Although I love a good shopping day, I've found it's the little purchases that really get the creative juices flowing - like the three new cushions I just bought for my lounge room, which inspired an evening of ‘restyling'. All my green accessories were packed away, and I found myself delving into cupboards to seek out pieces with just the right red to match my new wine-toned cushions. By the end of the evening, my lounge room was renewed - not only was it clean, tidy and slightly rearranged (cleaning is much more fun with new stuff, isn't it?), but the dots of rich, red-wine-toned accessories gave it a warmth that's perfect for winter. I had a night without television, some lovely music and a glass of red wine (just to keep the theme going, of course).

By the time I sat down with a cup of tea to admire my handiwork (the most important part of the process - and, oh, I must buy some red mugs), I felt so satisfied. It was amazing to think that all that motivation and action came from an investment of less than $150. Working at Home Beautiful often prompts a flurry of activity and one of those ‘no-money makeovers' - and reading your letters each month reassures me that I'm certainly not alone!

On the topic of being inspired, I'm incredibly excited to welcome celebrated horticulturist Jamie Durie to our team as our new garden & outdoor living editor. Jamie's passion for great garden design and sustainable living has inspired us all for years, changing the way we view our homes and turning our patches of bare lawn into ‘outdoor rooms' and family entertaining areas. Jamie is really the most infectiously enthusiastic person I know; you can't help getting caught up in his positivity and genuine belief that anything can be achieved. This month's issue features his first instalment - stay tuned every month for more.

Wendy