Despite the plunge in real-estate values, most Americans remain very proud of their homes. So interest in home decorating and interior stories is fairly strong, even with the slumping economy and the closure of Domino magazine.

Yet with many consumers no longer able to tap their home's equity for extensive redecorations, home decor media is shifting away from aspirational coverage toward cost-effective projects.

"We have always had a desire to make sure things are accessible, but there's definitely more consideration for affordability ...