Dear friends. Today I have a momentous occasion to share with you... My first book review from one of my favorite style setters, Christina Strutt of London's Cabbages & Roses. Include with that a beautiful introduction from THE Tricia Foley (whose own home is featured in the book) and I am in English Country heaven! At Home with Country is a formidable publication that has stirred my heart, memories of yesteryear and my love for all things peacefully romantic. But it is the spirit of Strutt's Cabbages & Roses and its quiet whispers of domesticity in uncertain times that causes it to rise above your ordinary decorating book. In Christina's own words: "Cabbages & Roses has stood its ground for the ten years it has been alive. We have gently grown and expanded, whispering rather than shouting, quietly infiltrating lives and homes throughout the world in the nicest possible way."
In doing so, Christina has traveled the globe in search of homes to share which she has treated with this delicate design philosophy. These beautifully adorned places however wouldn't be represented properly without the dreamy images of Edina van der Wyck. From the American East Coast to British Country homes (even a houseboat) to a New York loft or a Dutch Farming community Strutt's style graces these homes with "quiet infiltration".
One of my personal favorites was her own home at Brook Cottage with its bespoke touches and the evidence of a real, lived in quality. Strutt makes no qualms sharing with us the everyday usability of her own home and how she transforms it from dog friendly everyday to dinner party formal. These lovely peeks into the homes of real people with down to earth hospitality are what establish this publication as a superlative read. And this open door policy throughout its pages create an invitation for readers of all style sensibilities with tips on incorporating bits of country into many possible scenarios, so you too can be At Home with Country.
At Home with Country by Christina Strutt. CICO Books, $29.95; www.cicobooks.com
Photo Credit: Edina van der Wyck
I love the headboard in the second image. Once again, my idea of country is redefined by you!
Posted by: Brigitte | May 11, 2010 at 12:24 PM
thanks brigitte. that melts my heart... you are the best! :)
also just fyi , would anyone who cannot view the above images leave a comment and let me know.
sounds like some people are having problems. i am away from home today and tried publishing off location and seems that created an issue.
Posted by: Heather | May 11, 2010 at 01:28 PM
Heather, only one of the images are coming up for me! I definitely want to hear more about this . . . how exciting!!
Posted by: Kristie Barnett | May 11, 2010 at 03:08 PM