Illustration Sarah Overs Photograph David Lloyd
Autumn will soon be here, and though it’s lovely to relish the last lazy days of summer, the changing of the seasons brings so much to look forward to. Aside from appreciating the beauty of the landscape as leaves turn to rich shades of red and gold, it’s the ideal time to put decorating and home-improvement projects into action, before the darker days of winter arrive. This issue is packed with ideas for cosying up your home – from decorating with autumnal burnt orange shades (page 54) to creating a sophisticated Scandinavian-style kitchen (page 97), designed to soothe the soul and maximise light. While I do enjoy this time of year, unfortunately the current energy crisis has dealt us all another blow as fuel costs spiral out of control. Period homes are often derided as being draughty and susceptible to heat loss, but there are measures you can take to improve the situation. Increasing insulation and adding draughtproofing will make a big difference - though you must ensure these works are compatible with the age of your home, and that the materials allow its structure to ‘breathe’. In his feature on renovating timber windows, Roger Hunt discusses how old frames and glass can be upgraded to improve thermal performance (page 111). However, another popular solution is to fit an efficient wood-burning stove, rather than relying solely on gas or electric heating. Doing this could save you 15-20 per cent on your fuel bills, and even more if costs continue to rise. From page 105, we reveal some of the best wood-burner designs that will also add to the character and ambience of your interior. Elsewhere this issue, we look at the revival of Arts and Crafts prints (page 36). Largely led by William Morris, the movement was about more than mere decoration – it was a reaction against mass-manufacturing, poor conditions for workers, and the loss of age-old skills. However, it also celebrated the beauty of the natural world, yeilding patterns that feel as relevant today as 160 years ago. The designs are so timeless and available in refreshed colour palettes to suit almost any period home. I do hope you like the issue, and if you want to make sure you don’t miss out, then why not subscribe (page 32)? This month when you sign up, you will save 23 per cent on the cover price. Enjoy!