Editor’s letter
There is a lot to process at the moment with all that is happening in the world. We have just come out of two years of an international pandemic with stop-start lockdowns and are now faced with heartbreaking scenes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the devastating floods in New South Wales and Queensland. It makes it hard to write an editor’s letter that at times can feel quite trivial compared to what many other people are going through. But I suppose that’s the key, we need those little joys in life, whether that be from taking time out to enjoy a magazine, go for walk in nature or watch your favourite show. Sometimes, whatever it is that gives you that brief reprieve from reality, is a wonderful thing.
In this issue we chat with photographer, Jodi Wilson, the author of Practising
Simplicity. Jodi and her partner packed up their home and moved their four young children into a caravan, setting off to explore Australia. Over the course of a few years, the family embraced a lifestyle that was grounded in nature and living with less. At times like this it heightens the fact that defining ourselves by what we own, collecting possessions and comparing ourselves with others does not bring us sustainable happiness. Rather it is our lifestyle choices, our health, our layered experiences and those people we choose to surround ourselves with that are important. Jodi’s book highlights these sentiments and is a beautiful read for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures in life or is looking to declutter their lifestyle.
Our cover stars this issue are the Three Birds - Erin, Lana and Bonnie. Back in 2014, the best friends decided to leave corporate life behind and start working for themselves. The hugely successful Three Birds Renovations was created. I don’t think there are many of us who love home design and renovating who haven’t taken inspiration from a Three Bird’s reno when designing our own homes. Their style has a quintessential Aussie feel that combines coastal cool with relaxed holiday vibes. We chat with the three ladies about their style, success and the release of their second book - Three Birds Renovations Dream Home How-to.
This issue we showcase three stunning, but very different homes. Pittsburgh based interior designer, Laura Solensky, walks us through her home. Laura calls her style, Grandmillennial, which she describes as an appreciation for traditional but in a well-edited and fun way. Her home truly shows off her skill of mixing new and old with colour and texture We also head to the Central Highlands city of Ballarat to visit a charming, renovated cottage where a Melbourne family have created a cosy home away from home. We visit a modern coastal retreat in Gerringong, New South Wales, which has just inspired me to book my next holiday to the bucolic Iiawarra region of New South Wales. I’m a big fan of this part of the Australian coastline and it is a real pleasure to be able to visit once again.