Ed’s letter HB editor-in-chief Elle is happy it’s nearly the holidays
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the summer holidays. Long days and balmy nights. Barbecues with family and friends. And endless hours to potter around my home and garden. The hydrangeas I planted back in autumn are already blooming! I’m looking forward to arranging them in vases to display inside.
What are you looking forward to most at the end of this year? Perhaps it’s some time out, with nothing else to do other than pour yourself a drink and pore over this copy of Home Beautiful. We’ve edited more than 80 pages of stunning summer homes for you to be inspired by. From Sydney’s northern beaches to Eumundi, these homes illustrate all the different ways you can create a fresh and breezy interior, whether you live by the coast or in the country.
Speaking of fresh and breezy, how wonderful is the poolside cabana on our cover? Located in Sydney, it looks as though it’s been plucked straight out of the Hamptons with its shingled facade and white-painted woodwork. To me, the real beauty of this design is the symmetry – it brings an immediate sense of calm. If you do one thing in your home this month, try this balanced decorating trick. You don’t need a pair of palm trees flanking a poolhouse! It could be as simple as positioning coordinating lamps on either side of a console or buffet, a duo of candlesticks on the dining table, or two matching cushions on the bed. There’s something about visual harmony that just makes us feel good.
As for the more practical parts of this issue, if you’re looking to overhaul the storage (or lack thereof) in your home, our masterclass on joinery (page 130) is a must-read. From page 139 you’ll find our buyer’s guide to fridges – and the all-important wine cabinet. And on page 170, money expert Effie Zahos reveals her top five ways to hit refresh on your finances. Perfect timing for those New Year’s resolutions. Cheers to 2021!