Eerily on target

Okay, so I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for silly online quizzes. I can't pass them up. Just like I couldn't pass them up when I was a teen reading Seventeen magazine. Ahhh...yes, the good ol' days when my friends and I would cram in the Mom's Suburban (You know, the old school, tractor sounding Diesel that was 2-toned blue with wood paneling down the side. Yep, that Suburban.) Anyway, we'd cram into the 3rd row, waaaaay back there where Mom couldn't hear us, or so we thought, and take quiz after quiz on everything from "What's your skin type" to "Is he really into you?" or "What prom dress best suits you?" So I guess I've been a quiz-junkie all my life. But I think this one takes the cake. I couldn't have been more right if it TRIED.

And again, if you know me at all, you'll know that another passion I have is for interior decorating/design. I still swear that one day Mom and I are going in to business together. Right Mom??? (hint. hint. J &D Designs.) So when I saw that Virginia had posted this quiz link on her blog, I didn't even hestitate to go take it. It's 10 questions about your sense of home, your style, and how you should decorated accordingly. As I mentioned, my results were SPOT ON. Like scarily so.

You are a Bohemian Casual (I didn't even know that was a category!)



Bohemian Casual:
You are interested in creating a place where people feel relaxed. (Exactly what I'm going for.) You have a variety of interests and influences and so appreciate different styles, cultures, and objects. Your home is cozy, with comfy chairs, throw pillows and places to set a drink or a book. (Yep.) But it also feels creative and visually intriguing, because you have an artist's eye that allows you to find objects that appeal to you in a unique and personal way—whether from your travels or from a local shop. (That explains A LOT.) This gives your home a feeling of being laid-back (my middle name), and maybe even a bit quirky with its mix of pieces—some of which are classic, some handmade, some ethnic, and some just rich in meaning to you. (most definitely).

You value serenity. (Yep. That's me!) 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. (True, true.)

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: ORGANIZE

bwahahahaha! I TOLD you this was DEAD ON! Even a stupid QUIZ knows that I'm not organized! Now THAT'S bad!!!
The front hall sets the mood for your entire home. Consider how to accommodate all the room's functions as beautifully as possible. At the very least you need a console check, and if you're short on storage, consider a dresser. check. Outfit the surface with nice trays and bowls for mail, keys and sunglasses. Yep, got that too but mine holds fake pears. Keep a trash can for immediately tossing the junk mail. Closet-door or wall hooks encourage coat and bag hanging rather than dumping. If you have children, try to give each a basket in the closet for hats and gloves. Riiiight. It's nice to have a chair or bench for changing shoes, a mirror for last-minute lipstick checks, and a lamp or sconces for warm light.

2. Your Happy Place
The more serene your bedroom feels, the happier you will be. I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much that is ME! Our BR is the palest of pale blues with a white duvet so it'd feel cloud-like and peaceful. A pretty coverlet over a big duvet makes the bed look smooth—and not all duvet-lumpy! GREAT idea! Totally doing this to my duvet. And, a blanket folded at the foot of the bed breaks up the big expanse of fabric. Got it. Euro shams—those big square pillows—are great for reading in bed, got those and a few decorative pillows can also be a nice touch. Got those too, I've just gotta USE them. Consider adding a basket or a small occasional table near your bedside table for books, papers, lotions, linen spray or whatever you'd like. Yep. Spot on again.

It goes on and on, but I'll let you off the hook and not make you read the whole thing. BUT it WAS extremely accurate. Scarily so.

AND I've done a LO about our house. Actually several, and yes, I know I've scrapped these photos several times, but I couldn't help myself. These are from the newest releases by Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker.

"Home" using the "Victoria's Street" line

See those thumbnail photos? Apparently they're totally "Bohemian Casual"! I never would've thought to consider myself "bohemian" in any way, but hey if the shoe fits...

And while I'm sharing, here's another LO with Nikki Sivils' "Sweet as Cherry Pie" line. It has nothing to do with decorating or style, but while I'm sharing my work for Nikki, I thought I'd throw this one in.

"You've gotta friend"

C and Kels running up the hill after a ballgame earlier this summer.

Well that's about all I've got for now. Thanks for letting me share my new lightbulb moment. Bohemian Casual. Huh. Who would've thought?!