Jane Cumberbatch has had a lasting style influence on me. I remember when her first book Pure Style came out not long before we moved to this house after six years in rented accommodation, and I read it more closely than any other interiors book I'd ever read. Because it wasn't just about rooms and houses, it was about homes and philosophies.Even though my home looks very different to Jane's calm, plain, pure and simple homes, I'd like to think that mine reflects some of the same qualities as Jane's in that I like plain, practical interiors without knick-knacks and flounces.
Her next book Pure Style Outside applied the same simple, careful philosophy to the garden or outside space. I was delighted to see that someone else loved nasturtiums and vegetable plots as much as I do, and promoted the idea of doing what you can and enjoying it, rather than flogging yourself and never getting to sit down and relax. And keeping it really, really simple.
It's the same approach that underpins Jane's new book Pure Style: Recipes for Everyday Living which is beautifully produced (no surprise) with lovely photos and an emphasis on seasonality, taste, and enjoyment. The recipes are interspersed with 'recipes' for complementary gardening and domestic activities, and it's all done with Jane's characteristic common sense flair. And I love the linen tea towel cover idea.
I try for Jane Cumberbatch's clean uncluttered look, I really do ... but perhaps I just have too many children (4) and dogs (6) ... but a simple, seasonal approach to food sounds just up our street ... thank you for the recommendation :)
Posted by: Annie | July 01, 2011 at 21:04
at first i thought maybe you were refering to two battling sides to your own personality because i could claim to be both of those "janes" (but a hydee) depending on the day. white IS my favorite color (and yes it's a color!) but not practical in my child-centered/overrun home. i think i will love this new-to-me jane as much as i've been inspired by you. thanks for the referal.
speaking of "jane," i'm pregnant again and would really like to use jane if it's a girl since my mother is 'jan' and my m-i-l 'janice.' i think jane is a lovely compromise and nod to both grandmothers. i've been off my feet a lot and rereading "lord of the rings." i'm actually being drawn to the name "jane arwen" but maybe that's just all my crazy hormones?! i may or may not come to my senses. either way, i'm trying to make "jane" fit somehow, somewhere.
Posted by: hydeeann | July 02, 2011 at 05:20
Is Jane C any relation of the gorgeous Benedict C, of Sherlock fame? The book sounds lovely.
Posted by: adele geras | July 02, 2011 at 11:42
I, too, thought you might be sharing your two different style personalities in one post. I haven't heard of Jane C before, I'll be looking her up on your recommendation.
Posted by: Janice | July 04, 2011 at 11:57