A life in ROSES

Petal by petal, fabric designer Christina Strutt of Cabbages & Roses shares the secret of her timeless style

- ANDRÉA CHILDS

COME TO THE TABLE

Subtle faded checked and floral fabrics leave plenty of scope to add decorative touches to the table and surroundings. Go large with huge baskets of cow parsley for laid-back romance.

Curtains in Tulip and Roses in Pink on Natural linen, £97m, Cabbages & Roses

Background Bees Multi on White linen, £97m, Cabbages & Roses. Try Churchgate lantern, £22, Dunelm. Candles, £5.99 for two, Price's Candles

Design Wisdom

"I LOVE RED AND PINK AND WOULD USE THEM IN EVERY ROOM IN MY HOUSE IF I COULD. I ALSO ADORE WHITE BECAUSE ANYTHING PINK LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IN A WHITE ROOM"

CHRISTINA STRUTT, CABBAGES & ROSES

Curtain in Constance in Multi on Natural linen, £97m, Cabbages & Roses. For a similar console table, try Hampton distressed curved-front table, £825, The Farthing

RAMBLING ROSE

A dramatic large-scale wallpaper needs a quiet contrast. Ivory linen curtains, a skirted tablecloth and chair covers keep the peace.

Mary wallpaper in Lilac, to order, Cabbages & Roses. For similar fabric, try Linen 25 in Ivory, £64.50m, lan Mankin