Interiors

The death of the sitting room, and other design trends you'll see in 2023

Country Life's interiors expert Giles Kime has spent three decades living and breathing the world of design. Here's what he foresees coming next.

The true secret of great interior design, according to three of Britain's greatest designers

For those seeking to update their homes in the New Year, Giles Kime collates some truly on-the-nose insight from three of the best interior designers in Britain.

How to fold a napkin rose at Christmas: A step-by-step guide

A beautifully-folded napkin is the ideal way to finish off your festive table setting. Here's how to fold a rose napkin.

Country Life's top 10 interiors stories of 2022

A Cotswolds attic that's been turned into a fairytale fantasy bedroom

A space once used for storage has been transformed into a dreamy place for children to sleep by designer Tess Newall.

The splendour of gilded furniture, and the experts who look after it for generations to come

Little conveys opulence more than gilt furniture, but restoring fading pieces is a challenge that requires exceptional skill, says Catriona Gray. Photographs by Richard Cannon for Country Life.

15 delightful ideas for a beautiful Christmas table setting

Inspirational ideas for setting the table this season, selected by Amelia Thorpe.

Turning an old barn into a new income stream: Meet three people who've made it work in style

Transforming a barn into a wedding venue, accommodation — or both — can be a nice little earner, finds Arabella Youens.

Ben Pentreath: 'The minute something is of its time, it will date'

At the heart of Ben Pentreath’s magic is his ability to reinvent the past, as Giles Kime explains.

The exquisite hand-painted lamps inspired by the flowers and plants of the British countryside

Natasha Hulse has turned her love of nature into beautiful fabrics. Amelia Thorpe takes a look at her latest idea.

Open fires v wood-burning stoves: The grate debate

Wood-burning stove or open fire? Arabella Youens examines the pros and cons of both options.

10 things I wish I'd known about doing up old houses before I started, by Country Life's interiors guru Giles Kime

Country Life’s executive editor and resident interiors expert Giles Kime shares the lessons he’s learnt from the experience of dragging a succession of houses into the 21st-century.

The Palladian folly that was the scene of Veere Grenney's splendid isolation

What did the legendary interior designer Veere Grenney learn from spending lockdown in a Palladian folly? Giles Kime finds out. Photographs by Simon Brown. living

Janine Stone's Jeremy Spencer on the secret to achieving creative harmony

Jeremy Spencer of Janine Stone on the secret to achieving creative harmony when building or transforming a house.

How R Moulding & Co use their 224 years of experience to create and restore some of Britain's most beautiful houses

The purpose of the best restoration projects is not to turn back the clock. Instead, it’s an exciting opportunity to create beautiful buildings that are resilient, comfortable and sustainable, offering the best of old and new, says Tim Moulding, of traditional builders and craftspeople R Moulding & Co.

How to make a cottage that feels country and cosy rather than fuddy duddy

Katharine Paravicini explains the touches she's employed to make her Wiltshire cottage fresh and cosy.

Anouska Hempel: The high priestess of carefully considered eclecticism

Anouska Hempel, London hotelier and interior designer, receives one of the great awards in the world of interior design this week. Giles Kime pays his tribute.

The artisans helping the British ceramics industry thrive into the 21st century

Reports of the death of the British ceramics industry are premature, says Giles Kime.

Country Life readers' event: Furniture with a future

Join Country Life on October 13 to discover the secret of ground-breaking designs that will stand the test of time at Modern British Kitchens.

Fine Art Lighting: Making light work

Beautifully lit paintings and prints that have been expertly positioned and displayed will transform any interior, says the Hon Patrick Howard, founder of Fine Art Lighting.