Home Style + another Giveaway

Home Goods is an incredible resource for chic, yet affordable home decor. So, when I found a "Home Style" quiz on the Home Goods website, I just couldn't resist! Here are my very accurate results:

Natalie, you are an EARTHY CASUAL

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value serenity. While there are probably a lot of interesting things in your home, they are joined by your taste or a certain palette that keeps them in harmony. You appreciate the beauty in simple forms. Whether fancy or plain, you appreciate things that are well made and function as well as they look. You also have a strong respect for the environment and craftsmanship. You care about how things are made, and how they are used.

Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars. 

2. Your Happy Place
Choose a color or two that harmonizes with the tableware you already own, and collect things like linens, glasses, dessert plates, or platters in those hues. This is a fantastic way to liven up a plain, white table setting. And if you can, set the table the night before a dinner party, so you can really take pleasure in tending to the details.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!
 Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Thanks to all of you design-savvy bloggers and your posts full of incredible decorating and party-hosting ideas, I already follow each of these guidelines. So, my first thought after reading my results was "wow, I guess I'm doing something right!" Very reassuring for an avid decorator :)

Click here to take the Home Goods Style Quiz and leave a comment, letting me know what style you are and if you think your results are accurate!

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Also, be sure to check out this amazing giveaway over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door. Up for grabs: THREE GALLONS OF PAINT!

That is way too good of a giveaway to pass up. Click here to enter ~ good luck! :)

Color Quiz + Giveaway

I decided to take a "Color Quiz" the other day and here are my results:

Spontaneity is the key to your existence. Quick-witted with a flair for originality, you enjoy situations that allow you to explore your creativity. Comparatively conservative, you appreciate beautiful surroundings, especially if they’re found in nature. Your relaxed and self-assured personality allows you to work well with others. Surprisingly enough, your unique and unusual tastes don’t prevent you from being comfortable among your more conservative peers.

What?? Purple?? Gross! I despise the color purple. Sure, I don't mind the occasional lilac-colored throw pillow, and I do have ONE purple sweater {though it's technically more of an "eggplant"}. But I don't think that a color I hate could possibly be "my color". No offense to anyone who loves purple or who has decorated their home in various shades of purple. Purple fine for other people; I am just not a fan.

I suppose the description does apply to me ~ or at least, it describes what I think of myself. I'm definitely spontaneous, original, creative, and witty {well, I try to be those things}. The rest is all very true {I love nature, work well with others, feel comfortable with my conservative friends}. But, still...PURPLE?!?

Let me know if you take the quiz. I'd love to hear if your results {the color and/or the description} are accurate!

{In other news...}

One of my favorite bloggers, Kelly {of Fabulous K Creative}, is having a giveaway!

She's had so many requests that she actually had to CLOSE her waiting list. So, this fabulous giveaway for "a simple and modern makeover worth $55!" is an incredible offer!

Click here to enter :)

I've been longing for a new look, so I really hope I win!

My Style

CITY-SLICKER CHIC
You're going for the ultimate living environment. You like a home that is sleek, masculine and generally understated. Only those in the know will be able to spot the touches of genuinely 'flash' kit - the designer logos, the top-of-the-range gizmos. In the end it'll all looks effortlessly cool but there's still a bit more time, thought and hard graft to be done to get everything spot on.

Conclusion
You're the consummate international playboy, at home around the world, but never more so than in your elegant 'pad' with its emphasis on hedonism and the finer things in life.


hahaha, what interesting results! There's an even bigger description, but it was too big to post. Basically, it continued to discuss my "manly, modern style". Too funny! Our home is definitley gender neutral - I just didn't realize my style was so masculine! I guess it makes sense, though, since I have made sure to keep our home void of frills, lace, and flowers. Not only does Ben despise "girly" decor, but I can't stand it either! So, I would have to say that my style quiz results are right on target. :)

Click here to take the quiz and be sure to come back and let me know about your results!