Following trends in niche publishing, the quarterly 240-page journal-style magazine takes on the look and feel of a collectable coffee table book.

In addition to the increased page count and considered aesthetic, attention has been given to other details, such as the paper. Different types of paper have been used throughout to emphasise the design and photography on display in the different 'chapters', which include a 16-page lookbook shopping insert and the real-life tactility and craft of print.

The theme for the first volume is 'Escape'. The theme makes reference to a global desire for freedom after a year in various states of confinement, as well as the transportive quality one feels when escaping into the pages of a beautiful magazine. The appreciation of space, landscape and nature is explored through its content pillars, which include:
  • decor
  • design
  • trends
  • interiors
  • architecture
  • art
  • books
  • food and wine
  • sustainability and greening, and
  • travel and tech.
"Our new direction is one of effortless living, celebrating a sense of place and touching on the mood and emotions that our homes and surroundings evoke," says Charl Edwards, House and Leisure's Editor-in-Chief. 

"We're interested in the feeling a space elicits, especially now in the context of the pandemic. Despite a new direction and look and feel, we are still honouring the legacy of House and Leisure, remaining true to what we believe the reader has come to love over the past three decades," adds Edwards.

House and Leisure is created by LOOKBOOK's creative and commercial team, which is supported by a wider network of respected writers, photographers and specialist contributing editors. 

"Covid-19 has changed the way we live and work dramatically," LOOKBOOK's co-founder and entrepreneur Pieter Bruwer. "New opportunities inevitably open up, but one needs to pay attention and remain optimistic about the long-term future."

"In a time when we're craving a sense of stability and the familiar, and when screen fatigue is so prevalent, we have confidence in the longevity of print. But it couldn't have been just any magazine. First launched in 1993, House and Leisure has a respected reputation and legacy and is strategically focused on the right niche," adds Bruwer. 

"With people spending more time at home, there's been an increased interest in improving the spaces we inhabit. As a result, the decor and design industry has been one of the few that has not been as significantly impacted by the pandemic," Bruwer says.

"Through our content platforms, LOOKBOOK has an amazing opportunity to make a difference in the South African creative industry by showcasing, spotlighting and supporting established talent, as well as emerging artists, designers and creatives, many of whom come from marginalised communities. We believe such efforts have the potential to positively stimulate growth in our country," concludes Bruwer.

At a retail price of R130.00, readers can now purchase the first volume of House and Leisure online on the magazine's website or in-store from national stockists, including:
  • Woolworths
  • Checkers,
  • Spars
  • Exclusive Books, and
  • a range of independent retailers. 
To have the magazine delivered to their doors quarterly, readers can subscribe through the publication's website and also gift a subscription to a friend.

For more information, visit www.houseandleisure.co.za.