4.
The Traditionalist
You have a classic sensibility and a penchant for the tried and true. Whether it's your grandmother's sofa lovingly recovered in a heritage floral or a paint color once used in Monet's kitchen, you know that the best decorating ideas have stood the test of time. For you, home is a place of history, enriched by the memories and ideas of those who've come before you. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean you have a traditional style. Being a Traditionalist is more about how you approach design than how things look. For example, a Traditionalist who moves into a modernist house would restore it rather than knocking down walls and moving windows. They might have an Eames chair, but probably would not paint it neon yellow. To a Traditionalist, things look best when they're done with a healthy respect for the rules, written or unwritten, that have been handed down through the generations.Your homeYour home has a timeless quality, an enduring style that always feels appropriate. Everything from the finish on the floors to the lighting is considered, and there is a sense of balance that comes from a careful attention to proportion and scale. Pieces handed down from family have pride of place, and are complemented by vintage finds and authentic reproductions. You hold onto things with sentimental value, which can sometimes present a challenge when they don't line up exactly with your style. But you could never throw them away. Even humble objects, cared for with love, have the potential to become heirlooms.How you decorateWhen it comes to decorating, there is a right way to do things, and you like to know what it is. How high above a sofa would Martha hang a painting? What kinds of sconces would Dorothy Draper pair with a console table? Design books and magazines are a key source of inspiration for you. You don't worry about keeping up with trends. It's more important that a space feel put together than that it be unconventional. Your secret weaponHistoryYou know that certain patterns recur again and again in design through the ages for a reason. Whether it's the golden section and the rule of thirds, or your mom's insistence that a bedside table always needs a lamp, you have a library of proven techniques at your disposal for making a house feel like a home.Your biggest challengeMaking it work in your spaceTraditionalists' reliance on rules of thumb can be tested by less-than-ideal spaces. What happens when your ceilings are seven feet, not the standard eight, or you have to put a bed in front of a window, or you have a funky corner that Sister Parish never had to deal with? It's easy for Traditionalists to get stuck when translating these rules to the real world, afraid to make a choice that might seem "wrong." How to make the most of your design personality? Read on...If you feel stuck with a decorating dilemma, instead of flipping open your favorite design book...Tune in to your intuitionIt may feel weird at first, but practice checking in with what feels right to you. If you're trying to figure out where to hang a piece of art, have a friend move it up and down until you feel a little spark that says "Here!" When shopping, see if you can notice what pulls you toward it and what makes you want to move away. These little sparks may not feel like much, but they can help you ensure you're balancing time-tested wisdom with your own inner desires. About the Design Personality TypesHey there 👋 I'm Ingrid Fetell Lee, designer, bestselling author, and founder of the Aesthetics of Joy. I study the psychology of design to help people understand how to create happier, healthier lives at home. With more than a decade of experience as a designer, I created the Design Personality Types to help my readers and students understand how to make better decisions about home decor. Your design personality is different than your style (modern or traditional, bohemian or industrial) which describes how you like your home to look. Your design personality explains how you want it to feel. If you've ever felt confused or overwhelmed by home decor, or like you just don't have an eye for design, knowing your design personality can be the first step to unlocking your natural creativity and creating a home you love!Looking for a little extra guidance? Here's how to take it to the next level.As a Traditionalist, you have all the essential ingredients for a beautiful, joyful home. But if your space isn't feeling much like a sanctuary, it may be time for a few simple tweaks. I've created a free Home Assessment Tool that will give you specific areas that you can focus on to make your home into a true haven. Get your free copy below.P.S. Don’t forget to check your email! I’ll be in there soon with more ideas for making the most of your design personality...
