Oh Domino!

Photo by Coliena Rentmeester, Styling by Ashley Sargent.

With Conde Nast's editorial director, Thomas J. Wallace announcing this past week that a special Quick Fixes edition of Domino Magazine will be published this April, I thought it would be fun to take a look back (yes I kept my old issues) at the lasting impression Domino has made especially in the blogging world and also to see some clippings I marked that are still pretty relevant in today's interiors.  I can't wait to see what they'll come up with in this special issue which according to their press release will be a "treasure trove of useful and creative information, and a must-read for any Domino fan".

Toile - This space (above) from Domino's February 2007 issue is very memorable to me.  I loved the toile wallpaper mixed with the stripes and random placed art, and the hints of blue that followed in every other room in the home of rock trio Blond Redhead.  Filled with hand-me-down antiques, the space had a warm, moody vibe that really spoke to me at the time.  And today, toile is huge. Photo by Coliena Rentmeester, Styling by Ashley Sargent.

Photograph by Erik Otsea.


Succulents - This beautiful buttercup coloured room from their April 2006 issue features sculptural succulents that as Cynthia Kling writes in the article, "perfectly complement a modern aesthetic, both inside and out".  Succulents are still going strong from gardens to wedding bouquets and this colour palette is stunning.  Photograph by Erik Otsea.

Photo by Deborah Jaffe.


Old Fashioned Flowers - Classic retro blooms arranged in simple vintage vases was also featured back in April 2006 and I'm loving all the brass and wood details in this photo.  Photo by Deborah Jaffe.


Articles such as "Can this movie be turned into a room" (May 2008) or "Can this outfit be turned into a room"inspired many a blogger to come up with similar weekly columns. Great inspiration.



Before and Afters - Or some great before and after how-to's with super-helpful tips on how to do things like hang different types of curtains depending on the fabric and windows, to more complicated ideas such as creating faux ceiling beams (as seen above) in their September '08 issue.



Open Shelving Kitchens - this open shelved kitchen from their May '08 issue designed by Jason Bell makes you want to just go in and bake doesn't it? And has inspired many a kitchen I'm sure after it.  Photo by Annie Schlecter.

Photo by Ditte Isager

And who can forget the home of stylist Lili Diallo featured in their March 2008 issue which features a relaxed laid back look that would inspire many spaces to come.  From the way she weaved things in with her books to mixing old with new materials; the look is all about living in and enjoying your space; having faith in happy accidents and trusting your internal logic.

And that is what Domino was really about.  It embraced the relaxed look with a modern intelligence.  No more stuffy formal spaces that one was afraid to sit in.  It was all about living and enjoying your space, combining well-designed furniture and fabrics with cool vintage finds or family heirlooms,  giving you the knowledge and tools to make it happen and making your space your own.  Can't wait to see the new issue (and apparently another in the fall), can you?



Jan Halvarson

12 comments:

shannon said...

I loved reminiscing the Domino days with your photos! I, too, have all my issues and I revisit them often. It's amazing how relevant their issues still are, years later. I so look forward to this new edition!

Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse said...

I've kept my old issues too and was just reading one the other night!! I can't wait for April. I hope they decide to permanently bring it back. I miss the witty articles, too.

Anonymous said...

I didn't keep my old issues but I do have 3 binders that are about 90% Domino magazine clippings. I can't wait for it to come back!

Unknown said...

I keep my old issues too, I am so happy for this!!, have a lovely day!.

Anonymous said...

This is so exciting. I never saw the magazine as I'm in the UK, but recently got their book and LOVED it. Can't wait...

Anonymous said...

Aw. I miss Domino. I really enjoyed getting this mag in the mail and I too still have some of my old issues.

Jan Halvarson said...

Shannon - so true isn't it?

Jan Halvarson said...

Tany - me too!

Jan Halvarson said...

Thanks Mariela!
Shoestringsplendor - yay!

Melissa@Julias Bookbag said...

OH THIS MADE ME SO HAPPY to see all of this! I lived and breathed Domino. Kept 99% of my issues except for a few that were mistakenly tossed (the horror!. Can't wait to see the new issue, no matter what it is. It could be empty inside and I'd still be happy to see it! :)

Amy Farrier said...

Oh, memory lane. Thought I had most of the issues, but it's nice to see a few images that are new to me. And Diallo's home is still an inspiration; thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

i saved so many of my old issues too and of course still refer back to their book of decorating on the regular. cant wait to get my hands on a new copy!