period ideas - july 2015 uk

8/16/2019 Period Ideas - July 2015 UK

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TRENDS • INTERIORS • ADVICE • HERITAGE • ANTIQUES

20% OFF AT KINGDOM INTERIORS FOR EVERY READER THIS MONTH

July 2015 £3.99

LUXE PASTELS FOR EVERY ROOM •SARAH RAVEN’S GARDEN ADVICE

COLONIAL STYLEMADE EASY

Page 70

Fabulous

FLOORINGHOW TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT

TRADITIONAL FINISH

CLASSICSUMMERLIVING

Win£3,000+WORTH OF

PRIZES

25 ways todecorate withcolour

•PROVENCAL HOLIDAY ESCAPE

•GEORGIAN-STYLE NEW BUILD

•CONVERTED GRANARY


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COVER IMAGE

Marks & Spencer, see page 85 for details

H

igh summer can

bring with it sticky

situations. Much as

we enjoy picnics and al fresco

dining, we need to learn how

to live with flying insects and sunburn. As the

wheel of the year turns and temperatures rise,

make sure you take time out to keep your cool.

Carefully consider which projects you would

like to bring to fruition in the months ahead

and avoid burn-out. I hope you will be inspired

by our splendid real homes and gardens from

p22 and Style Edit, which is bursting with the

latest hot to shop pieces. Look out for 70s style

made easy on p86 and stay grounded with our

flooring special from p107.

This month Period Ideas has been exploring the seaside towns of

the KENT COAST and tucking into gelato at Morelli’s in Broadstairs;

celebrating the work of PHILIP WEBB at the remarkable RED HOUSE

with the National Trust; dogsitting a very cute Weimaraner puppy and

admiring the flagship DELCOR showroom in London.

Wake up TO SUMMERMake the most of sunny mornings with a Sunday brunch outside and somelovely tablewares from Retreat Home. 0870 803 3428, retreat-home.com

Susan Dickerson

Follow us...on Twitter @PeriodIdeas,

facebook.com/period.ideas

and pinterest.com/periodideas

See our great subscriber offer on page 136

EDITOR

EDITOR’S

LETTER


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JULY 2015

PERIOD IDEAS

Contents

Reader offer Save 20% at Kingdom Interiors with

this exclusive discount!

Work of art Margaret Powling delves into the rich

history of museums

Medieval magic Susan Dickerson discovers a peach of

a house in the garden of England

Giveaways We’re giving away two amazing breaks

worth over £1,000!

Editor’s choice Make the most of your home with great

products and inspirational ideas

Lessons I’ve learnedKate Faulkner on how to add value to

your home by sprucing up it’s exterior

Essentials

Home style Keep up to date with the latest designs

and happenings this month

Garden journal News, inspirational ideas and expert

advice for your great outdoors

Sarah Raven The queen bee of British gardening

reveals her latest planting tips

At home with... Sophie Amini Pooky’s in-house stylist and designer

talks travel, tiles and the latest trends

Competition

Win £2,000 worth of Kährs OakOyster wood flooring!

Real Homes

& Gardens

Taking shape How Veronica Clein transformed

a wilderness into an elegant garden

A village affair The Pattersons found their dream home

in a Georgian-style development

Cosy fusion

Find out how the Horsleys usedEuropean influences in their home

Amazing graceSarah Lamb believes fate lent a hand

in her search for a family home

Interiors

Decorating with... artwork Discover how to dress up your abode

with our guide to displaying art

8 things we love right now

Embrace the cool coast with our pick ofthe best ocean-inspired accessories


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NEWS Need to know

PERIOD IDEAS

Keep up to date with the latest designsand happenings this monthHOME STYLE

JULY’S ESSENTIAL SHOPPING LIST

CLEAN LIVING

Brighten up your bathroom using House ofFraser’s stunning collection of accessories.

With towels, decorative pieces and practical

washroom must-haves, there’s everything you

need to style up your WC for the warmer

months. Call 0845 602 1073, or visit

houseoffraser.co.uk for more information.

LIGHT SAVERThe Plumen 001 is theworld’s first designerenergy saving lightbulb, using 80% lessenergy than traditionalincandescent light bulbs.Lasting up to eight times

longer than regular bulbs,this efficient invention canbe moulded into differentshapes to suit your shade.Call 01494 723 286 orvisit lightbulbs-direct.comto view the full collection.

BLOOMINGMARVELLOUS

This classic glass vase from Annabel James will breathe new life into

a windowsill, shelf or table and isa great vessel to display summer

flowers in. 0845 548 0210,

annabeljames.co.uk

BESIDE THE SEA

Get decked out for summer with this metal frame

chair, priced at £30. This seasonal seat is perfect for

any beach outing, or relaxing in your garden on sunny

afternoons. Find out more about the great range of

outdoor furnishings at Tesco by calling

0800 323 4050, or visiting tesco.com/direct

LIFE’S A BEACH Whether you’re jetting off on an exotic

vacation or staying closer to home, make

sure you stock up on trendy holiday

accessories from George Home. There’s a

wealth of picnicware, blankets and handy

storage bags to make your summer

outings hassle-free and on-trend. Visit

direct.asda.com to browse the full range.


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PATTERN POWER Shake up your scheme with the wide range of prints from

John Lewis. Fill your home with stripes, zigzags and quirky

designs to give your interiors a boost for the summer.

0345 604 9049, johnlewis.com

CUT AND DRY Create a clean and fresh feel in your bathroom

with this patterned bath mat from BHS.Browse the full collection of striking

wash room pieces at bhs.com

LAY THE TABLEIf you’re playing host this

season, dress your table to

impress with Urbanara’s

stunning collection ofcrockery. With ceramic

plates, bowls, dishes and

cups featuring elegant

designs, you’ll be dining in

style all year round.For more information,

visit urbanara.co.uk

BACK ON TRACKSimple stripes are always in style

and are great for adding design

detail to any space. This elegant

cushion, £58, is just one of

an array of trendy home

furnishings from Amara.

0800 587 7645 ,

amara.co.uk

Linda Barker is teaming up with the

charity World Vision to lead a campaignto help the world’s poorest children.Taking place on 10th July, Floral Fridayencourages people to wear something floral or incorporate the theme intotheir abodes in support of the charity.

For Linda’s tips on brightening up yourhome with beautiful blooms and moreinformation, visit worldvision.org.uk

DIARY DATES


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INTERIORS Décor ideas

A

rt, like most other areas of life, has

been transformed by the rise of

technology. Once, collecting and

displaying pieces was the preserve of the

wealthy, but now it is accessible to everyone.

As well as being able to purchase prints of

masterpieces at a fraction of their original

price, we can also personalise our displays,

as printing businesses encourage us to submit

our own images to be turned into a canvas

or framed piece. This level of customisation

means that we can showcase our personal

style and favourite memories on our walls.

PICTURE PERFECT While what you choose to exhibit is entirely

up to you, there are certain factors that are

crucial to consider when it comes to creating

the display. Firstly, it is important that your

artwork works with the proportions of yourroom. Lots of small pictures can make a tiny

room seem even more cramped, whereas

a few large pictures can work wonders to

open up the space. If you would like to hang

a few pictures together, you should put the

best photos near the middle or a little bit

higher – that way, they’ll be noticed first.

Another thing to think about is balance.

If you are hanging artwork over a sofa or

dresser, pick something that is approximately

the same size. When it comes to spacing,

avoid over-crowding. Leave a big enough

gap between pieces so that each one can be

admired without distraction.

QUICK REFRESHA successful art display enhances the

flow of a property’s décor, and can help to

create cohesion between rooms. While it

is guaranteed to add character and flair, it

shouldn’t dominate or distract from your

scheme in any way, but should harmonise

with existing fabrics, furnishings and colours.

If you’re not entirely convinced by

a new scheme, artwork could be the key to

pulling the look together and giving your room

the final flourish it needs. The beauty of it is if you change your mind, you can simply take

the picture down and swap it for another.

10 PERIOD IDEAS

ARTWORKDiscover how to dress blank walls with our guide todisplaying art in your home

Artwork from art.co.uk

D e c o r a t i n g w i . . .

