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Stars Blog - Friday 13th of August 2010

Gayle's View: Country Home Magazine
Friday 13th of August 2010
Some time ago I wrote a blog about my favorite magazines and how they were stopping publication. I know that I am one of many who looked forward each month to get the mail and sit down with a Cottage Living, Country Home, Mary Englebreit Home, Country Living, and Victoria. (Yes, I know there is still a Country Living magazine and a Victoria, but they are NOT what they once were). Therefore I was tickled to death when Brent informed me that there was a new Country Home magazine on the stands. I found it at my local Safeway and have enjoyed every page. I'm thinking it will be a special interest publication coming out just a few times a year. It is spendy--$12.99-but it is printed on quality paper and a bonus is no advertising in its pages.


I have been drawn to the appeal of "country decorating" for many years. I am no longer sure of the definition of "country", but my interpretation is a wonderful mix of old and new--probably collected over a period of time, following no specific "design" rules and reflecting the personal style of the decorator. There are myriad categories for this type of decorating going from: cottage decorating, romantic country or Victorian, traditional American country, the lodge look, Southwest style, flea market style, formal country, modern country, French country, and English country.

In my opinion, if it is done right, it becomes part of the decorator's lifestyle--leading to trips to antique shows, antique malls, shops, flea markets, sales, browsing the internet and lastly, and the most fun of all--junking trips to destination shows.

I once asked former Country Living Executive editor, Nina Williams, what the goal was of the magazine. She said to me, "we do not exist to set trends, we REPORT trends from all over the country." At that time she said an emerging trend was "bringing the outside in". We are all familiar with that now as it has been depicted in pages of shelter magazines for many years.

I have seen forms of all the elements in the photos below at northwest antique sales, shows, or antique malls. I have bought quite a few of these things over the years at Stars, and many other places. I don't think any of us want to copy the ideas exactly, but it is inspirational to see them all put together in a pleasing way.





The internet is a huge source with its wonderful websites and blogs, and when I go into them, I am truly amazed at the talents and great photos and ideas of untrained decorators and designers. In that way, all of you in the cyber world are "setting the trends".

The thing is, I am old-fashioned enough to still want to go to the mailbox, and hold the magazine in my hands, and stretch out on the sofa while I devour the pages. So hurrah Country Home for coming back to us. I hope it lasts.

Signing off to go rearrange furniture,

Gayle@starsantique.com

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Wednesday September 01 at 12:09:29 PM

By: Tracy

Yes,yes,yes!!! I agree with your thoughts whole heartedly. The internet iw so wonderful, so inspiring. But nothing can replace the magazine that can be shared, pages ripped out for inspiration journals, stacks admired beside the couch. Tucked in a bag for a visit to the doctor's office. Ahhh, I LOVE magazines and how I miss the good ones.


Thursday August 19 at 10:39:03 AM

By: Gayle

Melanie and Christe'-- Yes we are kindred spirits in the best way!!!. I am so glad in all my "cleaning out" moods that I have kept so many of my favorite magazines. So many are absolutely timeless. Gayle


Tuesday August 17 at 10:02:46 AM

By: all-my-favorite-things.blogspot.com

I, too, miss the great and fabulous magazines from a few years ago...have been a fan of them since I was 18...(and that is a few years ago)... I will have to dash out and pick this one up...thanks for the tip! melanie


Sunday August 15 at 11:47:49 AM

By: Christe'

Good morning dear Gayle~ I love your blog post~ it IS so lovely to be able to hold and read a real magazine while comfy on the sofa or your favorite place under the trees on an old quilt. I can dog ear the pages, pick it up from my stack anytime I want and dream big dreams as I look through my favorite pages... I have every issue of Country Living and Country Home and many other magazines in the cupboards upstairs...whenever I want to just immerse myself in my love of early, that's where I go to find inspiration. the pictures here are wonderful~don't you love that old linen grain sack upholstered chair, the topiaries, the old apothecary, old glass and nubby woven rugs... I'm waving at you from my quilt under the trees with my favorite magazines lying open all around me. love,C


Friday August 13 at 03:16:39 PM

By: gayle

June--How nice to hear from you. Have fun in Texas. Some of my best memories (and finds too!) have been purchased in Fredricksburg and at Round Top. I will be with you in spirit. Gayle


Friday August 13 at 12:55:07 PM

By: junebug

Oh isn't that new Country Living Mag. luscious. I am truly country but as you describe it come in all forms and mixes. As magazine report on tends I too tend to change my decorating a little over time. One of my favorite things is the hunt! Yes, from your malls, to Farm Chicks, Barn House and lots of wonderful NW vendors. The NW has some wonderful inspiring vendors. I'm off to Canton, TX next month which is just a little side trip on visiting a wonderful friend. I've made a promise that I will not take stock in the shipping company so my purchases will have to be small. Speaking from past purchases!!! Thanks so much for your blog, I so enjoy stopping by. June


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