Queensland Homes Spring 2010

Queensland Homes Spring 2010:
Last year, Queenslanders spent more than $10 billion renovating their homes (up from $7.8 billion in 2008) and according to the experts, even more will be spent this year - and that figure doesn’t include what has been spent on swimming pools and landscaping.

This renovation boom is keeping a lot of tradesmen and building companies afl oat in what is an otherwise fl at housing market but what I found most interesting when researching this subject was that most people who are renovating are doing it to enhance their lifestyle and not just to add value for investment purposes as has previously been the case.

Being in the middle of a home renovation myself, I can really appreciate what the owners of the homes shown in this issue have been through as all six are renovations. Patience, perseverance, research, creativity and an eye for detail are essential tools for any home renovator and as you will see when you read their stories, our home owners had all of this and more.

Also in this issue we welcome spring with some great tips on bringing this delightful season into your home, we show you some gorgeous armchairs and coffee, lamp and console tables - and we’ve got nine pages on the latest bedlinen for grown ups and children. Brent Southcombe slow cooks lamb for a spring lunch, and don’t miss the comprehensive feature Leesa Maher has put together on the latest in bathroom fixtures and fittings. As well there’s loads of up to the minute information on kitchens - planning, design, and kitchen news.

This will be my last foreword as after 25 years I’m passing the golden pen of editor to Margaret McGuire who has been my deputy for too long to mention. Margaret and I have always worked as a great team and will continue to do so on this magazine, Outdoor Living and Queensland Homes Gold Annual edition, but with another four issues of our travel magazine, Holidays for Couples, four issues of our wedding magazine, Queensland Brides, and the state’s two biggest wedding expos to oversee, there’s more than enough work to keep me busy.

lease be as warm and welcoming to Margaret as you have always been to me and if any readers wish to continue to converse with me, please email on rhonda.bannister@graphicpublishing.com.au as I always love to hear from you.

Warm regards
Rhonda