High Quality Fashion Brands that Make Emotional Connections

Photo by me via midjourney

Brands and consumers have a layered relationship. On the surface, brands sell consumers a desired product in exchange for money. But if done in the spirit of true service, brands do more than sell a product. They strive to enhance consumers’ life in some way; and in exchange, consumers reward brands with more sales to keep the brand going. When it comes to fashion brands, they not only sell clothing consumers need to exist in a civilized society, they also sell a lifestyle consumers can connect with emotionally. Researchers refer to this as emotional branding. And according to one study, researchers Kim Youn-Kyung and Pauline Sullivan describe emotional branding as a strategy that appeals to consumers “needs, aspirations, dreams, and ego” in hopes they make emotional connections. 

The study goes on to say consumers are emotionally connected to fashion brands that offer them positive experiences, embrace their true self, give them a chance to give back to causes they believe in, and provide opportunities to feel empowered. So with this in mind, the study states fashion brands connect with consumers using any one of four strategies– sensory experiences, storytelling, cause branding, and co-creation. Sensory experiences envelop consumers in pleasurable environments meant to reflect the spirit of the brand, storytelling brings consumers into a world they feel accepted in, cause branding appeals to consumers who share similar altruistic passions, and co-creation allows consumers to have a say in the direction of the brand, making them feel a part of it. 

In light of this study, I felt compelled to research a few distinctive, high quality fashion brands to determine what if any emotional branding strategies they’re using to attract consumers willing to spend money for their clothing, and what we can learn from them. Check out these 4.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Upon landing on MNZ’s website, consumers are immediately hit with Gen Z vibes.  The look is minimal, modern, and intentionally off-beat. It’s clear the brand understands that the key to making classic, simple clothing appear avant garde is context. Trousers are worn with bikini tops, for an effortless appeal. And your grandmother might love the shoes, but pared down styling makes the classic looks seem more edgy than it might otherwise.  

With brick-and-mortar stores in Paris and NYC, the retail spaces look airy and minimal with glossy modern furnishings that yell throw-away glamour. MZN also sells vintage clothing, a solution to curbing consumption and promoting sustainability practices. 

In light of these elements, how is MNZ connecting with consumers emotionally? I would say they’ve largely used sensory experiences and storytelling to draw us in. For those of us only perusing online, the visual sensory information evokes a light, bright anti-image look. Models out and about in a warm, urban setting appear unbothered and quite comfortable in their personal style. And the visual storytelling is aptly captured by a picture of an understyled Paris store. It shows a minimally furnished intimate space, with a jumble of clothes on the table and glimpses of closet-worthy shoes and clothes. They’re not telling you how to style it, they’re inviting your imagination to wander. It’s the moody allure that grabs my attention. And the vintage clothing tells consumers you can have personal style in ways that support the environment. So if you feel drawn to a store consider the sensory experiences and storytelling, and why it appeals to you.  

By Far

By Far

By Far ships to both the USA and Europe, and the homepage greets consumers with the following caption, “A By Far obsession with nonchalant elegance for a lifestyle that’s seriously playful, chic, unpretentious, and mischievous.” So immediately we know it’s for consumers who like to tow the line between sophistication and subversion. A deeper look shows models under edgy flashlighting in modern, simple shapes. 

On the About page, the brand further elaborates on it’s philosophy, identifying fashion as a source of communication and a way to solve problems. They liken creativity to the joy of childhood, a time when we were more likely to be uninhibited and consumed with daydreams. To top if off, it offers refillable fragrances in colors that feel joyful. 

So how does By Far connect with consumers? I’d have to say again, through storytelling and sensory experiences. Through storytelling, we are invited to join the brand in boundless creativity and joy, along with other elegant disrupters. And the colorful fragrance boxes exude the joy and creativity of childhood the brand is promoting. The refillable fragrance is a sustainable practice that has environmental and monetary benefits; and anyone interested in both would certainly find it appealing. Essentially, the brand shows a fully fleshed out vision that speaks to our inner child and the consumer’s values and passions, all effective emotional branding.

Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn

Speaking of consumer values and passions, Christy Dawn is all about renewal and regeneration in the name of sustaining the environment–something many consumers are zealous about. The brand offers natural, simple, and earthy styles; and a chance to “wear your values.” Clothes are made of cotton from regenerative farms (farms that recycle as much farm waste as possible) so you can wear clothes knowing it is grown in ways that benefit farms and save money for farmers. 

And to top it off, each purchase helps to “replenish soil” and “sequester more carbon” which is essential to soil health. The brand lets you know you aren’t just buying clothes but “participating in a solution.” Consumers also have an opportunity to grow their own dresses and sell it in the shop.  And in thrift shop fashion, consumers have a chance to resell their clothes.

I’d say Christy Dawn uses all 4 emotional branding strategies— sensory experience, story-telling, cause branding, and co-creation. Once on the site, consumers are immediately absorbed into an outdoorsy, natural world with models in earthy prairie dresses that have free-spirited and vintage appeal. And their storytelling is interwoven into every aspect of the brand from the sustainable cotton production to the education they offer about farming and regeneration, drawing us deeper into their environmental-friendly world. They also give consumers an opportunity to connect by inviting them to purchase with a purpose, and offering an opportunity to design environmentally friendly dresses, a way to empower consumers for sure. I think when a brand can exemplify their values in such a complete way, it creates a unique and memorable connection to its consumers.   

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck sells modern, classic styles. Started by a group of friends frustrated with the current retail climate, they sought to sell clothes reminiscent of Nantucket summers. The laidback, refined site aptly captures an old school elegance often associated with lineage, yet with a modern sensibility. They sell a wide range of designers as well as their own brand for unlimited curated styles they describe as “cool”, “effortless”, “comfortable”, “stylish” and “fun.” More than than that, the brand also pens a blog known as “guides” to entertaining, style, and travel, all to better help immerse you in the cool and fun stylish lifestyle they promote. 

Tuckernuck teaches us that storytelling alone is a very compelling emotional branding strategy. Once on the site, we are submerged in their classic, modern Slim Aaronesque world whether that’s to shop or to get inspiration through their blog posts. 

What stores do you connect with emotionally and why? Share in the comments.

3 Design Myths That Keep You Confused About Your Style

Between social media, magazines, and blogs, we’re inundated with home decor. And what may be inspiring for a moment, often ends up feeling overdone and tired pretty quickly. This can make it difficult to pin down what we like or our style; and we might be drawn to a lot of different styles at any one time. The other day, I saw someone post they don’t know what their style is because they love a bit of “everything.” And this is very much what being overwhelmed can feel like. 

While I don’t know all the reasons this person had difficulty finding their style, research shows information overload can lead to anxiety. And while anxiety may be a strong word, there is something to the idea that overexposure to so many interior styles can leave us feeling uncertain about our ability to decorate in a way that feels right for us, especially for those who tend to have anxiety about finding the “right” furnishings.  As a result, we may be inclined to follow “rules” that sound good but work against us. So here are three design myths that may keep you confused about your style and alternatives you can consider.

Myth: I have to pick one style.

Alternative: I can blend styles I love and make them harmonious.

Vintage stores with all different styles can be overwhelming. So I often just let my eye roam until I catch something interesting. And when I find interesting objects in all different styles, I challenge myself to find a common thread among them.

During my interior design training, instructors really pushed the idea that we have to pick one style for a room. They threw around terms like french country, mid-century modern, or contemporary for us to consider. And while eclectic was acceptable, we were made to identify one major style for a room. 

While I understand the benefits of this, I also found it to be quite restricting. So when my instructor said my living room design wouldn’t work because it had too many competing styles, I was pretty bummed. She didn’t get my vision. She didn’t see it would translate well in real life. But of course, like the  disciplined student I am, I redesigned the room only to find the updated version pretty blah compared to my original one. 

I still don’t believe you have to pick one style, but I would say there is an art to remixing different styles into one in a way that feels harmonious and unique to you. Research shows that identifiable style is formed when we have a repertoire of design solutions we use (e.g., adding black to create moodiness or substance), and this comes through repeated exposure to styles we like. So as we draw from a  variety of styles, we can begin to create a harmonious space by identifying the elements of each style we are drawn to. Then find a running theme that ties disparate elements together, making it easier to establish our unique style.

