The new look in kitchens isn’t chic and sleek — it’s decorated and pretty
Arabella Youens spoke to designers who've made it their mission to bring charm and comfort to the most-used room in the house.
The best interior designers in Britain
Our definitive annual look at the best interior designers in the country.
Open fires v wood-burning stoves: The grate debate
Wood-burning stove or open fire? Arabella Youens examined the pros and cons of both options in a piece published in late 2022 that remained popular throughout the winter.
10 ways to insulate a period property
Tim Moulding, an eighth-generation builder, suggested ways to keep an old building warm.
Six things you need to know before painting a room off-white
Trying to choose a neutral? Amelia Thorpe got expert advice on the sea of confusing choices.
Open plan or keep things separate? There is another way
Opening up space either side of a chimney breast transformed this kitchen and dining room, designed by Susie Atkinson.
A country house kitchen which shows how adding new walls can transform your space
When the new owners moved to this Georgian manor house, they decided work was required to bring the interiors back to a design that was more sympathetic to its architecture.
Revolution or evolution? The reinvention of cottage interiors
The renewed popularity of cottages is spawning dramatically different approaches to their interiors, as Giles Kime explained.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
The Country Life Podcast
Listen to all the episodes of the Country Life Podcast.
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Merlins: Britain's smallest bird of prey is a 'swerving, zigzagging, 240mph weighted missile' that's gutsy enough to chase off a golden eagleSize doesn’t matter when it comes to the fighting spirit of the tiny merlin, a fierce parent and favoured hunting accessory of Mary, Queen of Scots.
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The greatest moment in the life of Jessie Owens: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 13, 2025Breathtaking athleticism and Shakespeare's birthday are among the questions in the final quiz of the week.
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'These aren't just rooms. They are spaces configured with enormous cunning, artfully combining beauty with functionality': Giles Kime on the wonders of WOW!house 2025WOW!house 2025 is here. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore more than 20 indoor and outdoor spaces, dreamt up by the biggest names in design, says Giles Kime.
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How the deep-lustre of copper brings period glamour to this kitchenDesigned by deVOL, inspired by a New York bistro
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A dozen slices of al fresco inspiration from the best designers in BritainAmelia Thorpe shares her pick of the most beautiful outdoor furniture and accessories to help you make the most of summer.
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A feast of ideas: What to expect at WOW!house 2025More than 20 rooms and outdoor spaces by leading interior designers will offer depth and breadth of inspiration, with an emphasis on bespoke craftsmanship, at WOW!house, the summer’s major interiors event, finds Amelia Thorpe.
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Curious Questions: Where did the viral Instagram Shaker kitchen come from — and how is it linked to Quakerism?The traditional and incredibly versatile Shaker kitchen is looked up to the world over, but where did it actually come from?
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18 inspiring ideas to help you make the most of meals in the garden this summerFrom tie-dye tablecloths to tasseled awnings, there's something for every garden space.
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The designer's room: How rare, 19th-century wallpaper was repurposed inside a Grade I-listed apartment complex on London's PiccadillyThis home in Albany, Piccadilly, was decorated by Wendy Nicholls of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, as a quiet refuge in the heart of the capital.
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‘It had the air of an ex-rental, and that’s putting it politely’: How an antique dealer transformed a run-down Georgian house in Chatham DockyardsAn antique dealer with an eye for colour has rescued an 18th-century house from years of neglect with the help of the team at Mylands.