Edited by SEOANA SHERRY-BRENNAN



GOLDEN RulesThe experts at art.co.uk share their

tips on where to display artwork

in your home

•Heavy trafc areas, such as stairways,are ideal for high-impact art. Choose

a theme to create a cohesive look,then begin at the centre and workyour way up and down. Followthe diagonal of the steps and keepartwork at eye level.•Large pieces can be used to bridgethe gap between items of furniture,for example, twin beds in a children’sor guest bedroom. Place artworkbetween the two elements, keepingthe bottom edge a few inches abovethe top of the furniture.•Artwork doesn’t have to be hung.Create depth and dimension by

leaning framed pieces against thewall, or rest them on the mantelpiecefor a visual impact that won’t leavea mark.

‘A hint of spring’ canvas art print, £61.49,

Urban Road. urbanroad.com.au


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INTERIORS Décor ideas

12 PERIOD IDEAS

Artwork from art.co.uk

Online InspirationFor plenty more ideas on how to display artwork, the latest trends, and tips for hanging pieces successfully in yourhome, visit our Pinterest page at pinterest.com/periodideas

“Keep a consistent theme on the wall you’re decorating to createa harmonious effect. It is especially atmospheric whena particular hue or material is repeated in multiple furnishingsand pictures throughout the room. Let your pictures mirror thepatterns and materials found in other elements of the space andin terms of frames, it also works best to select one with a colouror material that matches or complements existing tones. The frameitself will become a part of the picture and inuence how thephoto itself is perceived, so make your choice carefully.”

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Jan-Ole Schmidt,

photographer and

product manager

at whitewall.co.uk ,

shares his adviceon decorating with

artwork.


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OUTDOOR IDEAS Best buys

14

PERIOD IDEAS

Bloom of the mont h

LARKSPUR The Larkspur, a memberof the ranunculus family,has a light and refreshingfragrance. This plant iseasy to grow and comesin a variety of colours. Itwas used in traditionalherbal remedies toprotect the eyes and it isknown to be poisonous tolivestock. The blooms ofthis flower can be almostas complex as orchids.Look out for a tall flowerwith five petals growingtogether to form a hollow

flower with a spur atthe end. The spikes cangrow up to two feet tall.Rich in symbolism for theflower-loving Victorians,it was once very popularto give as a gift. Differentcolours have differentmeanings, but overallthis bloom represents anopen heart and a carefreenature. This is the perfectflower to evoke summerand it comes in manysubtle hues from white tovivid blue and violet.

Roots of success 2015 is the year the RHS wants to

change perceptions about gardening.

“Horticulture contributes £9 billionto the UK economy every year, andemploys around 300,000 people

across a variety of disciplines,” saysSue Biggs, the RHS Director General.

“70% of businesses say that theystruggle to fnd the skilled workers

they require and 83% put this downto the poor perception of horticulturein schools and colleges. There is muchwork to be done.” Find out more aboutRHS campaigns and how you can join

in and help at rhg.org.uk

Dahlia ivory garden

furniture from

Marks & Spencer.

0333 014 8000,

marksandspencer.com

Site to see Visit annabeljames.co.uk

for a superb assortment

of affordable luxury

gifts for the home and

garden. Annabel is a keen

gardener so everything

she sources is functional

and eye-catching. Many

of the pieces are made

in Britain and can begift-wrapped for your

convenience.


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Now is the ideal time to start sowingbiennials – plants that take two

growing seasons to complete

their life cycle. There are the early

flowerers, such as the wallflowers (the old-

fashioned Erysimum ‘Blood Red’, ‘Fireking’

and ‘Vulcan’ are my favourites), as well as

Lunnaria annua (known as honesty), in purple

and white. These are all invaluable for creating

brilliant spring colour schemes. Combine them

with matching or contrasting tulips to fill the

house and garden with dazzling displays.

Next come the papery and elegant;

Iceland poppy, Papaver nudicaule ‘Meadow

Pastels’ (which flower from May), along withthe stocks. The massively fragrant Matthiola

incana (perennial form) is the best of these. By

early June, you can also have sweet Williams,

sweet rocket and foxgloves – all traditional

and pretty cottage garden plants.

We grow lots of biennials at Perch Hill

and this year I have added the unusual and

delicate black-leaved cow parsley, Anthriscus

sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’. This makes

before putting them into the garden. You canseparate them into individual seedlings from

the seed tray, or slide them one by one from

the gutter pipe straight into their planting

position and they’ll shoot away.

All but the Iceland poppy are happy to be

dug up and moved around later in the autumn,

or even next spring. The poppy hates root

disturbance, but the rest of these plants are

tolerant, robust and easy to grow.

Gardens full of seed grown plants are

always the fullest and most spectacular and

biennials are a key part of this mix. From

April to July, a garden without biennials is an

emptier place, so why not sow some now. Don’t miss Sarah Raven’s Feast of Cooking,

taking place at the beautiful Perch Hill from

10th-12th July. The weekend will be jam-

packed with talks and demos from acclaimed

chefs, writers, bakers and brewers, who will all

be sharing their top tips for cooking with fresh,

fabulous ingredients. For more information or

to purchase tickets visit sarahraven.com

The queen bee of the British gardening scene reveals her plantingadvice for the month and shares a fantastic offer with you

Sarah Raven

OUTDOOR IDEAS Sow ahead

a marvellous container plant, as its blackfoliage forms an elegant backdrop for long and

reliable summer blooms such as Arctotis and

Osteospermums. Sown now and kept in

a sheltered spot or brought into the

greenhouse, the cow parsley looks good right

through the winter, with flowering starting

next May.

Biennials work best in generous drifts,

and because they’re grown from seed

this is easy to do without spending a lot.

Wallflowers, honesty, hesperis and foxgloves

do well sown directly into a sunny seed bed,

to be transplanted in early autumn or next

spring. Iceland poppies, anthriscus and sweet Williams benefit from a bit more TLC inside.

Sow them into seed trays or gutter pipes filled

with compost. You don’t need specialist seed

compost - they won’t be there for long. Sow

each seed individually if you physically can,

impossible with poppies, but fine with the rest.

Outside they’ll appear within two to three

weeks, inside within ten days and, widely

sown, there’ll be no need to prick them out

GARDEN GOSSIP

Reader offerPeriod Ideas readers can get free P&P across Sarah’s wonderful array of products. Simply visit sarahraven.com and enter offer code PD15SUM at the

basket. Offer ends 31st August 2015. Offer is only valid online and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions, visit

sarahraven.com/terms-and-conditions

PERIOD IDEAS


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PERIOD IDEAS 19

T

he shape and style of a property’s windows are a crucial part

of its period character, so when the time comes to update

them, it’s essential to maintain their historic appeal. When

modernising an older building in particular, there is a danger of losing

its architectural origin, but thankfully, Holdsworth Windows provides

a variety of window maintenance, design and installation services, ideal

for owners of period homes.

The business was founded by Graham Holdsworth in 1967,

who kept a family-orientated culture at the heart of the company.

It flourished in the secure hands of his relatives which is where it

remains today, lead by managing director Mark Glover, who joined the

company in 1985. Mark adheres to Graham’s wholesome principles,and has helped to relocate the business into a modern, purpose-built

factory in South Warwickshire on the edge of the Cotswolds – a far cry

from its humble beginnings in a dilapidated old barn.

Specialising in the manufacture of bespoke steel windows, doors,

screens, leaded lights and fittings, Holdsworth’s dedicated team

combine traditional, time-honoured techniques with efficient, modern

processes. Having worked on contemporary, listed and historic

buildings, its craftsmen offer a diverse spectrum of window services

so homes can meet the modern day requirements of quality windows,

without compromising on the original style. The window fitting service

includes site surveys, design, repairs and refurbishments, installation

and double-glazing. All steel products are hot-dip galvanized then

polyester powder coated in a colour of your choice, according to the

style of your home.

