Are Media signals new chapter for homes portfolio

Are Media is reshaping its Homes & Lifestyle division, announcing a new editorial era across three of its most recognised brands - Australian House & Garden, Belle and Country Style.

The strategy positions the titles as fully connected content brands spanning print, digital, video, social, audio and experiential platforms. It also introduces new editorial leadership and brand initiatives designed to grow cultural relevance while broadening commercial opportunities.

Are Media general manager, Homes & Lifestyle, Jocelin Abbey (pictured), said the evolution aligns with consumer behaviour and advertiser demand. “This evolution is about growing the impact of our Homes brands – creatively, culturally and commercially. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Gavin Kirk to the helm of Australian House & Garden, joining a powerful, agenda-setting editorial team across the Homes vertical,” she said.

Kirk, who returns to Are Media after editing Belle and most recently leading luxury communications agency Élysée Collective, steps in as editor of Australian House & Garden. He will work alongside long-standing editorial leads Tanya Buchanan, who continues as editor-in-chief of Belle and Country Style, and Kylie Imeson, who has been appointed editor of Country Style.

The shake-up is backed by fresh initiatives, starting with the launch of Australian House & Garden’s Interior Agenda in September - a trend and forecasting platform set to expand into a content and event series in 2026. It will sit alongside the brand’s flagship Top 50 Rooms awards program, now in its 27th year.

“From Top 50 Rooms to the Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards, our Homes brands will continue to set the cultural agenda for design in Australia,” Abbey added.

Are Media’s Homes & Lifestyle network spans seven of the country’s best-known home content brands, including Australian House & Garden, Belle, Country Style, Home Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Inside Out and Real Living. Collectively, they reach more than 13.5 million consumer touchpoints each month.