The English Home November 2022

The classic townhouse is among the most ubiquitous styles of English homes. From the elegant sweep and symmetry of a Regency terrace to more humble rows of Victorian two-up two-downs, they vary hugely in scale, original decoration and scope depending on their location and when they were built. In this issue, our focus is on celebrating and making the most of all city and townhouse homes. From reinstating or restoring original period features and details (p81) to designing sleek bathrooms (p109) and highly desirable utility rooms (p129), our aim is to provide advice and inspiration to create interiors that are both practical and beautiful. I’ve sometimes found there to be a dismissal of newer townhouse homes among traditionalists – a sense that they are lacking when compared with their 18th and…

SPOTLIGHT ON… Thank You, Ma’am As we bid a fond farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our sense of loss is balanced by our immense gratitude for her incredible life of devoted service. She was our anchor, a constant in an ever-changing world, a lighthouse amid the storm, and set the tone, guiding us through seven decades. She was also the most photographed woman in the world, and here we share one of our favourites, taken on her 43rd birthday on 21 April 1969 in the opulent White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. She is wearing a tiara inherited from her grandmother Queen Mary and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee necklace. She will be remembered for her strength and stoicism. Those who knew her speak of her sense of humour and readiness to laugh.…

NATURAL RUNNER For high-traffic areas, such as stairways, flooring needs to be suitable for constant usage. Sisal is a hardwearing natural material that requires little maintenance, other than vacuuming. If seeking a more elegant rustic aesthetic, opt for a runner with a smart trim – as seen here. Runner in Aztec Alabaster sisal, £145 a square metre, Crucial Trading COMPLETELY HOOKED These multipurpose hooks are made from sustainably sourced FSC ash wood. To add to the functionality, each one includes a loop of robust tan, brown or black leather secured by a wooden peg tipped in brushed brass, meaning items can be hung, draped or threaded. Laris wall hook, £25, Tom Raffield CABINET POSITION A skilful sideboard design can combine storage with a stylish sense of purpose. Made from mango wood and embellished with brass-plated legs and…

DESIGN FOCUS Textiles company Titley and Marr has been producing beautiful fabrics and furnishings for commercial and residential interiors for more than 35 years. It was founded in 1984 by Kate Marr and her husband Ken Titley whose initial inspiration came from European textiles created in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the company’s collections are inspired by its archive of historical documents and include everything from paisley and herringbone to ticking stripes, traditional florals, tribal textiles, African embroidery and even leopard print. All its designs are ethically produced and made in UK mills where possible. For the new season, Titley and Marr will be releasing two new prints – Amberley, a floral botanical design, and Steyning, a take on a traditional ticking stripe, both of which were inspired by the early…