Rachel Hardage Barrett

Rachel Hardage Barrett is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience in lifestyle publications. As Editor-in-Chief of Country Living since 2013, she oversees coverage of country life themes including design, antiques, food, and rural culture. Barrett began her career at Glamour, writing about relationships and fashion, before advancing to leadership roles at Real Simple (as Special Projects Director) and Southern Living (as Executive Editor). She spearheaded Country Living's editorial relocation from New York to Birmingham, Alabama, leveraging the region's antiques markets and agricultural heritage to refresh the brand while maintaining its focus on authentic, lived-in spaces. Notable initiatives under her leadership include the 'Life Happened Here' feature celebrating home imperfections and expanding the Country Living Fair event series. Barrett holds an English Literature degree and began her journalism career editing her high school newspaper.