House Beautiful UK May 2021

from the editor

as I write this, gazing out of the window of my home office, it’s a joy to witness the garden coming back to life. Over the past few weeks, the trees have burst into blossom and it feels like spring is finally with us. And with it has arrived a sense of hope and optimism that better times are ahead. These brighter days and lighter evenings have also given me a new-found energy and the confidence to get on and finish our home renovation project, so that we’ll be able to kick back and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Recently, I’ve been procrastinating – torn between sticking with neutrals or opting for colour. But looking through the pages of this issue, I’ve come to realise that I can do both! Inspired…

also this month

OUR NEW WAYS OF WORKING… and living in our homes have meant rethinking the ways we use certain rooms. After a year of putting up with makeshift arrangements for homeworking, exercising and even home schooling, devising clever and creative ways to use our space has never been so important. Even a ‘return to normal’ is likely to mean certain spaces will still be doing double-duty – our Keeping It Flexible feature on page 116 includes great ideas for some permanent – and stylish – solutions. PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW MONFREDI; CAROLYN BARBER; MARK SCOTT; DUNELM…

let’s get outside…

As well as all the great ideas featured in our pages, we also have lots of ways to entertain you online at housebeautiful.com/uk. Our Digital Editor Olivia Heath has got spring decorating covered! Do share your beautiful homes and fabulous spring buys with us on Instagram housebeautifuluk. Tag us and use #designmyspace to appear on our feed. NEW FOR YOU… We’re so proud of our partnerships with some of the UK’s best-loved brands, including DFS, Carpetright, Hillarys, Dreams, Homebase and Splashback. See more – including our latest range at DFS – in our Modern Living Collections on page 151. FOLLOW US on Facebook at facebook.com/HouseBeautifulUK FOLLOW our boards on pinterest.com/house_beautiful TWEET US and catch news on our twitter @HB LIKE AND SHARE our photos and videos on Instagram @housebeautifulUK…

holiday hues

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW Taking inspiration from its archives, John Lewis & Partners has created a new range of striking wallpapers influenced by the 1800s and early 1900s. Featuring an assorted palette of on-trend greens and pinks, the historical designs have been redrawn and reinterpreted for today. In calming shades of ivory and oatmeal, neutral linens work beautifully in contemporary and traditional interiors. The raw texture is wonderfully tactile and has a relaxed, rustic quality that feels just right as we head into the warmer months… TRENDING NOW Natural linens WEEKEND UPDATE Welcoming the sunshine into our homes can help boost our mood and make spaces feel lighter, brighter and bigger. Window film is a quick and inexpensive way to add privacy without blocking out natural light. Make sure your windows are squeaky clean before…

emer gillespie of spark & bell

A NEW DIRECTION In 2015, while working as a teacher, Emer Gillespie took on a project to make a light for her daughter’s bedroom. Not only did it evoke memories of her degree course in Fine Art Textiles – in which she worked with fibre optic lighting – it also ignited her artistic flair and set her on a new creative path. HANDS-ON APPROACH After months of research and studying lighting design, and almost a year at her kitchen table creating her first pieces, Emer launched on Etsy as Spark & Bell, offering custom-made lighting at an affordable price. Each piece is handmade in a workshop near Brighton, either by Emer herself or her team of skilled makers. PRACTICALLY PERFECT Inspired by mid-century design, the lights have simple, clean lines that feel modern and timeless.…

gingham tonics

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE…