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t present the world seems to be consumed with super cleansing – the “if it doesn’t spark joy get rid of it Marie Kondo effect” – even my 20-year-old son has challenged me to The Minimalists’ experiment. The idea is that when you start a fresh month, you give one thing away for the first day, two for the second, and so on. It’s all very noble but the big thing is to try to choose beautiful pieces that you will have for a lifetime in the first place so that you never have to declutter. Also you don’t want to go too far – Absolutely Fabulous fans will remember the minimalist episode where there were no surfaces left to stow a bottle of wine! In line with that mantra, we are delighted to have collaborated with Australia’s most exclusive department store, David Jones, on its fabulous new Autumn/winter 2019 Home Edit that you will have received with this issue. You will enjoy shopping its stylish pages for those “forever” pieces as it is such an elegant showcase of covetable and timeless homewares and furniture.
Apart from not allowing yourself to be surrounded by too many unwanted things the best way to elevate your life is by living in beautiful well-considered spaces. And when they are rooms that many of the day’s pleasurable rituals such as cooking and bathing take place that’s even better. Take a look at some truly inspiring kitchen and bathroom spaces from leading designers such as Arent & Pyke, Fiona Lynch, Thomas Hamel and more on p155.
Of course, this issue is full of stunning homes, but one in particular looks like Marie Kondo and The Minimalists might have taken up residence – it is so serene, and there is not an objet out of place. Designed by Carole Whiting in close collaboration with the owners – just looking at the space makes you feel like you’ve emerged from the day spa – see p112.
The ninth Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards are open for business so if you are a designer and are yet to shoot your latest work it’s time to get organised as the deadline for entries is March 8 and we don’t want you to miss out on showing your work to the crème de la crème of the Australian interior design industry.
Right, so back to The Minimalists’ test and one difficulty is finding the best place to send good-quality unwanted items – it can be very time-consuming leading a simpler life! It is a sign of the times that many organisations ask you to email with images before you drop off donations but I’m sure they have had their share of interesting acquisitions so I will let you know how that goes in the next issue.
I’m cleansing, decluttering and chanting as we speak …