EDITOR'S LETTER
Pinpointing the current vibe is proving tricky. I naively thought that by the time I was welcoming you to the March issue of H&G, we would be embracing post-pandemic life with a passionate zeal after all those hours of worry and the ‘Groundhog Day’ living of the past two years. Well, Covid, the great disruptor, was not going to let us resume regular programming that easily. Everything feels very stop-start now. We might be out of lockdown, but many people are imposing their own set of life restrictions as they try to avoid catching or transmitting Omicron. This constant focus on health and safety has added a significant yet invisible mental burden to everyone.
This makes the sanctity of home vital. While I recognise interior design is not an essential service, the pleasure and calm a well-conceived personalised space can offer is undeniable. Many of us have been separated from family, and it’s easy to get used to the demise of incidental, day to day connections. One precious outcome of the last couple of years is that seemingly trivial domestic rituals have gained greater stature. Home is the backdrop to these moments that weave the fabric of our lives, and the H&G team loves presenting our homeowners’ stories. The narrative is always different, but it shares a commonality – we are all trying to create surroundings where we feel safe, supported, soothed and can live our best lives.
I love the gorgeous house in Sydney’s inner west designed by Studio P (page 90). The owners (both named Ann) bought the house 20 years ago, intending to renovate it. Life and business got in the way until they could finally dedicate time and resources to their dream renovation. It is now a beautiful example of old meets new and a perfect backdrop for the two Anns to entertain in their chic wine-walled kitchen. And the brief included gorgeous outdoor spaces where their nephews could play.
Meanwhile, former TV personality and ad man Art and his wife Christa have imbued their unique Newcastle apartment, a former hospital, with their signature style plus pieces from their wildlife photography hobby with the help of designer Greg Natale (page 54). The apartment is cosmopolitan with sensational views and is lock up and leave when they want to set forth on an adventure.
Caroline has many happy memories of her childhood at the family beach house on the Mornington Peninsula (page 120). So when she decided to renew the house for her family, she resisted the call to rebuild and worked with friend and architect Justin Noxon on a sympathetic refurbishment. The result is perfect for a new generation while keeping her childhood memories fresh.
The kitchen is the natural stage for many of life’s dramas – wins and woes – and from page 149, we showcase a line-up of exquisite kitchens I would be delighted to have as my live theatre. Whether you are renovating, decorating or simply enjoying your home, we trust you find plenty of inspirables and desirables inside.
Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-Chief
“The kitchen is the natural stage for many of LIFE’S DRAMAS - all of the wins and the woes.”