Aditya Gaur
In the ever-evolving world of design, inspiration is fuel. Whether you’re a seasoned creative, a student of design, or a brand strategist, design magazines offer a wellspring of ideas, trends, and deep insights into the global creative landscape. With hundreds of publications out there, how do you choose the best?
We’ve handpicked the top 10 design magazines that are influencing, inspiring, and innovating in the design world today. At the top of our list is none other than Design Asia Magazine—a powerhouse in creative storytelling, aesthetic exploration, and cultural relevance across the vast design landscape of Asia and beyond.
Here’s our definitive list, starting with the best of the best.
1. Design Asia Magazine — Leading with Vision and Culture
When it comes to design publications, Design Asia Magazine is in a league of its own. With a unique lens on the Asian design ecosystem, this magazine blends tradition, innovation, and contemporary aesthetics into one dynamic narrative.
What sets Design Asia apart is its deep cultural sensitivity, spotlighting both established and emerging designers from diverse regions including Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Thailand, and China. It doesn’t just showcase design; it tells the story behind it—whether it’s a minimalist tea set designed in Kyoto or an eco-conscious architectural marvel in Bali.
Each issue is a visual feast, enriched with high-resolution photography, thoughtful typography, and cutting-edge layouts. Articles cover everything from industrial design to graphic branding, fashion to interiors, offering a panoramic view of design as a cultural language.
Design Asia Magazine isn’t just a magazine—it’s an essential tool for anyone serious about contemporary design thinking.
Why it’s #1:
- Strong regional focus with global impact
- In-depth interviews with top Asian designers
- Exceptional visual and editorial quality
- Trend-setting rather than trend-following
2. Wallpaper*
An international favorite, Wallpaper* is renowned for its expansive coverage of design, architecture, fashion, art, and lifestyle. It offers a cosmopolitan approach to design, frequently spotlighting global trends and high-end aesthetics.
From Bauhaus-inspired interiors to luxury product showcases, Wallpaper* curates with precision and sophistication. It’s the go-to magazine for designers who value form, function, and finesse.
Highlights:
- Globally sourced editorial content
- Insightful product reviews
- Lavish photography and minimal design
3. Dezeen Magazine
Originally an architecture and design blog, Dezeen has grown into a formidable digital and print publication. It’s known for its innovative, forward-thinking content, often at the intersection of technology and design.
Dezeen Magazine focuses heavily on sustainability, conceptual architecture, and the future of urban design. With features on experimental projects and emerging materials, it’s a favorite among progressive thinkers and boundary-pushers.
Highlights:
- Tech-forward design exploration
- Rich interviews and opinion pieces
- Leading platform for sustainable and future design
4. Azure Magazine
Focused on contemporary design and architecture, Azure Magazine dives deep into urbanism, interiors, product design, and culture. Based in Canada but global in perspective, Azure is known for its clear editorial voice and high production value.
Each issue brings a balance of conceptual and practical design coverage, making it valuable for professional architects, interior designers, and design students alike.
Highlights:
- In-depth project breakdowns
- Global design competition coverage
- Industry-specific tools and trend analysis
5. Frame Magazine
Frame is where art and design meet spatial storytelling. A Netherlands-based publication, Frame focuses on interior design, spatial design, and immersive environments, especially in retail and hospitality.
Its pages often blur the boundaries between installation art and commercial design, making it ideal for creatives who think outside the box. If you’re looking to understand how physical spaces can emotionally engage, Frame is your go-to guide.
Highlights:
- Experiential and spatial design focus
- Creative direction analysis
- Beautiful editorial layouts
6. Eye Magazine
Eye is a quarterly print magazine that goes deep into graphic design and visual culture. It’s academic yet accessible, offering critical essays, design history, and typography trends.
Unlike trendier magazines, Eye values timeless insights and intellectual engagement. It’s perfect for those who want more than just pretty pictures—who want to understand the philosophies and movements that shape design.
Highlights:
- Historical and theoretical perspectives
- Expert essays on type, layout, and visual theory
- Long-form storytelling for design nerds
7. IdN (International Designers Network)
Based in Hong Kong, IdN Magazine brings a unique pan-Asian and international flavor to the world of graphic design and motion graphics. Each themed issue dives deep into niche areas—like pixel art, kinetic typography, or illustrative branding.
IdN is colorful, bold, and full of personality. Its interviews with independent creatives and studios give readers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the design process.
Highlights:
- Focused thematic issues
- Experimental and multimedia art features
- Diverse voices from across Asia and the world
8. Communication Arts
Communication Arts is one of the longest-running and most respected design magazines in the world. It’s a staple for creatives in advertising, branding, photography, and illustration.
What sets CA apart is its jury-selected competitions, where only the best work gets featured. This makes every issue a curated portfolio of top-tier professional design.
Highlights:
- Annual design and advertising showcases
- Business insights for creative professionals
- Interviews with industry legends
9. Domus
Founded in 1928, Domus is a heavyweight in architectural and industrial design journalism. While more focused on architecture, Domus also covers interior design, furniture, and product innovation.
Its writing is academic yet elegant, and its legacy makes it a favorite in design schools and architectural firms worldwide.
Highlights:
- Architectural theory and critique
- European editorial voice
- Elegant and timeless design
10. Creative Review
Based in the UK, Creative Review explores the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture. It’s a more inclusive, big-picture magazine, offering analysis of branding campaigns, art direction, social media design, and everything in between.
It’s ideal for marketing professionals, digital designers, and anyone who wants to stay updated on the shifting creative industry landscape.
Highlights:
- Brand storytelling and marketing features
- Digital-first design trends
- Cultural commentary on creativity
Final Thoughts: Why Design Publications Still Matter
In an age of endless Instagram scrolls and TikTok tutorials, why do print and digital design magazines still hold value? Because they curate, contextualize, and critique.
Magazines like Design Asia don’t just present trends—they set the stage for them. They connect readers to the bigger picture, offering global perspectives, historical continuity, and cultural relevance.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for inspiration, a creative director guiding a team, or a student developing your style, these ten design magazines offer a rich tapestry of design knowledge. And at the forefront, Design Asia Magazine continues to lead, inspire, and shape the future of design across cultures and continents.
