What personality type are you? Ask your home!

Hello design lovers,

I believe our homes are a representation of who we are. Sometimes this may not seem true but your personality it's there in your home, somewhere. Maybe it's just hidden by a ton of clutter! Would you like to find it and give it shape through your interior design? Let's talk about it!

Personality type - an introduction

As professor Barrie Gunter from the University of Sheffield said in a video for BBC, "people are given a personality type when they are born. We can't decide our personality, we are what we are. On the contrary, houses are our own territory. It's the environment of which we have a degree of control. Therefore we can decide whether we need to project ourselves through it". This is particularly helpful if you want to live in an environment where you can truly be yourself.

There are many different personality types but two, in particular, are considered to be the basis: the introvert and the extrovert. These are two extreme positions; the majority of the people have personality traits that fall between the two. There is no "right or wrong" personality type, and everyone should be happy to set their home as they prefer! These two personality types are in fact easily mistaken: it's not true that all introverts are shy and recluse while extroverts are outgoing and social.

Let's have a closer look at them and how you can live a better life by making interior design choices that are right "for you"!

The introvert

According to a study on Very Well, "introversion is a personality type characterised by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation". Translated in interior design terms, this means that introverted people are in general less tolerant of physical stimulation: they feel more comfortable in a clean, clutter-free environment.

© Gidon Levin

The introvert personality type is more likely to choose white interiors and in general not to mix many different colours and materials.

© Gidon Levin

Closed storage solutions are the preferred option as well as a modern, minimal style.

© Martin Dyrlov

The overall clean feeling of a room is the priority. Introverts don't usually display personal items, they hide them behind doors or carefully select them as accessories.

© Martin Dyrlov

The extrovert

Extroverted people tend to be very talkative and have a high need for stimulation. Basically they gain energy from social interaction. This means that in interior design they like to have a lot of things creating stimulation in the environment around them. They like it cluttered.

© Martin Dyrlov

Because they don't mind a cluttered room, people with this personality type can easily adapt their home to the presence of children. On the contrary, introverts with kids may struggle a lot with the need of keeping everything tidy. Discover how to keep a "mostly" tidy house with kids.

© Martin Dyrlov

Extroverts are often more likely to go for bold and exciting colour schemes. For example, have a look at the stunning bedroom below: it's not my style, but I find the eclectic mix of traditional and industrial styles really interesting. Only risk-takers can live in this space!

© Gidon Levin

Open-storage solutions are perfect for this personality type. The more the better!

Needless to say, artists are very likely to live like extroverts, showing all their tools and artworks off!

© Martin Dyrlov

Somewhere in between: a beautiful mess

There is a third personality type that I want to feature: it's in between introverts and extroverts. I call it A Beautiful Mess

© Avenue Lifestyle

This personality type feels comfortable being surrounded by objects. But it's important to select them carefully for a harmonious look. 

© Avenue Lifestyle

The overall feeling is very relaxing, balance is the keyword. These people gain energy from having around items that inspire positive emotions. 

© Avenue Lifestyle

Even though the overall effect may seem casual, it really isn't. Every single item is in that place for a reason. People with this personality type consider everyday objects as artworks on a beautiful canvas which is the home!

© Gidon Levin

If you don't find yourself in any of the above, consider that these are just extreme positions! You surely are a beautiful and unique mix of them.

So, what personality type are you? :)