After the initial announcement in April, Hearst Magazines today announced that the first test issue of HGTV Magazine, a new home/lifestyle publication, will hit newsstands October 4. The magazine will appeal to homeowners, real-estate lovers and renovation aficionados.

HGTV Magazine’s initial distribution will be 350,000 copies and its cover price will be $3.99. A second test issue is planned for February/March (on sale January 17, 2012). Sara Peterson, formerly of Coastal Living, is the magazine’s editor-in-chief. Jeanne Noonan Eckholdt, executive director, Hearst Home Group, will serve as acting publisher for the test issues.

“Creating a home should make you feel happy," Peterson says. "HGTV Magazine focuses on fun decorating, easy makeovers, and real-life household advice on everything from laundry to lightbulbs—and we talk to homeowners in a lively, conversational way.”

HGTV gave viewers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the making of the magazine’s first issue during a one-hour special HGTV: The Making of Our Magazine hosted by designer Genevieve Gorder on Saturday, September 24. The special will re-air on October 7 at 9 a.m. ET and October 15 at 4 p.m. ET and will be available for viewing on HGTV.com.

“HGTV has an extremely passionate audience who connects with the genuine, helpful and entertaining advice they get every time they tune in,” said David Carey, president, Hearst Magazines. “Sara and her talented team have translated that trusted voice and sense of fun into the pages of HGTV Magazine and we are confident that consumers will respond positively to the first test issue.”

“Hearst has done a spectacular job of bringing the HGTV brand to life in print,” said Jim Samples, president, HGTV. “This is a new kind of magazine for people who are passionate about their homes. All of us at HGTV, especially our star experts, are excited to participate in this project.”

Readers will enter the magazine through the “Front Door of the Month,” and every issue will feature various HGTV stars, including David Bromstad, Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip and Sarah Richardson. The magazine will be broken down into these key sections:

Help Wanted: Straight answers to everyday household questions. Should you hire a handyman for that home repair job or tackle it yourself? How bad is it to toss old cans of paint in the trash? What should you do when noisy neighbors are driving you nuts?

Fun Decorating: All the best ideas and tips from design pros. Learn style secrets from the HGTV shows, such as Color Splash and Design on a Dime. Tour the homes of HGTV hosts and see how they really live. (Yes, we peek inside their closets and cupboards!)

Kitchen Chronicles: See inspiring cooking spaces and learn how to get the look. Shop for fun accessories and cool tools. Pick up a few easy entertaining ideas to try.

Mission Makeover: A section devoted to awesome before and afters—from whole house renos to supereasy spruce-ups you can do in an hour.

Real Estate Spy: Insider advice for every homeowner, including countless ways to boost the value of your property. Presenting curb appeal ideas from the best neighborhoods and we go house hunting across the country—from bungalows to beach retreats. See how much they cost!

Weekending: Get stuff done and have a little fun. Make the most of Saturday in the yard with helpful hints and the best tools for the job. Navigate flea markets and estate sales, speed through your housecleaning checklist, and learn how to shop like a stylist—even at the hardware store!

HGTV Magazine will host three Twitter chats in October: #HGTVMag. Dates and times will be announced in the first issue. Readers can also connect on Facebook.com/hgtv.