How Do You Describe Your Decorating Style?

Have you ever taken one of those "Find Your Decorating Style" quizzes?

You know the kind... you answer a few questions and the site pops out a 'term' or 'label' that's meant to help you define your decorating style.

I decided to try a little experiment.  If I took ten of these on-line quizzes, would they all give me the same answer?  How many of them would be able to accurately pinpoint my decorating style?

So, what were the final results?  Well, I apparently have not ONE, but TEN very diverse decorating styles!

Quiz #1: MODERN GLAM (I do love a bit of bling, but, modern?  Not so much.)

Quiz #2: ROMANTIC (I like pretty decor, but I also need balance and contrast.)

Quiz #3: FORMAL (Partially true.  I love symmetry... I loathe stuffiness.)

Quiz #4: ECLECTIC (Yes, but it doesn't define my decorating style.)

Quiz #5: PARK AVENUE COCKTAIL (Nice, but too over-the-top for my home.)

Quiz #6: FRENCH COUNTRY (They missed the mark by a french country mile!)

Quiz #7: FUN COSMOPOLITAN (Not even close!)

Quiz #8: URBAN CHIC (I do like it, but it's not my decorating style.)

Quiz #9: RUSTIC ELEGANCE (Elegant, yes, but they lost me at rustic.)

Quiz #10: TRADITIONAL (Yes, but not in the old school sense, and not 100%)

Now, I can describe my 'CLASSIC CHIC Design Style' down to the smallest detail.

But, if I'd taken these quizzes to determine what decorating style I like the most, I'd be more confused than ever!

They asked pointed questions like "Which bedroom do you like the best?" or "If you could go on a dream vacation, which one would you choose?"

Sometimes, I'd like certain elements of two or more options on the list, but none in their entirety. And sometimes, I actually didn't like any of them!  But, I had to pick something in order to continue!

Faced with such limiting choices, it's no small wonder my results were all over the map!

These little decorating quizzes are definitely entertaining and only take a few short minutes to complete.

Identifying the smaller details that Define Your Personal Decorating Style is a multi layered and lengthy process, but it's so worth the effort!

Choosing colour, fabric, furnishings and accessories is much easier if you have a clear vision of what you want your space to look like in the end!

So tell me... how do you describe your decorating style?

~ Wendi ~ xo

Inspired by Beautiful French Design

I'm completely infatuated with the open concept living space in this stunning townhome.  I keep revisiting the images again and again, absorbing and studying each tiny detail.

Softly textured, faux stucco walls create an elegant backdrop for the French inspired decor.  A classic colour palette of cream and ivory is accentuated by light touches of silvery blue and pale pink.  

Dark hardwood floors ground the space and provide the foundation for thoughtfully chosen furniture pieces.  The window treatments and tailored accent cushions are crafted from rich silks and luxurious velvets.

Charming window seats and tastefully styled bookcases surround a beautiful stone fireplace.  Fragrant hydrangeas and a delicate orchid add life and movement to the room.

Lovely arches create a stunning view from the kitchen into the living and dining room.  The beautiful faux stucco wall treatment continues throughout the space, adding a sense of character to this newly built home.

The dining room is a vision of loveliness in soft creams and blues.  A gilded chandelier and crystal wall sconces enhance the romantic atmosphere.

I love the gently pleated table skirt and the exquisite curves of the dining chairs. An antiqued china cabinet creates a sense of height and is perfectly proportioned for the space.

A pretty commode and oversized mirror have been painted to compliment the room's design scheme.  Notice how their lines are repeated in the gilded trimwork on the adjacent wall.  I'm awed by the incredible attention to detail.

Images via Dodson and Daughter Interior Design

The work of talented Houston interior designer Julie Dodson, this is truly one of the prettiest spaces I've ever seen.

When my husband and I relocate as empty nesters someday soon, these images will be my main source of inspiration as I happily decorate our next home.

Are you as enchanted by the elegance and beauty of romantic French Design as I am?

Timeless and Traditional Living Rooms

I've been fighting with the furniture arrangement in my living room for almost a month!  You can view my latest shared attempt HERE.

No matter what I change, add, remove or repurpose, the room just doesn't 'FEEL' right. 

I know it's because I'm trying to 'make do' with what I already own.  I can rearrange my existing furniture a hundred more times, and I'm still not going to be happy with the outcome.

I'm seriously tempted to purchase a few new pieces of furniture, but before I do, I need to decide if I should take this opportunity to also make some changes to my current decorating style.

Each of these warm and elegant living rooms speak to my first true love; TIMELESS, TRADITIONAL DESIGN.

Although these spaces are more formal than my own living room, they still feel beautifully soft and inviting.  This timeless style is definitely worth considering.

Will my new and improved living room be a little more CLASSIC and a little less CHIC?  At this point, your guess is as good as mine!

~ Wendi ~ xo

Elements of Hollywood Regency Design

(Architectural Digest)

Hollywood Regency Design is undeniably bold and glamorous.

If you love the look of Old Hollywood, consider incorporating a few essential elements of this popular decorating style into your home decor.

Lacquer:  Add a daring, high gloss sheen to your walls, ceilings or furniture pieces.

(A Regeanne Interiors)

Luxe:  Mix classic design elements with shimmering metallics and rich, gorgeous colour.

(Elizabeth Gordon)

Personality:  Develop an eclectic yet harmonious design scheme with well appointed furnishings and unique accessories.

(John Stephanson)

Fabrics: Use an abundance of rich silks, brocades, tassels and trim to create a lush and luxurious vibe.

(Sheril Canet)

Chinoiserie:  Incorporate Chinese-inspired wallpaper for a feeling of instant glamour and high-end opulence.

(via Elle Decor)

Statement Pieces:  Nothing says 'Old Hollywood' quite like a lady's fainting couch!

(Mary McDonald)

Glam:  Add sumptuous sparkle with reflective surfaces, elegant crystal and a few well chosen accessories.

(via Houzz)

Mirrors:  The starburst mirror so popular today is an icon of the 'Old Hollywood' style.

(via BHG)

Scale:  Mix small-scaled upholstered pieces with dramatically over sized accessories.

(via Homes Design)

Hollywood Regency Design is about capturing the essence of a decadent time in history, with interiors befitting the most glamorous of this era's infamous leading ladies.

(Rita Hayworth)

(Jean Harlow)

(Susan Hayward)

If you love all things big, bold and beautiful, I hope these ideas will help you to create a home that reflects your own unique and sensational sense of style!

(MGM Studios)

~ Wendi ~ xo

The Perfect Imperfection of New Traditional Design

Today, I'm extremely privileged to have one of my Design Stories featured on
Stacy Curran's prestigious Conspicuous Style Interior Design Blog.

Stacy is a talented designer with an amazing sense of style.  Her site showcases stunning interiors and infinite inspiration for those of us who love a soft mix of classic and modern design.

Here's a small sampling of the beautiful interiors that can be found on Stacy's blog...

Thank you so much, Stacy, for offering me this special guest post opportunity!

Please stop by and visit Conspicuous Style Here to read my Feature Story: The Perfect Imperfection of New Traditional Design.

If you're not already familiar with Stacy's site, be sure to check out her spectacular collection of interior design posts...I guarantee you won't be disappointed!