A "Belgian" rustic cottage with modern elegance

I'm not sure what "Belgian Rustic" means, but whatever it is I like it!
The dark wood timbers mixed with lighter neutrals is a palette I've always liked, and the nod to nature and a rustic "tied-to-the-earth" aesthetic is relaxing and homey.







Great sculpture!




Love this wooden armoire.


via Lonny Mag

2 very different, but beautiful houses. Which do you prefer?

Incase you haven't noticed, I've been loving Country Living Mag. lately. Don't be fooled, it's not all chintzy florals and rooster collections, they have a great grasp on what it means as a lifestyle. It can be modern, retro, or casual, and it's not your grandma's "country." Anyway, in their Feb. issues they featured two houses, both very different, and both worth sharing.


House 1 - simple with a Scandinavian design smarts





I like the home office/sewing room in the photo above.

Home 2 showcases great antique finds - some splurges, some bargains.


Don't worry, the zebra skin is faux.


So, which home is more you!?

images via Country Living Feb. 2010

One of my new favorite house tours - a combination of rustic and luxury

It's quite possible you've already took notice of the cover home of the Dec/Jan 2010 issue of House Beautiful. Well if you haven't, you're in for a treat. If you already have - you should have seconds! It's one of the more memorable homes I've seen in awhile. You'll see why below.

This amazing loft space graces the cover














The home is Interior designer Jill Brinson's Atlanta cottage. Hard to believe this home is in a city!

Read the whole article and see all of the pictures here.

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!

Back to the simple life

The hectic holidays and overall state of the world right now definitely takes its toll. That's why I think it's more important than ever to create a haven that is orderly and beautiful. Try to keep possessions limited to only those that are beautifully designed and functional (often things well designed are beautiful and functional.) Hold on to items that have always been there for you and stood the test of time. If possible, repair them if needed and treat them well. Opt for natural or recycled materials, as it will make your home healthier, and give you peace of mind, therefore making you healthier. I know this is all easier said then done, and unfortunately natural, well made items are often costly (but a good investment.) If this really speaks to you I also recommend reading this post on Wabi Sabi - http://decorology.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-life-style-im-into-wabi-sabi.html Also,you might consider looking into feng shui. The main thing I need to work on is creating to-do lists and staying focused. It takes practice, but I'm getting better at it, and I've definitely found that when I have an actual, tactile to-do list and keep it at hand, moving from one task to the next, I get so much done and feel great at the end of the day. Okay, I'm ranting. The point of all this was to introduce you to the simple-life inspiring Brooklyn store, Brook Farm General Store. Remember this image from my autumn inspiration post?

The image is from Brook Farm General store, and I thought it warranted a cyber-visit. I used to live in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where it's located, but I think I moved before they arrived.

Lamp Gras, the original architect light.

Look at little Nutmeg on the left, so cute!


Isn't the shop beautiful?
They also sell vintage finds.

These brushes have an interesting story -
"These beautiful brushes are handmade in Sweden from local wood and all natural fibers. Traditionally, in Europe, visually impaired craftsmen and women would make brooms and brushes by hand. Iris Handverk has continued this craft, designing brushes each with their own individual function.

These are the most comfortable, effective brushes we have ever used, and the fact that they are part of a centuries old tradition only makes them more desirable. The type of wood used for the handle and the natural fibers used for the bristles are chosen based on the designated purpose of each brush, so you can be sure that you are getting the best possible tool for your specific job."

What do you think? See anything you like?

Visit the Brook Farm General store website

Classic country or Modern country? Which are you?

I like country style - but country style can encompass sooooo many looks. I thought I'd see which way you guys leaned - "traditional" country, or "modern" country.

Lets start with classic country:

Love this organized but full-of-charm home office.

Gorgeous - and the chicken wire screens are great too.





...or do you like a more contemporary country?

This bedroom is so stunning - and the monochromatic palette keeps the damask from being too busy for a bedroom

Amy Butler's workspace!

Which do you prefer?
all images via Country Living