When George Gardner moved from architecture into furniture, he took a new perspective on the way that fitted and freestanding furniture is designed and crafted. He set out to design furniture with the capacity for longevity, a quality he feels is absent from the market.
At this event, which coincided with the Design Centre’s Formed With Future Heritage exhibition, he explained how an unwavering focus on distinctive design, functionality and space efficiency have been at the heart of timeless design throughout history — and should be today.
Guests had an opportunity to explore how Mr Gardner’s ideas are being put into practice to create highly innovative designs that are an exciting new addition the world of kitchens and furniture.
Hambledon Classic Cuvée — made near Mr Gardner’s Hampshire headquarters — was served.
The humble kitchen cabinet, as reinvented by an award-winning architect
When choosing his kitchen, George Gardener felt uninspired by the choice of cabinetry — and took a rather unusual step to doing
-
This landmark Kentucky equestrian estate was home to a Ryanair cofounder and more Hall of Fame horses than we can countWe're foal of love for this equestrian property in Kentucky’s famously fertile Bluegrass country.
-
Young bookworms unite for the Country Life Quiz of the Day, August 21, 2026Know Paddington from Pooh bear? Test your knowledge of Country Life's favourite children's books.
-
The art of the country garden at DaylesfordOn July 2 this year, five experts shared their thoughts on the secret of creating the perfect rural sanctuary.
-
Rooms with a view: The new Oakwrights garden pavilion collectionA new collection of garden pavilions from Oakwrights offers hand-crafted structures designed for those who want to spend more time in their own great outdoors.
-
Homegrown heroes: The British stone from Artorius Faber which transformed Country Life's RHS Chelsea Flower Show standGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
-
Star of the show: How George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life wowed visitors at the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Garden Lover’s Library, created by George Saumarez Smith for Country Life, dazzled visitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
-
Inspired by the past: How Munder Skiles blended old and new for Country Life's stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowOn Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, two striking designs by Munder Skiles demonstrated the exciting possibilities of combining inspiration from the past, artisanal skills, high-quality materials and cutting-edge engineering to create furniture suited to inside and out.
-
Reader event: The art of the country house garden at DaylesfordWhat are the ingredients of the perfect country garden in the 21st century? At this Country Life event, five leading experts will share their wisdom on achieving pleasing good looks, creating comfortable spaces for relaxation, manageable maintenance and how to make a garden your own.
-
Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
-
The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
