EDITOR’S LETTER

Livingthedream.That’swhatbeautiful,inspiringhomesmagazines promote, and that’s what a mix of stunning imagery and fabulous interiordecoratorscandosowell–theybringtolifetheaspirations of homeowners everywhere. This year has brought so much difficulty and sadness on the one hand; on the other, it has opened up opportunities we may not have explored previously. Take, for example, Australian decorating fair Decor+Design. Usually we would be in Melbourne meeting, greeting and doing live seminars and interviews with interior designers, trend forecasters and retailers. This year, we all had to pivot! Yes, pivot, that buzzword of the pandemic. The same things were on the program but this time they had to evolve digitally. I was delighted to interview a stellar line-up of international designers. As a fan of lifelong learning, I worked out how to be my own executive producer: outfit (tick), hair and make-up (tick), backdrop (tick), a copy of Australian House & Garden within reach to show the world (tick), camera and microphone in the correct position (tick) and, finally, suitable questions to ask global design legends (tick!).

I was lucky enough to talk to decorating superstar and entrepreneur Nate Berkus (inset, top); hotelier and textile doyenne, Kit Kemp (inset, middle); million-dollar decorators Martyn Lawrence Bullard (inset, bottom) and Kathryn Ireland; and award-winning designer Paloma Contreras, all via Zoom. Locally, we hosted a masterclass with leading Australian interior designer Greg Natale. The wonderful thing was that we got to see all of these fabulous talents in their natural habitat – their own homes and/or work spaces. It was a treat to literally be at home with them. All of these designers have changed aspects of their work practice this year but are busier than ever with the world spending more time at home.

Back to our homegrown brilliance... We have so much design talent here in Australia – just take a look at our beautiful shoot, Soft Touches, on page 55. Our own very talented interiors editor Kate Nixon worked with pieces including tiles, wallpaper and furniture from designer and author Sibella Court’s collections to create dreamy, layered roomscapes.

It’s time to take it outside, especially if you have been cooped up indoors labouring over a hot laptop. Turn to page 44 for gorgeous buys to freshen up your alfresco space. Enjoy the issue and until next time, keep up the lifelong learning and pivot!

“THIS YEAR has brought difficulty on the one hand; on the OTHER, it has opened up opportunities WE may not have CONSIDERED.”