Reclaimed kitchen advice, letterboxes, encaustic tiles
Kitchen inspiration
Rutland couple Rebecca and Matt enlisted the help of deVOL to help transform a space in their dilapidated limestone cottage to create an incredible family kitchen, which will double as a cookery school for professional chef Rebecca. The original kitchen at Swan Cottage was so tiny and dark, the couple decided to rip it out entirely to get a better idea of what the space could look like. An extensive reworking has created a fantastically light, bright space, with a hand-aged bespoke copper worktop and integrated sink. Other aspects include an Everhot range cooker, an island and a roomy pantry cupboard.
Rare chimneypiece
A fine Scottish pine and composition chimneypiece (c1805) by Richard Foster of Edinburgh is being sold by Westland London (£POA). Removed from an elegant Georgian house on the east coast of Scotland, this unique neoclassical piece is exquisitely designed and richly decorated. Its intricate details include a celebration of the sea in the finely wrought shells, crabs and seaweed, as well as acorns, roses and thistles – and a remarkable central tablet, depicting Lady Emma Hamilton gazing out to sea. Chimneypieces of this kind were a speciality of Foster, and this is a truly remarkable find. westlandlondon.com
Wonder walls
Known for her Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan has recently launched a range of 32 water-based Wall Paints, inspired by heritage shades, which are quick-drying, wipeable and durable. ‘I’m thrilled with the depth and clarity of colour,’ says Annie.
Going postal
Whatever your style, we’ve rounded up new, antique and reclaimed letterplates to help your home make a perfect first impression…
Draycott letterplate in Antique Black, from £84, The Period Ironmonger
Early 1900s Arts & Crafts letterbox, £100, Architectural Decor
Art Deco letterbox, £105, Architectural Decor
Brass letterplate, £80, Lassco
Late Victorian cast-iron letterplate, ‘A. Kenrick & Sons’, with embossed ‘LETTERS’ to the clapper, £80, Lassco
Out on the tiles
From reclaimed terracotta to handmade designs inspired by antiques, tiles are a versatile way to bring colour and pattern into your home, finds Molly Malsom
Tiles have been used in homes for centuries, from beautiful mosaics decorating ancient Roman villas, to the encaustic floor tiles beloved of the Victorians for their decorative properties and durability. These qualities mean tiles remain popular today, and for anyone concerned about sustainability, reclaimed tiles are an attractive option.
Chris Gulson-Brooke founded Maitland & Poate after buying some reclaimed encaustic tiles in Andalucía. When sourcing reclaimed tiles, his criteria are quality, a unique pattern and good batch size – due to their nature, it can be difficult to source reclaimed tiles in large quantities. This is where carefully handcrafted new versions come into their own. ‘Our new tiles are handmade in Andalucía by thirdgeneration artisans using traditional methods,’ says Chris. ‘They’re made with high-grade marble dust, cement, sand and natural pigment dyes, and sun-baked to dry.’
After opening a boutique hotel in Cádiz, Lee Thornley discovered he was adept at sourcing reclaimed tiles, and after meeting local business owner Juanma, Bert & May was born. The company sources its reclaimed terracotta tiles in France, and each has its own unique shape, texture and colour; perfect for a rustic, yet timeless feel.
