I’m always on the lookout for ways to inspire the creation of a more beautiful life. Music, art, literature, films, travel, fine dining…these can all contribute to our betterment if chosen intentionally. But have you considered magazines? Yes, I’m talking about honest-to-goodness print magazines. There is something special about curling up with a cup of tea or glass of wine in the evening and perusing a gorgeous periodical. Even if you only have 15 minutes to spare, you can find inspiration in the glossy pages of well-chosen magazine.
This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more here.
5 Magazines to Inspire Your Beautiful Life
The print magazine industry is struggling as more and more people are choosing to consume digital materials instead of print. Of course, there are many advantages to digital/online magazines and newspapers. Cost, sustainability, archives and immediate access are some of the benefits. However, scrolling on a screen will never quite live up to the tactile experience of reading a print magazine. And while it’s convenient to have immediate access to the latest issue, I think we miss out on the excitement of finding a beloved magazine in our mailbox instead of just bills and junk mail.
I have always loved a good magazine. My aunt in California shares this view and has an incredible collection of wonderful magazines. Whenever I visit I always find time to enjoy a few of hers.
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a collection myself. In the past decade or so I’ve limited my subscriptions and purchases to a handful of favorites and keep the best of them. I love to pull out a couple and thumb through them. I find inspiration and enjoyment even if I’ve had the magazine for 10 or 15 or more years.
Here are five that I recommend for inspiration.
Victoria
Published 7 times per year, Victoria is women’s lifestyle magazine designed to nourish the feminine soul. Created for all who love heritage linens, charming homes, gracious gardens, unique decorative touches, traveling the world, and all that is beautiful in life, Victoria promises a return to loveliness.
I’ve subscribed to Victoria off and on through the years and it never disappoints. I’m especially fond of the annual French and British issues. I keep these in a glass-front cabinet in our guest bathroom. I have one of the Grove Collaborative metal cleaning caddy’s (the one I have is no longer available) on the counter and put the seasonal Victoria magazines in it.
I love looking through this charming periodical. It reminds me to slow down and savor the good things in life.
Town and Country
Since Town & Country was founded, our mission has been to instruct, to refine, and to amuse—and nowhere is that more apparent than in print. Each issue of T&C is brimming with the latest in fashion, jewelry, culture, and travel, as well as razor-sharp social observation from some of the world’s greatest writers, unparalleled photography and design, and a taste of the good life that you won’t find anywhere else.
This next recommendation is not one I’ve ever subscribed to (although I think I will now) but I’ve purchased the occasional issue over the years. I enjoy the topics, the writing and the photos.
Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest is a vibrant monthly celebration of international design talents, innovative homes and products, inspiring decorating ideas, culture, and travel. Launched in 1920 as a California trade quarterly, the magazine evolved over the years, increasing in frequency and broadening in scope until it became the byword for living well. Today AD publishes nine international editions, and its brand has immeasurable influence in the world of interior design.
As a teenager I wanted to be an interior designer. I’ve always enjoyed decor magazines and Architectural Digest is a classic. I did subscribe for a few years and my collection is stored and displayed in our family room. This isn’t the sort of home magazine with easy to copy ideas for the average homeowner. No, this one is strictly for the dreamer in me.
Condé Nast Traveler
Billed as “An insider’s guide to the outside world,” Conde Nast Traveler offers readers the opportunity to know all the right insiders in all the right destinations. Contributors travel anonymously and pay their own way in order to experience travel the way everyone else does, and to be able to write their impressions honestly and fairly. They do the footwork, so readers don’t have to. Conde Nast Traveler offers engaging features, thoughtful advice, stunning images and travel trips related to luxury travel.
I’ve often said that if I won the lottery I’d buy a bunch of plane tickets. I’d also have fresh flowers in every room and hire someone to put clean, ironed sheets on my bed every day, but that’s a different topic. 😉 Covid has put a real damper on our travel plans but I’m still hopeful for the future. Besides, I can still enjoy “armchair adventure” via books or magazines.
There are lots of good travel magazines and over the years I’ve subscribed to several. This is one of the best overall. However, when it comes to West Coast travel, I’m partial to Sunset Magazine. This is one my aunt subscribes to and one of my favorites to catch up on when I visit.
Travel Books ~ Armchair Adventure
Food and Wine
Food & Wine celebrates the global epicurean experience with authoritative content across our magazine, website, social platforms, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like our annual Best New Chef awards. Our New York City — and Birmingham, Alabama — based editors are committed to our core values of inclusivity and hospitality, and we strive to offer a welcoming, informative, entertaining, and respectful experience for all people. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine.
It’s probably no surprise that I think a good food magazine is a must for my “beautiful life inspiration” selections. I love to cook, of course, but I’m also quite happy to just read about food. I used to enjoy Gourmet magazine but it is no longer in print. I also love Louisiana Cooking but that’s pretty niche. For a more general take on food I enjoy Food and Wine magazine. Bon Appétit is another excellent choice.
Do you read print magazines? What are your favorites?
You may also enjoy…
Hope and Why It’s Essential for a Beautiful Life
Create a Beautiful Life With an Evening Ritual
Presently, I subscribe to Victoria and Tea Time magazine. When I lived in Fairhope AL, friends entertained at home. I miss that. Here in North Georgia, people are more likely to meet at restaurants. Seeing the pictures of beautiful homes and table settings is a nice substitute for visiting. Some years I take turns subscribing to Smithsonian and National Geographic.
I’ve bought a couple of issues of Tea Time but never subscribed. It’s lovely. When we homeschooled, we subscribed to National Geographic but I’m not sure I’ve ever read Smithsonian.
I’ll have to try most of these but Victoria magazine I especially love. The older issues from the 80s and 90s are my favorites. I try to collect those whenever I can!
Yes, those older issues were wonderful!
Garden and Gun
Southern Lady
Life:Beautiful (this one has a Christian orientation)