Conservation is also a vital part of the business, so while clients

have the option to install new fixtures, the emphasis is on updating

existing frames to restore apertures to their former glory. The team is

adept in removing and recycling old window frames, glass and fittings,

and are experts at dealing with all types of window needs, such as

replacing small cottage windows, tackling large scale renovations, or

designing bespoke window frames for modern builds. Its extensive

portfolio includes St Catherine’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, theAshmolean Museum in Oxford, and even the oak-framed eco-home

that featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, contributing to its private

property work.

As well as having a national reputation for excellent service,

Holdsworth Windows works internationally, including France,

Japan and the USA. Its recent projects include several properties in

Richmond-upon-Thames and King Edward VII’s former hospital

in Midhurst, West Sussex. It continues to produce traditional steel

windows in keeping with the latest technological advances, while

tailoring services to the specific needs of customers’ homes.

Period Ideas celebrates the best in British interiors

HOLDSWORTH WINDOWS

DESIGN ICON

For more information about the variety of

services available, call 01608 661 883 or

visitholdsworthwindows.co.uk

Holdsworth’s dedicated team combine traditional, time-honouredtechniques with efficient, modern processes


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20 PERIOD IDEAS

M

any factors

contribute to

the success

of a room scheme, most of

which combine a practical

purpose with stylish aesthetics.

One element which can befunctional and fabulous is

lighting. You could spend hours

debating which colours and

fabrics to use in your home, but

lighting can alter the ambience

as quickly as you can flick

a switch.

Accent lighting - table and

standard lamps which support

the main lighting source in

a room – can provide extra

texture, focus and depth. Pooky

designs and makes a range of

quirky and colourful lamps,using gorgeous fabrics which

have been sourced from across

the globe. The company offers

an array of unusual designs

and also has a vast selection of

well-crafted classics, to fit in

with more traditional interiors.

Unlike many other brands,

Pooky allows customers to

mix and match shades and

bases, allowing you to create

something completely unique.

You can play around with

different combinations on

screen before you buy, so

you’re guaranteed to find the

ideal style for your home.

My favourite room is...

my bedroom. It’s fairly sparse

but I love every single thing in it.

The thing I like best about my house is...

the space and the garden. We’ve just moved

home, so it’s still a bit of a novelty. We’re really

looking forward to decorating in a way which

reflects our personalities.

When I’m at home I enjoy...

cooking. We have a tradition known as ‘chilli

con carne night’ when my father-in-law comes

to stay. Although it actually changes every time,

incorporating whatever leftovers we have, we

always enjoy this meal together before he goes

back home.

The place I love most in Britain is...

the Suffolk/Essex border. I grew up on the

river Stour, a subtle beauty of mud, fields and

rivers with an old-fashioned architectural

heritage. Constable country mixed together

with Essex girl, a heady brew!

The worst design disaster

I’ve ever had was...

choosing the wrong tiles for

a chalet in Switzerland. They

were impounded at customs,

flown up the mountain by

helicopter, only to be flown

down again and impounded

once more. Luckily I had

a very kind and graciousclient who found it amusing!

I learnt that preparation or

a reconnaissance mission

is never a waste of time,

whatever it is that you

are doing.

My inspiration comes from...

travel. When we go abroad,

I always make a beeline for

the flea markets and antique

stores. That said, we are

so lucky to have many of

London’s top museums and

exhibitions on our doorstep;

a personal favourite of mine is

the V&A.

My biggest style

influences are...

the Bauhaus movement and

India. Both are very inspiring

in different ways. I travelled across many tiny

villages in India on the trail of beautiful and

traditionally printed cottons before designing

the collection at Pooky. I also love the work of

today’s stylists, such as Faye Toogood, who arebold and brave in their concepts.

The current interiors trend I love most is...

I don’t like to follow trends but I think that brass

is class! I am also quite fond of green and have

noticed that it is rather prominent this season.

My top tip is...

make sure you think about comfort and lighting

when you design your space; they are the most

important things.

Browse the colourful collection of lamps and

lampshades at pooky.com, or call

020 7351 3003 to place an order.

Pooky’s in-house stylist and

designer talks to us about

travel, tiles and her viewson the latest trends

AT HOME WITH... S o p h i e A m i n i

ESSENTIALS Designer insight

Comfort and lightingare the most important

factors to consider when

designing a space


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REAL GARDENS

Suburban sanctuary

22 PERIOD IDEAS

How Veronica Clein drew inspiration from her Arts andCrafts home to transform an unruly wilderness into

an elegant country-style garden

Words LUCY CHAMBERLAIN/GAP GARDENS Photography SUZIE GIBBONS/GAP GARDENS

TAKING SHAPE



I

n 1906, Dame Henrietta Barnett and her husband,Samuel, purchased just over 240 acres of land in North

London from Eton College. Their plan, inspired by the

recent construction of Letchworth Garden City, was to build

Hampstead Garden Suburb - a peaceful housing complex

where people of all classes could live together in beautiful

homes. It was planned by Barry Parker and Sir Raymond

Unwin, in association with Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of Britain’s

greatest architects. The project represents the very best of

20th century domestic architecture.

Today, it is an area of international significance. The

eminent architectural historian, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner,

described it as “that most nearly perfect example of the

unique English invention and speciality, the garden suburb”.

In 1968, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust was established

to maintain and preserve the character of the spectacular

site for future generations. As a result of this, homeowners

looking to make changes to the external appearance of their

properties must obtain the Trust’s approval before they begin.

COME AROUND

Nearly ten years ago, Veronica Clein and her husband, Philip,

moved to Corringham Road, on the edge of the Hampstead

Heath extension. Their Grade II listed Arts and Crafts house

has a modest 14m x 20m garden, which was initially little

more than an overgrown jungle. But Veronica, who trained

as a garden designer, has worked incredibly hard to whip

it into shape, packing it with a plethora of cottage gardenplants and artistic features, including a circular colour-wheel

border, a potager and a pretty brick and timber greenhouse.

Left Just behind thecircular bed,

a bench designed by

Sir Edwin Lutyens

gives visitors the

opportunity to

admire the mixed

rectangular border.

Above Rows of the

Damask Portland

rose ‘Madame Knorr’

and heavenly-

scented lavender

bushes line the

pathway to the

front door.


24/14824 PERIOD IDEAS

REAL GARDENS

Suburban sanctuary

Above To prevent

the eye going straight

to the back of the

plot, Veronica hascleverly incorporated

a bold, circular lawn

in direct alignment

with the house,

which is edged

with cool-coloured

annuals, perennials

and shrubs.

Left Veronica sows

fragrant sweet peas

every year and on

summer days, she

cuts and carefully

positions them in

a pretty vase in the

seating area close tothe house.

Right The

greenhouse is

custom-made from

timber and brick,

and is of modest

proportions. The

choice of materials

reflects those used to

create the suburb’s

distinctive style.

Even before you set foot in the garden, it is immediately

obvious that the occupant is blessed with green fingers. The

pathway to the front door is lined on both sides with a rowof the Damask Portland rose ‘Madame Knorr’, softened with

billowing tufts of lavender, creating a delightfully heady

summer fragrance.

In the back garden, Veronica has cleverly incorporated

a bold, circular lawn in direct alignment with the house to

balance out the space, which is far wider than it is long. The

boundary is edged with a rectangular bed which is bursting

with cool-hued annuals, perennials and shrubs, including

a few of Veronica’s favourites; hydrangea ‘Annabelle’,

Cirsium rivulare, Knautia, Campanula lactifolia and Cosmos.

LABOUR OF LOVE

Veronica’s garden was once part of the National Gardens

Scheme, but these days she enjoys the space for herself,

tending to a small greenhouse packed with her treasured

collection of scented pelargoniums. The stunning flowers

also feature heavily in the garden itself, in lavishly planted

containers, pots and urns, alongside rose-pink fuchsias,

deep purple heucheras and contrasting blue-green festucas.

As a conscious nod towards the Arts and Crafts design of

the house, a carefully positioned sculpture on an oak plinth

creates a strong focal point within the bed, while a stylish

bench gives visitors the opportunity to admire the garden

in comfort. It was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens,

who laid out the Suburb’s Central Square.