Personally, I love urban modern, classic/ traditional, and faded glamour styles; and my  running theme is based upon a character I call “urban lady who lunches”. It’s supposed to capture a worldly woman who loves classic pieces with a twist, and embodies all the elements I’m drawn to. You may appreciate this character theme, but if it’s too dramatic,  choose a theme that feels right for you. 

Myth: My space will look stylish if I keep up with trends.

Alternative: My space will look stylish if the trends I choose reflect me. 

Mushrooms have been having a moment and you may be weary about seeing them everywhere. But if you really love them, keep them. The trend will eventually pass, and all that will be left is the context you’ve created for them.

I love trends as much as anyone. They’re significant symbols of what’s happening in culture, and allow us to communicate our cultural sophistication. But keeping up with trends doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll have a stylish space. That is, style it’s more about your ability to tap into your creative vision. We certainly don’t have to adopt every trend. And what’s more, we don’t have to ditch trends b/c they’re no longer “in.” This may be harder said than done as it takes internal resolve to still love a trend whose moment has passed. But it’s also admirable and a sign you’ve really tapped into your inner creative. 

I once heard a designer say she loved a trendy Moroccan rug long past its “moment”, and continued to hold onto the rug because she had an affinity for it. Similarly, I remember when chevron was everywhere, and honestly I was sick and tired of it. But now that the trend has subsided; I don’t feel as annoyed by it anymore. This made me realize trends and furnishings are all about the context we give it. If you genuinely like something that is trendy or not, style it in a way that is true to you and it will be timeless. 

According to research, today’s youth are drawn to trends that reflect self-expression and their values; and I believe this is a trend we can all get behind. So the next time you see an object you like for your home, but hesitate because you’re concerned it may not be trendy or be too trendy, ask yourself if you genuinely like it, why, and how you envision it working for your space. This will help you determine if it will work for you. 

Myth: Don’t buy decor you love if it  “doesn’t go.”

Alternative: If you really love it, you can make it work. 

This green frog is certainly a speciality item. And if you really love it but don’t think it will work in your space, think about how you would use it if you could (umbrella stand?). If you still can’t think of a place for it, walk away from it. And If you’re continuing to think about it, it’s a good sign it’s for you. The only caveat is that it might not be there when you get back, but this is just the risk you take.

I can’t tell you the amount of times I questioned whether something I like would “go”. Sure, making our home feel harmonious is design 101, but there’s a blind spot in interior design.  What shouldn’t go or feel harmonious in theory, may actually feel harmonious in real life. Being able to know if it does or not takes some trial and error to get right. According to research, one way style is created is from repeatedly executing design solutions you recall from memory when needed. In other words, the more you practice following your vision or intuition, the easier it is to know if an object is right for you. 

All in all, I believe if you really love an object, there is a reason, and you can always find a way to make it work. It helps to think of how something can work in your space even if you don’t have a spot for at the moment. This way, you can work towards creating a space for it. I have four square ottomans in storage that I plan to reupholster in different color velvet. I envision putting them in the basement or sunroom once it’s completed, and think it will work really well. So the next time you see an object you strongly feel belongs with you, don’t hesitate just because it doesn’t go with furnishings you can easily switch up. Rather consider how you can make it work. 

Now it’s your turn, how has your design style evolved? Are there myths you have fought against or truths that work for you? Share your experiences with us. 

How to Choose Bathroom Paint Color, According to a Psychologist

Photo by me through Midjourney. yellow is a warm, optimistic color that energizes. the warm pink tiles with the yellow paint create an energetic and cheerful Vibe.

Often when people have asked me the best color for a particular room, I’ve struggled to answer because colors can affect each of us differently.  I’ve since attempted to narrow down a few considerations when choosing colors for specific rooms, starting with the bathroom. So if you’re interested in how to choose bathroom paint color, according to a psychologist, read on. 

