The English Home August 2021

a letter from home

Relaxed yet elegant, practical but stylish, the English country look is a romantic and seemingly elusive interiors style to master. One that is as deceptively effortless as the French woman who somehow appears perfectly ‘undone’ and accidentally chic. From the sweetest thatched cottage to the grandest country pile, well-furnished country homes are as enveloping as their softly worn sofas are to sink into. They have us longing to replace city skylines with green pastures and while away the hours by an Aga with a dog at our feet. These are interiors full of nostalgia and personality, where the owners have mastered the art of eclectic style, mixing faded chintzes with bold hues, combining timeless antiques with the new. In this year’s Country Edition we wanted to demystify some of the secrets behind…

notebook

SPOTLIGHT ON… Mulberry Home Proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Mulberry Home was launched in 1991 following the global success of Mulberry’s beautiful leather bags and accessories. To mark this landmark event, Mulberry Home has launched the Long Weekend collection, an eclectic mix of prints, stripes, embroidery and velvet. Decadent English country house parties of the 1920s and 30s were the inspiration. These were held from Saturday to Monday and attracted aristocrats, artists, film stars and poets alike, with sporting pursuits, dressing fabulously for dinner and amateur dramatics all part of the fun. The colour palette for the velvets in the collection was drawn from smoking jackets and sumptuous evening gowns of the era . This whimsical new range also embodies a sense of adventurous travel and escapism. gpjbaker.com/ brands/mulberry-home Refined Rural Chic…

diary

Artisan homewares, textiles, ceramics, painted furniture and vintage finds from 50 exhibitors await at The Dorset Brocante on 30 August, set in the gardens of Deans Court in Wimborne Minster. thedorsetbrocante. co.uk Wiltshire Game & Country Fair on 14–15 August promises country pursuits, arena displays, shopping, craft and cookery demonstrations, all in the stunning grounds of Bowood House. livingheritage countryshows.com Find peace in the city by partaking in mindful activities staged at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, with forest bathing, yoga, cycling, tai chi and Pilates on various dates. kew.org…

design discoveries

ECLECTIC PRINTS Joyfully discordant prints in a mixture of colourways exemplify the eccentric charms of English country style. Here, cushions in Royal Warrant holder Warner House’s outdoor fabrics enliven an exterior setting whilst offering a jaunty nod to their interior counterparts. Perfect for summertime lounging. Cushions (from back): Chinese Garden, Teal, £50 a metre; Panthera, Espresso, £50 a metre; Holkham, Amber, £35 a metre, Warner House COUNTRY MOTIFS Featuring fun and informal designs such as this kitchen-dresser-inspired creation, Emma Bridgewater’s new blind and curtain collection at Blinds2Go is sure to raise a smile. Roman blind, Dresser Duck Blue, from £33,35, Emma Bridgewater collection, Blinds2Go FLYING COLOURS Already available on teal and mint backgrounds, the addition of a new soft grey hue to this delightful print sees designer Lorna Syson’s delightful hummingbirds dart amongst bright honeysuckle flowers, and…

best for guests

Friends and family can once again be welcomed as guests, and will be eager to visit country abodes for a restful and restorative reunion. Make them feel at home with luxurious hotel-like touches and thoughtful details to make their stay a comfortable one. An indulgently dressed bed is a must, but also add a dressing gown, sleep mask, and facilities to make a cup of tea in the morning to enjoy whilst gazing at the view in a plump armchair. Some spare wellies and a bicycle will ensure guests can enjoy country life to the full.…

beauty & utility

Often considered a desirable luxury, an ancillary room – be it a boot room, laundry, pantry or flower room – is one of the most useful and hard-working parts of a country home. Rural life makes it essential to have a space to remove muddy wellies, wash paws and stow away leads and walking sticks. A place to manage laundry or keep tools and utensils out of sight, or simply indulge in arranging freshly gathered flowers, is also a boon. Whilst such ancillary spaces are primarily functional, a few smart additions will ensure they are stylish and a joy to use too. PHOTOGRAPH (BENJAMIN MOORE) © JOHN BESSLER; (KITCHEN CRAFT) © MIKE COOK IMAGING…