I have always loved my home. But I think the last 12 months during my maternity leave has taken it to a new level – and I’ve loved every moment. There’s a new connection built when you spend every single day at home, and there is no room where this is more true than the kitchen. It’s where the day really starts, where the best conversations happen and where everyone seems to naturally come together. My kitchen has become the true heart of my home, more than it ever was before, so I’m loving our 50 of the Best Kitchens special (starting on page 177). What could be better than a huge collection of amazing kitchens to really get the wish list going?

Being home has also had other benefits. It’s been absolutely wonderful to become a reader of Home Beautiful once again; the luxury of having the issue arrive in the post and putting  it aside to pour over during quiet moments has been a gift every month. It’s filled me with inspiration for new features, designs and special issues, so stay tuned!

But from the moment I stepped back into my office at  HB, I felt as though I had come home – I’m so lucky to have  two homes to love! Almost immediately, I started thinking about renovating my house again. I swear, it’s infectious! And the very first thing to make it into my folder of ‘ideas I plan  to steal one day’ is the fantastic fireplace in our lead home (‘Bold Ambition’, page 60) – love, love, love that design, including the hideaway TV. Clever, huh?

And, finally, thanks so much to the lovely Mara for taking over for the year. I know she fell in love with this beautiful magazine, and how could she resist? We wish her just as  much happiness in her new role.

Wendy

Editor

PS. A very special note of thanks to the amazing staff at the RPA Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for taking wonderful care of our two lovely, and at first, very little girls. I can’t thank you enough.