Country kitchens, period house insulation and open fires: Country Life's best interiors stories of 2023
We take a look back on the most popular interiors articles in Country Life over the past year.

The new look in kitchens isn’t chic and sleek — it’s decorated and pretty
Arabella Youens spoke to designers who've made it their mission to bring charm and comfort to the most-used room in the house.
The best interior designers in Britain
Our definitive annual look at the best interior designers in the country.
Open fires v wood-burning stoves: The grate debate
Wood-burning stove or open fire? Arabella Youens examined the pros and cons of both options in a piece published in late 2022 that remained popular throughout the winter.
10 ways to insulate a period property
Tim Moulding, an eighth-generation builder, suggested ways to keep an old building warm.
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Six things you need to know before painting a room off-white
Trying to choose a neutral? Amelia Thorpe got expert advice on the sea of confusing choices.
Open plan or keep things separate? There is another way
Opening up space either side of a chimney breast transformed this kitchen and dining room, designed by Susie Atkinson.
A country house kitchen which shows how adding new walls can transform your space
When the new owners moved to this Georgian manor house, they decided work was required to bring the interiors back to a design that was more sympathetic to its architecture.
Revolution or evolution? The reinvention of cottage interiors
The renewed popularity of cottages is spawning dramatically different approaches to their interiors, as Giles Kime explained.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
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Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
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A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published
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The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West Sussex
Although the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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A tub carved from a single block of San Marino marble — and nine more beautiful things for the ultimate bathroom
There's a bathroom out there for everyone — whatever your preferred style.
By Amelia Thorpe Published
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In search of the perfect comfy armchair
What makes the ideal cosy, comfortable armchair? Arabella Youens asks some of Britain's top furniture experts to find out.
By Arabella Youens Last updated
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All the new entries in the Country Life Top 100 for 2025
Each year, our Country Life Top 100 is completely revised and updated — and several new names appear.
By Country Life Published
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The timeless elegance of English country house style, with Guy Goodfellow and Steven Rodel
Two of Britain's top interior designers share their wisdom with James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast.
By James Fisher Published
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Dawn Chorus: Meet Farrow & Ball’s new paint colours, shop the must-have hotel merchandise and find out what Tom Parker Bowles likes to order from Greggs
It’s time to redecorate because paint connoisseurs Farrow & Ball have added 12 new colours to their palette.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Why size doesn't matter if you've got some decorating derring-do
A small space can be just as appealing as a large one — as long as you decorate with confidence, says a new book.
By Arabella Youens Published
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What this bathroom says about the return of the shiny surface
By Alexandra Goss Published
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The art of glass: Is this the ultimate greenhouse for family entertaining?
This versatile greenhouse, designed for a family in Kent, and our round-up of the best orangeries, garden rooms and glasshouses is the only indoor-outdoor space inspiration you need.
By Amelia Thorpe Published