Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS

From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place

Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE

In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance

Bohemian Rhapsody

An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...

THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton

The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain

European HERITAGE B&Bs

Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...

STAR SALES

A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots

Textile designs by artists

Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s

Period DRAMA

A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life

An artist's RESIDENCE

Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery

Carefully Curated LIVING

This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques

Asante & Ewe Kente

This West African stripwoven cloth dates back centuries and is still manufactured today, representing a vibrant symbol of the area's history and traditions, says Celia Rufey

A place of CONTRASTS

Filled with art, Murano glass and other treasures, this Milanese villa is experiencing a new era of splendour thanks to Marco Arosio

Industrial OASIS

Pernille Holm transformed this Copenhagen workshop into an inviting home that's packed with quirky details and original features

Greek mood

Returning to France after several years living on the island of Hydra, Véronique Bloch-Powell has infused the interior of this 18th-century mill with Greek style, via furniture and paintings brought back from her Hellenic journeys

HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE GERALD MAK

The ceramic artist talks to Dominique Corlett about Meissen, friendly gestures, and the benefits of distance when considering your heritage

Six of the best COTTAGES FOR GARDEN LOVERS

Summertime is when the English country garden is at its best, which is why you should pick one of these picturesque cottages, castles or cabins to enjoy arural idyll, says Rhiannon Batten

48 hours in NARBERTH & the Pembrokeshire Coast

Much feted for its food scene, the small Welsh town of Narberth can also be applauded for its vintage and antiques offering, which has blossomed in recent years, says Rosanna Morris

TRAVEL

Visit Narberth, plus six holiday cottages for garden lovers. Review of The Lido Townhouse by Katie Pike, travel stories by Rhiannon Batten

Pride of place COALBROOKDALE GARDEN SEAT

The Shropshire village made famous by the Darby family's adventures in iron is as celebrated for its ornate garden furniture as it is for its ground-breaking bridge, says Janet Gleeson

A buyer's guide to GARDEN ANTIQUES

Elevate your garden, Bridgerton style, with opulent statues, romantic fountains and oversized urns

Cartes de Visite

Some 20 years ago, Paul Frecker first discovered an album of cartes de visite - small Victorian photographs that were a phenomenon of their time. Today, he has a collection of over 10,000 cards

LUKE HONEY'S Cabinet of Curiosities

Last year, two Iznik tiles (one 'mid 19th century' in blue and white; the other 17th century 'with a turquoise glaze', with 'small chips and losses' and 'a resin repair') sold for a remarkable £14,500 at Dreweatts, against an estimate of £500-£800.

Home of bright ideas

Eclectic vintage finds, bold colour choices and carefully edited collections have brought new life to this 19th-century worker's cottage in the Dutch countryside

ALL SET FOR SUMMER

Celebrate the sunshine with a season of al fresco dining and make every gathering magical, from lazy picnics to leisurely outdoor dinners

Animal magic

Brought to life in myriad ways, whether printed, woven or embroidered, animals and birds have always been popular motifs in textile design, says Celia Rufey

Bright, bold and BRILLIANT

Small homes don't need to compromise on character. In Nick Kenny's two-up, two-down terrace, natural light, upcycled pieces and colourful accents make a big impact

Petite et chic

Amanda Grant and Kristian Dean's compact apartment encapsulates the essence of continental country house style

A thrifty MIX

Jill De Búrca's home was once a buy-to-let. Now that she's finally moved in, she has begun to furnish it with a quirky combination of antiques, vintage pieces and high street finds

Scholarly SANCTUARY

Statement antiques create drama in this one-bedroom former school hall, owned by antiques dealer Jean Hill

HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE - FLORA JAMIESON

The stained glass artist talks to Dominique Corlett about the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and capturing the English countryside at its best