Reviews For Architectural Digest Magazine

I love this magazine. Some reviewers have stated that they disliked some of the interiors. That's fine and fun! I show my husband some of the things (he's a graphic designer) and we have a great time laughing at some of the designs. Other times it's absolutely great. The latest issue (Aug. 2004) is one of the best and the theme is Exotic Homes Around The World, and they are all fantastic.

Of course I wish I could afford a lovely home such one of these in the magazine (maybe one day?) but in the meantime I can look at these homes and dream and also get great design ideas. This magazine is wonderful and relaxing to look at and read.

There is nothing more to say about this wonderful magazine.
I have a new home and have found the Digest to be a marvelous source of ideas and products that I would have never had or found otherwise

i am not an architecture expert nor a designer but this magazine did give me a lot of ideas as well as some inspiration. I like to see how things should be done so when I am doing any sort of decorating,building ,etc. I look at this for inspiration from people who know a lot more than I do. this magazine is a nice collection of what to do and what works so if you just need a little input when it comes to your own personal style this one may be for you.

Architectural Digest is fantastic. I look forward to receiving it each month to peruse all the beautiful estates, homes, gardens, furniture, art, history, and designs presented that are available not only in all areas of the United States, but also around the globe.

Thank you for a great magazine. This subscription is for my niece that is studying interior and architectural design.

It is her 22nd birthday and she is very but very happy.

Thank you

This periodical is not only an investment purchase (save 'em and sell 'em on eBay), it is wonderful architectural and design training for your eye. My DH stacks it in the smallest room in the house, since it's always interesting while you wait.

This is a painless way to develop good taste. The only problem is to figure out how to copy your favorite idea for your own home on a reasonable budget. Some people also like reading about the celebs, who show off the homes they don't really live in, so their architect and interior designer can get good PR.

The subject at hand: a 2-year subscription. The question being: should you or shouldn't you?

This is surely a personal decision and no one can tell you what to do. However, if it nurtures the mind it is worth the money; if it doesn't do that it's called "wasteful spending". Reminiscent of an old English mariner's poem, it goes, "... that which nurtures the mind and soothes the soul, 'Tis worth all my dressings from cap down to sole. Tho if upon uncharted reef it should founder, Wiser to gift it to mackerel and flounder. Chase it no more, chase it no more. Chase it no more, my fine stepping chums...."

One consistent complaint about this magazine is that it highlights an array of beautiful homes, all of them financially out of reach of the majority. This, of course, is absolutely true, and I, for one, hope it stays that way. I'm not interested in seeing Archie Bunker's abode. That's why I buy ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST.

Another complaint is that "there are too many advertisements." This is elemental, but let me say it anyway: Paid subscriptions and newsstand sales play second fiddle to advertising revenue. Magazines need advertising revenue to survive. Their main source of income is ADVERTISING REVENUE.

Anyway, if you can sit through a few minutes of tv commercials you should be able to turn a few pages of advertising. Personally, I happen to like looking at the ads: the photography, typography, art and design. As a thirteen year veteran of the graphic design trade I know and appreciate the "behind-the-scenes" efforts.

We learn, in the course of time, that change is inevitable. I remember when Bob Dylan first went electric. He was booed and the audience chanted, "We want Dylan, we want Dylan...." Well, I see a similarity with Architectural Digest. If the magazine has strayed from its architectural roots, don't feel betrayed. Change is inevitable. And after all, there ARE a few other magazines out there for you. "Chase it no more, my fine stepping chums...."

Architectural Digest is alive and well, unlike a host of other magazines. If its name, "Architectural Digest," has become a misnomer, it is not unlike anything else that has "transitionalized" and continues to retain its original name. In New York there's The New School For Social Research. The school was founded in 1919. Must it now be renamed The "Old" School For Social Research?

I enjoy browsing through furniture showrooms in search of exotic furniture and accessories. Architectural Digest is my showroom at home. I put on Tony Bennett or my "Zen Garden" album. Sometimes I program my player to repeat "You Only Live Twice" or "We Have All The Time In The World," both from "The Essential James Bond" album. Slowly, the pages turn. Sometimes, but not often, I may read an article. Mostly I ponder the photos and graphics. I gaze at the ocean from my 23rd floor balcony. This is my happiness. This is my peace. Especially knowing that my AD subscription is in place.

This is a fantastic Magazine, and it was offered at a great price. I highly recommend it.

Architectural Digest is not an "architecture" magazine as many people believe it is. It began as an architecture magazine, but slowly became known for its coverage of building interiors that consumers wanted to see. This is true today, as the cover article is generally the about the interior of a famed actor, politician, designer, or artist's home. These articles are remniscent of a paper version of MTV's show "Cribs." While the articles about the interiors dominate, an accompanying photograph of the exterior tags along when appropriate. The articles discuss the ideas, sources, materials and inspiration behind the designs pictured. Each magazine generally has about one dozen such articles plus features.
The magazine caters to the needs of interior designers and those who can, or wish they could hire them. The magazine does not promote or favor either traditional or modern design.
AD (as it calls itself) is full of advertisements. Some people may find this irritating, but for a designer, decorator, or client searching for inspiration or sources this information is equally valuable as the articles and features. Ads are just as telling of where the industry is going and where it has been as any picture or text.
If you subscribe, do it because you know and want what AD is. It is expensive, thick, and very useful if you are interested with the cutting edge of interior design. Do not get it to learn more about architecture or for the quality or readability of its text. Pictures and advertisements are the game with AD.If you are still unsure, pick up one at the newsstand and check it out before you buy 12 issues - most issues are like the others and "special" issues are frequent but not really that different from the norm.

In summary, this magazine portrays houses that you can't possibly ever hope to own in an "airbrushed" presentation that can't possibly match real life; it is "house pornography". It is exciting to read and puts plenty of ideas into your head.

You have to determine whether repeated exposure to this type of media will enhance your life or make you miserable. Hey, if you have a spare million dollars and need someone to tell you what is fashionable or in good taste--this is for you!

People complain about the ads--I complain about the articles. People get in the way. I note that none of the owners of these showpiece homes have children--most are living alternative lifestyles. Actually, the house becomes the product of the relationship instead of children. It is a fascinating cultural phenomenon and this magazine is the leading journal of the movement.