House and Leisure has a makeover

"The hottest trend in décor right now is individuality," says Kate Wilson, editor of House and Leisure, an Associated Magazines publication. "Minimalism is over and as trend forecaster Li Edelkoort has said, the 'middle road' is dead and personal expression is key.

"The property market in South Africa grew by 32% in 2004 and the strengthening rand has increased the purchasing power of our core audience, who fall into LSM categories 9 and 10 and have an average household income of R15 000 per month. Overseas travel continues to become more accessible and as a result we've expanded our décor, shopping and travel sections to include more options and information.

The new-look issue also marks the launch of House and Leisure's first 'House of the Year' supplement. A 40-page collector's piece - published in association with Old Mutual - it features all the best houses to have appeared in House and Leisure over the last year. There's a R20 000 reader prize to be won, and hundreds of beautiful décor ideas from across the country.

"House of the Year is an ongoing initiative to recognise and showcase, once again, the incredible diversity of South African homes and lifestyles," concludes Wilson. "The winning house will be announced at Decorex JHB in August, so keep reading."