When working with design clients, I am always intrigued with how their design styles are chosen, and the process with which the aesthetics of a space are selected. The professional practice of design involves a series of skills combining styles, architectural periods, and critical design concepts.

But what is often not taught in school is that understanding the psychological roots of preferred surroundings plays an important role in the overall success of that project. A person’s psychological roots transfer to each individual’s personality. So if you are considering a re-do of your surroundings, let’s review some personality traits that can serve as a guide toward a space you can love.

Philadelphia is an amalgam of architectural and design styles, and many of the buildings are historic. Those of us who gravitate toward classic environments tend to have personalities that focus on order, warmth and heritage. These individuals appreciate functional, comfortable spaces over trends, and see more beauty in time-honored pieces. Considered “traditionalists,” these people are practical, reliable, order seeking, and highly family oriented.

Similar to, yet different, are those who are attracted to the Arts and Crafts style of the early 1900s. These are the individuals who see the value in handmade items, bespoke details, and structural honesty as opposed to goods that are mass produced. Distinguishing features of the “craftsman” aficionado include their affinity for the outdoors, a love of natural woods and earthy color palettes. They are honest, justice seeking, and find their peace in nature.

The late 1940s and ’50s introduced the midcentury modern aesthetic. Rooted in 20th century art movements, this style centers on clean lines, with pops of color and iconic geometric shapes. It is the rare individual who purchases a mid-century modern building and designs the interior in its purest form. They are practical, with a focus-oriented mindset, and experience their homes as functional retreats.

In the 1970s and ’80s, there was a design studio located in Montgomeryville that could be considered avant-garde. It was one of the few furnishing destinations that displayed room setting vignettes in a strictly current style at the height of the “contemporary” movement. Devoid of anything floral, seating was sleek, and laid out in sectionals within dens, or if you were very lucky, in a sunken living room. The people who frequented this studio were trendsetters, and creative expression was their key to success. They loved experimenting with strong color contrasts, or monochromatic textures in materials like mohair and Ultrasuede. The open-space concept of contemporary design suited extroverts who enjoyed entertaining within dynamic and synchronous settings.

Looking back at some of the styles of the past, it makes one wonder exactly where we are today, and what are the personalities being reflected in today’s design styles. It is compelling to note, when studying photographs or social media posts of recently completed design projects, the spaces seem unwittingly familiar.

Personalities today are seeking furnishings that are streamlined, with woods natural in tone, fabrics with warmth and subtle patterns, even floral in design. These individuals like the authentication of history but the inventiveness of new and exciting design concepts. They like light fixtures that have a distinctive modern slant, but accessories that are vintage, almost antique, giving the space a specific nod to the past while embracing ideas of the future. The one feature that defines this style is the architecture of the space: authentic architectural trims that support unadorned fenestration, crown moldings and chair rails, that provide the opportunity for complementary color palettes.

The people embracing this aesthetic of today are distinctly modern in vision but traditionalist in thinking. These are the individuals who appreciate the significance of what has come before, yet look forward to what comes next. They are experimental, but often rely on old standards that give their life meaning. It really is the best of both worlds.

These examples of personality-driven spaces only touch on how we gravitate toward specific surroundings. Research into “spatial psychology,” or a deep dive into the 16 personality types described in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, can assist in determining design directions that will reflect your personality in the most successful fashion!

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design in Chestnut Hill, and can be reached through her web site, www.patriciacove.com.