Let’s start with some basic info about color. Color is characterized by wavelengths of visible light. The sensation we experience when objects reflect light is what we recognize as color. When light hits an object all the colors get absorbed except the one we see. So when we see orange, all the other colors have been absorbed with the exception of orange.  Full absorption is black and full reflection is white. 

For simplicity, colors can be divided into warm and cool colors. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are longer wavelengths; and cool colors like blue, green, and purple are shorter wavelengths. Long wavelength colors hit the retina for a longer period of time, and tend to energize and excite us. On the other hand, short wavelength colors hit the retina for a shorter period of time, putting less strain on the eye. They tend to calm us. To complicate things even more, a hue, the basic attribute of the color we see (like red or green) can be cooler or warmer depending on what other colors it is mixed with. 

Photo by me through Midjourney. THis Glossy Red is sure to stimulate sleepy mornings.

Beyond our basic physiological responses to color, we also have cultural and personal experiences with color that affect our reaction to it. Researchers have used the term Ecological Valence Theory (EVT) to explain how shared ecological experiences result in near universal associations between colors and emotions. For instance, many of us associate yellow with the sun and perceive the color as optimistic. But this may not be the case in hot, dry climates like Egypt where the sun can feel more antagonistic than optimistic. Essentially, we tend to prefer colors associated with things we like. This can explain why many of us are drawn to turquoise and watery greens that remind us of the sea, airy freshness, and/or cleanliness. 

Beyond near universal pairings between colors and emotions, we also have our personal experiences with color. If a color reminds us of a bad experience we’ve had, we will likely have an adverse reaction to it, even if it is generally considered a pleasant color.

Now that we’ve gotten the basics of color out of the way, let’s consider how we approach choosing a color for bathrooms. First, we need to answer some questions about the characteristics of the bathroom. Here are some to start with but you may have more.

1. Is it a communal bathroom, the only one in the house?

2. Is the bathroom one to luxuriate in, or is it wash and go?

3. What is the mood you want for your bathroom?

4. Are there windows in the bathroom or is it purely artificial light?

5. If your bathroom has a window, what direction does it face, north, south, east, or west?

6. If your bathroom has purely artificial light, is it cooler or warmer light?

Photo by me through midjourney. This cool, minty green may possibly soothe tough work days.

So if there is only one bathroom in the house and others are fighting for it, then possibly consider a warmer color, a stimulating one that prevents people in the house from lingering. Research shows that red tends to increase perceptions of speed, making time seem to go faster. On the other hand, if you want bathtime to be a luxurious experience, consider cooler colors like blue, green, or purple, and in deeper shades. The deeper tones have richness and weight, and can feel supportive. For a wash and go bathroom others aren’t fighting over, still choose a more stimulating color as mentioned above. 

Once you’ve determined the function, you’ll also need to determine the mood. Do you want it to feel homey and cute, cool and minimal, elegant and chic, dramatic and sexy, or something else? Warmer or cooler colors will work for any mood, but it is the way these colors are used that will give the mood you are looking for. For instance, homey and cute may be reflected through bright and balanced, complementary colors; and dramatic and sexy may be reflected through one bold color. Keep in mind that complementary or contrasting colors will also be more stimulating; and colors on the same side of the color wheel will feel less intense and more soothing.

If there are no windows in the bathroom, you’ll need to consider the artificial light used. Soft, white light is known to make warm paint colors more intense since it picks up the warm tones in the soft light. Cooler paint colors appear more dull since the soft light doesn’t pick up the cooler tones. Fluorescent lights are known for giving off a bluish color, and share similar temperatures to cooler paint colors. If you have fluorescent lights, consider using cooler paint colors to give a harmonious atmosphere, and intensify the cooler colors. 

If your bathroom has windows, you’ll want to consider that south-facing windows get the most light and heat, and north-facing windows receive the least light. East-facing windows are lightest in the morning, and give off cool light, whereas west-facing windows receive the most light in the afternoon, and the light is strong and hot. As follows, if your bathroom gets lots of warm sunlight, consider using warmer paint colors. The warm sunlight will enhance the wall color, creating a unifying feel. Similarly, cooler sunlight will enhance cooler paint colors.

