Letter from the editor, Katrina O’Brien

What is it that makes a room beautiful? - by Katrina O'Brien

On making a room beautiful

Is it the pieces — or maybe just one single eyecatching show-stopper — that make a space sing, or maybe a clever feature that tempts us to look twice, or a colour we just can’t get out of our heads? It’s questions such as these we ask ourselves a lot here at Home Beautiful as we review, find and create spaces to help inspire you as you decorate.

For me, a beautiful room is about so much more than the pieces that are in it: rather, it is about the people who live there, and the stories they share. Almost anyone can buy an exquisite armchair, a sofa and a dazzling array of cushions (if their bank balance allows, of course!), but not every decorator can put these pieces together with ease, to create a personal story that is a true reflection of the family who lives there.

“Ultimately, a beautiful room is one filled with soul.”
Katrina O'Brien HB acting editor

Letter from the editor, Katrina O’Brien | What is it that makes a room beautiful?

Marnie Hawson

Holiday vibes

It’s a dream of mine – and I don’t think I’m alone here – of owning a holiday home by the sea, where I could spend endless hours lounging about with my family thinking about nothing much at all. While I might not own one for the moment, I certainly now know how I would decorate it and turn myself into a superhost. And, while I save for that beach shack, I’m now off to a little cottage in Tasmania, or maybe Daylesford, but then there’s always Hamilton Island.

On my wish list

Letter from the editor, Katrina O’Brien | On my wishlist | ‘Oiva/Unikko’ plate, $30, marimekko.com/au

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Katrina O'Brien

As HB's acting editor Katrina has the joy of seeing products as they’re released, trends as they evolve and inspirational homes created by the country’s most clever renovators. With a mental “love list” of the things she’ll do when she renovates her own home, Katrina meanwhile brings life to it with mid-century pieces, much-loved artworks and cake!