Hello, I’m an interior designer from the UK and I’m here to talk to you about one of my favourite magazines: Country Living. If you love everything about country style, from cosy cottages to rustic farmhouses, from delicious recipes to creative crafts, then you’ll love this magazine too. In this article, I’ll give you an overview of what Country Living is all about, how it started, what it offers, and how it has influenced the country living lifestyle.
Country Living is a monthly magazine that was launched in 1978 in the US. It was created to celebrate the beauty and diversity of rural America, and to inspire readers to enjoy the simple pleasures of country life. The magazine covers topics such as home decor, food, gardening, antiques, crafts, travel, and more. It also features stories of real people who live in the country, their homes, their hobbies, and their passions.
The magazine has a loyal and engaged audience of over 10 million readers in the US. It caters to people who love the country style, whether they live in the city or the countryside. The magazine aims to help readers create a warm and welcoming home, cook delicious meals, grow their own food, make their own crafts, and enjoy the outdoors.
One of the most popular features of Country Living is its annual fairs. These are events that bring the magazine to life in four locations across the US: Rhinebeck, NY; Nashville, TN; Columbus, OH; and Atlanta, GA. At these fairs, visitors can shop from hundreds of vendors selling antiques, crafts, furniture, clothing, and more. They can also attend workshops, demonstrations, and seminars on topics such as decorating, cooking, gardening, and DIY. The fairs are a great opportunity to meet the editors and experts of Country Living, as well as other like-minded people who share a passion for country living.
In 1985, Country Living launched a UK edition that is tailored to the British market. The UK edition has a similar content and style as the US edition, but with a focus on British culture, history, and landscape. The UK edition also hosts its own fairs in London and Harrogate. The UK edition has over 1 million readers who enjoy its mix of homes and gardens, food and farming, crafts and hobbies.
Country Living has had a significant impact and influence on the country living lifestyle. It has inspired millions of people to embrace the charm and character of country style in their homes and lives. It has also showcased many talented artists, designers, makers, and entrepreneurs who have created beautiful products and services that reflect the country living ethos. Some examples of notable features or articles that had a significant impact are:
- The Country Living House of the Year: This is an annual project that showcases a custom-built home that embodies the country living style. The house is designed by a team of experts and featured in the magazine. Readers can also tour the house in person at one of the fairs or online.
- The Country Living Makeover Takeover: This is a series that follows the transformation of a reader’s home by a team of experts from Country Living. The makeover involves renovating, decorating, and styling the home according to the reader’s needs and preferences.
- The Country Living Modern Rustic: This is a special edition that explores the contemporary side of country style. It features homes that combine rustic elements with modern design, as well as tips and ideas on how to achieve this look.
To conclude, Country Living is more than just a magazine. It is a lifestyle that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of country life. It is a source of inspiration and information for anyone who loves country style. It is also a community of people who share a common interest and passion for country living.
