Promotional content: Choosing the right windows for your home can make an enormous difference – particularly if you live in a period property. Here are the Sash Window Workshop's tips on…
Interiors
Nine absolutely beautiful shepherd’s huts for dreamers, writers and those who just want a bolt hole at the end of the garden
‘There’s something magical about spending time in a shepherd’s hut,’ says Richard Lee of hut-making firm Plankbridge. ‘It makes a private idyll, its use only limited by your imagination.’ Once…
Six indispensable tips to create a perfect space for outdoor living
Creating a beautiful outdoor space is no less involved than making a beautiful room inside your house. Amelia Thorpe spoke to two expert designers who shared their tips.
A house that shows sometimes the best option is bulldoze your home and start again
An Arts-and-Crafts-inspired house in Berkshire demonstrates the possibilities of a new build, says Giles Kime.
How to add character to a new-build house, from paint and furniture to the size of your doors
Carefully chosen furniture, paint, joinery and architectural details will all help to add character to a new house, says Clive Aslet.
The best things to add to to your house to increase its value, from party barns to dressing rooms
If you’re having work done to your house, it should be for one clear reason – because you want to make your home . That said, it’s always reassuring to…
Bedded bliss: The return of the four-poster bed
Next month, an exhibition curated by Max Rollitt will explore the decorative possibilities of the four- poster. In this preview, he uses the designs to breathe new life into the…
How to do your own French polishing and furniture restoration – and when to leave it to the professionals
Alex Webster, an antique restorer and French polisher, explains five techniques to save damaged furniture yourself with these DIY French polishing techniques – and warns you when you need to call…
The brilliant kitchen designer who scoffed at Minimalism and made rooms in which to live, laugh and love
Interior designed Mark Wilkinson died last year at the age of just 66. Giles Kime pays tribute to a brilliant man, and praises the vision he left behind.
Nine lovely kitchen islands
The design of kitchen islands is evolving fast to accommodate everything from wine fridges and seating to appliances, says Amelia Thorpe.
The Designer’s Room: Victoria Meale’s vision of a kitchen that’s a hub for family life
Victoria Meale has created a kitchen that provides the perfect setting for family life. She explained the thinking behind it to Amelia Thorpe.
The Country Life Top 100 builders, architects, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain
Country Life's experts have delved into their little black books to bring you the finest architects, builders, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain.
The best interior designers and decorators in Britain
Of all the decorating trends that have been in vogue over the last 50 years – be it Scandi, Minimalism or Industrial – none has been as powerful or as enduring…
The best country house architects in Britain
Country Life has once again delved into its little black book and fully updated its list of the finest architects in Britain – an indispensable guide if you're considering serious…
The best builders in Britain
Whether you're embarking on a new-build or painstakingly restoring a listed building, here are the craftsmen with excellent foundations.
The Gavin Houghton drawing room with wit, elegance and silk wallpaper
Gavin Houghton's brief for the drawing room of a London art dealer was simple: do whatever you like, so long as it's elegant and shows touches of wit.
Why oak-framed buildings are enjoying a renaissance
Tim Crump, one of the UK’s leading authorities on timber-framed buildings explains why oak is enjoying a revival.
A chance to hear Lord Snowdon in conversation with Country Life’s Giles Kime
On Wednesday March 7, Lord Snowdon will discuss the vital role that the hand plays in contemporary design with Country Life’s Interiors Editor Giles Kime at London Design Week 2018.
The designer’s drawing room: ‘When you mix things together, each piece has to have integrity’
Antique dealer Christopher Howe evokes a classic English drawing room.
The designer’s bedroom: ‘Juxtaposing colours and pattern is great, but you still need to know when to pull back’
South African designer Hubert Zandberg’s blend of new and vintage pieces can lend depth and character to any room.