FROM THE EDITOR

Last winter, I dreaded going to the gym. I went three days a week, but to say I dragged myself there would be no exaggeration. Today, I dream about the day I can head back to the gym for a quick workout (who knows – by the time this issue is published, maybe the day will have come?).

Instead, like lots of things over the last year, when I couldn’t go to the gym, I brought the gym home. I stocked up on yoga mats, what dumbbells I could find, and a pair of resistance bands, which I stash in a built-in cabinet under our TV. It’s not the same as going to the gym, but having workout equipment at the ready is actually incredibly convenient, and an investment I’ll be glad to have made even after things ‘return to normal.’

The rise in home gyms has been astronomical (which you’ll have suspected if you too tried to find a pair of dumbbells online in the last year). But if you’re still looking for a way to seamlessly and stylishly store your growing home fitness collection, skip over to page 100. We’ve gathered expert tips for working out at home, and doing it in a way that doesn’t take over your space. Our prediction: the home gym is here to stay.

Next up, because we’re feeling hopeful for the future at Real Homes, we’re focusing on ways to refresh our dining areas so that they’re in top shape when we can invite family and friends over once again (page 56). Whether you’ve got a kitchen-diner combo or a separate dining space, you’ll find beautiful, affordable, and creative ideas for making the most of it, even if it’s just used by your household for a little while longer.

Of course, if the one and only thing on your mind this month is the turning weather and a chance to spend more time outside, I don’t blame you. Our feature on garden makeovers is a great read – we’ve compiled 13 ideas for garden projects big and small, all of which will have a major impact on how you use your outdoor space this summer. It starts on page 79.

Thanks for reading!