Spick and span

Editor’s Letter

Illustration Sarah Overs Photograph David Lloyd Fate is often declared

YOUR JOURNAL

Readers’ letters, projects and views on the magazine

Journal

Feature Pippa Blenkinsop

Pink & GREEN

Conjuring scenes of romantic flower-filled country gardens, this natural colour pairing can be used to create myriad interior looks, from classic English country style to Far-Eastern glamour

Fancy foot work

Adorn your hallway with patterns inspired by the Victorian era to give your home the grand entrance it deserves

Perfect partners

In a new collaboration launching this month, Period Living has put its name to a range of beautiful beds by British brand The Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Company

Natural selection

Drawing on her chemistry background to develop handmade dyes, Nicola Cliffe screen prints her beautiful, flora-inspired sustainable textiles from her peaceful garden studio

Antiques journal

News from the antiques and vintage world, from fairs to collectors’ stories

TINY TREASURES

Sarah Aylen, owner of the Vintage Button Emporium, introduces us to the wonderful world of buttons

Gardenalia

We share three of the best places to source garden antiques, from statues to tools

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Natasha Francis, owner of The Urban Vintage Affair and dealer on BBC’s The Bidding Room, shares her favourite family heirloom

IN FOCUS

EDUCATIONAL WALL CHARTS

Still hanging around

Antiques Roadshow specialist Marc Allum unfolds the origins of storing clothes, and opens the door on the evolution of the wardrobe

Take it easy

Enjoy a slower pace of life and a relaxed start to your day by lingering over a long, lazy brunch with family or friends, inspired by these delicious ideas

Could you be a winner?

If you feel proud of your period home or garden, enter our Home & Garden of the Year awards and you could win a cash prize worth up to £2,000

GOLDEN DAYS

A twist of fate led André and Lisanne Hedger to realise their dream of owning a chocolate-box thatched cottage in the heart of the countryside – the perfect place to create happy memories with their young family   

A KIND OF MAGIC

Penny Kennedy has breathed new life and bright colours into her rural Scottish cottage, turning it into a charming, light-filled home

BOX OF DELIGHTS

Neutral paints, upcycled vintage furniture and a mix of floral prints have transformed Laura Yates’ pretty country cottage into an inviting family home

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

Moving from their warm, symmetrical new build to a draughty and neglected Victorian villa, Maureen and Rod Lackey couldn’t wait to bring it back to life again and turn it into a cosy, welcoming home

HOUSE JOURNAL

Pendants from left: Millais, £134; Ophelia, £140;  Heathcliff, £168

Seeing clearly

A glazed room can be a beautiful and sympathetic way to extend a period home. We guide you through the best options for orangeries, conservatories and sunrooms

Child’s play

Spark the imagination of little ones by transforming their bedroom into a whimsical wonderland that reflects their personality, with tasteful design solutions

Project Journal

Be inspired by this stunning DIY home renovation project

Staircases

Following years of heavy footfall, old staircases can suffer wear and tear, so learn how to recognise issues and carry out repairs and maintenance

MOULDINGS

In his series looking at how key details have evolved over the centuries, conservation expert Lee Bilson investigates perhaps the most decorative interior design element

Garden Journal

Enjoy spending more time in the garden as the weather warms, and learn how to garden in pots on a grand scale

A creative collaboration

From a blank canvas, the gardens at The Laundry in Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh, have evolved into a romantic delight through the dedication of owners Tom and Jennifer Williams, working in happy harmony

Partners with benefits

Make the most of your garden by planting beneficial companions that can help improve home-grown produce by managing pests, promoting pollination, influencing soil nutrients and maintaining diversity

GRAND illusions

Flights of fancy, follies were designed to showcase wealth and architectural ability, often imitating castle ruins or ancient monuments. There are many to discover around the country, so keep a look out for these curious buildings

Medical history

The smallpox vaccine was a world game changer. Now, 225 years on, what have we learned?