“Escape isn’t all external; we have to allow MENTAL SPACE, which is the biggest CHALLENGE.”
“There is freedom within, there is freedom without”... I always have a tune running through my head, and right now, the classic Crowded House ballad, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, is stuck on repeat! We are all stuck on repeat!
Our gorgeous cover shot of architect Harry and Georgia Poulos’ savvily renovated Mermaid Beach getaway offers such promise, and I hope it resonates with you – whether you are in lockdown or not. Looking at that image, I can conjure up the scene in a second: the sounds, the breeze, the scent... Everything! And I trust it transports you there too. This 1950s former beach shack is now the family’s regular ticket to freedom. As we know, escape isn’t all external; we have to allow mental space, which is the biggest challenge. For some, being at home and not having to go anywhere is the greatest liberty. For others knowing they can’t sit down at a restaurant or jump on a plane is a mental roadblock. It’s a cliché, but with the traumatic current world news, grounded or not, we are living in the lucky country.
I am fortunate, through this role, to have an exclusive preview of a perpetual parade of new work from architects, interior designers and homeowners. It’s work that is diverse and constantly evolving but bound by a sense of lightness and liveability, defining the quintessential Australian design aesthetic. Home is the hub at present and we had a great time collaborating with King on three different looks to inspire your home decorating efforts using the company’s signature elegant pieces (such as the Jasper II sofa I’m pictured on here). Our designer and stylist Sophie Wilson, interiors editor Kate Nixon and textiles whizz Tigger Hall create signature looks, with pieces from the King collection as the anchors, starting on page 48.
If you have some favourite old furnishings and want to turn them into interior super heroes, turn to Sophie’ s upholstery feature on page 56. We all love a come back story and all the pieces in this feature have had a revival: the glorious chaise on page 66 was abandoned on the street–now refreshed and perfect for an afternoon read of H&G. How about the glamorous navy velvet sofa with white piping? That was a faded stalwart from the H&G office. The two chairs with chrome arms have gone from bland beige to sophisticated in bouclé. And stools that had seen a few too many kiddy dinners are now outfitted in shades of indigo.
With summer on the way, we chat with the always sunny and inspiring Deborah Hutton about life, her recovery from skin cancer and looking after yourself when enjoying the great outdoors – see page 200. Take care and take some time to enjoy the escape plan we have put together for you on the following pages.