Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, it's less about the way others perceive you (i.e., shy, timid, loner, loud, boisterous, the life of the party) and more about how you source your energy.
Your home is the center point of your life, the place that you go back to recharge your batteries before heading out into the world again. So the key to designing your (or another's) space is to consider how they best refuel their tanks.
To design a space for an introvert to sleep, study, work, or relax in, you just have to think with your most comfortable self! Introverts like their spaces to be warm, nurturing, simple, and cozy. Everybody is different, so it's important not to rely solely on generic introvert stereotypes, but also spend some time getting to know your client by perusing their library, artwork, and lifestyle. Below I have shared a few staples that are an excellent place to start:
+ Creating a Library +
Introverts are known readers who devour information and stories to live out many exciting lives. Analyzing data and making connections is one of the strongest traits of someone with an introverted personality. As such, surrounding them with their favorite characters and realities creates an environment amongst those they understand best.
Lining walls with bookshelves is a great start to creating a relaxing atmosphere. You can arrange the books by height or color to add a more artistic element.
Introverts are often quietly proud to show off their book collection and all the adventures they have been on. Prominently displayed like trophies, libraries encourage conversations into worlds that introverts love being a part of!
+ Using Color +
Colors are an essential aspect of any home, regardless of temperament, and therefore need to be carefully considered while talking with your client. Many designers go with different shades of white right off the bat as there's not much to complain about unless your client is dead set on something else,
yet this is an easy way out.
Generally, introverted people like soothing, calm colors to match the mood they are often trying to maintain. Shades that match a Bahaman sea or that clear summer day sky are a great place to open up the books. Along with paint, wallpaper and its textured appeal (as long as it's not too busy) will add an excellent focal point. Something portraying a calming scene, such as birds in flight or a simple pattern, are a smart way to go.
Painting a wall in two tones adds a level of refinement and gives you the option to choose a darker color without making the room oppressing. Adding some colorful pillows or a piece of dynamic furniture will also help foster a burst of energy.
+ Furniture and Multi-Function Rooms+
Speaking of furniture, if you are designing a bedroom within a shared house, it's important to remember that introverts do their best living while in their own space. With this in mind, it's a good idea to create multi-functional rooms. You can achieve this using furniture, rugs, and color to create different sections.
Giving an introvert the ability to multi-task in private, and reducing the distraction of roommates,
allows them to accomplish much more.
+ Lighting +
Lighting plays a significant role in relaxation. When you walk into a big box store (or your office), your senses are inundated with thousands of fluorescent lights, creating a mental frenzy.
Human beings are children of the sun, and our bodies are used to the full spectrum that sunlight offers; fluorescents, on the other hand, offer a minimal spectrum of light.
Much of our body chemistry is based on our circadian rhythm (day/night cycle) and so getting enough sunlight exposure during the day is very important to our health for many reasons. When designing for an introvert, this is something to pay attention to, as introverts tend to spend a lot of time at home. Some tricks to bring in more light are using mirrors, sheer curtains, and picking a layout that maximizes time spent in the warm rays of a sunny afternoon. This can be achieved by arranging seating to be underneath windows. Doing so will help ensure plenty of vitamin-D and emotion regulating golden rays!
Fluorescent lights contain a gas that gets excited and glows when electricity is passed through. This electricity is not constant but controlled by an electric ballast that pulses on and off really fast. It is happening so quickly that, for most people, it's unperceivable. Still, this flickering light can cause a myriad of negative responses, such as seasonal affective disorder, migraines, eye strain, stress, and anxiety.
Choosing bulbs that offer a broader spectrum of light is an excellent way to combat this. Opt for lamps instead of relying solely on overhead lighting. This will create a calming atmosphere and give more control over the direction of light. It can also highlight specific aspects of the room (beneficial if the room is multi-use, shining light on the work area for better-focused concentration).
Incandescent bulbs offer a broader spectrum and help balance out the green tint that fluorescents throw, along with being a bulb that does not flicker. You could also use bulbs that illuminate in warmer tones.
String lights are an excellent way to bring some overhead light into space.
+ Seating +
Nook-and-cranny seating is the best option for nurturing the private conversations that introverts love. Try positioning furniture to create multiple sitting areas.
Rather than having the sofa facing two chairs with a coffee table between them, place the chairs off to the side with a small table between them. Doing so will create two areas for socializing, one of which is more intimate (even better if it’s under a window!).
"Tea and a heart-to-heart? Sit right down!"
Introverts pay attention to the little things, so having knick-knacks and other thoughtful vignettes that mean something to them goes a long way.
That being said, be careful not to overdue it! Clutter is the bane of an introverts life and they will find themselves preoccupied with straightening up rather than relaxing. Cubbies, jars, hide-away spots.. there are endless options for keeping things organized.
+ The Takeaway +
Designing for an introvert is a different experience than for an extrovert, and as designers and decorators, we need to tackle each project by understanding the obvious and subtle differences. In doing so, you will have clients who feel heard, appreciated, and comfortable in their new home.
I hope that you found some encouragement and inspiration while reading through these suggestions.
If you have any insights of your own, please leave a comment below and share with the rest of the community, take care!
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