'Design that is distinctive, individual and non homogenous. Things that are attractive with a bit of a story or a connection with the past. A light or a chair that might have roots in an old idea, but will have been reinvented, rescaled, redesigned for contemporary use. That’s the kind of thing I am looking for,’ says Country Life’s Executive Editor, Giles Kime.
His job is to respect and celebrate traditional rural design, but also embrace modernity, adapting and contemporising as countryside tastes and lifestyles change and develop. ‘It could be a Liberty cushion that feels very true to its Arts and Crafts antecedents, a third-generation Victorian sofa of myriad, loose cover incarnations that is now tightly tailored in a new and vibrant Nina Campbell fabric, or a Jonathan Adler Nixon baby alpaca graphic print throw from Selfridges. Choose wisely and you can transform a space without needing to make big acquisitions.’
Nor does owning a period house necessarily mean that people have to live with a colour palette straight from a Jane Austen costume drama, according to Giles, who is currently flying the flag for accents of lime green, orange and turquoise. ‘There’s a really interesting new culture shift, spearheaded by the younger people that are now moving out of town, which is looking to a simpler and less cluttered way of doing things.’ This more minimalist look is all about carefully selected, key pieces and demonstrates that you can live in the countryside in a way that is arguably more true to the original roots of rural architecture and design.
The period of isolation has revealed what Giles calls domestic deficiencies. ‘With many country-house owners at home 24/7, there’s been a lot of pressure on interiors. Things and services once delegated to other people have now been taken control of. There’s a flight to quality, a desire to invest for the long term and embrace good design and craftsmanship.’
Valuable American Express Membership Rewards® Points — one for each pound spent — can be collected with purchases of indoor items, then redeemed for alfresco products or experiences.
An outdoor dining fan, Giles will be calling on the Platinum Concierge service to get him an open-air table at La Petite Maison in Mayfair, or at Colbert in Sloane Square, close to the interior-designer community’s favourite shopping destination of the Pimlico Road — both restaurants are part of the American Express Global Dining Collection and offer specially reserved tables for Platinum Cardmembers. ‘The last year has been a particularly productive time for garden furniture,’ explains Giles. ‘We’re now looking to prolong the enjoyment into the cooler months; set up a brazier or a fire pit, enjoy an autumn cocktail or a winter picnic.’
Photographer: Mariell Lind Hansen; Interiors styling: Benjamin Kempton; Words: Simon Mills
Reward yourself
Retail is more rewarding with The Platinum Card. Treat yourself to your favourite things by earning a Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend. Whether investing in fine art or indulging in fragrant candles, you can offset nearly all purchases on your Card statement using your points.
The Platinum Card can also help you enjoy dining out in style. Among its 30 travel and lifestyle benefits is the Global Dining Collection, which holds specially reserved tables at select restaurants.
Call the Platinum Concierge service, on hand 24/7, which can find a restaurant for you and make the reservation. They can book your travel, too; stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts come with benefits for Cardmembers, such as late check-out and room upgrades, when available. And using your Card to book means you’ll also get complimentary worldwide travel insurance.
For more information and to apply for The Platinum Card, click here.
Annual fee: £575. Terms and Conditions apply.
Important information
If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Cardmembership fee, an alternative is available – the Basic Card. Go to americanexpress.com/uk/basic-card/ for more information. Applicants must be 18 or over. Approval is subject to status and Terms and Conditions apply.
Travel Protection is subject to enrolment. Full details of Travel Protection Terms and Conditions can be found at www.americanexpress.com/uk/platinuminsurance
Membership Rewards points are not earned on balance transfers, cash advances, American Express travellers cheque purchases, foreign exchange, fees and interest charges for returned payments, finance charges, late payment and referral charges, fees/charges including joining, annual and Membership Rewards fees. Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points redemptions. Visit membershiprewards.co.uk/terms
Global dining reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of a reservation cancellation, the Cardmember will be subject to the restaurant’s cancellation policy, which will be communicated to the Cardmember by Concierge at the time of booking. For full Terms and Conditions, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum
For full Terms and Conditions of The Platinum Card, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
-
One of the first substantial buildings constructed from cast iron lives on only in the Country Life ArchiveThe London Coal Exchange enabled City merchants to buy and sell coal across the world. Despite this magazine's best efforts, it was destroyed in the 1960s.
-
What is everyone talking about this week: Did Timothée Chalamet's comments on ballet and opera cost him the Oscar?His odds of winning Best Actor were slashed after he said that both art forms were headed the way of the dinosaur. In the end, it is they who are having the last laugh.
-
Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
-
Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
-
Reimagining the past at VaughanIn September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
-
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.
-
Sell your valuables with ease with The Antique Buying CollectiveThe Antique Buying Collective treats gold and silver as heirlooms, not scrap. From Victorian brooches to Georgian silverware, each piece is appraised for its history, craftsmanship .and charm, then thoughtfully rehomed through a trusted network. It’s a respectful approach, giving fine antiques the second life they so richly deserve