The greenhouse itself is custom-made out of timber

and brick, reflecting the materials used to create the areasdistinctive style. On spring days Veronica can usually be

found inside, busily tending to her vegetable seedlings. She is


26/14826 PERIOD IDEAS

REAL GARDENS

Suburban sanctuary

Left The plethora of

plants and flowers

require regular

maintenance, but

Veronica is more

than happy to put in

the hours.

Right As a conscious

nod towards the Arts

and Crafts design of

the house, a sculpturehas been placed on

an oak plinth within

the bed.

an organic gardener, growing lettuces and other salad leaves,

as well as French beans, courgettes and Swiss chard.

Willow obelisks add height to the raised beds and allow

Veronica to indulge in another of her passions. Keen on

cultivating flowers for the vase, she makes sure to sow

a batch of fragrant sweet peas every year. On summer days

these are cut and displayed on a lattice-work table close

to the house. The results of her hard labour are evident

throughout the space, which captures the essence of an

English country garden and provides the perfect natural

haven to relax in during the summer months.

For more information on The Hampstead Garden Suburb

Trust, visit hgstrust.org

On spring days Veronica can usuallybe found inside the greenhouse, busily

tending to her seedlings


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GUTTER GUIDANCE

The company will project manage your

installation from initial concept right through

to the final fitting, and has a network of

approved installers across the country who

will work closely with you to achieve the best

results. Or, you can choose to fit your new

rainwater systems yourself, as all Yeoman’s

gutters and downpipes have been designed

with ease of installation in mind. For example,

the XL aluminium range has a push joint fixing

method, which is quick and easy to fit.

The vast majority of Yeoman Rainguard’s

gutters and downpipes are maintenance free,

and offer an impressive 25+ years life-cycle. If

damage should be sustained to your system,

Yeoman will supply replacements quickly

and efficiently, to ensure that your propertyremains watertight for many years to come,

whatever the weather.

PROMOTION Perfect pipes

PERIOD IDEAS

T

here are many elements of a home

that keep it running safely and

efficiently, but one aspect that we

often take for granted is the guttering and

drainpipes. They play an essential role in

making sure a property remains dry and

damp-free, which is why keeping them in

good order should be one of your top priorities.

Yeoman Rainguard takes great pride in

offering a comprehensive service before,

during and after the fitting of its specialist

rainwater products. It makes gutters and

downpipes in an array of profiles, sizes and

shapes and also stocks a variety of materials,

including aluminium, glass-reinforced plastic,

cast iron, copper, zinc and stainless steel.

Its experienced team is on hand to offer

guidance and to provide free product andcolour samples, and there is also the option to

have a full on-site survey of your property.

Right as rainProtect your home from the elements with a top-quality

rainwater system from Yeoman Rainguard

ORIGINAL STYLE

If your design requirements are more specific,

the company can create a bespoke system to

suit your property. This service also includes

the replication of existing period designs,

so any new additions to your home or

replacements of damaged fixtures will match

its traditional features perfectly. With a wide

choice of colours available, it’s easy to tie this

hard-working feature in with any exterior.

Yeoman Rainguard’s range of rainwater

systems comes with a selection of stylish

accessories, such as decorative ear bands,

timber frame brackets, rain chains and

rainwater diverters, which all help to create

a perfect finish on your property. Traditional

rainwater hoppers are also available in cast

aluminium, glass-reinforced plastic and castiron - both plain and decorative - in small,

medium and large sizes.

Get in TOUCHFor more information on Yeoman Rainguard’s full range of rainwater systems and accessories,

call 0113 279 5854, email [email protected], or head to rainguard.co.uk


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REAL HOMES Modern makeover

30 PERIOD IDEAS

MODEL Julie and Stephen Patterson created an elegant family

Julie and Stephen’s

Georgian-style

new-build boasts

a classy brickwork

exterior, in keeping

with a traditional

period look.

BRAND NEW BUILD



Words MANDI MILLAR/CHILLI MEDIA Photography ASHLEY MORRISON/CHILLI MEDIA

VILLAGEresidence in an innovative Georgian-style development

The Pattersons

furnished their home

in a classic style,

using simple textures

and subtle hues.

Fresh flowers add

a splash of colour.


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32 PERIOD IDEAS

Above Julie wanted

a relaxed living

room where sheand Stephen could

unwind after

a long day at work.

She kept the walls

plain, but opted for

patterned curtains.

THE FAST TRACK

The development was an ideal distance from Belfast, where

Julie and Stephen worked. “Hillsborough is beautiful, with

a lovely antiquated main street, not to mention exclusive

boutiques and award-winning pubs and restaurants,”

tells Julie. As well as being within walking distance of

Hillsborough, where they had spent many leisurely

afternoons, the pretty village possessed a unique charm

which combined traditional Georgian style with modern

amenities and attractions. “We’d always enjoyed days out

here, walking in Hillsborough Castle’s grounds, so when this

development went on release, we couldn’t wait to take

a closer look.”

But Julie and Stephen needed to act quickly in order to

get a viewing. “This was the first development to be releasedonline in Northern Ireland so it had huge publicity,” explains

Julie. “The estate agent’s website actually crashed as Stephen

W

hen Julie and Stephen Patterson decided

to move home, a contemporary new-build

village wasn’t exactly the relocation they had

in mind. But a detached, gate-lodge style property with four

bedrooms, three reception rooms, a family bathroom and

en-suite proved irresistible, while the security of a ready-

made community was perfect for raising children.

The Pattersons, who were living in East Belfast at the

time, began house hunting in earnest once their eldest

daughter, Ella, was born. They only had a few specifications

for their new property; a fairly close proximity to the city,

a safe garden and a detached layout. During their search, the

adverts for a ground-breaking new development caught their

attention. They weren’t the only ones to be intrigued by the

concept and the idea soon took Northern Ireland by storm.

“This was one of the area’s first village developments and itreally seemed to catch the public’s imagination,” says Julie,

who was equally captivated by this man-made community.

PERSONAL TOUCH Stephen and Julie were grateful that

they were able to put their own stamp

on the property. Rather than blindly

following a template, they made the home

a beautiful reflection of their lives and

experiences, punctuated with souvenirs

and photographs. While the couple admit

that, ideally, they would have extended

the kitchen at the time the original build

was taking place, it gave them a chance to

get to know the area well and experience

the local facilities before they settled in.



Left The Pattersons

use the dining room

to showcase some

treasured souvenirs

from their travels,

such as the Japanese

and Egyptian art,

which are keepsakes

from holidays.

Above The couple

matched the original

units when they

extended the kitchen

and painted them in

a practical shade.


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34 PERIOD IDEAS

was trying to book our viewing!” Luckily Stephen was

determined and was one of the first five people to book

a viewing, so they could get a better look at the development.

What they found was a delightful huddle of homes in

the making, constructed from new and reclaimed materials.

There was a distinct lack of uniformity to the building designs,

which created an eclectic and cosy small-town feel, as well as

a sense of security. The homes were laid out around a central

pond, occupied by a paddle or two of ducks, which provideda splendid focal point and created a relaxed and child-

friendly ambience.

Once inside, the couple claimed one of the homes as their

own, and simply had to wait as the structure took shape. “Ella

was just a baby and we obviously had our hands full, but we

took every chance we could to drive to the site and watch as

this lovely development came into fruition,” says Julie. The

design of their property is reminiscent of a cathedral, with

arched windows and doorways, and features a stunning brick

finish and luscious green surroundings. “Ironically, for

a house with such striking period character, we didn’t actually

set out to buy an older property,” admits Juile. “In fact, in our

previous homes we had opted for quite a young feel, but the

finished standard and the whole package was hard to resist,”

she recalls. The couple decided to go with their instincts – the

location was perfect, the village was beautiful and more than

anything else, it felt like home. “We knew we’d made the right

decision,” she continues. “It can sometimes be difficult to buy

a house from just a plan, and you need a lot of imagination to

get beyond the artist’s concepts, but we weren’t disappointed

with the finished result.”

The homes were laid out arounda central pond which created a

relaxed and child-friendly ambience



INNER BEAUTY

As the property began to take form, Julie was busy planning

the interior scheme. “We wanted it to be in keeping with the

Georgian architecture, but at the same time we were looking

forward to a home full of all the things that are special to

us,” she says. Julie opted for a classic neutral scheme, which

seamlessly matched her personal home furnishings and the

traditional décor of the house. “I think the muted colourscomplement the period style well,” she explains.

