I thought about writing about this subject a few weeks ago but decided that it was a little too opinionated and bossy. But now, because of the news about Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, I decided to go ahead and be bossy anyway (you know, just in case a new publisher is trolling the internet for evidence of support for the magazine...does that stuff really happen?).
My sister (who is an architectural designer) had a garage sale last month and, like any good sister, I helped her get rid of stuff at the end of sale...by my kids bringing stuff back to our house. I schlepped a bunch of magazines that feature St. Louis homes. Now, I understand the main purpose of those type of magazines is to feature "professionally" decorated homes and, in turn, support their advertisers (interior design firms, etc.). But still...
As I looked through the pages, I became bored. Sure, the homes and rooms were beautiful... beautifully decorated, perfectly accessorized, with matching artwork (don't even get me started on that one). The only thing they were all missing was any kind of personality. By personality, I don't mean a room that's a quirky mess...I mean a room that speaks of the person, family, kids, and pets that live there. All I could think was...How can two publications from St. Louis see our houses so differently? The difference is that Home Companion features real people, real homes, and, best of all, real artists that truly inspire the magazine's readers.
Home Companion is the kind of magazine that I can pick up and instantly find something inspiring. Today, I randomly pulled a copy out of my stack and found a perfect illustration of what I'm trying to say... your house is "all about you...tell your own story".
Wow, it feels kind of good to be bossy...maybe next I'll address some other things that bother me...like over-the-top weddings and tear-downs of pretty homes for ginormous beige houses.
OMG - this is truly devastating news! Someone HAS to pick it up and save it! It is the best magazine out there in my opinion and I wait on pins and needles for each new issue!!! And don't even get me started on tearing down houses!!
Posted by: jerusalem | October 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I haven't read the "news" yet, but I'm thinking its not good for our ME Companion. But I do agree with you whole-heartedly... A home simply MUST tell who lives there! I have a friend who doesn't like to put stuff on the wall, a fear of nail holes, I guess. She doesn't display much, says she's a minimalist. I go into her home and I want to scream, "Who are you? I can't tell! Nothing here tells/shows me who you are!"
But I keep my mouth shut, as any smart person would...
Now on to read that "news"...
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | October 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Oh my, I had no idea that was happening with HC. Magazines seem to drop like flies these days.
Here's my bossy complaint: please, for the love of God, could they stop with the strip malls already? Out here they have built strip mall after strip mall after strip mall and they all SIT EMPTY. For years on end. No one to inhabit them, and yet they keep building them. We have no grass left, but hey, we have plenty of empty strip malls. Sigh.
Posted by: Sarah | October 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Oh, that makes me sad.
Yes, homes need to showcase the family's personality. Otherwise, they all look alike. There is good design that isn't bought off the showroom floor in the matchy matchy brown "tuscany" section. ahem.
And strip malls. Don't get me started.
Posted by: miss chris | October 15, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I can't imagine that she won't find another publisher. Add my name to the list of people who loves ME's Home Companion. It's so colorful and filled with personality. It's the "authentic" magazine.
Here's my bossy two cents to Country Living and some of the other decorating/life style magazines. GET OVER THE WHITE. I'm sick to death of seeing white, white, white. I don't care if you've declared that the "Swedish" look is in. I'm pretty sure that your version of the Swedish look is not authentic. I'm sick of it....and so is my sister. So there!
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Posted by: suzanne, the Farmer's Wife | October 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I hadn't heard that news about the magazine. As a subscriber since day one and a saver of every issue, I know what you mean. My favorite articles in the magazine have been the ones featuring collectors (like me!) who love vintage - but I always enjoy the entire issue - and I eagerly anticipate their arrival! It's funny that you posted this today - I had just been editing an upcoming scheduled post about Mary, the magazine, etc!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | October 15, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Aw... I'm so sad to hear that! I've gotten the magazine for years and love the colorful, original decorating ideas and artist features. (The annual Artist Studio issue is always my favorite!) I love how different the homes featured are--it's quite a nice change compared to so many of the other decorating/lifestyle magazines out there right now.
(And a post on over-the-top weddings would be fantastic, imho! I'm *quite* opinionated on that front too! haha!)
Posted by: Casey | October 15, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I totally concur...Save the money on the wedding and use it wisely...Times are tough...let's act like it!
Posted by: angie norman | October 15, 2008 at 06:18 PM
I agree, this is so sad. I am a fan of all things ME. And I still have all my issues, too.
I just love a small, intimate, tasteful wedding. But those are not popular. Those over the top weddings seem to go with the trend of big boxy new (beige) houses, big, heavy matching suites of furniture, big vehicles, big everything. So cliche. Oy! Now, that was me being quite "bossy"! Oh, my.
mary
Posted by: mary | October 15, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Julie,
I couldn't agree with you more (you know)! I say we pester those MEHC people until we get our way (bossy is good!).
Posted by: Jona | October 15, 2008 at 10:54 PM