Meridith Ingram

Here we are, our second issue of HOME magazine since the shake-up caused by the pandemic. While the world is still uncertain, while we’re still practicing great caution and care, here at HOME we feel more than ever that “the more things change, the more they remain the same.” Though nothing about the world is business as usual, our mantra has always been: Love your home. It should be the place you most want to be (even if you’re getting a little tired of it by now), and especially during times like this, we hope it is your refuge. We strive to provide you with the information and resources to help you make it your favorite place, as we always have.

In that spirit, we welcome fall with our first annual Readers’ Favorites awards. You, our faithful readers, cast thousands of votes in late spring for your favorite providers of home and garden-related goods and services, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners here. We hope you’ll consider this a great resource and starting point as you plan your next project. Also in this issue, we help you discover ways to make your home your favorite place to be. We dream of spending time outdoors in temperate Virginia fall weather with features about indoor/ outdoor rooms, and incorporating plants with dazzling flora and foliage to wow your garden with year-round interest. We provide a delicious menu for a warm and spicy fall meal that can be enjoyed al fresco on a crisp evening.

If you’re looking for some interior projects, our article on sprucing up your staircase with paint or a runner may be just the project you never knew you needed to do. Learn something new in our article about beans, a nutritional powerhouse and pantry favorite, or be inspired to jazz up your kitchen-cleaning routine with some new-and-improved towels and scrubbers. (I don’t know about you, but my kitchen has never seen this much action, with everyone at home, and everyone hungry.)

We may be “safer at home” but I also like to think of it as “happiest at home”—my favorite place to be.

Thanks for reading,
Meridith Ingram
meridith@westwillowpublishing.com