Editor’s note

I happily hit the ground running at the start of this year, but as the months have ticked by, I’ve let my work-life balance slide a bit. Putting together this substantial new issue, it’s been comforting to be reminded I’m not the only one who’s keeping multiple plates spinning — and that there actually are enough hours in the day to enjoy both work and play.

Phase one of my plan for scheduling more restorative time for myself involves finding a few more good books to lose myself in, and top of the pile is Still Life by Amber Creswell Bell (page 26). I’ve long admired Amber as an author, curator and cheerleader for the arts, and her latest read delves into an artistic genre I have a real affinity for.

To satisfy my appetite for ‘achieving’ and help me feel on top of things, I’ve started crossing off a to-do list of simpler tasks at home, including a gradual overhaul of my kitchen cupboards. There’s a mindful pleasure to be found in seemingly mundane tasks, and for me, having a well-stocked, well-organised pantry is a kind of luxury. If you’ve been considering your own kitchen makeover, turn to page 34 for our forecast for a space that nourishes on all levels, then head to page 146, where you’ll find all the necessities for a sustainable scullery.

Inspired by many of the other stories we’ve shared on the following pages — including the restoration of a heritage hall (page 68), two villas reimagined in distinctly different ways (pages 84 and 98) and one of our favourite interiors insiders living large in a small space (page 112) — I’m planning to prioritise quality downtime at my own home in the cooler months ahead. Let this magazine be a fantastic reason for you to devote some hours to reading, R&R and the little luxuries in your life too.