Have you ever wondered whether your home décor reflects your personality or the other way around? You wouldn’t be far off the mark if you did. Our personal spaces reflect who we are as we tend to decorate them based on our personality traits.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality test based on Carl Jung’s theory that each individual’s personality falls within one of a limited number of personality types.
The first version of the test emerged in the 1940s and is one of the most widely used personality tests. The test groups persons into one of sixteen personality types. To do this, the test covers questions based on four groups of traits. These groups are:
- Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I).
- Sensing (S) and Intuition (N).
- Thinking (T) and Feeling (F).
- Judging (J) and Perceiving (P).
Each person’s personality is a combination of these eight traits and, so, you could fall within one of sixteen personality types. The sixteen personality types as reflected by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator are:
Analysts:
- INTJ-A / INTJ-T – The Architect.
- INTP-A / INTP-T – The Logician or Thinker.
- ENTJ-A / ENTJ-T – The Commander.
- ENTP-A / ENTP-T – The Debater.
Diplomats:
- INFJ-A / INFJ-T – The Advocate.
- INFP-A / INFP-T – The Mediator.
- ENFJ-A / ENFJ-T – The Protagonist or Giver.
- ENFP-A / ENFP-T – The Campaigner or Champion.
Sentinels:
- ISTJ-A / ISTJ-T – The Logistician or Inspector.
- ISFJ-A / ISFJ-T – The Defender or Protector.
- ESTJ-A / ESTJ-T – The Executive or Director.
- ESFJ-A / ESFJ-T – The Consul or Caregiver.
Explorers:
- ISTP-A / ISTP-T – The Virtuoso or Crafter.
- ISFP-A / ISFP-T – The Adventurer.
- ESTP-A / ESTP-T – The Entrepreneur.
- ESFP-A / ESFP-T – The Entertainer.
But what does all of this have to do with interior design? As it turns out, a lot. People in the same personality groups tend to have similar tastes in interior design.
The Architect.
The Architect personality type is strategic and rational. They are often drawn by a mixture of old and new styles. That makes a Steampunk-type design with plenty of patterns, different textiles, and some unconventional pieces ideal for these individuals.
The Logician or Thinker.
The Logician is creative and curious. Interior design styles that combine creativity with style and functionality suit these persons best.
The Commander.
The Commander personality is a go-getter and natural leader. They could enjoy being in surroundings that have a slightly industrial feel.
The Debater.
The debater is bold and creative. Mostly, they strive to be their authentic selves in every situation. These individuals would feel at home in an eclectically decorated space.
The Advocate.
The Advocate is imaginative, intentional, and thoughtful. They could enjoy spaces decorated in the Postmodern style.
The Mediator.
Mediators could be quiet and shy, especially around people they don’t know well. A shabby chic interior design style that includes neutral colors will make these individuals feel at home.
The Protagonist or Giver.
Givers are warm and welcoming – they enjoy making others feel welcome. Givers will thrive in homes with light colors mixed with vintage pieces and their favorite artwork or photographs.
The Campaigner or Champion.
The Campaigner is an enthusiastic free spirit. They will be comfortable in a home decorated in a bohemian style that plays into their bold and carefree ways.
The Logistician or Inspector.
Logisticians are practical and straightforward. They will flourish in a space decorated in a minimalist interior design style.
The Defender or Protector.
Defenders typically are introverted but form deep connections with those they trust. A transitional home that mixes traditional with modern styles along with an open plan design style is perfect for them.
The Executive or Director.
Executives crave order and love bringing people together. They will be comfortable in a modern home with plenty of space for entertaining.
The Consul or Caregiver.
A caregiver deeply cares about the people around them. They are outgoing and love socializing. A classic interior design style that provides ample opportunity to invite guests over will leave a Caregiver feeling fulfilled.
The Virtuoso or Crafter.
Virtuosos are inquisitive and individualistic, with bold creativity thrown into the mix. These individuals would relish in a space decorated in a mid-century modern style.
The Adventurer.
Adventurers like to live outside of social conventions. An Art Deco design style will inspire their bold and creative personalities.
The Entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs are energetic, sometimes impulsive, and spontaneous. They could prefer a retro-style home filled with bold patterns and colors with some vintage pieces thrown into it.
The Entertainer.
Entertainers love to live in the moment. They love to perform and have a dramatic side. Glamorous surroundings filled with elegance and bold pieces will make this star shine even brighter.
We each have our own personality types, and with that comes personal preferences, not just in what we like to do or how we behave. It also reflects in how we decide to decorate our living spaces. Establishing which personality type you are can help you create a space that makes you feel at home – at home.