The couple were excited about the promise of a spacious

kitchen too, which met all the needs of a young, modern

family. But during the construction, they realised that the

space wasn’t quite large enough to meet these demands and

they had to rethink parts of the plan. “A casual dining area

in the kitchen is a great asset for a young family,” says Julie.

“Because we now had little Ella, I don’t think we realised

just how much time we’d all be spending in the kitchen. We

had a beautiful formal dining room, but we needed a casual

eating area too, somewhere kids could make a mess without

causing too much harm!”

Thankfully, Stephen utilised his professional civil

engineering skills and drew up new plans for a small

extension which provided extra space and storage, without

hugely reducing the size of the garden. “First and foremost,

this is a family home, so we need to be comfortable and

surrounded by things that remind us of people and places

we love,” says Julie. With the kitchen now at the heart of

this beautiful family home, Julie and Stephen finally have

the chance to enjoy the tranquil haven they’ve created.

PeriodIdeas says Choose a neutral

scheme for

complementary

interiors in your home.

Natural tones, such

as off-whites, creams

and greys, allowyou to use statement

furniture and create

a stunning focal point

with pieces of your

choice. You can also

add bursts of colour

which won’t dominate

the rest of the room,

or overwhelm

your theme.


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COMPETITION Floor it

W

ith over 150 years of

experience, Kährs is one of the

oldest manufacturers of wood

floors in the world. It all began in 1857, when

Johan Kähr opened a shop in Nybro, Sweden,

crafting wooden utility goods. In 1919, Gustaf,

Johan’s grandson, established the

company as AB Gustaf Kähr.

Under his leadership the

business flourished, and it

became a key producer

of wooden doors, toys,

furniture and flooring.As well as being

one of the longest

serving makers of

wooden flooring, Kährs

is also one of the most

innovative. Gustaf was

dedicated to finding efficient

ways to use sustainable raw wood

material, and to improving the stability

of wood used in building materials. His

persistence paid off and he received the patent

for the invention of the modern multilayer

laminated door in 1937, followed by another

patent in 1941 for the invention of multilayer

hardwood flooring.

PERIOD IDEAS

PERFECT BLENDToday, Kährs leads in the field of wood

flooring and supplies its innovative products

to homes, offices, shops, hotels, theatres and

sports arenas around the world. You could

also have stylish and durable floors in your

home, as Kährs is offering one lucky Period

Ideas reader the chance to win

£2,000 worth of Oak Oyster

flooring. This stunning range

is part of the best-selling

Artisan collection, which

includes eight woodfloors with fabulous

hand-crafted finishes.

The natural, characterful

appearance of the timber is

further enhanced by

a spectrum of natural oil

pre-finishes, which create

a durable surface that is easy to care for.

The Artisan designs have a wide plank

format and a distinct bevelled edge along

all four sides. Colour options span from

on-trend white-washed Oak Oyster to

a rich, conker-toned Maple Carob, ideal for

adding warmth and character to your

period home.

Win £2,000 worth of Kährs Oak Oyster wood flooring to spruce up your interiors!

GREEN LIGHTInvesting in a wood floor is an

environmentally responsible choice and

selecting one from the fantastic range at Kährs

is an even smarter, greener decision. All Kährs

floors are designed in Sweden, using its multi-

award winning eco-construction method.

The technique uses sustainable oak or maple

down to the joint, with a combination of fast-growing spruce, pine and poplar below. This

optimises the use of raw materials and the

floor can be renovated and is recyclable too.

It also provides greater stability, enabling the

floor to be installed over underfloor heating,

for when your feet need a little treat.

For more information call 02392 453 045, or

visit consumer.kahrs.com for stockists

TERMS AND CONDITIONSOne prize is set for £2,000 worth of Oak Oysterwood ooring from Kährs. No cash alternative isavailable. The decision of the judge is nal.

CLOSING DATE: 10th July 2015

How to enterFor the chance to win this fabulous prize, turn to page 140 or head to periodideas.com and answer the

following question:

Q Johan Kähr foundedthe original business inwhich year?

A 1757 B 1857 C 1957

TheOak Oyster

flooring is part

of the Artisancollection, which

includes eightdesigns

Artistic touchEXCLUSIVE

WIN £2,000

worth of fantasticflooring!


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REAL HOMES Southern style

38 PERIOD IDEAS

COSY fusionCaroline and Bubbles Horsley brought their family home to life with

Spanish, Polish and French influences.

Words

MAGGIE COLVIN/GAP INTERIORS Photography

SPIKE POWELL/GAP INTERIORS

EUROPEAN CHARM

Nestling high in the hills of the Foret des Maures,

above the coastal plains surrounding St Tropez,

and surrounded by cork trees, is a house which

Caroline and Bubbles Horsley initially bought nine

years ago for family holidays. “The house was built in 1970

by a Polish man and his French wife,” says Bubbles, a former

commercial property expert. “It has an extraordinary mish-

mash of features. Some are undeniably French and traditional

in this area, such as the French doors and oval skylights.

I think the tower could be Spanish in style and the fireplace

must be Polish or Eastern European.” The initial overriding

attraction of the house was its location. It is close to the family

home where Caroline, who is French, was brought up and the

property overlooks extraordinarily lovely views of a national

park on one side and the bay of St Tropez on the other.

Despite what Bubbles describes as “the Battersea Dogs

Home mix”, the house enjoys undeniable architectural

assets, including a good layout. Visitors are impressed by

a generously proportioned drawing room, a large hall on two

levels and a sweeping marble staircase housed in the tower.

Best of all, the Horsleys’ home is almost entirely surrounded

by terraces.

“Terraces envelope the house on two or three different

levels and practically every room opens onto its own through

double French doors, which in a Mediterranean climate

is nothing short of idyllic, especially as the views are so wonderful,” Caroline says. The couple created several curved

iron structures, now overgrown with wisteria, to provide

shade. Their appreciation of the terraces has increased since

their permanent move to France three years ago. “Even in

winter, there are days when we can sit outside and there is

always one terrace out of the wind,” she says.

BUSINESS MINDED

But it has to be said, Caroline is not one to sit still for long.

She’s an artist and now runs her own holiday rental, bed

and breakfast and bridge party holidays. “The house has six

bedrooms and so much space, that it lends itself to parties

of friends. The bridge parties have taken off. We have had

various leading lights coming to teach our groups. Everybodyenjoys the good life French style.”

Doing up the house has been Caroline’s source of

satisfaction although the process has been a gradual one.

“When we first bought the house there was a lot of brown

and orange around. Orange tiles with brown doors and even

skirting boards and lots of boring white or brown walls. It

was all very tired. The staff had lived on the lower ground

floor and the kitchen was just one Calor gas stove with a sink.

The bathrooms, electrics and plumbing had not been touched

since the 1970s.”

Below Caroline’s global

adventures have added

real character to her

rooms. She mixed some

old French furniture

with pretty English

pieces and crisp fabrics

to lighten the carved

oak. The sunshine pours

in from the terraces.


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40 PERIOD IDEAS

5| SECRETS OF

ST TROPEZ

• Bubbles and Caroline love toeat at Le Carre des Oliviers

in Cogolin, near Grimaud.

0033(0)494546421

• Their favourite shop isPatisserie du Chateau in

Grimaud 0033(0)49432116.They make their own

chocolates and every tarte you

can think of. Have a look at

their mouthwatering website at

patisserieduchateau.com

• The Horsleys enjoy visitingthe seaside at La Plage de

Cabassonat Bormes les

Mimosa. The water is so clear

and pretty and rocks and

creeks are almost deserted.

• Caroline’s best tip is “If you

have two identical cupboards

why not paint them in slightly

different shades of the same

colour? The lack of deliberate

matching will add a special

flavour to the pieces.”

