Your Interior Design Color Based on Your Enneagram
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The Enneagram is an interactive personality test that splits test takers into 9 personality types which can be used to understand ourselves and others more deeply. Similar to the astrological signs or the Myers-Briggs, people love to categorize themselves and get introspective. As someone who works with colors everyday, I have decided to break down which colors align best with each Enneagram type and where to incorporate that color in your home. Hopefully this feels more accurate than your daily horoscope, let’s be honest that isn’t hard, and inspires you to freshen up your space.
Take the test here to find out your type!
Type 1: The Reformer
Types 1’s are also called the Rational, Idealistic Type. They have strong principles, are conscientious, and wise. They have clear distinctions between right and wrong and are always pushing for change and improvement. Their high standards make them perfectionists but they can be overly critical and impatient.
Gray is the color of Type 1. It is classic, clean and simple. Those who tend to use gray in their space are disciplined and intelligent. Pair gray with warm colors like gold, wicker, or wood tones to make an inviting space. Paint it on your walls to give your home a clean feeling that allows your mind to remain clear, especially in the bedroom.
Type 2: The Helper
Type 2’s, or the Caring, Interpersonal Type, are loving, generous, and friendly. Their empathy, unselfishness and warm-heart makes them popular but they can over commit themselves to helping others. As people-pleasers, they have issues addressing their own needs but they are full of unconditional love.
Since Type 2’s are popular, they need the most popular home color, blue. Pantone’s Color of the year for 2020 was even a shade of blue. Those who are drawn to blue are loyal and friendly. Since Type 2’s can overextend themselves physically and emotionally, blue can be used in their space to create a calming, restorative environment. Use a light blue on your walls for a fresh, restorative feel or dark blue for a comforting, introspective space.
Type 3: The Achiever
The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type, or Type 3, is one of confidence, charm and energy. Type 3’s are extremely ambitious and care about status. They are competent, diplomatic and excel in whatever they choose to focus on. They tend to overwork themselves and struggle with being overly competitive and caring too much about what others think.
Red is the color of confidence and energy and I couldn’t think of a better match. People who like red are intense, driven and energetic. The shade of red you choose really changes a space. As a sensible and practical type, go with a deep red in key textiles like rugs, seating, curtains, or bedding to ground the space. Since you are working so hard, you may need a space to unwind, go with a light coral on the walls.
Type 4: The Individualist
Type 4 is also known as the Sensitive, Withdrawn Type. They are perceptive, inspired, creative and self-conscious. Type 4’s tend to be reserved as they feel vulnerable and this can lead to them being disdainful towards ordinary life. Their introspection can get carried away and lead to self-pity and a sorrowful mood; however, their immense creativity allows them to transform their life experiences.
To stimulate that creativity, use purple in your space. Purple arouses the imagination. Those who are drawn to purple tend to be creative, perceptive, and romantic. If you want a calm, relaxing room, use lilac on the walls. If you want a more sophisticated look, use deep purple accents in your bedding, seating, or art.
Type 5: The Investigator
Type 5 is also known as the Intense, Cerebral Type. Fives are innovative, curious and independent. They are insightful but can be secretive and isolate themselves. They develop intricate ideas but can become preoccupied with their thoughts. Fives can be eccentric and see the world in a different way. Their ideas are often ahead of their time.
So for this type I chose yellow, which happens to be my favorite color. Yellow is the color of inspiration and joy. Yellow can stimulate a fives innovation while also bringing them out of their shell. Fives will be attracted to the fresh and new feeling that yellow has. If a bright yellow feels like too much for your walls, use it in accents around your room. If you want to take the paint color dive, a pale yellow is always a safe and sunny bet.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6, or the Committed, Security-Oriented Type, are devoted, anxious and responsible. They are engaging and good at fostering cooperation. Sixes are hard-working and good at seeing problems. They struggle with self-doubt and letting stress consume them. They champion others and are very trustworthy.
Type 6 should incorporate brown into their homes. Like sixes, brown gives you a sense of security and contentment. It should soothe the anxiety you have as a six. Those who like brown tend to enjoy comfort and simplicity. Brown is great because it exists in so many places naturally. Whether its wood furniture staples, leather or wicker, rattan, and bamboo chairs, brown is easy to incorporate!
Type 7: The Enthusiast
The Enthusiast, or the Busy, Fun-Loving Type, is versatile and playful. They spend their energy and talents in many different areas which can lead to them getting overextended and scattered. Their spontaneity leads them to new and fun experiences but it can make them exhausted. Type sevens are optimistic and extroverted and although they can be impatient, they are appreciative and happy.
The color orange suits Type 7. Orange is a fun and energetic color that demands attention. It is the color of extroversion, warmth, and friendliness. Orange can keep up with the active and happy mind of a seven. Use a rich orange on your walls for a fun pop. For accents, one of my favorite ways to add in orange is through terracotta pots. They are cheap and easy to find!
Type 8: The Challenger
Type 8, or the Powerful, Domineering Type is self-confident, blunt and strong. Their intense demeanor can lead to confrontation and others may find it intimidating. Eights like to control their environment which can make it hard for them to be vulnerable. They are protective, assertive and decisive, which can inspire and improve others lives.
For the most intense and powerful type, I chose black. Black is the color of power, ambition and strength. Black must be used cautiously. Like type eights, too much black and it can be overpowering and intimidating. Black must be used with a lot of thought in the home but it definitely can add depth and drama. My favorite space to use black is in the bathroom.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Type nines are also called the Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type. Nines are calm, reassuring, and supportive. Their agreeable nature can occasionally make them too willing to go along with others just to keep things peaceful. Nines are trusting and receptive and smooth over conflicts effectively. They bring people together and are embracing of all.
Green is one of the most soothing colors. It is a laid back and relaxing color that can be harmonious. Green can bring balance, stability and joy to a space. Go with a bright green, like lime, if you want to bring energy to a room, a soft green for relaxation, or a deep green for stability. When in doubt, add in some plants to make a green statement.
