Along with all of this, there have been some serious shakeups in the editorial positions lately. A couple of months back we saw Stephen Drucker move to lead Town&Country and Newell Turner become Editor-In-Chief of House Beautiful (his first issue, by the way was simply stunning). At this same time, former Domino editor (and personal favorite) Dara Caponigro was also named Editor-In-Chief at VERANDA. Well, her first issue is almost here and we've got a sneak peek thanks to Shelterpop...
So far I'm liking what I'm seeing! I think Dara is bringing her Domino experience to the table here with fresh, updated interiors while maintaining Veranda's sophisticated and classic style. I can't wait to see the whole issue! I'm especially excited to see an article featuring Laura Vinroot Poole who we interviewed last summer here on coco+kelley!
And, speaking of fresh style... I think we've all been hoping for Architectural Digest to consider a new look. Well, wish no more because Margaret Russell has just been named Editor-In-Chief! (No word yet on who will be replacing her at Elle Decor.) If she can't breathe some new life into this publication, I don't know who can!
It will be interesting to see how much of the magazines austere styling and straightforward photography will stay in place - not to mention some content change? Here's a question: how would you like to see AD evolve?
From what I can tell, the changes have been positive ones, and I am almost certain that Architectural Digest is getting the best facelift of all! Elle Decor? Going to be interesting.
ReplyDeleteTeresa (Splendid Sass)
I am very excited for this news, all good things!
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally think AD could use a much needed refresh. I thumb through and find maybe a few gems, but it really needed more. The other design mags are just offering so much eye candy that they really needed to up the anty a bit.
Love hearing there's going to be a fresh take on these mags... much needed!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm the oddball because I pretty much liked AD the way it was. If we could have just got rid of the travel and auto pieces it would have been perfect, in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand. They Veranda layouts shown above drive me crazy. It looks like Lucky magazine.
I would like to see Architectural Digest become more accesible for readers without an interior design/architectural background. And the front cover should be updated as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm agreeing with Jeannine 520 about Veranda. I have always loved this magazine with the wonderful interiors. I like some of the fashion/interiors pairings that magazines and blogs have adopted but I hope they don't go there as well. And yes, I have stopped buying AD because it has become so boring. Can't wait to see what will happen there. Can only be better.
ReplyDeleteyes,AD =boring! too much "upper end designer" done rather than some fresh PERSONAL type decor. More emphasis is on fancy schmancy over decorated antiques, ultra modern/expensive custom high end stuff in palatial mansions. And sometimes a celebrity just may NOT have such great taste to go along with their "price is no object" budget! too spendy! so, relax it & bring it into the arena of NORMAL homes. BUT they won't go there as there is still an audience for the "upper crust" attitude.
ReplyDeletebarb
its going to be great. ad is one of my favorite publications... and its only going to get better!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend ~ ps, check out my new vintage store. foundbysutton.blogspot.com
I would love to see Veranda, Elle Decor AND AD all become much less stuffy. I want desperately to see a mix of elegant AND more lived-in interiors. UK mags manage to do this very well. Interior design is an escape for me, but I'm not wealthy, I work full-time, I have two small children and pets... I need doses of creative REALITY much like what Domino did. I understand the dilemma with advertising but there has to be some sort of middle ground.
ReplyDeleteHoping Ms. Russell will RELAX AD !!!! It is not a very friendly publication.
ReplyDeleteWow, interesting news. I am excited to see AD get a facelift, it’s always been classy but it’s too stuffy in my opinion. And not a whole lot of inspiration, again my opinion. I occasionally see things I love but for the most part it’s ehhhh…I think bringing a certain aspect of the whimsical and livability from Elle Décor to it and finding a happy medium between the two would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI can’t wait to see!
AD will be wonderful if we see fewer celebrities, castles, manor houses, chateaux, houses that are bigger than the street I live on, yachts and business jets, and more beautifully designed and decorated homes of, say, under 3,000 square feet.
ReplyDeleteI just let out a loud gasp! But I am loving this "shakeup." I can't wait to see the transformation of AD. I haven't checked out the new Veranda, but I will soon. Thanks for sharing the news.
ReplyDeleteAD has always come across as so stuffy and it really just needs someone to breathe some life into it (I can almost smell mothballs!) Can't wait to see how it evolves! : )
ReplyDeletejust a thought now that we're putting it all out there - wouldn't it be horrible if every magazine WERE like domino though? what made us love domino was that it was different, approachable, educational and DOABLE! the casual editorials and homes we could actually see ourselves living in were fantastic. BUT, there is something to be said for aspirational interiors and those whose beauty we may never be able to afford, but can certainly admire. i think what can be lacking in those spaces sometimes is either the inspiration or the personality. AD is guilty of this, but I think Elle Decor has done a wonderful job of finding a more middle ground. I hope that Margaret can bring this same sensibility to AD with a little revamping (from the mag design to the content).
ReplyDeleteMaybe Elle Decor will get the old Met Home editor?
ReplyDeleteAnd AD, boy did it need to change! I'd like to see a lot more variety of styles in architecture....and price ranges!
I have never been tempted to purchase AD. I am concerned about the future direction of Elle Decor, as it has always been my favorite shelter magazine. I hope the editor is a fresh talent. I don't want Dominique Browning to take the helm!
ReplyDeleteGreat topic !!
ReplyDeleteAD, Veranda and Elle Decor I ALWAYS buy and sit down for with a beverage. I enjoy all. AD for its very high end, sometimes over the top look. Veranda for its high end but always very elegant 'southern' look. Elle Decor for its trendy and more approachable look. They all cater for different tastes. Margeret Russel is not going to change AD into another Elle D. She will probably be showing less 'stuffy' interiors. Margeret will give it more edge.AD sells over 5 million copies worldwide (what other interior magazine can say that!). There is a market and plenty happy buyers. Conde Nast is not going to allow to for too much change.I would not want to see all mags starting to look the same. How AD should evolve.....some change is good, not too much. I am sure Margeret will do a great job and we wish her well.
Ron ( empel collections)
Ron, I agree with you as well! There is obviously an audience for AD or they wouldn't still be around! I think many of the changes should come within the styling, not necessarily the content (although there could be a few pieces that we may be able to do without)
ReplyDeleteWow -- I thought I was the only one who thought Architectural Digest's rooms looked a little stiff! Splendrous and luxurious, but I wouldn't want to live in them. I'd like more interesting lighting, books that look like they're actually read, food, cocktails, pets, pictures (or at least hints) of people relaxing, playing, cooking in their fabulous homes...
ReplyDeleteThe changes with T & C have been wonderful. The last two issues have been much improved. Thank you for such an informative post. I didn't realize how much movement had been taking place.
ReplyDelete