Decorating for Introverts

Sep 8, 2017
3 min read

As an introvert, our comfort zones are based on indoor activities, loner creativity, and avoiding human interaction if it isn’t required. Being in social environments and meeting new people is at the bottom of our to-do list because excessive interaction drains our mental and emotional energy. The best version of us is when we are alone and left to our own devices. We come up with great ideas, we are well rested, we get shit done, and we observe and judge the shit out of extroverts because we can’t grasp how they enjoy what we hate. Going out into the world everyday due to work, school, or other tasks is absolutely not fun and we can’t wait to be alone again, back in our home… the safe zone. Keeping in touch and small talk is one of the top things we are bad at because it’s a forced interaction that is deemed pointless to us, and people definitely sense it. It’s just one of those things where “it’s not you, it’s me” because it truly is us… all of the time… 24/7… 365. It’s no one’s fault, it’s not even ours, we just thrive in a different way and want to experience life in a more calm and secluded manor.

After such a soul-sucking day that may include but is not limited to the run in with an old teacher, the pervert mailman, the cubicle bully, the over-involved mother, and the clingy college study partner that assumes you’re the best of friends; your battery is officially on 10%. It is time to recharge and Zen out, but your home isn’t as comfortable or inviting as you’d like. Decorating and designing around your personal needs is truly important as an Introvert who’s artsy, secretly intelligent, or an aspiring entrepreneur. It is necessary to create an environment to influence the best version of you, because isn’t it where the magic happens?

Here are some helpful tips to introvert the shit out of your home:

Seating: As introverts we love to sit and relax, snuggle with a good book, learn a new craft, and indulge in subtle things that excite us. We are consumed with thoughts and logic and quickly entertain ourselves. Comfort while doing these things is key. Invest in a plush and wide couch you can sink into so whether you are binge watching Netflix, generating online income, or simply waiting for your laundry to be done you can do it in the most chill way.
Your style: As humans, we are subconsciously sensitive to color. Introverts are more likely to be overstimulated by bold statements of color. Fewer patterns and bright colors and more solid and neutral tones can make a big difference. Think of your home like a blank canvas and your brain like a big box of markers, crayons, and coloring pencils. We are very imaginative and can feel Closter phobic in an over colored room. Color palettes within the same color scheme or same contrast can help with decision making.
Décor: Introverts analyze and observe everything in a matter of seconds. We hop from one idea to another and may lose track of an important one. Décor in your home can be more of a distraction than a cool find. Bring in items that make sense for you and your home instead of what someone else might like.
Scents: Since it is now obvious that introverts become overstimulated easily, it makes sense to talk about scents (see what I did there?). Pina colada, tropical fusion, apple cinnamon, and berry burst can smell good for a few seconds but entering your safe space and getting hit with overwhelming scents can dampen your mood. Go simple and with scents such as fresh linen, lavender, rosemary lemon, sea cotton, and mint. It is calming and gives a great finishing touch to your overall space.
Convenience: Since we tend to come up with many ideas or theories, it is wise to give ourselves opportunities to explore these thoughts. If you have a blank wall that isn’t a direct focal point then this makes for a great opportunity to use it as an idea wall. Invest in some chalkboard paint and make that wall useful; it would be even better if it is magnetic. When cozying on your plush couch, add slim magazine racks to the sides of the couch’s arm for notepad storage. Purchase high-tech outlets that have USB ports as a great addition to the corners you sit most in.