Spring has at last sprung here in New Hampshire, and I feel like I, like nature, am starting to emerge from a long winter!
Over the past few months, I’ve been knee-deep in 4 projects of various sizes (a new build on Lake Sunapee finally nearing completion, a 1930s Tudor maison, a 1880s aesthetic-era townhouse, and a new “old” house in Vermont). I also wrapped up the Fall 2021 session of The Home Glow Method (R), and I’ve have been working on some new and exciting offerings for you all — including an upcoming mini-challenge those of you who just want a quick “style fix,” and a longer-term design coaching program for those of you who want to totally transform you homes while under the guiding eye of a trusted advisor (me!).
So stay tuned!
And, man, the supply chain issues & price increases on goods just keep coming. You lovely readers purchasing from retail sources are feeling it, too, I know. It’s disheartening & draining to me and all my small team, but to all my clients — a HUGE thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
But enough boo-hooing! On to today’s topic!
The Problem with Interior Design Style Quizzes
I’ve long wanted to create an interior design quiz for my readers because most of the BAZILLION design quizzes out there don’t strike me as particularly helpful. I took probably a dozen of them while brainstorming, researching, and developing mine over the last number of months. Pretty much all of them go something like this:
- What colors do you like?
- Which of these living rooms do you like best?
- What decor style do you like best — modern rustic, coastal, French… etc.?
- What is your favorite style of home architecture?
- etc.
All the questions are about “you, You, YOU.”
Some examples:
May I ask an honest question? For those of you who have taken this kind of design style quiz —
Did the results help YOU find any clarity????
(Please let me know in the comments!)
Here’s my opinion as to why these quizzes are really just a waste of time:
- They ask about what YOU like, but they don’t ask one single question about your house’s architecture (i.e., what your house likes style-wise).
- They give you a result picture of your “chosen style,” but they don’t break down elements concretely so that you understand & can implement “the mix” your style employs.
- They don’t give you examples & resources to start you on your way.
A Different Kind of Home Style Quiz
Here’s the deal — having a forever house is like being in a committed, long-term relationship. There are qualities you may LOVE about your partner (your house in this scenario), but there also may be things you DON’T like…. and the areas where your personalities clash may be causing “compatibility issues.”
These “compatibility issues” usually arise when there is a disconnect between the natural bent of your home’s architecture and your own style preferences.
It’s why SOOOOOOO many homeowners are totally stuck when they try to decorate their homes with that all elusive, timeless “mix.”
You MUST account for architecture (yes, even if you live in a 1980s cul-de-sac subdivision) in your design style. This is something good designers understand and do FOR their clients … even if their clients don’t realize it! And that’s why, in addition to asking about what YOU like, this unique interior design style quiz asks a few questions like:
Results: Your Timeless “Mix”
Just as I want my blog posts and my design course to be, I wanted to create a quiz that would be really useful. I wanted to employ my know-how as a designer and point you in the direction of a WORKABLE style solution for you AND your forever home. One that will stand the test of time.
Based upon your answers, it will lead you to one of 7 timeless design styles that blends your own design preferences with your home’s architecture, along with:
- 4-5 step breakdown of design elements to help you achieve your “mix” style
- a visual showing showing an example “mix” and how it works
- a list of curated resources — both things to shop as well as blog posts with valuable information for your style
For example:
The quiz is super short — just 8 questions! But it’s such a handy little tool, the payoff is huge!
For those of you who have taken The Home Glow Method (R), you understand the whys and wherefores behind these results … and how to completely customize them & implement implement them according to the vision you create for yourself in the course.
But for those of you just starting to dip your toes into the waters of your own Forever Home transformation, I hope this gives you clarity & a new and concrete direction of where you can be!
—–
My aim is always to educate & assist you in creating a home you love! I’d be so grateful to hear what you think of the new Home Style Compatibility Quiz & your results in the comments!
I’ll be back soon with some sneak peeks at the projects I’ve been working on over the last 6 months. Also, keep your eyes peeled for new updates about my upcoming mini-challenge & the next session of The Home Glow Method!
‘Til next time!
-Amy
