You could perhaps say that I need to get out more – and, obviously, I am rather biased – but every year I get so ridiculously excited by our October issue… It’s that invigorating post-summer perk-up I’m craving. Whether you’re planning a major project (or multiple, like me) or are just impatient to see the latest fabric, wallpaper and paint launches, which always land at this time of the year and get deco-nuts like us in a frenzy, it’s an issue packed full of inspiration.
It also coincides with the start of the UK’s design- and art-festival season. First up is the London Design Festival, which – in spite of a few bumps in the road in recent years, and the more than challenging geographical and economical constraints that mean it struggles to keep up with Milan and Copenhagen’s domination – is still looking really strong for 2025.
This country, our creative industries, ridiculously talented designers (young and old) and brilliant brands – all of these things are so important to me and, to my mind, don’t get shouted about or supported enough, so I wanted to use this issue to big up what we have going on here in the UK. I fiercely believe that it’s possible to be internationally minded and locally passionate, and having a sense of national pride doesn’t go hand-in-hand with insularity or bigotry.
What's everyone reading?
You’ll find the spectacular spaces featured within this issue come from the elite of interior-design talent based here in the UK, and can be found across the breadth of the country (not just in London). We have an insightful examination of the state of the nation’s manufacturing base, one that’s taken a beating for decades, but still has amazingly resourceful, determined individuals willing to put in the hard work to ensure it survives. I salute them all. Elsewhere, we explore the brilliance of British decoration and what that curated and eclectic look only found in this country means in 2025.
Finally, it’s also the issue in which we dedicate a special additional 55-page magazine to the joy of bathrooms and examine why, with every year that passes, this space in the home becomes increasingly important. We acknowledge that it can be a hard room to get right, so we’ve amassed a wealth of advice, product recommendations, inspirational ideas and practical considerations to make tackling a bathroom project just that little bit easier.
Hopefully – like a warm bath – you’ll enjoy immersing yourself in everything that’s on offer this month. Just try to contain your excitement.
