Penned as Leeds Castle’s best kept secret, this privately owned medieval manor house in Kent has been beautifully refurbished by designer Francesca Rowan Plowden. Reimagined with a gently modernised period elegance, Battel Hall features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, three reception rooms and a large dining area.

Francesca shared her delicious design updates with us, featuring many Jim Lawrence fittings and accessories. Naturally we were thrilled to see our products in such prestigious company, and jumped at the chance to share the images with you too.

If you’re looking for a luxurious escape to the countryside – look no further. Whether celebrating a wedding, reunion or an anniversary Battel Hall provides the perfect setting, with the added benefits of the castle estate nearby. It’s a step back in time with a romantic, eclectic twist that we are desperate to enjoy first hand. Just look at these beautiful walls and headboard combined with the soft glow of our Hanson wall light. The latest private owner, a 1930’s American Heiress named Lady Baillie, had a love for birds, which is echoed throughout this room in the Lewis & Wood Dove wallpaper. It has an almost fairy tale feel – a perfect escape to dream the night away.

The oak panelled dining room seats up to 14 people, conjuring the images of royal feasts and banquets of times gone by. Our Scalloped Wall Lights are not only a nod to the art deco era of Lady Baillie, but they create a soft and mellow atmosphere: just what you need alongside candle light, an open fire and the gentle clinking of glass and cutlery. Antiqued Brass is a strong and stylish material to sit against the oak – a material which originally came from the castle itself.

Ideal for angling as a bedside reading light, the Single Curtis Spotlights sit beautifully in this colourful space. We love the symmetry combined with loud patterns and colour clashes. Farrow & Ball’s Book Room Red creates a dramatic backdrop for our Antiqued Brass finish, and a perfect palette to pop with peacock blue.

The Wisteria Suite brings a touch of modernity, its namesake the stunning sprawl of purple flowers that climbs all over Battel Hall. Spot our Stratford Towel Ring? A perfect example of how to incorporate nickel into your bathroom with style.

Clockwise from left: Hanson Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Priory Door Lock in Antiqued Brass, Stratford Towel Ring in Nickel, Bromley Backplate with Reeded Door Handle in Antiqued Brass, Curtis Spotlight in Antiqued Brass, Scallop Wall Light in Antiqued Brass.

A thoughtfully designed interior that is respectful of its heritage – something we truly appreciate! For a closer look and a stay at Battel Hall, visit the Leeds Castle website. You can also follow designer Francesca Rowan Plowden on Instagram to see more of her work.

Many of us dream of living by the ocean, and if you haven’t, you will now. Even a quick flick through Relaxed Coastal Style by Stylist Sally Denning has us lusting after driftwood accessories, flowing linen curtains framing a sea view and worn wooden panelled shacks. After delving deeper into the beautiful homes that Sally explores in her book, it has us positively besotted with beachside living.

‘Country coastal’ is an interior style close to our hearts with the stretched out, pretty beaches of the Suffolk and Norfolk coasts a stones throw away. We love the laid back feel of the coastal homes that Sally explores, with the owners using locally sourced materials and beach-combed finds to kit out their rooms. These elements bring in on-trend style and an appreciative nod to the landscape around them…

A key motif throughout the book is the use of wood. Wooden beams, wooden panelling, rattan furniture, woven baskets and driftwood accessorised into homeware. Think brightly coloured beach huts to washed out window shutters. Even if you don’t live in an authentic wooden panelled house, there are many ways you can incorporate this look into your interior décor, such as faux-wood wallpaper, cleverly painted cupboard doors and preloved furniture. You can boost your external and internal vintage look by adding antiqued brass lighting and accessories like this modern rustic Isle of Sheppey beach hut.

Butler Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Barbican Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Edgeware Spotlight in Antiqued Brass

Beige, stone and sandy tones come naturally to coastal homes. You might as well incorporate it into the design! There is so much fabric inspiration here, even where you least expect it. Linen curtains and upholstered chairs, textured rope and cream crochet. Even netting. These textures add layers and depth by taking inspiration from the external surroundings – a key step in coastal style. Why not try our range of soft linens as shades or cushions to bring in some texture rich natural tones?

Natural Isabelle Linen Candle Shade, Putty Killoween Linen Candle Shade, Cushion Covers in Linen

A coastal existence isn’t all sunshine and ice cream. Weather-beaten porch railings, rain and rust-stained tin rooves or fading paint and aged metal furniture make up a great deal of this book. Their existence is proof of their steadfast manufacturing, but evidence that living by the ocean can be tough and wearing. This is what we love about this book – the honesty. Sure, your interior can be as glamourous as you like, but it takes a certain kind of person to embrace an old property and make it their own in often remote and exposed locations. It requires great deal of hard work, but the character of such a place is an ongoing enjoyment for those who live there. To complete the look, add in other worn materials such as our Antiqued Brass or Polished light and handle fittings – a go to match for this faded look.

Erith Polished Cupboard Pulls, Pendant Lampholder in Matt Black with Braided Cable, Norfolk Drawer Pull in Polished

We’ve cheated a bit here, because this is Sally’s own home (not featured in the book) which is too delicious to leave out. Decorating with the display items in a home can make or break a room. As is evident throughout the homes here, balance is the key. The Instagram hashtag #aquietstyle sums up the softness needed to pull off this look. It is immaculately considered, but executed in an understated manner. It is, in short, relaxed. Or rather it makes you feel relaxed. Using ancient bottles, hand-picked shells and wave-worn washed up glass might sound like clutter to some, but it’s these cherished finds that bring in personality and make a house into a home. For a shell you haven’t had to wash the salt out of, try our beautiful Scallop Wall Lights to bring a soft coastal vibe into your interior.

Scallop Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Schoolhouse Drawer Pull in Polished, Chandler Hook Rack in Clay

Want to see more? Of course you do. You can order Relaxed Coastal Style, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, through Waterstones or Amazon. For a wealth of interior and exterior inspiration follow Sally’s Instagram @Blackshorestyle. See more by the talented photographer Benjamin Edwards. A special thank you to Sally for featuring our lighting and for supplying the images. Follow our Relaxed Coastal Style Pinterest board for more laid back décor ideas.

Spring cleaning is not just about taking out a mop and duster. At a time of year where our outside spaces are changing and growing is also an opportunity for our interiors to blossom too. Rather fitting for the season, pink and green are two big colours that make an impact alone or paired. They can be used in their softer pastel forms, or pack a punch with darker tones.

When it comes to houses, first impressions do matter! A deep green shade like this one pops against white for a clean cut, sophisticated look that is still playful. Painting your front door for Spring will lift up the entrance to your home, and lets be honest, who doesn’t want to be proud of the space they’re stepping in and out of every day? Combining a new colour with matching quality door furniture like our Matt Black range will instantly transform the exterior of your home. Add some fresh foliage of your choosing and you’re set for the sunny season ahead.

Our Holborn’s are suspended effortlessly in this modern pastel kitchen. We love seeing what our classic designs bring to more contemporary spaces. Blush pink is a delicate update for a space that is normally reserved for black or white. House plants add a touch of green for a natural feel.