• It is possible to enjoy theCote d’Azur on a shoestring

if you do your research and

go off season. Keep an eye on

lastminute.com and expedia.co.uk for the latest deals. Tocontact the Horsleys for rentals

and bridge holidays email

[email protected]


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To learn what we can do for you callnow on 08456 442257www.richmondoak.co.uk/periodideasfacebook.com/RichmondOakConservatoriesLimited


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REAL HOMES Subtle style

PERIOD IDEAS 43

Left A large house

perfectly lends itself

to entertaining and

the kitchen also

needs to big enough

for hungry guests to

be fed. The mixture

of simple patterns

and rustic china

creates a homely and

ambience in a trice.

STYLISH SOLUTION

The challenge has been to integrate styles – some old French

furniture, such as the carved armoires which Caroline

inherited, some pretty English pieces which came from

the couple’s last house in Northamptonshire, as well as red

lacquer Chinese furniture which she

collected more recently. The unifying

element has been the terrazzo flooring,

which Caroline was not a fan of at first,

but she has grown to appreciate it. “It was

the height of fashion in the 70s,” she says,

“I gather it is now making a comeback, and

it is incredibly practical.” She loves to travel

and bought several rugs from Uzbekistan

for the house. Her global adventures have

definitely informed her décor.

As an artist, descended from a French

impressionist painter, Caroline has skilfully

integrated these differing elements with

ease. Colour co-ordination and some

ruthless editing was key and these skills

come naturally to her. “In this hot country

you need to use cool colours,” she explains.

“I have also used toiles and checks and

distressed paint effects to give the house

an overall impression of traditional French

style. I then added some contemporary

elements, Art Deco vases and crisp fabrics,

to lighten the carved oak. I chose plain

cream linen for the curtains in the drawing

room, edged with a wide band of terracotta.

I wanted a relaxed, informal, unfussy look.”

Bubbles thinks one of their best design

decisions was an open air shower room. It

was installed outside their newly-installed

bathroom, in one corner of their largeprivate terrace.


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44 PERIOD IDEAS

Caroline says her most successful room is the master

suite, which has windows on three sides and a pretty four-

poster. “I am a traditionalist at heart and in a house like this

you have to let it dictate your style. The kitchen, for instance,

is very peasant in style. It is linked to the terrace where we

can entertain our guests almost under the stars. We have

lined it with lanterns and it overlooks a sumptuous forest, so

it is a truly magical spot. We could not wish for more.”

Above The rich

combination of

Mediterranean

colours and easy

living makes the

Horsleys’ home a

great retreat. Guests

love coming to stay

and its no wonderthat Caroline’s bridge

parties are a big hit.

HOT LOCATION

Bubbles Horsley managed the Hesketh Formula One

team in the 1970s and was a good friend of James

Hunt. They enjoyed the night life and glamour of St

Tropez on the racing circuit together.

St Tropez remains a magnet for the super-rich. Not

bad for a former Provencal fishing village which was

quietly ticking over until the last century. Coco Chanel

and Elsa Schiaparelli holidayed here in the 1920s

and it was the first town on the coast to be liberated

in 1944. The city is home to the Hotel Byblos and

Les Caves du Roy, a night club favoured by GeorgeClooney, Naomi Campbell and the Beckhams.


45/148

PERIOD IDEAS 45

Caroline’s drawing room is the ideal

place to enjoy a refreshing drink out ofthe sun in laid-back comfort


46/148

46PERIOD IDEAS


47/148

BEST BUYS

Laura was aware that antiques are often

synonymous with age and stuffy warehouses,

and was eager to change this impression with

her master makeover. She believes that the

beauty and usefulness of an antique piece is

accessible to everyone, and includes a wealth

of goods for all types of home at The Barn. For

buyers both young and old, Laura’s rebrand

aimed to help them find what they were looking

for. She works with dealers who can offer

customers a great variety and provide a uniquealternative to the uniformity of high street design.

In the ever-changing world of antiques,

The Barn combines the authenticity of beautiful

salvaged items with the latest fashions in the

interiors industry, ensuring it stocks a range to

suit all tastes and styles. As well as a place to

search for your home’s missing piece, The Barn

is a great day out with family and friends, where

you can enjoy soaking up the delightful and

interesting surroundings.

PROMOTION The Barn

PERIOD IDEAS 47

T

here’s nothing quite like the great

sense of achievement you feel when

you finally track down the item

you’ve been searching for. But when it comes to

interiors shopping, whether you’re updating

a period property or a more modern home,

finding accessories to suit your scheme can be

tricky. Thankfully, The Barn offers an abundance

of antiques, furniture and collectables in its

13,000 sq ft site, and is bursting with treasures

just waiting to be discovered.

MAKING CHANGES

This old farm building was transformed 35

years ago into a shop selling an array of

salvaged goods. It stocked all manner of unique

pieces, from cookers and washing machines

to authentic Georgian furnishings – perfect for

those who love to rummage. While it possessed

an eclectic charm that attracted many regular

customers, this set-up soon became outdated,

and it was modernised into The Antiques Centre.

New age of antiquesWe discover The Barn’s fascinating array of antique goods

and learn about the benefits of buying salvage

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Since then, current owner Laura Scott has

transformed it into The Barn. She has always

had a long-standing passion for the trade and

when the opportunity came up to purchase

the company, she and her husband, Chris,

snapped it up. While it maintained an ongoing

stream of loyal customers, the couple wanted to

breathe new life into the business and expand

its clientèle to include both younger and older

generations. Laura was also keen to develop

the online presence of the rebranded business,so that it could reach a new audience and keep

current fans up-to-date on new products. To do

this, she redesigned the website with a much

fresher approach which is easy to use and

attractive. Online, you can now take a virtual

tour to view the whole spectrum of delightful

goods and rooms at The Barn, while there are

regular updates on its facebook page (facebook.

com/barnantique) which are handy if you’re

browsing for your home.

Fantastic FINDDiscover more about The Barn, its location and its huge variety of stock by calling 01789 721 399 or visiting barnantique.co.uk


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REAL HOMES Converted granary

48 PERIOD IDEAS


49/148

PERIOD IDEAS 49

AMAZINGGRACE

Sarah Lamb believes that fate lent a handin her search for a family home in thebeautiful Yorkshire countryside after

some challenging adventures

Words HEATHER DIXON/GAP MEDIA

Photography COLIN POOLE/GAP MEDIA

RURAL HIDEAWAY


50/148

T

here was a touch of serendipity about the

circumstances which led Sarah Lamb to her

converted granary in the heart of the Yorkshirecountryside. She had previously lived in a stone barn

conversion, which she spent years renovating and extending,

but she wanted to closer to her daughters’ schools.

“It was a tough decision. In my heart of hearts I thought

we would never find anything to match our last house and I

steeled myself for the thought of renovating all over again,”

she remembers.

After making a tough decision to sell, the sale was put on

hold when the property market slumped in 2007. Sarah and

her daughters, Charlotte, now 19, and Elle, now 17, moved into

a rented place with Ginny the border terrier and let out their

house, then put it back on the market when prices recovered.

“Our rental property was due for renewal so we knew we had to find something quickly,” said Sarah. “We had

been looking at lots of places, but nothing came anywhere

close to our last house. It was in a beautiful location with a

lovely garden and a paddock, and we had invested a lot of

REAL HOMES

Converted granary

50 PERIOD IDEAS

time, money and effort into creating a gorgeous family home.

Friends thought we were mad to leave and we began to

wonder if they were right.”

Unable to find what they wanted, Sarah set her mind ona bungalow, visiting it three times as they planned ways to

renovate and extend it. “After working so hard on our last

house and overcoming lots of building problems, we didn’t

really want to start all over again, but we thought there was no

alternative,” says Sarah.

HIDDEN GEM

Then, at the eleventh hour, Sarah drove past a ‘for sale’ sign

leading to a property which was virtually hidden from the road

- a house which ticked all the right boxes. The 150-year-old

converted stone granary on the edge of a village had charming

views, a large, well-established garden complete with apple,

pear and apricot trees, and light, open rooms overlooking thecountryside. It was also newly decorated in Sarah’s favourite

colours for an interior scheme.

“We couldn’t believe it,” said Sarah. “It was so similar to

our last house it was surreal. It was definitely meant to be.”

