I really do enjoy getting to see most of my relatives over the holidays, especially my three sister, as we're spread over the east coast. However, ever since I was a child, a room or house full of people can start to leave me feeling a bit suffocated after awhile. Whether or not you're like me in this characteristic, it's still important to take a little time for yourself to recharge. My personal favorite is a hot bath with some candles, because it's so comforting and peaceful.

love this quaint, vintage bathroom.

I don't know if I'd ever pick such bright colors for my own bathroom, but I still think it's really striking.

I've never seen a bathtub at an angle like this!  I love "real" furniture in the bathroom, like the upholstered seat you see here.

*Love* this tile and the chocolate

Okay, so I'm not sure if I actually like this bathroom or not.   The color palette is interesting - maybe it's all just a bit too country for me.  What do you think?  Do you like this palette? Like the style?

so luxurious! I could spend a long time in here.

Which bathroom is your favorite?  Do you use the bathroom as a personal sanctuary?

via BHG

I get a lot of requests from readers trying to discover "their style" when it comes to interior decorating. There could literally be, and probably are, books written on the subject, so this post will only cover one part of "style." That part is a paramount one however - color.

Color can create the mood of a room like no other decorating element, which is why it's such a matter of anxiety for homeowners and decorators alike. Well, I think I've found a quiz that is exceptionally thorough and thoughtful in determining your color style - it was amazingly accurate in it's choice of mine! The quiz is from PPG Pittsburgh Paint’s Voice of Color, and called the "Color Sense Game." It's good to nail down your true color style because undoubtedly trends will come along that might tempt you, but in the long run it might be more cost/time efficient to choose a palette that you will always like.

Here are just a few of the questions -
Choosing your ideal image of "home"
Choose your fav decorating accessory

Choose words that are inspiring

Your color affinities

Your desires from a space

There are even song clips you listen to and choose the one that you like best - it's pretty cool.

Can anyone guess the palette the quiz choose for me? If you guessed white, you're right! Through and through I am drawn to white interiors. Here is there description of the "white" environment.
"Pure, clean white is ideal in a room with great light and lots of windows. Suitable for southern climates and ocean views, it is often cool or blue-white, and it has the most reflective power."

Some of my favorite white spaces:


via Kitchen Details and Design

via Ochs Design

via Fjeldborg

They also give you a secondary palette, which for me was also spot-on - "Water Beads." Which is comprised of blues. There description is, "The soothing colors of the Water Beads Harmony Collection suit any room where creating calm is essential. In the bathroom, the ocean hues suggest a fresh morning breeze; in layered pastels, they bathe generations of newborns in a soft, protective shell. Because of the serenity it creates, try blue in a screened-in porch, solarium or even your home office. Pair it with stimulating yellows or oranges to balance the relaxing effect."
Some of my favorite blue inspirations -
via House Beautiful

via Elle Decor

via LivingEtc.

I'm always trying to achieve ultimate serenity and relaxation in my space, so the quiz's results were very accurate. Give it a try at the Voice of Color site. Leave a comment and let me know what your results were!