Whatever your opinion of how much truth there is in the practice of feng shui (the oriental art of object placement to enhance aspects of one’s life) there is no doubt that the subject is fascinating and, consequently, this magazine is a very good read.
Undoubtedly Feng Shui For Modern Living , which launched last week, is a beginners guide to feng shui (pronounced foong schway) and, given the sudden interest that has been generated in the art, there is sure to be an army of people ready to buy the title.
Because of the nature of the subject FSFML is a cross between a DIY mag and a home interest title. It contains features on how object placement will help increase wealth, improve relationships and “turn dreams into reality.”
The magazine takes a populist look at feng shui and therefore many of the items are written in layman’s terms and go into the right amount of detail so that the practice can be understood. With a subject which is as complicated as feng shui it would be easy for the writing to become too abstract but this magazine has its feet firmly on the ground.
In appearance the title is very much like an upmarket homes title aimed at a young audience. Lots of high quality photographs of rooms, gardens and household furniture among text which is often on a plain white background. In some aspects however the design appears to be rather “up in the air”, with very little uniformity throughout the title and this does detract from the magazine’s attractiveness to read.
Overall however the magazine has two very large factors in its favour: a growing subject which appeals to young and upmarket adults and a subject which appears never-ending in its complexity and the things it can be applied to.
Advertisers in the first issue, which has a cover-price of £2.95 and 100 pages, include: poggen pohl kitchens, Boots, Yardley, Glade fragrances and Taylor Woodrow homes. The ad:ed ratio is 23:77.
Reviewer: Phill Knightley