Left Sarah’s kitchen

is a welcoming haven

with open-shelving,

and a neat island unit

for storage and food

prep. The classic

furniture blends well

with French-inspired

pieces in the dining

room where gingham

and ditsy floral prints

look good together.


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PERIOD IDEAS 51

A bespokekitchen willcomplement

architecturalfeaturesperfectly


52/148

52 PERIOD IDEAS

REAL HOMES Converted granary


53/148

PERIOD IDEAS 53

Above Every aspect

of Sarah’s happy

home blends old and

new for the ultimate

in modern country

living. The timeless

shades of blue and

taupe are a perfect

backdrop for patterns

and tactile fabrics

The sale went through without a hitch and within weeks they

had moved in. “We felt at home straight away,” said Sarah. “We

decided to settle in and see what changes we wanted to makeafter living in it for a while. I think you have to get to know

how the light works and how you want to use a house before

you start altering anything.”

The house is slightly smaller than her last home, but

Sarah’s furniture – a mix of antiques and modern country-style

pieces - slotted perfectly into the new space. “I buy on impulse

when I see things I can’t resist and add depth with colour and

texture,” she says.

Many of Sarah’s design influences came from her

experiences living and working abroad – including Portugal,

France, Spain, the Canaries and Mexico - so she tends to

choose tactile fabrics, warm tones and natural products.

“I particularly like the colour of the walls,” she smiles. “They

remind me of beautiful summer beaches and wide open

cornfields in September.”

HOMELY DELIGHTS

Sarah has managed to create a home for all seasons and

occasions by furnishing areas for different times of the year.

The sunny breakfast room has layers of white, cream and

earthy tones with double doors opening onto a patio, which

is perfect for summer dining. Some Cath Kidston crockery

bought years ago adds to the homely feel. The dark wood

floors and gold wallpaper, which was already on the dining

room walls when the Lambs moved in, make it the perfect

place for cosy and elegant dinner parties.

The spacious sitting room, which used to be a cart shed,has a vast oak beamed ceiling and sofas arranged around a log

burning fire as well as armchairs looking out over the garden

for cooler summer evenings. Sarah worked with the light

which streams through the windows, to create a room for all

seasons. The coffee table and unit at the back of the room used

to be dark wood but Sarah painted them in Farrow & Ball Buff

to complement the light sunny tones of the room.

Sarah loved the existing Jeremy Wood kitchen and she

is planning to rearrange the units on the back wall to create

more room by the main door. The previous owners had built

an extension to create a breakfast room, then knocked out the

old exterior wall to link it to the kitchen.

A mixture of painted and natural wood units blend to

create a modern country style kitchen and Sarah was able to

include plenty of natural materials such as wood, wicker and

stone in the overall scheme of the house. The Aga was already

installed and helps to heat the whole building.

Upstairs, Elle, Sarah’s youngest daughter, wanted to keep

the blue and white toile wallpaper in her bedroom so Sarah

teamed it with bedding from The White Company and a Nina

Campbell throw for a quick update. In the master bedroom,

calm neutral colours work particularly well in soft layers.

Sarah used the existing curtains as the inspiration for the

colour theme and the tones of gold and grey look splendid. A

gilt bedside cabinet is a great finishing touch.

“I like the fact that the house is so versatile,” she says.

“We only have to change the look in subtle ways to create

a home for all seasons. As for finding a ‘home from home’,

Sarah couldn’t be happier. “I see this as a continuation of what we had before. It’s as though someone just picked up our old

house and moved it to a different location,” she smiles.


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W

hether you enjoy keeping up

to date with the latest trends

or simply fancy a fresh look

in your abode, shopping for new homeware

can be both fun and fulfilling. However, it can

also be tricky as you have to consider many

different elements, from the ceiling cornices to

the type of flooring and all that lies in between.

While the main priorities include re-painting walls or fitting something new underfoot, the

finer details are also crucial to the look and feel

of your room. At Kingdom Interiors, it’s these

finishing touches that make all the difference.

The interior design company was founded

by Anne Fulford, and is based in a lovely

converted barn on the Gloucestershire

and Worcestershire border. Its fabulous

showroom is open to visitors, with drop-in

coffee mornings taking place on Tuesdays and

Thursdays. Pre-booked appointments are also

available with designers at other times if you

wish to discuss your home’s requirements in

more depth or require some expert advice on

your interior scheme.

PERIOD IDEAS

TOP TIPS

We’ve teamed up with Kingdom Interiors to

give Period Ideas readers an exclusive 20%

discount on its superb range of products.

The company offers a beautiful selection

of materials, including wallpapers and

fabrics featuring the latest designs,

all manufactured by leading

brands in the industry, while the vast collection

of paint shades means

you’re guaranteed to find

something to suit

your scheme.

If you’re unsure on

how you’d like to decorate

your home, you can book an

appointment with an interior

design consultant to help you

make up your mind. Your designer will

consider your personal taste and the character

of your home before delving into colour and

pattern options, assisting you in choosing andimplementing a theme in your property.

SMALL THINGS

Once you’ve made a well-informed decision,

you can turn your attention to Kingdom

Interiors’ array of accessories. The fabrics

are ideal for all types of window coverings,

while there’s a wealth of trimmings

for that perfect finish, including

stylish curtain ties and fringes

for cushions and throws. With this variety of design

options, you can choose

any scheme in your

abode, and achieve a fresh

feel in keeping with your

home’s character.

You can view the entire

collection online, where

you’ll also find information

on made-to-measure curtains,

professional advice and a handy FAQ.

There’s a unique mood board feature which

allows you to collate all of your décor

inspiration and ideas in one place, so you cantailor your interiors exactly to your taste.

Save 20% on the stunning array of home furnishings at Kingdom Interiors

Home MAKEOVERTo get 20% off when you shop at Kingdom Interiors, enter the discount code PI2015 at the online checkout.The code is valid from 1st June – 31st July 2015. For more information, call 01684 291 037 or head to kingdominteriors.co.uk

Perfect finish

Style up

your home withKingdom Interiors’beautiful selectionof materials and

expert advice

READER OFFER Kingdom Interiors


55/148

PERIOD IDEAS55

Charles Edward Wilson, Pet Rabbits, watercolour £1200-1800

Full Team of Specialists with 300 years of experienceSix Catalogued Auctions per Year (each 2000+ lots from just £50)

We have sold 50,000+ lots in 12 monthsSee our sales and read our news at www.lawrences.co.uk

SUMMER FINE ART AUCTION July 14th-17th

(01460) [email protected]

South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8AB

CREEKSIDE COTTAGE

Near Falmouth, Cornwall

Waters-edge, village and rural cottagessleeping 2 - 8.

Enchanting picturesque positions,peaceful and comfortable.Open fires. Dogs welcome.

Available throughout the year.01326 375972

www.creeksidecottages.co.uk

antiquesand interiors

www.swansofoakham.co.uk Oakham, Rutland.

Free delivery within 125 miles.

Specialists in Antique French beds and complimentary furniture

01572 724 364


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BRITAIN’S HERITAGE Muse over

M

y first encounter with a museum

was when I was around eight ornine, and was taken to the local

natural history museum. With the sound of

our footsteps echoing around the vast space,

we went through the vaulted hall and up the

stone staircase into a room filled with animals

- albeit it ‘stuffed’ ones. There were no hands-

on interactive exhibits in those days; children

were taught to look with their eyes, and look

I did. I gazed in wonder at the mammals,

reptiles and birds in their tableaux

vivants; at the luminescent wings of

butterflies and moths, and at

a narwhal tusk, which looked tome like a giant’s walking stick.

But what I found most intriguing

was the name above the room

- The Holden Gallery - for my

mother’s maiden name was

Holden. Immediately I felt

a rapport with the place and I was

always eager to pay it another visit.

GO PUBLICHad my family not been collectors,

and had I not been brought up

surrounded by 18th and 19th century

ceramics, original artwork, anddrawers filled with cigarette cards,

postcards, and photograph albums,

I am certain that my interest in such things

would have been kindled in Torquay Natural

History Museum, now known as Torquay

Museum. Not only does it possess a fine

collection of natural history, geological and

ethnographic objects, it also houses many 19th

century ceramics, as the area is famous for its

terracotta wares.

