I have to say I started out really excited to see an interview with Diane Bergeron: one of the most talented and lovely designers I know. Unfortunately, the rest of the magazine kind of went downwards from there...
The Great
Ok, I really enjoyed Dransfield & Ross's house. Hard not too, it's a gorgeous house that was once designed by Parish-Hadley. Problem is, it wasn't the first time I enjoyed it. I was featured in Elle Decor not that long ago! And not only was the styling identical, the framing was practically the same as well...
Both the above and below photos are to die for. I don't think I would change a single thing in either, except for maybe replacing the orchid in the empty pot above on the left side table... It is meant to hold an orchid isn't it?
At least there was photos of an unpublished guest room I quite enjoyed... I'm digging the red and green vibe in this room. I think it's because it reminds me of Christmas. I'm sure it smells like gingerbread...
The Good
There was a few shots I enjoyed from the Westhampton house designed by Eddie Lee. Mainly the ones below. I'm not a huge fan of the squared tulip table, turquoise shag rug or bubble nailhead detailing but the breakfast nook does look comfortable, well-proportioned and I love the wallpaper and shades.
I also liked this living space below, although I would have loved for the rug and artwork to be much bigger. That being said, I love the chair fabric and the pink trim on the sofa.
The Ugly
I hate to be critical but I don't think shots like the one of Julia Leach's bedroom are worthy of a shelter mag. It's pretty bare, nothing catches the eye and nothing is innovative. Blog quality, sure but magazine, definitely not.
Besides, I had seen photos of her living room before (I actually pinned it a year ago). So that was the magazine's second déjà-vu. A nice déjà-vu, but I could have gone to Pinterest to see it.
Besides, I had seen photos of her living room before (I actually pinned it a year ago). So that was the magazine's second déjà-vu. A nice déjà-vu, but I could have gone to Pinterest to see it.
One other point to make about Lonny' latest issues: is it just me or are the décors becoming increasingly greige? Lot's of white walls and beige or grey furniture. Not a lot of color.
Lastly, I thought Lonny supposed to become a monthly magazine. That didn't last long. Seeing that this is a June/ July issue, I'm hoping that the quality will go up in the next issue. Maybe the monthly thing was just too much?
Overall, the issue just lacked innovation and originality to me. As I'm a huge Lonny fan, I'm not giving up hope. They say quality is better than quantity, so now that they're seemingly back to bimonthly publications, I say bring on the amazing August/September issue!
Overall, the issue just lacked innovation and originality to me. As I'm a huge Lonny fan, I'm not giving up hope. They say quality is better than quantity, so now that they're seemingly back to bimonthly publications, I say bring on the amazing August/September issue!
I started to read and got bored quickly. I hate all the product placement in the first half of magazine. And then the interiors were earth shatteringly exciting.
ReplyDeleteI really am not one to send negativity out into the world, but I gotta admit-- I instantly clicked onto your post from my google reader because I was curious whether you had the same take that I did--- turns out, it was nearly identical. I feel like certain publications, brands, blogs, become "chic" and "so fabulous" and then everyone just automatically ooh's and ahh's at whatever material is produced. And sometimes I end up feeling like, "Really guys? This is not so special."
ReplyDeleteThat was my feeling about this issue of Lonny. I just felt like overall... it felt dull, especially given that it was a summer issue!! Though I know the hard work that went into it by many, I would agree with you that I look forward to seeing a truly special next issue.
Totally agree with you, that art is too small, what happened there? And the bedroom is not bad but as you say, magazine worthy? Not so..
ReplyDeleteI am super glad to know I am not the only one who felt this way (now there are FIVE of us :) I think I see so much design every day that nothing excites me anymore; perhaps I need a change. Off to read a Rolling Stone mag now...
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was much different than the usual and although I like your blog, I am finding "bloggers" are so easy to critique and criticize other without the credibility of an actual background and experience in real interior design....just loud opinions. How many times do they give you a glimpse at one of their home projects and its pathetic....I think you just need to be more constructive and set an example for others....loose the snark.
ReplyDeleteI didn't find your review "snarky" at all Gabrielle. Referring to bloggers' home projects as pathetic is what I call snarky. Anyways... I don't really follow any shelter mags. Maybe I'm missing out on something but I just don't find them as compelling as blogs. Plus all the bloggers keep me up to speed with posts like this, haha. I think the points you made make a lot of sense and illustrate your impeccable eye for good design!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, thank you for your comment. I’m sorry you found this review snarky, but the intention was merely an honest review of this month's issue. The fact is there was a few rehashed projects and the projects are becoming increasingly greige. Some people may like it, but personally it’s not my thing. If you follow my blog and more importantly this series, you would know that I'm the first to put Lonny on a pedestal and congratulate them on every success. But if I find one particular issue disappointing, I won't lie and say I loved it. As for the experience it supposedly requires to have an opinion, I do have educational and professional experience in both interior design and publishing. And on a personal note, I don’t think bloggers are any quicker to critique a magazine than anonymous followers are at critiquing bloggers.
ReplyDeleteChristina, you are an absolute champ in my books. Oh and PS: please go get yourself a few shelter mags right this minute! Architectural Digest, Elle Decor and House Beautiful are a great place to start :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, great solution. Let's all grab ourselves a copy of Rolling Stones or The Economist... I agree that we can get a bit blasé looking at so many interiors but a great room will always stand out of the crowd :)
ReplyDeleteEven the best of us make mistakes I guess :)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you Annie, I hate being critical about a magazine and I look forward to a new Lonny issue like a kid waits for Christmas but the last couple of issues were a little disappointing. Really looking forward to the next one, I have a good feeling that they will step it up and blow our minds once again :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, let's hope they step it up because they really always have been the best online mag...
ReplyDeletei was googling online cause i was so sure that lonny said it was going to be monthly thing, and then after months of waiting (it took a while before an edition came out), there was one issue, and then the following month it was a june/july issue. i looked for the announcement in their blog where they said they were going to be a monthly thing but i couldn't find it anymore. so part of me was like, did i imagine it?
ReplyDeleteso thank you for posting this, and thank you for writing about your disappointment as well. i, too, felt this was nowhere near the previous issues that i'd devour over and over again (i still look at the archives every so often). in fact, i think i started feeling like this beginning the may issue, so not only was i disappointed over this issue supposedly lasting me for two months, but that it wasn't anywhere near what i was expecting from lonny.