THE EDIT

• A Soft-Launch Into Sanity: Tara Dennis on Finding Calm in Christmas Chaos

  In this festive Christmas special episode of The Edit, host Elle Lovelock is joined by home and styling expert Tara Dennis to ask a brave question: what if Christmas at home didn’t feel like a performance, but like an exhale? From her idyllic riverside house, usually sparkling with champagne-toned baubles, brass bells and warm white fairy lights, Tara shares how she creates “a warm welcome Christmas home” without losing her mind in the process. Together, Elle and Tara unpack calm‑in‑the‑chaos strategies for real families: how to decorate with laid‑back luxury on any budget, where to cut corners, and why “it’s not the season, it’s the day” that really matters.​ Tara and Elle dive into the emotional load of holiday hosting—the pressure not to “let anyone down,” the invisible to‑do lists, and the way social media can make everyone feel like they’re failing at Christmas style. Tara gently reframes the whole season, reminding listeners that “my house is always calm when we’re down,” and that the most memorable moments rarely involve perfect tablescapes. Instead, she shares grounded rituals: putting your phone in a drawer, watching silly movies, lighting candles, and choosing one or two meaningful traditions (not twenty) to anchor the day for kids and adults alike.​ There’s plenty of nostalgia and humour too. Tara recalls “all of the husbands that forgot” the Christmas present and childhood memories of sewing tiny dresses for her Baby Alive doll because “back in the day they knew how to thrift,” stories that quietly reveal how resourcefulness and creativity shaped her career. She and Elle explore the idea that “maybe I’m not just doing it for myself”—how decorating, cooking and setting a beautiful table can become an act of care for others, inspired by the teachers and mentors who once encouraged her.​ If you’re searching for Christmas calm ideas, stress‑free Christmas decorating, relaxed Christmas table styling or how to make Christmas cosy, not crazy, this episode is your gentle guide. Hit play to hear Tara’s practical tips on wreaths and garlands, small changes that make your home feel instantly more welcoming, and simple ways to give yourself time and space in the middle of the madness—because, as she puts it, “it’s not about it being perfect". Thank you for listening ❤️ before you leave... 🗣️ Get in touch What did you think? We are a brand new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Home Beautiful community and DM us on Instagram 👀 See more The Ultimate Christmas Tree decorating ideas A very merry Home Beautiful Christmas Christmas Declutter Plans 🙏 Our special thanks making 'The Edit' our new home: Luxaflex - our beautiful 'studio home' curtains Oz Design - furniture Australians love Tara Dennis - See more at Pepperwhites Credits: Edited by Phil Calloway Production by Thomas Crnkovic Our wonderful Home Beautiful team Learn More: HOME BEAUTIFUL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• More Than a Backyard Build: Why the Humble Granny Flat Is Becoming Australia’s Newest Status Symbol with The Block's James Treble

  Why are more Australians than ever turning to granny flats, tiny rentals and secondary dwellings to survive the housing crisis? This week on The Edit, host Elle Lovelock sits down with award-winning designer and our TV fave James Treble (The Block, Open Homes Australia, Renovate or Rebuild) to unpack why the most contested real estate in the country might just be… your backyard. With more Australians squeezed by affordability pressures, one major property portal reported a 50% spike in searches for “granny flats” and related terms in just one year — a dramatic indication of how sharply the market has turned toward secondary dwellings, backyard rentals, and multigenerational living. James brings three decades of experience, a suitcase of stories, and a refreshingly honest take on what happens when families try to solve emotional problems with architectural ones. The Practical Reality “There’s nothing idyllic about sitting on a toilet while looking at a washing machine.”James digs into the design traps, regulatory blind spots and build-site chaos that catch even experienced renovators off guard. Topics include: The Dutch Method of floor-planning Why a “simple” backyard build is never simple The blueprint tweaks you can make — and the ones that will blow your budget The unexpected “Venice of Ettalong” building-site moment Why tradies can be “full on,” but often right The Emotional Weight of Small Spaces James opens the door to the real reasons people build these micro-homes: Housing ageing parents with dignity Boomerang kids who need independence (and parents who need privacy) Creating flexible spaces for WFH, guests or Airbnbs How a well-designed granny flat can transform family dynamics The rise of women over 55 as the fastest-growing cohort facing housing insecurity in Australia Why secondary dwellings can become “the most valuable square metres on your property — or the most expensive mistake” Thank you for listening ❤️ before you leave... 🗣️ Get in touch What did you think? We are a brand new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Home Beautiful community and DM us on Instagram 👀 See more Small Space Design Ideas James Treble Outdoor Ideas ways to keep your renovation on track 🙏 Our special thanks making 'The Edit' our new home: Luxaflex - our beautiful 'studio home' curtains Oz Design - furniture Australians love James Treble Credits: Edited by Phil Calloway Production by Thomas Crnkovic Our wonderful Home Beautiful team Learn More: HOME BEAUTIFUL 🧭 Final Takeaway If you’re dreaming of building “out the back,” James suggests you start by answering one deceptively simple question: “Who is this really for in five years?” Because the best backyard builds aren’t just designed —they’re planned, felt, argued over, compromised on, and finally lived in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Ding Dong, the Life Design Secrets of Other People’s Homes with Interior Designer Lauren Mahoney

