ENNEAGRAM MEETS DESIGN Part 3
What Does Your Personality Archetype Dictate About Your Preferred Style?
When it comes to design, our preferences are as varied as the complex layers of our personas. Personality archetypes can be an excellent lens to peek through for self-exploration. We now wrap up our Enneagram series with a look at numbers 7, 8 and 9. If you missed the first or second article, be sure to check out the descriptions of each number in the system (below), along with our deep dives into numbers 1-6, which can be found online at homemagazineva.com. For an even deeper dive, check out our radio segments that aired on 105.9 WLNI-FM at wlni.com!
Check out the previous articles in our “Enneagram Meets Design” series:
Scan or click the above code to read part one
Scan or click the above code to read part two
A quick overview of all the types
- 1 Ones, the reformers, are logical and always ready to live in alignment with their principles and ideals. They are intentional in their way of life, self-disciplined and perfection seeking. They want to live in a way that is objectively virtuous and correct.
- 2 Twos, the helpers, are the natural caretakers of the world. As born hosts and hostesses, they come across as warm, giving, nurturing and inviting. They want to make others feel adored and accepted, and they may have a tendency to become territorial or overprotective of those they love.
- 3 Threes, the achievers, are ambitious, driven, success-seeking and focused on image. They chase their big dreams and are highly motivated to hustle in pursuit of the next goal. They want to challenge themselves and perform well to impress others and gain admiration.
- 4 Fours, the individuals, are the sensitive artists of the world. Fours can express themselves in dramatic ways, experience mood swings and come across as melancholy. Yet, they are old souls with a poetic flair.
- 5 Fives, the investigators, are intellectually curious, highly intelligent and typically introverted. They are passionate about researching their areas of interest and prefer to spend much of their time in solitude, in order to process their thoughts and manage their energy.
- 6 Sixes, the loyalists, are community-oriented and relationship-focused on their lifelong friends, family members and inner circle. They show up in our world as dutiful contributing citizens who embrace critical thinking. Although they can have a tendency to worry, they can also channel fear into creating security and preparing for a rainy day.
- 7 Sevens, the enthusiasts, are focused on the pursuit of fun and adventure. They are flexible, yet difficult to pin down at times, due to their scattered nature. They focus on positivity and finding the silver linings in life. If times get rough or intolerable, they yearn to flee to greener pastures.
- 8 Eights, the challengers, are tough bulldozer types who wield power and force. They are full of confidence, competence and determination. They also do not shy away from confrontation and tough conversations. Instead, they address conflict head-on with an assuredness of victory.
- 9 Nines, the peacemakers, are sometimes referred to as the “sweethearts of the Enneagram.” With their good-natured vibes, they tend to go with the flow. They are pleasant to be around, affirming toward others around them, naturally empathetic and accommodating. They go along to get along and have an air of natural lovability about them.
Sensational sevens
Sevens are the joy seekers of the Enneagram. While many numbers enjoy a good time, for sevens, fun and adventure are the bread and butter of life. Their homes tend to reflect their many interests, multi-passions, phases of inspiration and unpredictable chapters of their invigorating lives. When you cross their thresholds, you’ll feel like you’ve been sucked into a joy bubble.
When you’re invited into their space, you’re invited into their minds, which leap naturally from one thought to the next. This can be the reset we all need. These are our cheerleaders — always at the ready to pep us up or distract us from our troubles. Sevens love maximalism — in design and life. You won’t find an untouched stuffy living room or separate formal dining room just for eating. These folks are all about multi-functionality and probably invented the concept of a “cloffice,” or home gym that doubles as a retro arcade, outfitted with a pullout couch that can transition into a guest room at the snap of a finger.
If you’re a seven, your sense of style is likely varied, eclectic and mood-based: typically high vibes. Joy core and splashes of color are part of your rainbow of self-expression. Your home probably lacks cohesion, and that’s just fine with you. Who wants uniformity when there are so many styles to explore? Much like fours, you need unfussy styles that can change as you do. Styles that are naturally laid back are essential, so that you can maneuver flexibly and embrace the moment. Form-over-function styles incorporate design elements that evolve through both fits of inspiration and periods of neglect. Undone Maximalism, Memphis and Shabby Chic are likely to be sustainable and exhilarating for you. Rules are meant to be broken, right?
Aimful eights
Aiming for the bull’s eye, eights are always throwing figurative darts. They have a plan, and they are on the fast-track to accomplish it. Eights don’t “try.” They “do.” Their homes reflect this efficient intentionality, as their lifestyle requires a space that is fully functional, uncluttered and packed with tools for utmost productivity. When you enter the living space of an eight, you’ll feel an effortless flow pattern moving you along with ease and revving your engine to tackle a few pursuits of your own to “slay the day.”
If the number eight calls your name, you likely prefer clean lines, bold colors and utilitarian designs. Think midcentury modern touches for function over form. You are nothing if not efficient, so although you might appreciate a rustic aesthetic, you won’t mind mixing in metallic man-made materials that support getting things done and checked off the list. As a futuristic, “eyes-on-the-prize” type, you may even opt for a smart home with the latest tech-friendly gadgets to help you track your progress. To pump up your productivity and put your home to work for you, check out styles that fall into Modern Industrial, Bauhaus and Cyberpunk categories.
Neighborly nines
As the sweethearts of the Enneagram, nines are everyone’s favorite neighbor. Quite the contrast to the eight, they prefer to think of their home not as a vehicle toward pursuit, but as a retreat from the outside world. Above all else, nines value cozy touches, hygge vibes and quiet luxury, to create a calm and peaceful ambiance.
They simply want to relax at home. Textured throws, pillows, candles and warmth are optimal for these gentle souls. If you ring the doorbell of a nine — which you should only do after calling first, so as not to disrupt their Zen moment — you may be greeted by a neighbor’s pet or find your friend with a toddler (who isn’t hers) attached to her hip. Nines are neighbor-loving people pleasers, and they may struggle to say no to doing favors. Thus, they are everyone’s go-to dog walker and babysitter. You may catch a faint whiff of lavender or vanilla batter. When you curl up by the fire, you’ll feel sleepy and comforted by the glow of this lovely person, if not the embers of the flame.
If you’re a nine, you probably lean toward natural colors and Scandinavian styles. Traditional minimalism might be too sterile and require too much cleaning and upkeep for someone who prioritizes relaxation. Warm minimalism by contrast, features more color, is more forgiving of clutter and lends itself to creature comforts for a textured, layered look. If you’re ready to rest in a soft cocoon of plush rejuvenation, look into Organic Modern, Coastal Grandma and Danish Pastel.
That’s a wrap! Yet, a few questions remain. Which numbers do you find relatable, and which styles were your favorite? ✦
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