April
- Tiffany Piotrowski
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Looking Back On The Cotswolds
With this month flying by in a whirlwind of design phases across many of our projects, I’ve found myself thinking back to a slower, more inspiring moment - my time in the English countryside at the retreat with Boxwood Avenue and JZ Interiors. That trip deeply affirmed my love for English design and its timeless aesthetic. It’s an experience I know I’ll return to often, both in memory and in the way it continues to shape my creative perspective. In fact, I had such a wonderful time that I'm heading on another Boxwood Avenue retreat in the fall, this time to Provence!
Thyme England
During my stay at Thyme in England, I felt completely immersed in the charm of the English countryside. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, the property was a perfect blend of quiet luxury and rustic beauty - from the thoughtfully restored buildings to the kitchen garden in full bloom. Mornings were spent wandering the wildflower-lined paths with a coffee in hand, and evenings often ended with candlelit dinners that celebrated local, seasonal ingredients. Every detail - from the linens to the lighting - felt considered and soulful. It was the kind of place that lingers with you long after you've left.
Workshop with Tess Newall
The lampshade workshop with Tess Newall was such a joyful, hands-on experience — equal parts creative and calming. Set in a sun-drenched studio that felt like a page out of a storybook, we spent the day learning Tess’s painterly techniques and her approach to color and pattern. Surrounded by beautiful textiles, vintage trims, and inspiring conversation, we each painted and assembled our own lampshades, guided gently by Tess’s thoughtful instruction. There was something incredibly grounding about working slowly with our hands, and seeing everyone’s unique take come to life was so satisfying. It was a lovely reminder of the beauty in slow, intentional design.
Estelle Manor and Oakley Court
Lunch at Estelle Manor was an experience in elegance and ease. The setting was timeless, with grand interiors softened by natural light and layers of texture that made the space feel both refined and welcoming. We lingered over beautifully plated dishes that highlighted seasonal ingredients, each one as delicious as it was artful. The service was warm and attentive without ever feeling formal, and the entire afternoon had a quiet, unhurried rhythm to it. It was one of those meals you wish could stretch on forever - a perfect pause in the middle of a full day. I also spent a couple of nights at Oakley Court, where the grounds and the interiors were a perfect way to imagine myself living in Pride and Prejudice.
Antiquing
Antiquing in the Cotswolds felt like stepping into a treasure hunt through time - every village held its own little trove of charm. We wandered through centuries-old shops and tucked-away barns, each filled with pieces that told their own quiet stories: weathered oak tables, hand-painted ceramics, worn-in baskets, and the occasional quirky find that made us smile. The pace was slow and intentional, punctuated by tea breaks and chats with passionate shopkeepers who knew the history behind each item. There’s a particular kind of magic in finding something that’s already lived a life - it made the whole experience feel deeply personal and endlessly inspiring. And of course we ended the day at the pub!
