A very elegant house tour for you on this Friday

I haven't posted a house tour in awhile, which I always enjoy, and I hope you do as well. This is the DC town home of furniture designer and decorator Darryl Carter, whose motto is "less is more." As opposed to accumulating "stuff" as years go by, the contents of the home have been cut in half over the last several years.

I think this kitchen is great. It has a mix of clean modern lines, but with some cozy elements, like the antique Italian étagère and the wooden bar chairs.



I don't like scrubbing tubs, so one is enough for me, but I do like the 18th century secretary in the bathroom.


I can't wait to have my own huge wooden table full of character.



I am not a fan of zebra rugs, or cow rugs personally, but I do like the long bench, the antique Carlton House desk (so unusual!), and I love the shutters throughout the home.

From Elle Decor November 2009

And the winner of "Good, Better, Best" is...

Parisa Mahmoudi! Congratulations Parisa! Please email me at ashley@decorologyblog.com with your shipping address, and I'll get that off to you ASAP!

Thanks for joining everyone - I'll have a new book giveaway for you next week, so you'll have another chance to win!

A new and unique concept for candles!

I was given a really unique sample of candles, and their scents are based on the color palette of your room! Over a week I tested each of them and one thing I definitely noticed was how nuanced they are. I am no scent connoisseur, but they are all complex and not too strong, or too weak. I did have a favorite though, and that was the Gray-tone candle. I think that definitely fits me. Though I like striking accent colors, I will always start with a foundation of a calm, serene color. I used to be really drawn to white interiors, which I still love, but lately I'm leaning to a little more richness. Gray is the perfect blend of calm and serene with a little more intrigue. I also think gray is unbelievably romantic.

Here are some gorgeous gray interiors I found

via Style Files

via BKK Home



via The City Sage


via BACA Creative

Here are the rest of the palettes - which come as a candle and a room spray.


Jewel tones

Primary tones

Pastel tones

Neutral tones

Earth tones - My mom liked the smell of this one before she even knew it was inspired by earth tones - her fav colors!

Wouldn't these make good house warming or hostess gifts?

Read details about the scents at Tod Young's website for the Palettes Collection.

A fabulous, fashion inspired interior designer

I discovered Nicole Hollis in Metropolitan Home's November issue. I really liked what I saw and looked her up online to find more pictures to share with you guys. What do you think?

Isn't this staircase just beautiful?


One thing I picked up on right away was how versatile her work is.






via Nicole Hollis

Vintage Bookshelf from Munkii

I think this bookcase is so beautiful. And what a wonderful answer to those of us who like the organic lines of vintage style but also the clean design that modern furnishings provide. What do you think?





I found out via Design Milk that the price isn't actually jaw-dropping. If you live in LA, you'll pay 2,099 USD + freight. For pricing to where you are you'll have to email them.

What do you think of the bookcase?
For more info visit their website