There’s no denying that the turbulent economy has taken a heavy toll on publishing, especially for shelter and lifestyle magazines. We’ve watched several well-loved titles—Domino, Blueprint, and Cottage Living—close their doors, and now we must add another to the list: the beloved ReadyMade magazine.
ReadyMade has long been a source of DIY inspiration and creative energy. The magazine and its staff consistently celebrated hands-on projects, clever design, and the kind of imaginative problem-solving that sparks new ideas. Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of featuring ReadyMade several times on C&H: conversations with founder and former editor-in-chief Shoshana Berger; a tour of editor Andrew Wagner’s striking Tribeca loft; and an insider look at ReadyMade’s headquarters guided by our former intern, Lauren Chorpening.
Our founder, Timothy Dahl, even contributed to the RM 100 with a DIY project that became a finalist: his playful yet practical gold sawhorses. Those moments reflect the close connection many of us had with the magazine—both professionally and personally.
We have countless fond memories of ReadyMade, and stacks of back issues occupy a prominent spot in my loft. The announcement that the magazine will cease publication is deeply disappointing. ReadyMade fulfilled a distinct niche in the magazine world: it nurtured the creative spirit, offered approachable projects, and delivered the little jolts of inspiration that send readers off to tackle their next builds.
To the entire ReadyMade team, past and present: we’ve enjoyed collaborating with you and watching your work influence makers, designers, and homeowners. Your creativity, talent, and dedication left a lasting mark, and those contributions will continue to be admired even without a monthly issue on newsstands. Thank you for everything you shared.
To fellow ReadyMade readers and fans: how do you feel about the decision to close the magazine?
Photo courtesy of ReadyMade.