IN THE DETAIL
My holiday travels took me on a road trip through part of NSW, via many towns and hamlets. Each wore its fortunes on its sleeve. In one village, pretty much the whole main street was for sale, from pub to post office and assorted buildings in between. In another, the heritage buildings had been occupied by new tenants (including a welcome early-opening coffee window), a restaurant, bar and an interesting strip of shops, taking full advantage of the imposing architecture and character therein.
In city and country areas, civic buildings, churches and houses tell a story. Loved and maintained, houses and community buildings have a hope of surviving, and preserving the fabric of the town. Once the rot sets in, literally, it’s a long road back. But as cities are squeezed and housing options narrow, perhaps there’s hope for the revival and survival of wellplanned towns with good building stock. Fresh ideas, energy, creativity, respect for the past and a vision for the future can transform towns and communities. Rose-coloured glasses? Perhaps. I’d love to hear your views on this.
If you spent the holidays musing on a home project you’d like to complete this year, this issue should give you the impetus you need to kickstart it. Our kitchen special contains some particularly innovative case studies, and important tips on everything from efficient prep zones to lighting. We also dissect the cooking zones of three keen cooks to find out what works for them.
Former food editor and accomplished food writer Loukie Werle’s hinterland home build – in particular her kitchen – incorporates all of the loves and learnings she and her husband Phil have amassed over years of travel, cooking, entertaining and publishing. Three interior designers also chart their personal home journeys, and we share the new build of furniture retailers who know a thing or two about key pieces for every room. Kicking off the issue is the charming weekender of landscape designer Richard Unsworth.
If you’re contemplating a room makeover rather than a reno, Kayla Gex’s round-up of well-priced furniture basics and Sarah Maloney’s homewares under $150 are for you. Hamptons architecture and interiors are also in the spotlight as we pin down the finer points of classic US East Coast architecture. From Brisbane to Balnarring to Brentwood, this is a housing style with many fans. The details count! So have your pens at the ready.