But maybe you want something other than a unifying feel; and are looking for a dynamic contrast or visual interest. If so, pair warmer paint colors with cooler natural or artificial light, or warmer paint colors with cooler natural or artificial light.

Photo by me through Midjourney. This crimson glossy red has deeper, cooler blue or purple tones making it a bit more soothing.

Again, the answer to how to choose bathroom paint color is a complex one that depends on our physiological responses to color, cultural and personal experiences with it, the context in which the color is presented, the unique qualities of the room, and the function of the room. Here is a checklist/summary to make it easier. Consider the following:

• The function and desired mood of the bathroom

Consider the function of the bathroom when making a decision about warmer or cooler paint colors. Warmer colors excite and energize, and entice people to move more quickly; and cooler colors calm and relax us, causing us to linger longer. Note that any color can be warmer or cooler, or have warmer or cooler undertones (like in the case of neutral colors).  Next, determine the mood you want (e.g., homey, minimal, elegant, sexy). This will help you decide how you use the colors (e.g., complementary colors may feel homey and cute).

• Your cultural and personal experiences with color.  

Consider your ecological experiences with color as well as your personal experiences with it. For instance, green may remind you of nurturance and stability, or it may remind you of bad shag carpeting. If you are adverse to green, consider that there may be some shades of green you can tolerate that may be cooler or warmer.

• The direction of the windows and temperature of the artificial light.

For a unifying experience, natural light (warmer or color) or artificial light should be the same temperature as the wall color. For a contrasting, visually stimulating experience,  you can contrast natural or artificial light with the wall color.

Hopefully these considerations resonate with you and/or you may have some new ones to add. Either way, let’s discuss, how do you choose bathroom paint color?

Help! I Hate How I Look: Using Clothing to Manage Body Image Issues

In the earlier part of my career, I worked as a therapist, mostly meeting with children and adolescents. I had a heart for my teens, often seeing them in response to significant trauma and helping them navigate identity issues. Without trauma, the teen years are hard enough. They’re spending lots of emotional energy trying to figure out who they are, and how they want to be in the world; and depending on life circumstances, that can come with a lot of self-sabotage. Unfortunately, too many of us can recall the, “I hate how I look” flare-ups we had during those angst teen years.  

With that said, it’s no surprise that dissatisfaction with appearance or body image is a major issue that comes up during my clinical work (I still do evaluations from time to time). Whether a teen presents with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, it’s often expressed through and complicated by body image issues. And the way it usually looks is an overwhelming disdain for a specific part or parts of the body like legs or arms. What’s more, they equate their poor perception of their body to their self-worth, and feel less than valuable as a result. 

Sadly, body image issues don’t stop at adolescence. We often nurture body images issues well into adulthood such that when life gets challenging we tend to revert back to self-destructive patterns, including being preoccupied with what is wrong with our body. And the “I hate how I look” fits continue to be a part of our coping style well into our adult years. It goes without saying that we are more than our bodies; and one way to counter body image issues is to meditate on other things about us we know (even if we don’t always feel) are good and worthy of praise, like varied skills, kindness, bravery, and the list goes on.

Another way to counter body image issues is through clothing. According to Entwistle, author of The Fashioned Body, clothing is much more than a form of adornment, it is the way we learn to live in our bodies. There are tons of articles on ways to hide perceived body imperfections with clothing; and while many are useful, you can not use clothes to hide a largely poor self-image. Clothing and the body work as a team, and the body gives meaning to clothes and vice versa. Without the body, clothing is just a well-constructed piece of fabric. So in order for clothing to reach its full potential, it needs a body to give it life, soul, and the unique energy only a living breathing body can give. This is why two people can wear the same outfit and look quite different. If we value our body, it can live out its full essence within the context of clothing.

Of course, we don’t have to have a perfect body image to wear clothes well. Many of us are  struggling to improve our body image and progress isn’t a straight line. But in the meantime, we can use clothing as a tool to feel good about ourselves in our bodies, letting go of the “I hate how I look” outbursts we may have come to fall back on. Here are three ways clothing can help us manage our body image. 

