Letter from the editor
IWelcome to the first edition of Décor magazine. When the idea for Décor was first brought up, many people asked me why we would want to start a magazine for this sector at a time when the well established magazines were struggling to keep their doors open. The sector already has a large number of titles to choose from: big titles and big budgets to match. However, for magazines which purport to set trends and inspire designers, decorators and the interior-loving public, the final product is generally disappointing when it comes to soft furnishings.
The minimalist influence of architects and interior designers has crept into the mindset of the editors at the big publications, meaning that plain, simple styles dominate. Quite often, this means that every window in such magazines is bare, or at most displays a solitary sheer or blind. And at the same time, the editors have hopped on the 'sustainable' bandwagon, sprouting green mantras about energy saving in the home.
What they forget to mention is that is that properly fitted and lined curtains installed over double glazed windows can reduce the average household heating bill by up to 10% and reduce heat loss by up to 47%. Similarly, awnings and their energy saving abilities tend to be overlooked. There are also a huge number of blinds available with specialised fabrics that reduce solar heat gain, as well as acting as insulation.
On a personal note, if I have to read another profile on an obscure Danish designer's Aarhus apartment, I will scream. I think there is a place for such features, but every time I see one in a major mag, I have to check that I haven't picked up a copy of OK magazine by mistake. Perhaps some people enjoy the voyeuristic nature of the pieces, but to me they seem a little too self-indulgent. The editors will argue that these articles give an insight into trends, but if they travel to as many trade shows around the globe as I do, they'll see that a wider view of what is happening gives better insight into trends than looking at someone's individual style.
Style shouldn't be confused with fashion in interiors. Although a certain way of doing things – the use of a particular group of colours or the inclusion of specific materials – may become popular, there are no indicators of style. Style is your starting point for any project. Be it historical or modern, style can be inspired by the architecture of your home just as it could be from a piece of artwork that you love.
Inspiration can be sourced from many places: exhibitions, historical documents, holiday brochures, nature or even this very magazine. The late twentieth century has seen a revolution in thinking about home decoration, and just as the world of clothing fashion changes rapidly, so is the home interior world changing (but you can read about this in my article on page 64). So, putting style into a home is, in fact, like solving a puzzle. Ultimately, it is a question of juggling with possibilities.
Perhaps now I have given you a bit of insight into the motivation for staring a magazine like Décor. We have travelled around Australia to look at some of the most innovative soft furnishing installations in 'real' homes. Hopefully these stories can fill you with inspiration not only to pick your particular style, but to pick one that will suit your home whether it is in Armadale or Airlie Beach (definitely not Aahus!).
James Boston
Editor / Publisher
Awning Glory
Awning fabrics have advanced significantly over the years to include blockouts and light filtering options.
A better choice
Over the past few years, we have all heard about sustainable building and design, storm water storage facilities, solar power, north-facing properties, ventilation, low-energy light globes and so forth, which has had a enormous effect on how we live our lives and how we now design and build our homes.
Brightons fashion and furnishings
Over the past few years, we have all heard about sustainable building and design, storm water storage facilities, solar power, north-facing properties, ventilation, low-energy light globes and so forth, which has had a enormous effect on how we live our lives and how we now design and build our homes.