  In this episode of The Edit, Home Beautiful editor Elle Lovelock sits down with Lauren Mahoney, creative director of luxury interior design studio Studio Trio, to turn the spotlight where it really belongs: on the client. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Lauren gently unpacks what it actually feels like to work with an interior designer, from that first nerve-wracking meeting to the moment you finally exhale in a finished room that feels like you.​ Lauren debunks the biggest myths about designers being “judgy” or only interested in perfect homes, explaining why she believes “the best interiors start with listening, not imposing a look.” She shares how to ask the awkward money questions, what a realistic budget looks like, and why clarity around scope and expectations is the real secret to a happy project—for both client and designer. If you’ve ever hesitated to contact a designer because you were scared of being criticised, this is the episode that holds your hand.​ Packed with practical, friendly advice on how to find an interior designer, how to brief an interior designer, and how to navigate interior design costs, Lauren walks through each step of a collaborative design process that feels empowering instead of intimidating. She talks about reading a client’s home like a story, explains why “every detail should reflect the people who live there,” and shares moving personal anecdotes about transforming heritage homes and family spaces through Studio Trio’s work.​ A listener dilemma 'Room For Improvement' brings into focus: how do you blend two completely different styles in one shared home without it turning into a battleground? Lauren offers smart, down-to-earth strategies for mixing tastes, negotiating non‑negotiables, and creating a space that feels like “ours” instead of “yours versus mine.” Along the way, Elle and Lauren explore the deeper side of design—identity, relationships, and why the most successful interiors are never about trends, but about the people who wake up there every day.​ If you’re curious about interior design for real people, working with an interior designer for the first time, or creating a home that feels emotionally and visually right, this conversation is your essential guide. Hit play to hear Lauren’s philosophy in action, explore more of her work at Studio Trio, and start seeing your own home—with all its quirks, compromises, and potentials—as a beautifully evolving story.​ Thank you for listening ❤️ before you leave... 🗣️ Get in touch What did you think? We are a brand new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Home Beautiful community and DM us on Instagram 👀 See more 'That' Green Kitchen In Home Beautiful A perfect colour palette for a Federation Home 🙏 Our special thanks making 'The Edit' our new home: Luxaflex - our beautiful 'studio home' curtains Oz Design - furniture Australians love Studio Trio Lauren Mahoney Credits: Edited by Phil Calloway Production by Thomas Crnkovic Our wonderful Home Beautiful team Learn More: HOME BEAUTIFULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Starting a Home From Scratch with The Block's Darren Palmer

  In the very first episode of The Edit, we had to start with one of Australia’s most loved interior designers and long-time judge on The Block — Darren Palmer. Hosted by Home Beautiful editor Elle Lovelock, Darren breaks down exactly how to kick-start a decorating or renovation project with confidence, from clarifying your vision to avoiding the budget blowouts and design pitfalls he sees all too often. Darren also takes us behind the scenes of Jennifer Hawkins’ incredible home, sharing juicy details from the design process, the big hero moments, and what it really takes to pull off a celebrity-level dream house. Along the way, he talks about creating “easy luxury” at home, why every space should be beautiful and liveable, and how to make design decisions you’ll still love in 10 years’ time. If you love refining your home sanctuary, interior design, home makeovers and real-life renovation advice, this episode of The Edit is your ultimate starting point. Hit play to get inspired, get practical tips you can use this weekend, and see your home with fresh eyes. Thank you for listening ❤️ before you leave... 🗣️ Get in touch What did you think? We are a brand new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Home Beautiful community and DM us on Instagram 👀 See more Darren Palmers Festive Hyams Beach cabin Darren's beautiful Bondi home 🙏 Our special thanks making 'The Edit' our new home: Luxaflex - our beautiful 'studio home' curtains Oz Design - furniture Australians love Darren Palmer Products Credits: Edited by Phil Calloway Production by Thomas Crnkovic Our wonderful Home Beautiful team Learn More: HOME BEAUTIFULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Introducing "The Edit"

  What is a home maker these days? With so many decisions to make when it comes to your home, an energizing show focused on your style, your sanctuary. The Edit is a fresh new podcast from your friends at Home Beautiful with Editor Elle Lovelock, that opens the door to unique homes and the stories behind them. To inspire and delight decisions. With well known guests and the ultimate experts. It’s for everyone shaping their sanctuary—whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, a renter, on a budget, or anyone quietly curating your special space. The Edit makes those decisions simple and celebrates the everyday creativity, choices, and personal touches that turn your house into a home. Learn More: HOME BEAUTIFULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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