1. Clothing helps us become our ideal

Just as Halloween costumes allow us to embrace the hidden parts of us, everyday clothing can work in a similar way. Our clothing gives us an opportunity to take on characteristics we admire, simply by wearing clothing that has symbolic meaning for us (a.k.a., enclothed cognition). To be clear, clothing does not have symbolic meaning without context, we associate it with the people who wear them and at a particular point in time. When we think of something like a beret, a tie, or black stockings with the line down the back (a personal favorite, ha!), we have a vision of what those clothing items symbolize. And if we enjoy wearing them, it is generally because we have seen it worn, and internalized what we think it means to wear them.

With that in mind, the ability to express ourselves through clothes and take on characteristics of our ideal look allows us to compensate for shortcomings we experience when we are anxiously preoccupied with our bodies. According to a 2012 article, Expression of Personality Through Dressing using clothing to compensate in this way helps us achieve psychological and spiritual balance. And it is this sense of balance that can gird up our sense of self, giving us the emotional resources we need as we are actively working towards improving our body image. 

2. Clothing helps us get comfortable communicating parts of ourselves.

Clothing is often identified as a nonverbal form of communication.  We can use clothing to feel better (a.k.a., dopamine dressing) and improve our mood. Or we can use clothing to lean into a miserable mood, creating something beautiful out of pain in a way akin to art therapy. So it’s important to be intentional about the message we’re conveying, not just to others but to ourselves. 

For those who struggle with body image, clothing gives an opportunity to express body image issues in creative ways, and maybe release some tension. I once heard a quote by Diana Vreeland that said something like (and I’m paraphrasing) whatever you don’t like about your body, make that the best thing about you. And of course, this requires some ingenuity and the ability to let go of rigid ideas of beauty, something those with body image issues are working towards. 

If this feels challenging, try doing an experiment and wear something out you’ve always liked and can wear well enough, but unreasonable body image issues have held you back (if you’re not sure what qualifies as “unreasonable” discuss it with a trusted friend or helping professional). Psychologists refer to this as an exposure technique, and it is a way to try out new experiences or ways of being without it being too overwhelming. Afterwards, take tabs on your experience and the reaction of others. Was it as bad as you thought it was? Are there any changes you’d like to make and do you have a healthy plan to make those changes? Can you consider developing a better appreciation for your body in these clothes even in its imperfect state? These are just some questions that will help you better process the experience, and of course it may be helpful to process this with someone else as mentioned.

3. Clothing gives an opportunity to alter questionable body image ideals

Often the reason we don’t like our legs, arms, butt or any other part of our body is because we have internalized alternate beauty standards. In the old days we just had to deal with the parts of our body we don’t like; but now with plastic surgery more accessible, we can change what we don’t like relatively quickly if we have the resources to do so. And while it’s beyond me to tell anyone what to do with their body, as a psychologist, it’s my job to understand the root of these changes. That is, it’s one thing to want to make tweaks to your body, and another thing if the tweaks are never enough. If it’s never enough, it suggests your desire to alter your body is based upon a poor sense of identity, and it is futile to build a healthy image on a faulty foundation. 

While plastic surgery may not be an option for some, clothing is. Fortunately, we have agency with clothes and can make active changes with clothing to accept or reject body image ideals. We can use clothes to cover up parts of our body we don’t like or as mentioned above, show off those parts. According to a concept known as cognitive control, we have the ability to change the way we see a situation. So exercising a sense of control over your clothing can act as a catalyst for having control over the way you choose to see your body. Since body image standards have to start somewhere, why not with you?

If you’ve used clothing to manage body image issues, what ways have they worked for you, or not? Share it with us in the chat. 

4 Wardrobe Color Palettes That Will Get You Excited About Your Outfit

What colors in your wardrobe do you tend to wear the most? Some of us lean towards black or neutrals, others of us tend to choose bright colors, and the rest of us fall somewhere in between. The reasons for our color preferences may be as varied as our idiosyncrasies. Color consultant, Karen Haller says in her book, The Little Book of Colour, that when we perceive color, light waves pass through the same parts of the brain responsible for emotions. So color is very much an emotional experience, and if we’re looking to get excited about our outfit, we can do it through using different wardrobe color palettes.  

