Design Style: Enneagram Series! Type 1: The Reformer

Welcome to the first installment of a series of posts on one of my favorite subjects ... The Enneagram!!! I LOVE all things Enneagram, and this series is something I have wanted to do for a while now.

The Enneagram Explained:

Let's start with the basics: What is the Enneagram? Well, at it's most basic level, it is a system of 9 interconnected personality types, and each person has a dominant one. Think of it as your Myers Briggs, Love Languages, Zodiac sign, etc. all rolled into one. Although "newer" to many people, the Enneagram is rooted in various ancient wisdom traditions. Many of these teachings were shared only in schools of spiritual direction amongst the priests, monks and nuns. It wasn't until the 1960's that the Enneagram was released to those outside the religious orders. What I find most interesting is that unlike other personality tests that group like-traits together, the Enneagram focuses on what motivates you internally. So while two people may have similar traits, the lens through which they see the world is actually very different.

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Here is an example: Michael Jordan and Serena Williams are both considered to be the GOAT in their respective sports. They are both incredibly driven, passionate and hard working people. But the motivations that got them there are actually quite different. According to the Enneagram Institute, MJ is an Enneagram 3 - The Achiever. Characteristics of a 3 are ambition, drive and image-consciousness. They seek affirmation, desire being admired, and want to distinguish themselves from others. They are the teachers pet because that is how they feel validated. Serena is listed as an Enneagram 8 - The Challenger. Eights want to dominate their environment, to be in control of all situations, and prove their strengths while resisting their weaknesses. They are high achievers because they never want to rely on anyone else. Michael wanted to make his father proud. Serena wanted to make her father's criticism irrelevant. Same results, very different motivations.

So what does all of this have to do with interior design? Well, Tiger Oak prides itself on creating personal spaces that are reflective of the people living within them. A space shouldn't only be pretty. A well-designed space should give back to your emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. By understanding your motivations, your strengths, your weak spots, etc., we can begin to create an environment that reflects all those things and puts you at ease. A place that is perfectly suited to you just being YOU!

So let's begin!

Enneagram One: The Reformer

Rational, Idealistic, Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled and Perfectionistic

A one's energy is so outwardly focused on fixing the outside world, that they can become trapped inside that pursuit of perfection. It is only when a one stops making the outside world a problem that needs to be fixed, that they are finally able to be at peace. So, how can we achieve that in your home? It starts with a space that is clean, organized, and balanced. Simplifying the world around them makes it easier for one's to relax. If you are a one, or live with a one, you know that there is only one right way to do things, and that's their way. A one needs a home that is well-organized. Everything should have a place, and a more minimalist, classical approach to design suits them well. Because one's love order, try choosing furniture that has clean lines and a more polished look. One's often feel that the environments they find themselves in are out-of-whack and need saving. Balance and symmetry should be guiding principles when space planning for a one. Anything that feels off and needs correcting will take up space in a one's mind. One's can be incredibly moralistic and self-righteous, so eco-friendly materials and well-crafted pieces should be included to ease their sense of moral obligation and responsibility to the environment. Stick with a neutral color palette to add to the peaceful environment.

A neutral color palette, combined with classic symmetry and plenty of storage options is a great jumping off point when designing for a one.

If you want to learn more about Enneagrams in general, I would suggest starting with the Enneagram Institute website, The Road Back to You, by Suzanne Stabile, or any of Suzanne's podcasts: The Enneagram Journey! To get started creating a home that reflects your personal style, book your free discovery call now!

Stay tuned next week, when we talk about designing for Enneagram Two's!

xx- Natalie