RENO RUMBLINGS

I’m not sure that I’ll ever renovate a home. After working on Home Beautiful for more than 10 years, I’m afraid I know too much. But – after working on HB for so long – how could I not want to renovate? Argh! I know exactly what I want: a bedroom for each member of the household, plus a spare for far-flung guests; an extra living room-meets-playroom; a pool; an entertainers’ kitchen – inside and out; a games room (my husband’s favourite print of dogs playing pool has to go somewhere)... the list continues to grow. Yes, it’s a dream. But it’s not just about having more space – it’s about having a family home that works for our busy life in a way that our current place can’t for too much longer, as much as we love it.

With all that in our mind, we recently started looking at property, to try and figure out just how much our dream home would really cost. The thing is, you can never actually find your dream home, because it’s just that – it exists in your head, and no-one else’s. The only true way to get hold of it is to renovate, and then we’re right back where we started. If I’m honest, yes, I will renovate my home, one day. But for now, the research must continue, because I can’t/won’t face it until we feel absolutely ready.

And that’s what this issue is about. This month, we’re exploring four very different properties and uncovering the particular challenges each homeowner faced and overcame, from water damage to tight budgets (from page 176). We’re also going behind the scenes on Channel Seven’s renovating show House Rules; HB’s own Wendy Moore is part of the expert panel bringing her know-how to the show, and to these pages. Our coverage starts from page 122.

Like me, you might not yet be able to accept the reality of your inevitable renovation, but after reading this issue, you will be armed and ready to expect the unexpected! Good luck.