Museums often started out as private

collections, and objects were displayed in

cabinets of curiosity. “The actual practice of

collecting dates back to the oldest civilisations…

to Babylon and the private collections of

56 PERIOD IDEAS

rare or curious natural objects

and artefacts, such as EnnigaldiNanna’s museum of Mesopotamian

antiquities dating from c.530 BCE,”

explains Christine Garwood, senior

lecturer in Public History at the

University of Hertfordshire. “But

while the practice of collecting is

age-old,” she continues, “the word

‘museum’ was not used in English

to mean a collection or building

to display objects until the

mid-17th century, when

it was applied to botanist

and gardener JohnTradescant (c.1570-

1683) and son’s

dazzling ‘collection

of rarities’, which

by various twists

became the basis of the

University of Oxford’s

Ashmolean Museum… the first

university museum, which opened

in 1683, and the oldest surviving

purpose-built museum in the world.”

In 1660, Britain saw the opening

of the first public museum, the Royal

Armouries in the Tower of London.“The collection was originally created

after the death of Henry VIII when

the contents of several royal armouries were

moved to the tower so that privileged visitors

could view them privately… and [were] finally

opened to the public by Charles II,” says

Garwood. By the Victorian era, the principle of

the public museum was well established, with

many becoming national institutions.

Today, the range of museums is hugely

diverse. From Beamish open-air museum in

County Durham, to the Foundling Museum -

the nation’s first public art gallery, which is part

of the old Foundling Hospital - there truly is

something for everyone.

PERSONAL PREFERENCEFor me, perhaps the most romantic of all

is the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. It

was purpose-built in the French chateau

style by John and Josephine Bowes, to house

their vast collections of fine and decorative

arts. As the building grew, so too did their

collection; an astounding 15,000 objectswere purchased between 1862 and 1874,

including the world-famous silver swan

automaton. When Josephine died in 1874,

John’s motivation towards their lifelong

achievement was dealt an enormous

blow and he virtually ceased collecting.

Fortunately the building continued, but John,

like his late wife, never saw its completion.

He died in 1885.

“Museums are visited to see, learn from,

and be stirred by objects, whether they be

masterpieces to lift the spirit, or humble

items that speak directly of the past,” it said

in Exploring Museums twenty-five years

ago. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Margaret Powling reminisces about her first foray into collecting with a look at the

history of museums

Collectables

WORKS OF ART



DIARY DATES•Shepton Mallet Antiques, Vintage & CollectorsFair, Royal Bath & West Showground, 3rd-5th July

For one of a kind finds, look no further than the WestCountry’s premier antiques event. The fair featuresup to 600 stands, with everything from paintingsand antique furniture to vintage teddies, restorationproducts and luxury leather luggage from manyof London’s top dealers. Tickets are £10 on Friday(allows weekend entry), or £5 for a day ticket. Openfrom 12pm-5pm on Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday,10am-4pm on Sunday. 01636 702 326, iacf.co.uk•Summer Fine Art Auction, Lawrences Auctioneers,14th-17th July

Featuring 2,000 spectacular lots, LawrencesAuctioneers Fine Art auction is not to be missed.The great range of antique treasures includes silver,

jewellery and watches, decorative arts and ceramics,European and Oriental works of art, pictures and prints,furniture, clocks and carpets and rugs. There is also anauction of books, maps and manuscripts on July 31st,for any keen ephemerists. You can preview all of thelots online from July 1st and a full colour catalogue isalso available to order by post.01460 73041, lawrences.co.uk• Antique & Modern Jewellery Auction,Fellows Auctioneers, 16th July

No matter your style, finding jewellery to suit you willbe a pleasure at Fellows Auctioneers. Auctions shouldbe your first port of call when it comes to trackingdown unique accessories, as they’re a great way to findhigh quality and one-off pieces. Whether you’re looking

for a subtle stone or a dazzling designer show-stopper,there are plenty of beautiful antique, vintage andmodern jewels to be found at this fabulous summerauction. Open from 10am-4pm.0121 212 2131, fellows.co.uk• Antiques For Everyone Summer Fair,NEC Birmingham, 23rd-26th July

Celebrating its 30th year, the Summer Fair plays hostto around 250 specialist dealers, making it the perfectplace to indulge in a spot of antique hunting. The eventfeatures a huge array of items, all of which have beenvetted to strict criteria to ensure buyers can make theirpurchases in confidence. Look out for experts JudithMiller and Will Farmer, who will be giving daily talks.Tickets are £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Includes

free parking. Open from 11am-6pm on Thursday-Saturday, 11am-5pm on Sunday.0844 581 0827, antiquesforeveryone.co.uk

Top right

The Bowes Museum

in County Durham

holds nationally

and internationally

important collections

including paintings,

sculptures, ceramics

and silver

objets d’art.

Left

A Sevres vase, from

the Bowes Museum.

Right

The Bucintoro

Returning to the Molo

by Canaletto, from

the Bowes Museum.

Margaret’sFavourite Places

If you’ve been inspired to treat yourself to a spotof history or culture, follow our expert’s guide to

the top places to visit in the UK

Ashmolean Museum ashmolean.org

Beamish Museum beamish.org.uk

Bowes Museum thebowesmuseum.org.uk

British Lawnmower Museum lawnmowerworld.co.uk

Charles Dickens Museum dickensmuseum.com

Foundling Museum foundlingmuseum.org.uk

The silver swan automaton dates from the 18th

century, and was acquired by John Bowes from

a Parisian jeweller. The life-size model is driven

by clockwork, and also features

a music box.

thebowesmuseum.org.uk


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Medieval magic

Discover a peach of a house in the garden of England with Susan Dickerson

Words SUSAN DICKERSON

Photography NTPL/ROBERT MORRIS/NADIA MACKENZIE/ANDREW BUTLER


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F

or those in the know, the Middle Ages are one of the

most thrilling times in history. This year has seen

a revival of interest in the years from the Norman

Conquest to the Battle of Bosworth. The reburial of our last

Plantagenet king, Richard III, made headlines worldwide, and

the cult TV series The Game of Thrones, was partly inspired

by the dynastic battles between cousins which Sir Walter

Scott dubbed ‘The Wars of the Roses’.

There’s no doubt it was a dangerous era. Life or death

hung on connections and blood ties, absolute power

corrupted absolutely – in the church, at court and on

the battlefield. But our ancestors also loved music, dogs,

spectacle, colour, fine dining, fashion and beautiful things

as much as we do. The richness and poignancy of this

era is perfectly captured at Ightham Mote in Kent, which

celebrates 30 years of being in the care of the National Trust

this year.

The building dates back to around 1320 and Nikolaus

Pevsner called it ‘the most complete small medieval

manor house in the country’. Its charm lies in the factthat successive owners of the property made relatively

few changes to the main structure, after completing the

quadrangle of buildings with a new chapel in the 16th

century. Tucked deep in the country, but close to Sevenoaks,

it is said that it survived the Civil War because Cromwell’s

soldiers couldn’t find it.

WARMTH & CHARM

“It was a status symbol but also defendable,” says Bernadette

Gillow, the property manager, who has been at the site for

18 years. “It was a home for gentry rather than nobles so it

stayed slightly under the radar. No one who ever lived here

was ambitious enough or wealthy enough to knock it down

and rebuild it. Essentially it has always been a family homeand it is stunningly romantic. First-time visitors are blown

away by its beauty. I’d like visitors to feel the warmth and

charm of the house and gardens.”

Ightham’s last owner was Charles Henry Robinson,

an American businessman. Bernadette’s favourite room is

his library, where he often enjoyed a gin and tonic in the

afternoon. “It feels calm and tranquil and the fantastic ripples

of the moat are reflected inside,” she says. Mr Robinson

bought the house in 1953, from three local men who had

banded together to buy it to save it from being converted

into flats or potential demolition. He could only live in the

house for 14 weeks a year due to tax reasons, but paid for

many badly needed repairs.

Top The complete

courtyard at Ightham

is one of its most

distinctive features,

giving today’s visitors

a unique insight

into daily life in a

medieval household.

Left The

period ideas - july 2015 uk

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