What makes an English Country Cottage?
The article in Period Living Magazine (May 2020 with ME in it…well, ok,
the house…) has made me think about what makes “Effortless rural style” (Period Living May 2020 about MEEEEE…the house).
I was quoted as saying: ” ‘I wanted (to create) an English country home
with lots of textures, fabrics, rugs, thick curtains and comfy, sink-in
sofas.’
Thankfully they didn’t misquote me or force me to take them to court for
defamation of character. We had moved from a canalside property
where I had opted for a New England light, bright but relaxed decor :
oak floors, reflective white walls, linen sofas and walls of books
(there is a bit of a theme to my decorating style!). I knew our new house needed
a far more traditional, cosy, slouchy, floral feel.
I have decided to write a series of articles (this makes me sound rather
fabulous and writery) focusing each week on what I consider helps to make an
English Country Cottage (well, this one anyway!).
I started by looking at the two dressers that I have in our kitchen – yes – two – I was already the proud owner of one glorious old pine dresser but then I bought another one to paint and sell but unfortunately fell head over heels in love with it so decided to keep it “but it’s so useful for storage darling”. It is well documented in countryside law that a Welsh dresser is a legal requirement when you move into a home in the country so it is pointless for me to focus on the obligatory dresser. One thing that both my dressers have in common (apart from being painted green) is that they are crammed with glasses, vases, mugs, bowls, plates …oh…china…pottery. Well you don’t get much more English than that do you? Apart from the union jack I suppose…and the Queen..and…well it’s very English and fortunately I have a brilliant friend who is a potter so I am kicking off this series with an interview with Amanda Banham who is the embodiment of English country eccentric wonderfulness. She creates story book houses and shops that are all accompanied by balmy but brilliant narratives. Amanda also makes the most gorgeous bowls and mugs and plates that she illustrates beautifully.
Please pop back on Sunday with a pot of tea and possibly a large slice of cake (she and I both write and talk far too much) to read all about a truly creative, heartful, extremely talented English potter.
She will also be holding a Live private view today Thursday 4th June at 7.30pm where you can view her gorgeous ceramics and she will ‘talk a little bit about them’. This will be on her instagram account https://www.instagram.com/amandabanhamceramics/
Amanda will be holding an online shop on Friday 5th June at 7pm http://www.amandabanhamceramics.bigcartel.com