Letter from the Editor
KNOWING WHERE TO START when you take on a new project requires plenty of pre-planning and patience. Thanks to the technology revolution we now have more help than ever before in working out how to decorate our homes. But even the experts all begin at the same place – with a moodboard. On a visit to the factory and design studios at Style Library last week,
I was struck by the talent and care taken by the team that designs and produces world-famous brands such as Sanderson and Morris & Co. Studio manager Claire Vallis explains: ‘Each collection goes through a series of stages, starting with a moodboard created by the designer to capture a look and feel. This is then translated into fabulous fabric and wallpaper designs that will work in a variety of homes.’
Bringing you design and decorating inspiration has been one of the most rewarding elements of my job. And now, after 11 amazing years editing House Beautiful, I am moving into a new role as Director of Homes here at Hearst. My talented and long-serving Associate Editor Liz Murphy is stepping into my shoes as Executive Editor next month and Susy Smith, currently Editor of Country Living, will be Editorial Director. Our reorganisation is planned to make sure we create the best possible magazine for you.
Being an editor is a fantastic job. Over the years I’ve travelled around the UK and abroad, meeting talented designers, seeing new ranges and hosting reader events; I’ve campaigned on your behalf on issues from creating greener streets to lobbying for a cut in VAT to make home improvements more affordable; and I’ve quizzed our political leaders on how they’re going to build quality homes for our children.
It’s been a privilege to be your Editor and I leave you with an excellent team of stylists, writers, designers, sub-editors and homes experts. They will continue to inspire you on home decoration, DIY, reader homes, property news and much more. You will be in very capable hands.