2019 has been quite the year for Hunting for George. How we’re finishing the year to how we started could not be more different. We experienced many changes that had their own unique challenges to overcome. Closing our online retail store in June was a difficult and scary decision to share but its announcement was met with outstanding positivity from our community and for that, I can not thank you enough. It truly meant so much to me to hear such kind words of encouragement. Our team has worked incredibly hard this year in order to shape a new Hunting for George and I could not be prouder of all that we have achieved.
This year we launched our Let Us In Home Tours in February and since then we have produced a total of 23 episodes across a wide range of homes. Our goal, to create unique and engaging episodes that showcase different homes, architecture, interiors, designs and ideas to ultimately inspire you (and us for that matter). Our most watched Let Us In Home Tour was the multi-million dollar mansion in Toorak with a whopping 150,000 views on YouTube alone. A highlight for us this year was also taking you through the winning Block house belonging to Tess and Luke as well as flying you to Bali for a few tropical tours. We’re very much looking forward to showcasing more international home tours as well as new Australian locations in 2020 so be sure to stay tuned.
A very proud moment of 2019 for me came late in the year, only a few weeks ago in fact. Hunting for George was named ‘Creator on the Rise’ by YouTube with our channel selected as a result of our unique content creation, subscriber growth and increasing watch time. Currently our videos are being watched more than 1.4million minutes every month, that’s over 2 years worth of time… in a month. Crazy, I know. Nearing 10,000 subscribers on YouTube our goal for 2020 is to reach 100,000 subs – Difficult? Absolutely, but then again we love a challenge.
Speaking of videos, another highlight for me this year was showcasing the Friends and Associates AGM, a display of contemporary Australian Design that supports both established and emerging talent. My hat goes off its organisers and designers themselves Dale Hardiman and Tom Skeehan, for championing the next wave of Australian design. I very much look forward to seeing what 2020 has in store.
We showcased some of the best in Australian architecture this year, with some phenomenal house features. A few to note were your 5 most read articles: Daylesford Longhouse by Partners Hill, The Wensley by Byrne Architects, Spotted Gum Treehouse by Merrylees Architecture, Vodka Palace by Marcus Browne Architects and the Portsea Beach Shack by Pleysier Perkins Architects.
This year we interviewed 42 Makers, Designers, Architects, Stylists, Photographers and more in our Meet the Maker Series. A series that we began in 2012 and remains one of my most favourite features of Hunting for George.
Everyone loves good advice and our How-To’s were also some of your favourites. The following articles: 20 Most Popular and Timeless Kitchen Colour Schemes; Spring Houseplant Care by Ivy Muse and Kitchen Advice 101: What to consider when starting your Kitchen Renovation, were your Top 3 Most Read How To articles this year.
I had the pleasure of being invited to present a keynote speech at the League of Extraordinary Women this year and it was an incredible opportunity to be able to share my story of Hunting for George and the recent changes I’ve made. Surrounded by so many passionate, engaged and inspired people was truly refreshing and a delight to be a part of.
We launched a raw behind the scenes look at the makeover of my Art Deco apartment in September and it seems we got the renovation bug, as we’re currently in the middle of a new renovation that will be launching in 2020. Working alongside some of our favourite brands to create a modern makeover at home – I can’t wait to share this with you all.
Speaking of what’s happening next year, the biggest and most exciting is the release of our first ever ‘On the Road’ video series. A travel series documenting our personal account of design and experiences we uncover on the road. This series explores Tasmania and will take you around 8 different Tasmanian locations as well as 3 additional Tasmanian Home Tours. Unlike anything else you have seen, this video series is a very unique and personal account that aims to shed light on some of the inspiring talent that exists in Tassie. I would love your support for this series, please follow, watch, share and subscribe to our YouTube channel before its launch this Thursday 2nd January.
With 2019 coming to a close, you can’t help but reflect on the year that has been. Change has been widespread this year and challenges felt by many. I’m very thankful to welcome in a fresh new year but immensely proud and grateful for all that 2019 brought with it. Accomplishments were not without their challenges, but I guess that’s what makes them so sweet.
I hope that you all had a strong year with your own accomplishments and wish you many new experiences and goals to come in 2020. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again and I will continue to say it; thank you for following, thank you for watching, thank you for sharing. Your support and attention is what allows Hunting for George to continue to grow. We feel so lucky to have such a supportive and inspired community around us. Please keep watching and we’ll keep creating.
Wishing everyone a wonderful 2020! See you in the new year.
Lucy
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Happy New Year’s eve! More styling of interiors, thanks! Your channel is great! Keep moving! Amazing content!
Thanks Lisa!