Lynda's Blog

Lynda loves running her interior design business, L Interiors, mostly because she has such wonderful clients (most of which become friends) and partly because it takes her abroad to wonderful places.

Lynda lives in the country – although as she much as she loves it, she’s an ex Notting Hill girlie and couldn’t do it 24/7! Her favourite online stores are GlamOnWeb.com (La Perla), JimmyChoo.com, Hush-UK.com and bbr.com (Berry Bros) because they supply her with the most delicious champagne!

Country Living Is Back...

Published on Friday 25th July 2008

I welcome new trends; they keep the industry alive and buzzing. A trend I’ve seen coming for a while and it complements our so called economic climate, is the comfort zone. Even without a so called trend, from the feedback I’m getting from clients, it’s what we all seem to want more and more.

I’m seeing far less of the modern minimalist décor and more and more ‘real’ homes - ie the return of Aga living and comfortable interiors.

In a recent article, Nick Jones of Babington House fame (I rate this guy; he knows what he’s talking about), states the ultra cool hotel has had its day. Gone is the funky interior and in its place has come ‘Country House’ in the guise of Colefax and Fowler and Ralph Lauren. Because with hectic lives, this is what people want to escape to: a comfort zone.

I‘m thoroughly enjoying my new projects under this vibe (that’s not to say I wouldn’t still do the modern thing –modern and comfortable can coexist) though it won’t be a return to the 80’s - all chintz and fussy swags - instead it’ll be a new take on country house mixed with vintage and antique market finds. A look that can work as well in town as it can in the Shires.

The trend follows through into cooking and Jamie Oliver has executed this very well in his Jamie at Home book - it’s a lifestyle book not a cookery book... How many of my neighbours have gone out and if not been lucky enough to bag an allotment have done raised beds in the garden to grow a multitude of wonderful salad leaves, rocket, raspberries etc, all perfect to serve up on a big country table.

A new must have book for anyone with children or those that are still big kids is Cherry Cakes and Ginger Ale. It’s like a return to the days of Enid Blyton – nostalgic recipes that my girls will love, and if the weather doesn’t perk up, that will keep them occupied all holidays.

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