel”. These words were first spoken by Diana Vreeland, style maven and legendary editor of US Harper’s Bazaar and US Vogue for five decades, and they speak of a thirst for inspiration, creative ideas and colour, something all of us may be feeling whilst most international travel is still off the agenda this summer. With this in mind, we wanted to inspire you with features that offer a visual escape as well as ideas on how to bring the best of holiday style into your home. Wish You Were Here (p92) explores the design elements of some of the world’s must luxurious hotels for you to…

notebook

SPOTLIGHT ON… A Discerning Curation Every interior designer’s little black book bulges with talented under-the-radar makers whose creations elevate a home from ordinary to extraordinary. Francesca Rowan-Plowden is sharing some of her most precious contacts through FRP Homestore, her new online shop. The director and lead interior designer at Rowan Plowden Design and founder of Design Havens For Heroes lives by the sea in East Sussex, where she scours vintage markets. FRP Homestore offers her careful curation, from cushions and glassware to tableware, soft furnishings, home accessories, antiques, lighting, limited-edition items and more. “Our homes are so important to us, but people often struggle with where to start with enhancing them,” she says. “At FRP Homestore my aim is help create their dream interiors with just a few clicks of a button.” frphomestore.com Conjuring Grace Vessels of…

diary

The wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales, will go on show at Kensington Palace as part of new exhibition Royal Style In The Making (3 June to January 2022), featuring glittering gowns from three generations of royal women. hrp.org.uk Mary Berry will be one of the stars at Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the world’s largest flower show (6–11 July), as will our sister magazine The English Garden, which will have a stand at the show. rhs.org.uk Highgrove’s gardens feature in guided tours run by Sisley of notable gardens in the Cotswolds, Dorset, North Yorkshire, the Wye Valley, the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. sisley.co.uk FEATURE SARAH FEELEY PHOTOGRAPHS P16 (TOP) © HELEN CATHCART; (MIDDLE LEFT) © HUCKBERRY.COM, (BOTTOM LEFT) © HUGH THRELFALL, (BOTTOM RIGHT) © MICHAEL JAMESPARKER. P18 © THE RUG…

design discoveries

OUT OF AFRICA Encompassing textured linens, natural tones and handmade pieces from local artisans, the latest accessories collection from de Le Cuona highlights Africa’s raw beauty in testament to the brand’s heritage under South African-born founder Bernie de Le Cuona. Haiku Panel Cushion with Fringe Detail in Husk/Paper, £180; Haiku Cushion with Fringe Detail in Husk, £160; Hoxton Throw with Fringe and Leather Detail in Sesame, £530; Engraved Coconut Bowls, £160 each; Buhera Baskets (in background), from £775, all de Le Cuona LEADING LIGHTS Rolled-edge detailing, an antique brass finish and a hand-sprayed exterior make up the charms of this new design from David Hunt Lighting, available in three colourways and customisable colour options. Ealing Cotswold Cream large pendant in Antique Brass, £342, David Hunt Lighting CHECK MATE Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, the wonderfully soft…

awash with colour

Add impact, character and fun with block colour in the bathroom. Whether a single statement piece such as a colourful bath or vanity, or a bolder mix of hues used confidently, colour can enliven this more functional of rooms and give it personality. Simply using tiles to create a coloured splashback, or adding bright towels to a white scheme can work wonders. A family bathroom can withstand a lively playful scheme in a mixture of several richly saturated hues. Limiting pattern and sticking to block colour will allow an assorted palette whilst still looking smart and considered. PHOTOGRAPH (POLS POTTEN) © HANNELORE VANDENBUSSCHE;(HUMBERT & POYET) © FRANCIS AMIAND; (DRUMMONDS) © DAMIAN RUSSELL;(CLAYBROOK) © BEN CARPENTER…

seaside attraction

Coastal style has enduring appeal, whether pared-back with whitewashed walls and driftwood, jaunty and nautical, or, as we celebrate here, full of seaside nostalgia. Whether living in one of our glorious seaside towns or seeking to emulate the charm of holiday memories of fish and chips, sandy toes and donkey rides, this look is full of pretty ice cream colours and sweet details. Combine the colours of the sea and sand with strawberry pinks, pistachio greens and creamy vanilla, in classic ticking stripes, fringing, beads and some witty nods to seaside attractions.…