Blog

  • Check out my style profile on Old World Charm!

    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!

    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

    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!

  • Forgot to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Forgot to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Enjoy your families, and the food on the table, and all the gifts in your life!

    via Tip Junkie

    via Country Living

    via Toast and Tables


    Okay, so the top image is their Halloween console, but I just loved it.
    via Young House Love

  • MAJOR Thanksgiving sales at Ideeli!

    MAJOR Thanksgiving sales at Ideeli!

    If you have shopping to do I’d head over to Ideeli asap – the sale prices are really great on bags, shoes, apparel, and accessories. If you’re not already a member, use this link for free membership.









    If you make a purchase from our Thanksgifting Series (these sections of the site are marked as “Thanksgiving series”) selections will receive FREE SHIPPING. Just remember that its only for the items that are offered in this particular promotion.

  • Help a reader design her home office!

    Help a reader design her home office!

    A lovely Decorology reader wrote to me asking for some assistance designing a small home office she shares with her husband.


    Here’s a description and a photo:

    “My space is really small so I guess this will be a real challenge. I share the space with my husband. Our room is newly painted and I need suggestions on how to decorate our small space. I’m planning to put about 3 photos on the wall (since I love photography) and an art print but is still open to ideas before I start. It used to have shelves on the wall but I find it messy so I took it down. …plus maybe some ideas about choosing the right furniture (desk, chair, lamp, etc.) for the small space!”

    Below I’m posting some of my ideas – but please comment and share!

    A desk with a pullout surface and a built in hutch is a great way to have storage in a small space.
    This desk is from West Elm.

    A secretary desk is a nice option because when you’re finished working you can stow everything inside and “close” it up, just like with a murphy bed.
    via Domino via Flickr

    Since your desk will most likely be small with little surface area, one way to keep papers from stacking up and off of the desk is this cute clipboard idea. I have 6 in my home office but haven’t covered them yet.
    all image above via Martha Stewart (links to clipboard decorating instructions)

    Cubbies might be a good substitute for shelves?
    via Poppytalk

    A consistent color scheme – like the wood tones, light gray blue, and red accent keep small spaces looking tidy.
    via Kikiclark on Flickr

    via Domino The Book of Decorating
    Using sconces instead of desk lamps will provide good light and free up surface space, play them up if you wish like the ones below

    directions at Martha Stewart

    Another great way to showcase sconces.
    via Apartment Therapy via Design Sponge (links to project instructions)




    If you didn’t like shelves, you could install a cabinet like the two images above, or you can keep everything in coordinating baskets.

    I don’t know if this is an option – but you could each have your own workspace if you have the need an space. Directions are here.
    via BHG

    via I forgot!?

    Here are a few ideas from Ikea for a home office(drawers on casters instead of shelves), and a desk with cabinets for storage.

    Also, be sure to pick a comfortable and pretty chair, especially if the office is simply in the corner of another room. You don’t want to be in your bedroom or living room always looking at an ugly chair.

    So? Does anyone have any other ideas for our friend?

  • Art in a Box – a great way to collect art

    Art in a Box – a great way to collect art


    I was introduced to Art in a Box awhile ago and have finally gotten around to sharing it with you! The concept is that you “subscribe” and every month get a new piece of art from a San Francisco Bay area artist. You can read all about it on their site, artinabox.net. Here are some of my favorites:


    by Shannon Ingraham

    Matt Reynoso

    by Pete Glover

    by Kerri Lee Johnson


    by Adrian Van Allen

    What do you think? Could be a good gift for art lovers.

  • A home with clean Scandinavian design but with personal touches life and travels

    A home with clean Scandinavian design but with personal touches life and travels

    Scandinavian decor is a look I seldom dislike, as it follows one of my major decorating mantras, which is to keep your possessions edits to things that are functional and beautiful, and/or sentimental. I thought this home blended my whole decorating philosophy beautifully!

    What do you think?








    via Skona Hem

  • Gorgeous Goddess

    Gorgeous Goddess

    I’m going off on a tangent here and sharing a love of mine – goddess style dresses. They work with your body’s natural shape and look so much more comfortable than corsets and boning and hoops. And they are oh so effortlessly gorgeous.



    via Bottega Veneta

    via Samuelle Couture

  • Another great giveaway! Country Color by Judith Miller

    Another great giveaway! Country Color by Judith Miller

    I have another great giveaway for you guys this week. The book, Country Color is chock full of many GORGEOUS color photos. The style is country, but with a provincial quality too. I think I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. How do you get your hands on this beauty? Just leave a comment on this post telling me what color you’re loving these days for walls (any color – doesn’t have to be “country”). You can also email me at ashley@decorologyblog.com to enter. The drawing closes on November 30th, at noon eastern time. I’ll announce the winner shortly after. Good luck!