Modern elegance mixed with 1940s glamour

Not too many of us are blessed with the means and circumstances to live among such decadent furnishings, but we can dream! And besides, that's what the glossies are for. So when I was flipping through some of last year's magazines I rediscovered Ralph Lauren Home's 2008 "Mayfair" collection. In fact, I'd posted some other shots from the Mayfair ad campaign in the August 2008 post here. I think it doesn't hurt, especially in this season of giving to others, to give to yourself a little - even if it's just for a moment, in one's imagination, drooling over the keyboard.


oh that bed...that vanity...

I really like the clear to black candlesticks





I wear this same outfit when I have to go to the post office

via Ralph Lauren Home




via Color Me Happy

Another great artist on Etsy - and 20% off for you!

I was lucky enough to be offered a 20% off discount for you guys from the shop Depuis on Etsy. I think her photography is really lovely and the best part is it would match with almost any decor style! Here are some of my favs:








If you see something you like, mention "Decorology" in your order for 20% off. Go to Depuis's Etsy shop to see all her work.

If you live in the NYC area, check out her work at the Park Slope craft fair this Sunday.

Yes, No, or Meh... How do you feel about this fireplace? (Plus a lovely roundup of fireplaces)

I ran across this fireplace in metropolitan home. It was really the chimney breast that caught my attention. It's not my style but I still can't make an unbiased judgment as to whether or not I like it. I suppose I can say that I like the concept of customizing, or calling out the chimney breast, but I just can't carry off zebra stripes. What do you think?

via Metropolitan Home

So, this inspired me to sniff out some fireplaces that I was certain I liked!

I think this is so pretty and sweet. It's a similar idea to that above - but instead of painting the chimney breast it's been wallpapered.
image and instructions at Ideal Home

via Flickr
I thought this was a sweet idea - with the photos, and as you can see it also works in many architectural situations.

via House to Home

All four of these images make me gush - and a great way to use a fireplace that is non-working or out of season.
via Abbey Goes Design Scouting

via Fireplace Decorating


I think the magic of the image above is that the painting above the fireplace is almost the same size and proportion as the fireplace opening. The stark white walls also make a striking contrast.


via Apartment Therapy

And the winner of "Country Color" is....

Sallie Ann! Congratulations Sallie Anne! Please email me at ashley@decorologyblog.com with you shipping address so I can get you your book to you asap!

Check out my style profile on Old World Charm!

I was so flattered when Shannon from Old World Charm asked me to answer a couple of questions about myself for a feature on his new blog - which I'm very excited about- Old World Charm.

What made you decide to strike out on your own as a Web designer?

Well, it all started with me designing a Web site for a friend of a friend, and it took hard work and dependability to sustain and build up clientele. I also have word of mouth to thank, which led to a lot of clients, meaning often staying up until 3 a.m. to meet deadlines. I then realized that I had to make a choice. I had to either strike off on my own or continue working at a company and discontinue freelancing on the side. Though there were aspects of the corporate world I was going to miss, I knew that it was really important to me that I work for myself. I’m the kind of designer who needs to start with a blank canvas every now and then, and I also really like interacting with people and my clients. It is also very important to me that I travel, and I’m very fortunate to possess a skill that allows me to take my work on the road when inspiration strikes (or is needed). So I went out on my own full-time in August and haven’t looked back! You can see some of my work at ashleywhitedesign.com

When and how did you first become interested in decorating and interior design?

I think I’ve always been interested in interior design. I’ve been a chronic rearranger my ever since I was a little kid. For me, setting up my room was how I played. That interest was brought back to life in 2007 when I signed a lease for a beautiful studio in a Brownstone. I didn’t have the faintest idea how to make a studio feel like a home. So online I went, discovered amazing design blogs, amazing ideas, and I was hooked!

If you want to read more, here's the interview!


Old World Charm, isn't even a month old yet, but it's already full of some great inspiration. Here are my favorites so far!

Unique home decor and some good gift ideas!

Thought I'd share with you Inglenook decor, which I recently discovered. The shop looks like it has lots of pretty stuff for all decor styles - modern vintage, shabby chic, and lots of great Christmas gifts.

Here are some things I thought were particularly cute:


love these canvas buckets!





The store also features some really cool vintage/flea market finds.


Check out more on the site!

Sale going on at Inhabit - 20% off storewide - I have your code

Save 20% off store with using code THANKS20, going on through Nov. 28th through Dec. 1st.
http://www.inhabitliving.com






I love their new modern classics collection!

Favorite Plant: A Sedge for the Edge

There are few plants in the garden that are virtually maintenance-free. My favorite foliage plant is carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' that can be used in sun or part shade, zones 5-10 and is both deer and rabbit resistant.

I have several varieties of carex in my garden, and 'Evergold' is the best for hot summer sun in my zone. The plants along my waterfall have been growing for four years and are shaded only in the late afternoon.

Other great sedges growing in my garden include Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga nishiki', Carex morrowii 'Silver Sceptre' and Carex testacea 'Orange New Zealand Sedge' - though all require more shade and less sun than 'Evergold'. Shade is rare in my young garden, so all of the sedges are having to tough it out while waiting for shade to grow! Nonetheless, they have been surviving these harsh conditions for several years.

While I have not cut back my sedges at all so far, they can be cut back in very early spring to prevent seed heads from forming. I have had no problem with reseeding, so I don't concern myself with this chore.

The sedges are growing in normal garden soil, moist soil and even wet soil, in my garden.


The graceful, large mounds are wonderful for ground cover as well as edging a garden or as an accent companion plant. The blooms of an orange rose really stand out against the backdrop of carex 'Evergold'.

The thin, colorful foliage works well with plants with wide leaves such as hosta (if you don't have deer) or calla lily (growing in the waterfall).

How much do I like carex 'Evergold'? Enough to recently plant an entire flat of it! More about that project in the future...





Words and photos by Freda Cameron; Home garden; all photos taken November 2009 unless otherwise indicated.