The quarterly, 240-page, journal-style magazine aims to take on the look and feel of a collectible coffee table book. In addition to the increased page count and considered aesthetic, different types of paper have been used throughout to emphasise the design and photography on display in the different ‘chapters’. This includes a 16-page shopping insert.

The theme for the first volume is ‘Escape’, which aims to make 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.

According to the team at LOOKBOOK, the appreciation of space, landscape and nature is explored through House and Leisure’s content pillars — decor, design, trends, interiors, architecture, art, books, food and wine, sustainability and greening, 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," Edwards adds.

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

LOOKBOOK was co-founded by entrepreneur Pieter Bruwer and creative director and editor, Charl Edwards, in mid-2020. The independent media company and creative content studio went on to announce the acquisition of House and Leisure in December 2020, after the 28-year-old publication’s last edition was circulated under Associated Media Publishing in April of the same year.

"Covid-19 has changed the way we live and work dramatically," says 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."

“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 adds.

"Through our content platforms, such as House and Leisure, LOOKBOOK has an amazing opportunity to make a difference in the South African creative industry. We can do this 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," Bruwer says. 

At a retail price of R130, readers can now purchase the first volume of House and Leisure online or in-store from national stockists, including Woolworths, selected Checkers, Spars and Exclusive Books.

To have the magazine delivered to their doors quarterly, readers can subscribe online and also gift a subscription to a friend. House and Leisure will be engaging with its digital audience through Instagram and Facebook.


For more information, visit www.houseandleisure.co.za. You can also follow House and Leisure on Facebook or on Instagram.