QUICK FIX
Ilove a good before-and-after story – there’s something so captivating and inspiring about a great transformation. And if this issue has a theme, it’s simple updates – those ways you can reinvent your home without breaking the bank, or your back. It’s often easier than you might think. A coat of paint, updating a treasured piece of furniture or hanging a lovely piece of artwork: all these things can be transformative, and it can be just as rewarding to take on a simple project as it is to embark upon a full-scale renovation.
In this issue, we’ve captured the stories of some clever people who have done that just. Who knew that an old carport could become a haven of springtime style? Well, the homeowners on page 190 did: Riza and Cam’s fabulous pool house is a resort-style dream. And they’re not the only savvy renovation specialists, by some way: in our Magic Makeovers special (from page 189), you’ll find projects for every room in the home, with budgets, details and the challenges each homeowner overcame.
When we brainstormed ideas for this issue, we were inspired to share with you another way to update your home, easily and beautifully: by bringing the natural world indoors. With benefits far beyond simple aesthetics, greenery with its lovely, calming quality can also improve air quality – what a plus! We’ve decorated a whole home in enticing botanical prints and thriving pot plants; see it from page 53.
And, for something a little bit different, this month we invited journalist Michael Pascoe to write for us on what to consider when financing a renovation or a new home purchase – an important read for anyone who is finding it tough to separate their ‘wish list’ items from their ‘must-haves’! Find it in our House To Home Beautiful coverage on page 137.