FROM THE EDITORS
November is the month for cosiness – soft blankets, fluffy socks and mugs of hot chocolate. As the dark and chilly nights draw in, staying in with friends becomes the new going out, and we appreciate our comfy homes even more.
Speaking of friends, you may have noticed two new faces on here. Our most loyal readers might recognise that we, Amelia and Alison, have worked on Real Homes for a while now. And we’re so happy to be editing the magazine together going forward. With differing fields of expertise, we’re excited to pool our knowledge and share it with you all.
I (Amelia) have been tracking down the latest interior design trends, researching colour psychology and sharing creative decorating ideas for several years, and you could say it’s a bit of an obsession. I love nothing more than working with colour and pattern to bring a room to life. As a newbie London renter, I’m soaking up the hustle and bustle of city living. Safe to say I’ve learnt a thing or two about curating a cosy rented home on a budget. From scouring antiques markets to daily dates with Facebook Marketplace,
I’m proud that nearly everything I’ve bought is second hand, as sustainability is high up on my agenda, too.
Since I (Alison) joined Real Homes, I’ve found it a moving experience – quite literally. I’d earned my stripes as a painter and decorator in my first house, but seeing and writing about so many clever and creative home renovations made me ambitious for more. I moved to a Victorian villa that I’ve been taking back to brick; stripping out past interior offences, uncovering the best of the old and adding in all the modern necessities (hello connected living!). I’ve dug deep and learnt so many new DIY skills, helping me realise the vision I held in my head of what my home could be.
With our expert style advice and on-going renovation know-how combined, we’re here to hold your hand as a means of inspiration and support as you create your own happy haven, however big or small. So grab your favourite mug and join us – we hope you enjoy the issue.