Three years ago Rachel Galbraith landed her dream job at the iconic UK furniture brand Ercol after previously working for big names such as John Lewis, Tesco and Marks & Spencer. Her design journey started with an art foundation course followed by a degree in furniture design at Loughborough University. The role at Ercol sees Rachel heading up the look for the entire brand, both new collections and heritage pieces, with a wealth of archive designs from the 1950s to update at her fingertips. Away from her studio at Ercol’s Princes Risborough headquarters, Rachel is a country girl and we headed off to the Chiltern Hills to meet her...
TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE...
A cottage in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. Life here is focused on enjoying the river – the town springs into action every summer with the historic regatta. It’s a wonderful place – there are beautiful examples of Georgian architecture and more than 300 buildings designated as having special architectural or historical interest.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?
It has to be the river. I enjoy spending time sitting quietly beside the water with a picnic, enjoying the scenery. I also love the rolling valleys of the Chilterns and seeing the countryside change with the seasons.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART?
Absolutely! We spent childhood holidays at our family cottage in Ireland, surrounded by the beautiful Donegal hills, enjoying all the freedom and beauty that nature has to offer, from walks in bluebell woods and running wild in the fields to hay making and fruit picking.
YOU’RE A KEEN ROWER. TELL US MORE...
When I’m out at dawn, the first person on the river, with the mist rising and the tranquility and beauty of the landscape and the wildlife, it is quite simply the best feeling in the world and I know it can’t fail to inspire my work.
HOW DOES YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND SHAPE UP?
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family
