From the Editor
The past year has shown us, perhaps more than ever before, how vital outdoor spaces are. For the town and city dwellers among us, this is a particular obsession. My central London apartment may not open onto an expansive garden, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t lavished care and attention on the blustery balcony, which is my only opportunity to commune with nature. Packed with pots full of leafy bushes, fragrant herbs and hardy succulents, it’s become my micro-oasis, somewhere I sit and enjoy my morning coffee and where I can now – finally – entertain friends and family.
Surrounding myself with foliage has given me a new-found understanding of the many benefits of the colour green, and the way it simultaneously creates a sense of calm and invigoration. Refreshing and revitalising, it’s no wonder that this palette has been a popular choice for interior decoration through these difficult times. So, as I start weeding and pruning to get everything sunshine-weather ready, it’s perhaps ideal timing that this issue is dedicated to all things green, in every sense of the word.
The importance of sustainability and taking an environmental approach to our homes informs every issue we put together. To highlight this, we’ve once again picked out the relevant stories with our ‘Eco Deco’ logo – including John Lewis & Partners’ important new home collection with sustainable fashion label Mother of Pearl, which is impressively leading the way.
Since the launch of ELLE Decoration, vintage designs have always been an integral part of our look. Not only an aesthetic choice, they also speak to the desire to be more environmentally friendly. Our examination of the recent rise in demand for pre-loved pieces proves the positive impact of reclaiming, repairing and reusing. All have a vital part to play in a more considerate and circular view of how we furnish our homes.
When it comes to outdoors, for those with slightly more space than me, we explore the lockdown boom in creating high-design, multifunctional garden rooms – think the humble garden shed on steroids. And, with indoor hospitality still a few weeks away and most of us gasping for a properly-mixed cocktail, our Escape section includes some of the UK’s best destinations for al fresco drinking and dining. There are so many refreshing changes ahead of us this summer, these venues will surely be the perfect places to raise a glass and get in the mood.
‘VINTAGE designs have always been an INTEGRAL part of our look. They speak to the DESIRE to be more environmentally friendly’