Title: Country Living
Availability: On magazine stands now
The Issue
Though I am a born and raised city girl, with a personal aesthetic that leans strongly toward an uncluttered, streamlined, modern look, at heart I'm more than a little bit country. When I saw the September issue of Country Living lying on my desk one morning this week and the fuchsia header blared up at me, "The Makeover Issue," I couldn't help but emit a little high-pitched squeal.
I believe that the only reason I don't tend to add embellishments, pattern and knickknacks around my home is because I just can't figure out how to do it well. It's absolutely a skill, it takes a well-trained eye, and Country Living always has wonderful images, articles and ideas to help inject some warmth and charm into even the most modern space. The September makeover issue is no exception. Featuring two top to bottom farm house renovations (each with stunning results), plus an insightful section called Small Changes, Big Impact, featuring 22 clever ideas to update any space, this issue tackles design on a big and small scale.
Another way I know there's a country girl in me somewhere is my love of animals, and perhaps more tellingly, my love of decorating with animal-themed artwork, prints, and sculpture. Among my favourites are birds, dogs and horses (and penguins). While it would be way too cliche to claim that Country Living stresses animals as a key to creating a country vibe at home, I can't help but notice that just about every page features at least one furry or feathered friend. There are also more blatant examples in this issue, the regular "Collecting" section this month is called Unbridled Passion and features 13 horse-themed (a trend I called out here not long ago) collectables.
I should also note that this September makeover issue features a bit of a makeover for the magazine itself. They are testing an updated logo (found on some issues, but not all) and the magazine now features a page size that is 20 percent larger than previous editions. More to love!
Final Analysis
You'll probably like it if:
- You're city-dweller but a country-lover at heart - like me!
- You're a country-dweller looking for simple ways to refresh and modernize your rural space quickly and easily
- You love the texture of beadboard and are drawn to airy, natural, pretty colours and patterns.
- You love farm animals and pets. Every issues features an Ask a Country Vet column!
- Seasonal recipes featuring farm-fresh produce make your mouth water
You may not like it if:
- You are staunchly modern and cringe at the thought of a freestanding kitchen or claw foot tub
- You'd prefer to look at animals in their natural habitats, not so much on your walls or bookshelves
- You'd rather leave the cooking and baking to the pros
Speak up readers - do you have Country Living on your must-read list yet?
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