Honey-hued light is falling on the oak table. Outside, the same light illuminates the furrows of the fields beyond the garden. The lines of hardened dirt stretch towards the South Downs.

On the table, a cup of tea steams. This table was a custom design for The Grain Store crafted by Arthur Petherbridge, founder of The Wild Order. He knows this land and works within it. The oak brings warmth into the space but also complements the trees that mark the field boundaries.

The table sits in a space that has been converted from agricultural use. The concrete ribs of the old building remain but are now softened by wood, fabrics and warm plaster. A custom chair by West Sussex-based Maker & Son beckons with cushions made by local designer Molly Mahon, whose block printed designs bring a freshness into the space.

At The Grain Store, finding beautifully designed pieces wasn’t just about aesthetics but celebrating local talent. We have found pieces that enhance the space but also speak of Sussex. On a wall hangs a frame of local blooms. These flowers were collected from our garden and then meticulously pressed and arranged by mother/ daughter creative team, Heidi Francis and Julia Smith. They hand make covetable things in their studio in an old farmhouse not far from Lewes. They, like all of the designers we have chosen to work with, know and love this county; and their creations therefore fit seamlessly into this space.

We also chose pieces that we knew would enhance our visitors’ experience in our space. The textures and colours we have selected reflect where The Grain Store sits. It is nestled at the feet of the South Downs, protected from the elements.

But the warm woods, the gentle linens, plush blankets and floral tones were also chosen to bring comfort and joy. These are natural materials that, according to the principles of Biophilic Design, bring us associations of time spent in nature. They offer a path to the restoration and peace that being in natural places are scientifically proven to give us. These include a decrease in blood pressure, short-term memory improvement and increase in positive emotions. As Sussex-based architectural and interior designer, Oliver Heath writes in his book, Design a Healthy Home: “…every design choice [is] an opportunity to improve our physical and mental wellbeing.”

As the evenings draw in early, and the rain patters on the windows, The Grain Store Lewes is a haven of warmth and calm.