Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends
Shelter category giants Hearst and HGTV to launch HGTV Magazine this Fall.Last year we told you that Hearst and HGTV were whispering about starting a new magazine. And now? It's official. This morning, HGTV announced that the first test issue of HGTV Magazine will hit newsstands in Fall 2011.
Former Coastal Living editor Sara Peterson will be at the helm and if it's anything like Hearst's Food Network Magazine, we can assure you that it will be packed with television talent-turned-columnists and see major newsstand success (Food Network Magazine is the #1 selling food magazine).
But what will the magazine offer readers that the TV channel doesn't? According to the press release, "personal tips, tricks and expertise, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at their shows." And that's ranging from real estate to renovation to decorating and, um, food? Not sure why that's included, though we do suddenly have the urge to see Vern Yip in an apron.
The magazine test is just one more step in Hearst's not-so-secret plan to take over the shelter market -- not only do they own House Beautiful, Veranda, Country Living and Town & Country but they've recently added their fiercest competitor, ELLE DECOR, to their stable.
(Confidential to Dwell and Architectural Digest, you two better shack up to try and compete.)
Now -- time to play a game of imaginary guest editor. What columns would you like to see in the magazine? We'll start:
The Obvious: Dear Genevieve. The glamorous host can easily turn her advice-based, drawings-fueled show into the Dear Abby of design.
The Risk: Shopping With Candice. We adore Candice Olson. But she gets A LOT of flack for her inventive outfits. What if she had her own fashion page? Could maybe inspire people to give paisley a chance.
The One We'd Tear Out and Save: Being Emily Henderson. HGTV's answer to the hipster set, Emily Henderson, is so freaking cool that we'd be willing to dye our hair blonde and start styling catalogs for free just to be like her. How about a page that tells us how to do it, step by step. Too crazy?
The Lady-Pleaser: Work it Out With David Bromstad. David shows us how to decorate and renovate while burning calories. And he's not wearing a shirt.
See also:
Hearst and HGTV to Release HGTV Magazine in Fall 2011 -Curbed
Big News: HGTV Magazine -HGTV
Hearst, HGTV to Launch Magazine Based on Scripps-Owned Network -WSJ