The best online home decor & lifestyle magazines

Every month, when I receive my monthly shelter magazines in the mail, I get so excited and cannot wait to flip through the pages, usually curled up in my living room with a nice cup of tea, after the kids are asleep and I can have a quiet moment for myself. While I'm a big fan of hard copies, I have also embraced digital titles, which provide instant access and inspiration, anywhere, anytime. For me, these online magazines are not really a substitution to my old glossies, but rather an extra nice complement to my obsession with home decor magazines.

While I can still remember that only a few online-only titles were available a couple years back (most notably Lonny and Rue), I have been delighted to see more and more publications launch since then, offering more great content and inspiration. Thanks to the power of the web, a growing online community, and savvy bloggers/creative types teaming up together, it's no surprise these online-only magazines are on the rise, and a big hit. And the best part, they’re all FREE! Most of them also have sophisticated websites to go along with their magazine content, evolving from the early days of read-only digital mode, to full-on brands with complementary dedicated website content.

Today, I’m sharing with you a roundup of the best web based-only home decor/ lifestyle magazines. So grab your fave drink, get yourself comfy (or simply make sure to bookmark these for your on-the-go tablet reading), and get ready for some serious eye candy and inspiration!

 
American-based magazines:

Lonny Magazine – “accessible home design”
A lifestyle and home decor magazine featuring design ideas, market trends, and a large photo collection of beautiful homes and gardens. Originally started by two former DOMINO staffers (Michelle Adams & Patrick Cline) in Oct. 2009, Lonny was the original and first of its kind, paving the way for the rise of other digital shelter mags. Now under a new team of editors, and with a new updated web presence, the magazine continues to deliver plenty of great content and design, offering a good mix of eclectic style, modern and traditional elements.

Lonny (April 2013)

Rue – “your pathway to stylish living”
Launched in Sept. 2010, this leading publication was started by design bloggers Crystal Gentilello and Anne Sage. The wildly popular magazine features hip aesthetics and offers a mix of fashion, lifestyle & entertaining, interior design and home decor.

Rue magazine (April 2013)

Matchbook Magazine – “Field guide to a charmed life"
Launched in Jan. 2011, this magazine celebrates classics - shaken and stirred. They cover fashion, decor, the arts, travel & culture, and offer intriguing interviews.

 

Matchbook (April 2013)

Sweet Paul – “chasing the sweet things in life"
Based on Paul Lowes wildly successful blog Sweet Paul, this lifestyle magazine is for anyone looking to make simple, elegant meals and stylishly easy crafts for the home.



Sweet Paul (April 2013)

Collected – “the art of refined living"
Launched in Spring 2011 by Los Angeles-based interior designers and bloggers, Krista Schrock and Jessica Comingore, this publication focuses on the "art of refined living". Their vision: simple & sophisticated with a post-industrial aesthetic.

Collected (Spring/Summer 2013)

 

Canadian-based magazines:

Dabble – “find your dabble...design, travel, food
Founded by interior designer Kimberly Seldon, this new publication features inspiring design, food and travel from around the world.

Dabble magazine (Dec/Jan 2013)

Covet Garden – “inspiration grows here”

This Toronto-based title is a different kind of design e-magazine. It features inspiring spaces that have not been styled by designers or decorators, instead showcasing the real life passions and interest of those who live in them. Every month, they focus on one home, which provides something different each time.

Covet Garden (issue 33)

Australian-based magazines:

Adore Home – “live a colorful life”
Australia's first online-only home interiors and lifestyle magazine, this title features fun, fresh interiors and entertaining ideas. “Adore Home invites you into inspirational homes, looks at the latest products on the market and whisks you away to gorgeous holiday destinations. Adore Home's mission is to bring you beautiful homes from across the globe, tips and design advice from interior experts, as well as easy online access to the latest home treasures.”

Adore Home (April 2013)

Ivy & Piper – Another Australian magazine featuring fun & colorful interiors, and entertaining ideas. This one has just recently been revamped and re-launched into a ‘shoppable’ look book.



Ivy & Piper  (issue 1)

Aren't we lucky to have so many choices! So tell me, do you have any other fave online magazines you’d like to share?

Navy and Coral

Yesterday I was out shopping and found this great necklace from Aldo Accessories.  I typically don’t shop there for jewelry or accessories, but this one really caught my eye when I walked past with its beautiful navy, coral, and ivory colours. It totally says nautical with a twist, and it’s just so pretty!


My new navy & coral necklace

Though I wouldn’t say it’s really well made since it’s all plastic, I loved the price tag at $25 – totally couldn’t resist! It’s such a fun addition to my wardrobe, and it’s just amazing how a single new piece of accessory can totally change an outfit and elevate your entire look. I really can’t wait to wear this baby!

Check out also the various applications of this yummy colour combo below:


via pinterest




via pinterest



Designed by: Diane Bergeron Interiors
image source



Designed by Massuco Warner Miller
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image source

English Garden inspiration

We are looking to do our backyard (finally after 3 years!) and I love how these gardens are full of colours with lots of variety. It makes such an impact to have lots of flowers.
I'm showing these to my contractor so he gets the idea for the "feel" we are looking for...

Colour crush: Teal

Let's start with this front door - one word: WOW!

via At Home in Arkansas

This deep, rich shade of teal is absolutely gorgeous against the all white facade and traditional style of the house. Everyone would be doing double takes! With such a statement door, one would wonder what kind of interior lies beyond... Hmm, let's see...

