“TOP 50 ROOMS demonstrates that The Australian aesthetic is so refined and beautifully executed that WE are inspiring the rest of the WORLD.”

Aafter an exciting trip to Paris for Maison et Objet and Paris Design Week, I returned to the office to be greeted with a fantastic line-up of entries in this year’s Top 50 Rooms awards. While we might have once lookedoverseasforinspiration–anditisfabuloustohaveaglobalperspective–Top50Roomsdemonstrates that the Australian aesthetic is so refined and beautifully executed that we are inspiring the rest of the world. And so it is my pleasure to present more than 50 pages of exquisite rooms by Australian designers – thoughtfully conceived spaces in which to cook, entertain, read, bathe, view, sleep or just plan and daydream.

There are so many rooms to admire on the following pages: from an uber chic and seemingly effortlessly put together living room from Arent&Pyke (which has caught international attention) to the subtle luxury of Doherty Design’s living room that takes in a quintessential Australian view, with all its technology beautifully concealed, to the glam bathroom with standout marble and pink leather tiles by Decus to the timeless elegance of Studio’s Ezra’s work in a kitchen, bathroom and living room, there are myriad looks to behold. Turn to page 69 to see all the category winners.

As always, we also feature a line-up of Australian homes you will want to move into right away. All around the country Australians are designing abodes that exhort an optimal way of living – beautifully conceived, light-filled spaces, where clutter is hidden, art and furniture are thoughtfully displayed and the people who inhabit the spaces are kept top of mind.

Our garden content always inspires me – I think you, too, will love the expansive garden that hugs a classic Federation home (page 193) and the excellent weed-smothering groundcover suggestions on page 205. If you’re planning a spring zhuzhing session, our decorating and shopping pages, starting on page 25, feature a raft of earthy and unique local buys.

We trust you enjoy the breadth of Australian talent in this issue and we will be back soon with lots of inspiration and advice for planning your festive occasions. Christmas and the summer holidays have crept up on us this year but the H&G style team is ever ready and has already started decorating the tree, dressing the table and writing gift lists which we will share with you soon.