Reimagining the past at Vaughan
In September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
Vaughan’s showroom at the Design Centre was the setting for a panel discussion at which its CEO Beth Blakeman-Shead was joined by decorative artist Tess Newall, furniture maker Alfred Newall and interior designer and antique dealer Max Rollitt.
Hosted by Country Life’s Giles Kime, the discussion explored the lessons from the past that inform our understanding of the techniques, materials and design required to stand the test of time.
Beth Blakeman-Shead, CEO of Vaughan.
Other subjects included the importance of creating designs driven less by trends and more by proportions that will endure.
The event took place during Focus/25, at which Vaughan launched new lighting designs celebrating its commitment to craft, timeless design and materials with a potential to last for generations.
To contact Vaughan, please visit vaughandesigns.com or telephone 020–7349 4600
Victoria Wren and Carys Lowry-Carter.
Secrets of timelessness at Vaughan's panel event
Craft
Vaughan’s team has been designing and making high-quality lighting, furniture and textiles for almost half a century
Engineering
However beautiful, lighting must be engineered to function perfectly
Materials
Traditional materials such as brass, bronze and marble not only perform beautifully, but have a capacity to improve with time
Design
Whether classic or contemporary, simple design has the potential for longevity
Look to the past
Traditional techniques and craft provide inspiration for the future
To contact Vaughan, please visit vaughandesigns.com or telephone 020–7349 4600
-
Bare roots: How to find the perfect rose and how to plant itTabi Jackson Gee moved to a cottage in Wiltshire, and went about finding the perfect rose to bring light and colour to the garden.
-
Flying backwards, pink milk, and holding your breath. A Country Life quiz of animal factsDo you know the difference between a bobbit worm and a mantis shrimp? You will soon.
-
Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
-
Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with VaughanAt Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
-
Star of the show: Rose of Jericho's paint created just for Country Life at RHS ChelseaOne of the highlights of Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a new paint colour created by Rose of Jericho,
-
Munder-Skiles and the art of exterior decorationThe success of this project — which was awarded four stars by judges at the Chelsea Flower Show — demonstrates Isabella Worsley’s versatility as a designer.
-
Reader Event: Designing spaces that feel like homeOn Wednesday, March 26, interior-design studio Sims Hilditch and George Smith, makers of luxury, handcrafted upholstered furniture, will mark the launch of new furniture designs for bedrooms in an event chaired by Country Life.
-
Porta Romana distinctive lighting and furniture archive saleThe inspirational brand Porta Romana launch their highly anticipated archive sale, offering a unique opportunity to purchase selected designs online with discounts of up to 70%.
-
Reader event: Making light workThe secret to any successful interior is an artful balance of decorative and architectural lighting that is not only useful, but also beautiful. Next month, there’s a chance to join Country Life at Hector Finch’s new London showroom to hear three leading designers share the secret of getting it right.
-
Redefining the luxury kitchen: Reader event with Martin Moore and Henry PrideauxOn June 13, Country Life will offer readers an exclusive opportunity to explore an exciting collaboration between Martin Moore, a leader in luxury British kitchens, and the innovative designer Henry Prideaux, in an after-hours event at this year’s unmissable WOW!house.