I would imagine a dining room like this:

via At Home in Arkansas

And maybe this living room:

via Layla Grace

And perhaps this lovely bedroom?

via Lonny Magazine

Wouldn't that be such a pretty home?  I loved putting this together. The white and teal combo is so beautiful you can really carry it through any room. It's so elegant!

Life

via pinterest

Nursery inspiration

It's been over a year since the arrival of my second bundle of joy, and sadly, we still haven't done anything to her room. Other than a dresser (hand-me-down from big sister's room), a comfy chair, and a mini TV on a stand (which was previously in the room long time ago), the room is a blank canvas. Since she's been sleeping with us in our room (in her crib), I haven't felt a big urgent need to get her room all set up before, and plus, we simply just haven't had the time!

Now that my baby is one and I'm going back to work soon, it's time for her to move into her own room, which means we have to decide on what to do. While I try and figure out what kind of "feel" I want for the room, here's an inspiration that totally captures my heart.

I wish I knew who designed this room. It's totally in the direction of what i would like to do. I love the fun dose of colours against that muted taupe - it makes it feel like a space you could grow into, and a place that can be enjoyed by both parents and tot.  The window seat is so perfect too, you could just cuddle there and read a book... how I wish we could do that, but we don't have the space for it in the room. However, I really want to incoporate a valance with drapes. It makes the room so polished but yet playful because of the fabric and the added tassel trim, a little detail that makes a whole difference. And those pom poms, such a wonderful idea. What a beautiful room!

Monday's inspiration: Wise words

via pinterest

Inspired by...this relaxed dining room

 

I've had this in my 'design archive' folder for a long time and I keep coming back to it time and time again.

What I dig about this space:

1.     How it feels. There’s something about it. There's an understated beauty about this dining room that really appeals to me. It almost has an organic quality to it. It feels calm, serene, relaxed, unpretentious, and just beautiful. The play of textures with the natural seagrass rug, slipcovered chairs and benches provide that laid back, relaxed feel.  

2.     The wall with the fireplace flanked by the built-ins really makes the space bespoke.  How amazing would it be to have dinner there at night, with the fire on, and candle lights? I could totally picture it.  I also love the symmetry the built-ins provide.  The grey painted background adds that perfect depth and dimension.

3.     The table. It has an old world feel I love. Check out the beautiful curved legs made of wrought iron – nothing ordinary there.

4.     The pop of neon yellowish green. Unexpected, but oh so perfect. The room still reads neutral, but that little touch of accent really finishes this room beautifully.

Restoration Hardware: new flatware line

I was pleasantly surprised when I got an email from Restoration Hardware introducing their new tableware. I never saw it coming, but it does make sense for them to try to offer more variety than just furnishings.  Their new tableware includes the typical dinnerware, serveware, glasses, entertaining pieces,  some table linens, and my favourite: flatware. You see, hubby and I have got a thing for flatware – well, let’s just say that he actually cares about what I buy in that department more than normal.  I don’t know what it is exactly, but he has no opinion on dishes,or most other home things I get,  however when it comes to flatware, it’s like a different story. He’s very picky, and he will only let me buy “quality” flatware - whatever that means.  His  most recent request has been for flatware made with wood.  A long time ago, I was enamored with flatware that I saw in a magazine, and I showed it to him, and of course, he loved it too, and ever since, we've both been trying to find something similar. You’d think it’d be quite easy to find, but seriously, we haven’t had any luck at all in probably 2 years. They’re either not the right wood tone, or not well made enough for him.

Lucky for us, there seems to be a few styles that we both actually love from RH – even if they’re not all wood.

This first one is made with wood handles, and I love how they're not too chuncky. The colour is darker than I would prefer, but still absolutely handsome.

Bois

I totally ADORE this one below. It's made with horn, which has that great natural ombre finish. It feels so special and totally says LUXE to me. Sooo nice!

Natural Horn

 

Natural Horn Serving Set

And this one below, I must absolutely have! It's made from bone. I love the warm colour and the character. It almost looks like wood from far, and has that look that we've been after for so long.

Natural Bone

 

Natural Bone Cheese Knives

I also love this. It looks like hand-wrought iron, but it's done in a more modern form, which provides beautiful balance and constrast.

Foundry

Knowing that RH usually produces good quality stuff, I'm really excited to go check these out in person at the store. I'm hoping they will feel as good as they look!  NOTE: In case you're going to hit the store, I went to RH at Bayview Village yesterday and they didn't have anything in stock to display as of yet. Likely will be in the next week they said.

Which one is your favourite?

Instant Makeover with flowers & fabric

There’s nothing like some fresh flowers to brighten up your day – and instantly bring a room to life.  All it takes is a few blooms to add a special touch, and completely change the feel of a room.  Introduce a few new fabrics in the new mix via accent pillows et voilà!

I like the combo below – with some turquoise, fushia, lime green/chartreuse, grey.  These colours work so well together.  I could totally re-do a room with these. Don’t you just love that bird fabric? It’s so fun, yet it has a sophisticated feel to it, no? Love it.
Now if only I could figure out which room to make this happen!

via Pinterest

 

via Tonic Living

via Tonic Living

via Pinterest