Hello!
I recently discussed the interior design wins and opportunities in my own home with my wife in my podcast, Going Beyond Spaces With Gala. One of the things I discovered in that conversation was that our open floor plan and the location of our bedroom, which is so close to the living room, is not working for my wife, who in the past couple of years has embraced a more introspective side.
Addressing this is just another aspect of a holistic approach to design. And it’s also a great reminder that as we change, our spaces need to evolve and change with us.
Do you think of yourself as an introvert? Or an extrovert? Read on for some design tips to consider when designing your home and some things to look out for at your next job interview when visiting an office if you are an introvert. Next month we will tackle designing for extroverts!
And of course if you have any questions or want to share how this landed, you know where to find me – just hit reply!
Sending lots of ❤️,
DESIGNING FOR INTROVERTS AT HOME
An introvert is someone who tends to be more inward-focused, gaining energy from solitude or quiet environments rather than large social gatherings. They often prefer meaningful one-on-one interactions or small group settings over large, bustling crowds.
Below are some interior design tips that you might want to consider for your home if you’re an introvert:
1. Cozy Spaces: Creating nooks or cozy corners away from an open space with comfortable seating and soft lighting can provide introverts with retreat spaces where they can recharge and relax.
2. Soft Colors and Textures: Using calming colors and natural textures can help create a soothing atmosphere that promotes relaxation and introspection, which is what introverts often crave.
3. Minimalistic Décor: A streamlined and a clutter-free environment can reduce sensory overload for introverts, allowing them to focus and feel more at ease.
4. Personalized Touches: Incorporating personal items, such as books, artwork, or photographs, can create a sense of familiarity and comfort within the space, which is particularly important for introverts.
5. Divided Floor Plan: Introverts may prefer a home that is divided into different rooms versus an open floor plan. This way, they are able to take in one space at a time versus all areas at once, which may feel overwhelming.
Overall, creating a home environment that prioritizes comfort, tranquility, and personalization can greatly benefit introverts and support their need for solitude and reflection.
DESIGNING FOR INTROVERTS AT THE OFFICE
Large offices can be especially challenging for introverts, but there are many ways to make the office more design friendly for them! Interior design qualities that would benefit an introvert in an office setting include:
1. Private Workspaces: Providing individual cubicles or enclosed offices allows introverts to have dedicated spaces where they can focus without distractions and recharge when needed. This one is tough since most modern offices have transitioned to an open floor plan.
2. Quiet Zones: If an office has an open floor plan, then it’s important to also have designated quiet zones with minimal noise and interruptions. Spaces like these provide introverts with opportunities for concentration and reflection.
3. Flexible Seating Options: Offering a variety of seating options, including comfortable chairs and secluded corners, allows introverts to choose environments that best suit their working style and comfort level.
4. Natural Lighting: Maximizing natural light and incorporating views of nature can create a calming and refreshing atmosphere that helps introverts feel more energized and focused.
5. Personalization: Allowing employees to personalize their workspaces with meaningful items or décor can create a sense of ownership and comfort that supports introverts in feeling more at ease and connected to their environment.
By incorporating these design qualities into the office space, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that accommodates the needs and preferences of introverted employees.
SEEN + HEARD
If you’re in the tri-state area be our guest and check out Gala on a panel about “Designing Intentional Spaces”
in Connecticut on April 24th at 6PM. RSVP here.