In a previous post, I mentioned that any time we see a color, our reaction is based upon a combination of factors like our physiological response to color, our personal and cultural associations with it, and the context in which it’s presented. So when people say they don’t like a certain color, it’s an emotional response that can be attributable to a number of experiences they’ve had with the color, and they may not even be fully aware of all of them. What’s more,  their perception can change depending on the specific mixture of the hue and the other colors the hue is paired or grouped with. 

Personally, I tend to like any color that’s presented in an interesting way. When I feel like I have nothing to wear, challenging myself to come up with different and refreshing color combos can be a way to create a more positive emotional experience. So if you’re looking to get out of a color rut, try these color palettes to get excited about your outfit.

Monochromatic Color Palette

A monochromatic color palette is made up of one hue. When we think of a monochromatic outfit we may think of a single mix of a color, and this could feel very limiting. But one hue can have many different presentations when you mix in hints of black (shades), gray (tones), and/or white (tints), all of which give a different feel from moody to cheerful. Here’s my take on a  burgundy color scheme with a mix of tints (e.g., pink and blossom). The color mix keeps it from feeling monotone, although that could be a look too. 

Achromatic Color Palette

If you’re not into bright colors, an achromatic color palette may be great for you. It’s an outfit with no color; and consists only of black, white, or gray. It’s dramatic with a cool, urban vibe. And you can add different textures to the no-color scheme for interest. Here, I mix in leather to play up the edgy appeal. 

Complementary Color Palette

Complementary colors just fit–literally. When you mix two equal amounts of complementary colors, such as red and green, they create a perfect balance, neutralizing each other to form brown.  They’re colors on opposite sides of the color wheel; and when worn together, they intensify each other. For my complementary pairing, I chose bright yellow and light blue for a delicate, whimsical feel. 

Analogous Color Palette

Analogous colors, like red and orange, are next to each other on the color wheel. It’s been said that unlike complementary colors which intensify each other, analogous colors soften the other. I always feel there’s an interesting tension with analogous colors, perhaps because it lacks color contrast and appears almost imbalanced or tonal. For my analogous colors, I chose deep blue (minus the shoes) and green. Because there is no bright focal point in an analogous color scheme, there’s nowhere to balance out the eye; and I think this creates a kind of boldness that makes the color pairing appealing. 

What color palettes are you drawn to and why? Feel free to share it with us.

Apartment Therapy’s Small/Cool NYC Pop-Up: Which Small Space Design is Ideal for Your Personality Type?

Last weekend, I visited Apartment Therapy’s Small/Cool NYC shoppable pop-up in Brooklyn. I love getting inspiration from show houses and capturing memorable pics (all photos by me). It’s always fun to see what designers are up to, and how they’re using furnishings in new and unexpected ways. The Apartment Therapy show house is especially interesting because it challenges designers to be creative with small, cramped NYC spaces. Each room is given a title that reflects the look and feel of the room, and aptly captures the unique qualities each designer brings to the space. As I processed the overall feel of the rooms and the details in it, I wondered what personality types would be ideal for them. Or, what personality types would experience the rooms as the designers intended.  

According to design psychology, our response to spaces is partly attributable to our past experience with place; and a space may trigger traumatic or negative experiences, or evoke high positive associations with past places, sometimes below our level of awareness. What’s more, our personality, including enduring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that were developed within the context of these past places, also impact our experience of place. And while personality is complex, Dr. Sally Augustin in her book, Designology: How to Find Your PlaceType & Align Your Life with Design, simplifies it for us, offering place types based upon a few basic components of personality.

Essentially, Dr. Augustin highlights three components of personality, including introvert/extrovert, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. Keep in mind that both extroverts and introverts may be great with people and have the ability to move a crowd. The only difference is that people who are extroverted tend to get their energy by being around others, and those who are introverted tend to get their energy or recharge by being alone. Conscientious people are engaged, orderly, and very specific whereas less conscientious people are more laid back. And those open to experience tend to be more daring whereas those less open to experience tend to stick with tradition or what they know. 

