In her letter to readers in the March, 2012, issue of the magazine, Martha
Stewart Living editor-in-chief Pilar Guzman makes an intriguing comment about
looking back to former issues of the magazine in order to move forward. She
writes: "...we will feature images on this page that inspire us from the
magazine's archives. Sometimes it's important to look back in order to move
forward." As a longtime subscriber, I felt like playing along! I'll be raiding
the archives each month to showcase my favourite issue. Here is my selection for
September.
The September issue of Martha Stewart Living has always been counted among my top three best issues of the year for that magazine. Its focus on decorating is the hook and the pages, filled with sumptuous photographs of beautiful rooms, inspire me to tweak my own humble surroundings to make them a little nicer, a little more special. One of the most classic September issues of Martha Stewart Living is the 1999 issue. Its main feature is the redecoration of Turkey Hill, Martha's former home in Connecticut. Photographs of the home are gorgeously lit, warm with gilt and pine. The essence of Martha's decorating style is perfectly captured and the hallmarks of her taste are perfectly portrayed: patina, neutrals, a mix of old and new. Also in this issue are the homes of two longtime Living editors: Margaret Roach's Victorian cottage and Gael Towey's Manhattan duplex. Both are gorgeous examples of interior design filtered through a personal vision. For Margaret, it's her love of red and green, nature and whimsy. For Gael, it's clean lines and pared-down city chic. I will go so far to say that any fan of Martha's who does not have this issue really should track it down. You can order it here if you don't have it. For the analysis of Turkey Hill alone it is worth it. Below are some photographic highlights from the issue.
RUNNERS UP: Below are runners up for my favourite September issue. (From left to right: 2000, 2001, 2002) It was very difficult to choose this month! In each issue below, there is a true commitment to the theme at hand: decorating. Other core-content areas are here but are kept to a minimum. The 2000 issue showcases the interiors of Skylands to great effect. The 2001 issue explores Martha's guest apartment at Turkey Hill and the 2002 issue is a must for its how-to and DIY lessons, from murals to kitchen renovations.
This is one of my favorite ever issues Andrew,i waited all month to see which you would choose!An incredibly close 2nd for me is the 2004 issue,it has lots of memories attatched to it from a difficult time it helped me escape to in its pages!
ReplyDeleteAlan, thank you for sharing, and I'm glad you weren't disappointed by my pick! I think the 1999 is a must for a Martha "historian." The 2004 issue is also historical because of its transitional cover design during Martha's really hard times.
ReplyDeleteThose chairs of MS the overlapping ring chairs which have been featured in soo many photo shoots -- I am beginning to think she only has two. just two and I have hoped I would find one at an estate sale one day , heavy sigh . Andrew --what is the scoop on these chairs who made them in the First place ? tanks
ReplyDeleteThey're American, from the 1800s, and she does in fact have four of them. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful issue, love the decor. So much my style. Love it
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