Jemma Kidd has been in the spotlight since the young age of sixteen. First, she began modeling (along with her sister, Jodie) before going on to win acclaim as an equestrian. Then, after much hard work and research, she launched her own makeup line, Jemma Kidd Beauty School. The cult-favorite brand became an international success. Now, as the mom of twins (and founder of Jemma London, a stylish line of sleepwear) and the wife of Arthur, Earl of Mornington, Kidd (officially known as a countess) is more likely to be found on the grounds of her English country estate picking vegetables from her own garden in a pair of wellies than teetering around London in heels. She refers to herself as a country girl at heart, but her home reveals otherwise. While there are many classic country touches, like the roaring fireplaces and oversize furniture, the overall design goes way beyond traditional. In the end, Kidd accomplished what she set out to create: a “homey, comfortable, chic” house in which to raise her children.
At home with …Jemma Kidd & kids
“The best part of being a mum is when your children hug you and tell you they love you.”
“The love you have for your children is so strong you have know idea you could feel that way, it blows you sideways.”
“I am a country girl at heart and love the whole look and feel of the country style. My husband’s family had some wonderful bits of furniture and prints in the attic from his ancestral home, which we were able to incorporate into our home— each piece has such a unique style and history.”
“I like to have lots of storage: cupboards and storage boxes. And I have big wooden trunks, with big brass plaques with my children’s names on them, which we put all their toys in. I am also really good at giving toys away to my friends and family—I find less is more. I’ve fallen in love with this divine company called the Great Little Trading Co.—it has the most wonderful solutions for storing your kids’ toys, from table- top storage to toy-box storage. I love the pull-along book carts and the double stacking storage trunks. They have pieces you actually like to look at, which is pretty rare.”
“We found a few interesting things while we were renovating, like a well in the courtyard. It’s now covered with glass and lit so looks like a fun feature.”
Arthur in the atrium
The hardest part about motherhood is organizing: running the children’s world, your world, your home, your work and also being a wife and happy hostess—plus, you want to look good on top of that!”
“The twins share a room, and I don’t want to be the person to separate them, that has to come from them. They have been together from the beginning and they don’t know anything different. It’s their call when they want separate rooms.”
Mother and daughter moment
Mae wearing a Ralph Lauren skirt
Beauty Shortcuts...
“I put my in a pony tail if I’m having one of those crazy hair days. For makeup, I use an illuminating tinted moisturiser which makes me look like I’ve had a facial and a full night sleep in a few second. For skincare, I keep myself and my skin hydrated, and exfoliate regularly.”
Arthur and his dog
“My best advice for balancing motherhood and marriage: your husband is a big child and needs attention, so don’t neglect him—make time for each other because your kids grow up and leave. Your husband doesn’t—he’s around for life (well you hope so).”
“The best advice I’ve ever received is that it’s OK to ask for help—it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. I got a sleep trainer in to help me when lack of sleep was sending me over the edge.”
“Our home had to feel lived in and loved, so we filled it with oversize furniture, extremely comfortable soft furnishings, soft colors, thick curtains, and huge baths. I worked with Penny Morrison, who loves fabrics from India but can work them into a classic country house without it looking too themed.”
“We all wish we were better. I don’t know anyone who thinks they are the perfect mum, there is no rule book, all you can do is make your child feel as loved and protected as possible.”
“Having children is the most tiring and also the most rewarding job on the planet.”
The family’s collection of riding boots
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