Nature’s go-to hue introduces a calm, positive and inviting mood to a room. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to make this mindful shade work in your home

‘Green sickness’, also known as the ‘disease of virgins’ – a diagnosis applied mainly to teenage girls from the 16th to the 19th centuries – is one of the most puzzling conditions in the history of me

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

Fresh and bright or moody and soulful, teal’s blue-green duality brings depth and ease to a country colour scheme. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird explores how to make it work in your home

Brooke Copp-Barton’s Whitstable home is brought to life with a cheerful confection of colours, lively pattern and vintage treasures

Catherine Clarke A History of England in 25 Poems400pp. Allen Lane. £25. Mark Forsyth Rhyme and ReasonA short history of poetry and people (forpeople who don’t usually read poetry)368pp. Allen & Unwin