One of the best aspects of the Internet is the consumer's ability to download online versions of several major national publications. For homeowners, this is particularly advantageous. Newsstands are jam-packed with home-oriented publications -- decorating, luxury properties, architectural styles, kitchens and baths, and regional real estate. Save yourself considerable subscription costs by logging on to the Internet. Many home-oriented magazines post their full text each month on the Internet, while others post summaries in order to maximize the potential for subscribers. Regardless of that point of difference, however, you're likely to learn plenty of helpful information for the improvement or maintenance of your home.

A good example is the online version of Home Arts' Country Living magazine, which brings you the best of the popular Hearst publication, as well as a link to the popular online information clearinghouse, homearts.com.

Country Living online is slightly different than its printed version. The Internet version includes a gallery of homes. Consumers may order Country Living's 1998 House of the Year, a 2,400-square-foot, Gothic-inspired home with dramatic pointed arches, designed by Seattle architect Stuart Silk. You may view color photographs of the home's exterior and take a virtual tour of the rooms of your choice. Each room is throughly described alongside high-quality color photographs. Consumers are informed of specific materials used in the home and briefed on its intricate details. If, during your tour, you see a painted wall, a particular style of door or other design element that strikes your fancy, clicking your mouse on the "Resources" link will bring you straight to a list of the suppliers, designers and manufacturers who contributed their talents to the home.

If you're interested specifically in kitchens, you'll want to sneak a peak at Country Living's Gallery of Kitchens, which highlights several of the magazine's best feature articles on kitchens of every style, including full editorial and vibrant color photographs. Consumers are old in which issue the respective article appeared, should they wish to order that back issue. As you'll soon discover, the term "country" has many interpretations. Even the most modern style-loving homeowner will find something here to suit their tastes. You'll also find a link in this section called "Kitchen Adventure," which serves as a one-stop information center for all kitchen-related topics, from appliance care to cabinet refurbishing to kitchen additions. Users may even chat with household hint guru Heloise, or find recipes that meet every need and occasion.

Making the most of what technology has to offer, Country Living also offers Web-surfing consumers the opportunity to take a "Cyber Tour" of homes, a 360-degree walk-through that's the next best thing to being there. To take advantage of this option, consumers must first install the "QuickTime" plug-in. Upon installation, consumers may choose their own course by using the mouse and may zoom in if desired for a closer look.

Need a little guidance before you launch your next home project? Then check out Country Living's Craft Workshop, where you'll find step-by-step instructions, audio/video demonstrations and tips from home-improvement experts. Consumers may shop online for crafts and products, and they may also converse online with other aspiring craftsmen and craftswomen in a "community classroom."

In addition to the above-mentioned features, the site includes several feature articles on design topics, and links to other publications, such as Country Living Garden and Country Living Healthy Cooking. You'll also find links to a directory of back-road country inns, the art of collecting period pieces, gardening guidance and cooking tips.

Online magazines are one of the Internet's most valuable and user-friendly resources. Whether you're prepping your home for a sale or just looking to spruce up your longtime residence, Country Living online is a good place to begin your brainstorming.

Published: January 12, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.