Design Style: Enneagram Series! Type 5: The Investigator

Enneagram Five: The Investigator

Intense, Cerebral, Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive and Isolated

Enneagram Fives are insightful, curious and private. Their spaces are a personal escape from the outside world. More than anything, Fives want to understand the world around them. Having everything around them figured out is a way of defending against external threats. To a Five, knowledge is power. They strive to be experts in their field, and value questions and observation over consensus and socially accepted "truths". Because of this, a five's home will never be considered "trendy". Nor should it. They are naturally minimalistic … intense thinkers who need a home that allows them to relax and contemplate their ideas.

Reserved color palettes and natural elements will cultivate a space for them to collect their thoughts and reflect on their day. This is not to say that they don't like nice things. Although they will always prioritize function over form, Five's do appreciate iconic pieces that show off their personalities. However, unlike a Three, Five's will spend money on things that excite them purely for their own enjoyment, never for the validation of others. Styles that appeal to the practical, conservative nature of a Five are Mid-Century Minimalist and Industrial.

The interesting aspect of Five's that translates directly to their homes is that, more than any other number on the Enneagram, they have a finite amount of energy to expend each day. In order to conserve their energy for things they find mentally stimulating, they choose to live with less ... less to clean, less to organize, etc. Their homes can often feel stark because the thought of having "more" doesn't naturally occur to them. The less hassle in putting together their home, the better, so they don't put a lot of time or energy into design. A Five will be perfectly content purchasing everything for their kitchen from the local big box store. Even more likely, they will purchase it all online. Space planning is key for a Five because you will need to make the most out of every space in order to avoid clutter. For instance, they love libraries, but the practical side of a Five would prefer a library that doubles as a living or dining room.

At the end of the day, a Five needs a space that allows them to step back into their mind. This is their comfort zone. They need to be able to recharge in their homes. Their spaces should reflect their strong desire for privacy, and love for learning. If you adopt a "less is more" approach, and only purchase things that excite you, you will be well on your way. Of course, if this seems too daunting, or, like a true Five, you just don't have the time or desire to do it for yourself, sign up for a free discovery call and let me do the thinking for you!

xx - Natalie