LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Plus this month’s buys

With the long holiday weekend and the weather warming up, I always feel that Easter truly is a time to celebrate. We usually spend it having a leisurely lunch with a few friends, and if we’re lucky with the weather, we have the added joy of being able to eat outside. I’ll use the inspiration from our gorgeous flowers feature on page 44 to bring the colours and scents of seasonal blooms into the house, and I’ve already stocked up on the ingredients to make the scrummy Victoria sponge on page 163.

There’s celebrating of a different kind as we announce the results of the House Beautiful Awards. Late last year, the House Beautiful team, together with a panel of distinguished judges including designers Sophie and Sebastian Conran, Clarissa Hulse, and Russell Whitehead and Jordan Cluroe – better known as 2LG – selected the products and brands from the world of homes that reflect the best in quality and design. You also had your say in several reader-voted categories – turn to the 15-page Awards special starting on page 107 to see what you chose.

In keeping with the freshness of the season, this issue has a new look. HB Project, which for so long has been a 24-page magazine inserted into the main issue, is now a 32-page stand-alone title. It’s packed with even more information, expert advice, and inspirational photography and trends, and now it’s easy to store away for when you’re ready to undertake a project. In the main issue, we continue to have your favourite features, but we’ve added even more design and decorating news and advice, aspirational house and room transformations, and glorious gardens to inspire. Enjoy!