The new Country Living...

The new March 2010 issue of Country Living is out and I'd like to review what I think is a fresh take on this old mag! Because the shelter labels have been dropping like flies, this mag has taken the time to find out what might not be working and what needs improving. They have come up with a revamped version that has something for everyone. From the beautiful cover shot (by Lucas Allen) to an issue filled with ways to improve your home on a budget - this is simply not to be missed!

Check out this gorgeous closet made into a home office - I know its been done before, but look at the colors and style! Not to mention the chandelier and floral wallpaper. This is so easy for anyone to do (and it is a foldout page!) The editors include all the ingredients you need for this project on a budget - check out the metal file cabinet spray-painted with Krylon's Catalina Mist - this won't bust your budget at $4.29/can.

This home was an old post office in Minnesota reworked into a stylish and comfortable home (photos by Roger Davies) that frankly looks like it could be a New York City loft - the owner has done some amazing redecorating turning it into a home. A recurring theme in Country Living is the value of flea markets and refurbishing old furniture and finding new uses for it. Note the side table above in the picture - it is a vintage card catalog file.

This is one of my favorite shots and spaces in the home - an office with an old cane chair 'updated with Waverly's Garden Lattice fabric.' Perfect! I love the touch of using an old mirror too.

This room made my heart skip a beat - the white with all the beautiful fabric pillows and neutral furniture. It seems like they have taken the 'country' look and turned it up a notch no?

With Country Living's articles about places to shop for antiques and bargains as well as DIY projects, this magazine is all about the recession and how to save your $$$$, while still making the home look absolutely stunning. For those who don't want to read about the high-end fantasy homes ALL the time, this is a refreshing change - kind of a cross between Domino and House Beautiful or at least a distant cousin...

Will you be picking up this issue? Check it out, you'll be pleasantly surprised...