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Delft Vases and Tulips
It is almost a month until the official start of Spring but things are already waking up in the garden and we look forward to some warmer days. We have snowdrops, daffodils, camellias in bloom and the cherry blossom is starting to appear. These delft vases are perfect for displaying tulips and bring some joy to this corner of a bedroom.
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Strawberry Hill
This wonderful Georgian Gothic Revival villa has been on our list for a while, so we are delighted to be able to share it with you today. It was built for Horace Walpole (Earl of Orford) from 1749 and has the most amazing set of eccentric interiors which would be worthy of a film set. Even in his day they caused a sensation. The peer wanted to create a “little gothic castle” and he incorporated many design elements…
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Finding Inspiration in Robert Kime
Having fun in London today looking at wallpaper and fabrics for our renovation project. So difficult to choose as there are lots of considerations, not just colour, texture and pattern. English Interior Style should appear as if it has come together, rather than been put together but that’s easier said than done. Love this impromptu photo taken by the very patient Mr ITES in Robert Kime interiors on the Pimlico Road.
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Bedside Manners
One of the joys of visiting different historic houses and stately piles around the country is seeing how different owners or custodians style their interiors, exteriors and gardens. Our post today allows us to compare notes on just one small element of grand house style… Yes folks, it’s the turn of the BEDSIDE TABLE. Here are some nice examples of this small but essential piece of furniture all of which have been paired with a complimentary lamp. We…
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Flowers from the garden
Sunday is our planning day and the diaries are getting busy with visits, exhibitions and events that we can’t wait to share with you all. We’re also catching up with some other chores today so are keeping things simple with a post of flowers we picked from the garden this morning. We hope you are all having a relaxing weekend. Love from the girls at ITES! Personalised vase from Emma Bridgewater.
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Interior Inspiration
We’ve been working on a house renovation project for some time now and have had to focus on all the necessary but less exciting tasks: roof repairs, rotten beams, new windows, new boiler etc. But FINALLY, this year, we can make a start on the INTERIORS! Although this house is not a grand pile, we still love to take inspiration from the wonderful stately homes and country houses we have visited. For example: we adore the pink fabric…
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Barons Hall at Raby Castle
There are a few historic homes that we come back to time and time again, Raby Castle is one such place. Having visited on a number of occasions, exploring both the wonderful grounds and splendid interiors, we often think what a wonderful place it must be to call home. Walking through the Baron’s Hall, you can’t help but think of the important English history that took place within the castle’s walls. From the birth of Cecily Neville (mother…
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Snowdrops
Yesterday’s finer weather has brought out more of the snowdrops in the garden. They are cultivars and we pick one bunch every year, to enjoy indoors. They have a very delicate scent and we have a few different varieties, including a very pretty double. We could not resist the flower brick in the gift shop at Blenheim Palace last year. It’s the creation of renowned Oxfordshire based ceramist Deborah Sears. Her company ISIS Ceramics, makes beautiful pieces in…
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Weaving some magic
We’re looking back to North Norfolk today to view this stunning room at Blickling Hall. It was created to accommodate the large tapestry which depicts Peter the Great defeating the Swedes at the Battle of Poltswa in 1709. We believe that the beautiful pink damask on the walls was created by Humphries Weaving who are based in Sudbury in Suffolk. The company specialises in custom Jacquard designs and we have featured their glorious textiles before. You can also…
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Staffordshire Dogs
Our Staffordshire Dog Display team appears to be very sociable and there is always room for one more on the yew table, in the foreground. The Greyhounds, however, insist that the mantelpiece is reserved for sight hounds only. They like to look down on us all. We keep the peace by giving them all a change of scenery and a good dusting now and again. 😂
