Never throw away old pallets and crates. The wood has a lovely patina that gives instant charm to the new things you can create with it. Dean made this small wooden cabinet by hand from some old palettes – it is now home to some parsley and basil, an ivy vine and a flowering Haworthia .
The DIY kitchen shelf is yet another of Jeska and Dean’s ideas. While working on another project, they came up with the idea of upcycling some old pallets and creating a simple, rustic shelving unit for the kitchen wall. Jeska had a clear image in mind: something with a patina and enough space for her favourite herbs, like basil, mint and coriander, as well as some additional kitchenware and more plants. On the other side of the kitchen, the long windowsill hosts a full line-up of smaller cacti, succulents and cuttings in various vintage glasses. A visual treat while cooking!
Their cats, Wallis and Marlo, are not too impressed by the sweet scent of baked cinnamon rolls and freshly brewed coffee – they take their inspection rounds seriously, and prefer to nibble on some plants instead. The harmony of cohabitation, where everyone has room to follow their instincts and live creatively, is so typical of this home.
EVERYTHING IN OUR HOME HAS A MEANING AND WAS CAREFULLY COLLECTED. IT’S AN EXPRESSION OF OUR PERSONALITY.
A tiny Senecio rowleyanus cutting growing on the windowsill .
Cat Wallis on a treasure hunt .
The little home of Jeska and Dean Hearne is a warm and cosy nest atop the English cliffs, filled with personality and creativity. It speaks about its owners and reveals their unique characters and their understanding of a simple yet confident life. Being surrounded by plants is the most natural way of life for both of them, but it’s also more than that. Living with nature – indoors and outdoors – combining vintage and handmade, working and relaxing in the same space: everything seems to be in a healthy and aesthetic balance here. For Jeska, Dean, Wallis and Marlo.
Find out more about Jeska and Dean at TheFutureKept.com
and lobsterandswan.com
A small Ficus elastica, ceramics from their own store and some bottles on top of the vintage chest of drawers .
DID YOU KNOW
it’s important to clean the leaves of your leafy plants like Calathea, Monstera deliciosa and Ficus elastica? When plants are coated with dust, the openings through which they exhale oxygen and inhale carbon dioxide become blocked and their air-purifying powers are drastically reduced. Don’t try to make the leaves shine with oil – this will only attract more dust. Simply use a damp cloth and some mild soap .
DO IT YOURSELF
A simple version with no special equipment or purchased terrarium vessels.
