Looking to take advantage of more people spending more time in their homes, New Jersey Monthly magazine announced it has acquired Design NJ, a statewide design magazine for affluent homeowners and high-end home design professionals, publisher and editor Kate Tomlinson said.
Tomlinson said the acquisition makes solid business sense, even at a time when many in the media sector are struggling.
“We see a unique opportunity for growth with this acquisition,” Tomlinson said. “The pandemic has prompted New Jersey homeowners, who are now spending more time at home than ever before, to look more critically at their surroundings.
“The desire to redesign and improve their homes and outdoor spaces has driven the demand for good, relevant content, and, at the same time, created opportunities for even greater visibility for the industries that serve them. We could not be more excited to be able to provide the kind of resources and editorial inspiration these consumers are hungry for now.”
According to Tomlinson, no changes are planned for either magazine’s editorial, promotions or advertising staffs. Tammy Keck, former owner of Design NJ, will continue to work with the magazine as an adviser through the transition.
Keck, in a statement, said she is eager to get started with the new brand.
“For more than two decades, Design NJ has been an influential and beautiful design resource for New Jersey homeowners and the designers who serve them,” she said. “I know that, under Kate’s leadership, our Design NJ team will continue to deliver on that legacy and build upon the magazine’s success.”
Tomlinson said the new brand fits well with her current products.
“We are very excited to grow our portfolio with the addition of Design NJ,” she said. “It complements New Jersey Monthly and New Jersey Bride magazines, as well as our online presence, beautifully because of our keen focus on what matters most to New Jersey residents.”
New Jersey Monthly is based in Morristown, while Design NJ is based in Red Bank.