Of course, many people don’t fall neatly into any one category; and we may have more or less of any one personality component. But Dr. Augustin’s scale is a quick way to begin thinking about where you lean; and better determine what design styles are most compatible with a working understanding of your personality. For example, extroverted people tend to be more inclined to favor open spaces with high energy, whereas introverted people tend to favor calming spaces that are segmented and allow for private time. Conscientious people are inclined to keep things orderly without much effort, and those who are laid back may need more organizational tools to keep things in order. Those who are open to experience are likely to try something new and unusual than those who are less open to experience. 

So using Dr. Augustin’s personality components, I decided to link personality types to some of my favorite rooms in the show house. While Dr. Augustin uses fancy names to identify the varied dimensions of personality, I won’t identify those names here for the sake of simplicity. Instead, I will just refer to the personality dimensions  themselves. 

Drew Barrymore’s Sunny Style Studio: Extrovert, Conscientious, and Less Open to Experience

Drew Barrymore’s “Sunny Style” studio is said to feel like a “big hug”. It’s meant to be a “delightful”, “cheery”, and “functional”  space. And with pastels, rounded comfy seating, wood surfaces, and busy wallpaper, I’d say it is perfect for someone who is extroverted, conscientious, and less open to experience. 

Here’s why: according to the theory of color psychology popularized by Angela Wright, we are most responsive to seasonal-linked color groupings that match our personality patterns. Specifically, a spring-linked palette is characterized by bright and warm colors, containing no black. It’s associated with being playful, light in mood, and of course, extroversion. And let’s not overlook the William Morris-esque wallpaper. Research shows that curvilinear patterns like this are associated with friendliness and comfort, all very fitting for the gregarious person living in this “Sunny Style” space. 

Next, conscientious people are inclined to be organized and orderly with a penchant for details. So all of the open shelving and functional tools available in this room may be a dream for the more conscientious amongst us looking to show off their organizational skills. And while being less open to experience might seem like a negative, it isn’t. Keep in mind that personality categorizations are designed to help us gain self-understanding, not a judgment. So if you are less open to experience, it simply means you’re inclined to stick with the tried and true, leaning towards more traditional styling. And what’s more traditional than patterned floral wallpaper, wood paneled walls, and natural wood surfaces?

Hollie Velten-Lattrell’s Historic Nowstalgic Salon: Introvert, Laid-Back, Open To Experience

Hollie Velten-Lattrell’s salon appealed to my affinity for modern, English style. With it’s select vintage pieces and bespoke furnishings tied together with modern sensibilities, I’d say it best suited for one who is introverted, laid back, and open to experience. 

Here’s why: as mentioned above, introverts enjoy their alone time, and may want to step aside from the action a bit. Velten-Lattrell’s space has several different seating areas, also referred to as nested layers, that allow people different options within a larger space. So if someone prefers to be alone rather than talk with others, they can. Another thing to point out is the fairly neutral, faded color scheme with a few scattered patterns. Overall, it gives the feeling of calm, most suitable for those who are inclined to prefer relaxed rather than highly stimulating spaces. 

Those who are less conscientious tend to be carefree in their approach to design. And if an arrangement works, they may not exert the effort to change it. Velten-Latrell’s salon feels very easy-breezy, including its functionality as the floral print skirted sette doubles as a lounger. Personally, I’d love to lay out on the settee in front of that bespoke chandelier. The low-hanging skirted fixture creates a sense of intimacy and unpretentiousness characteristic of a more laid back vibe. And the coffee table doubles as both a place to hold drinks and play games, creating a lived-in, laissez-faire kind of feel.

I’d add that the introverted, laid-back person who is more open to experience would particularly enjoy the eclectic furnishings. A floral skirted sofa together with a glitzy mirrored side table; and a vintage modern chair (with to die for chrome legs and circle- shaped feet) next to an antique-looking tapestry is a treat for the daring. 

Kim White’s House of Hacks Living Space: Introvert, Conscientious, Open to Experience

Kim White’s cool, chic modern living space is loaded with multipurpose, functional, and well-appointed furnishings. It’s just right for the jet-setter who needs to come home and regroup before their next trip abroad. With a restrained, yet dramatic color palate; a marble coffee table that doubles as a dining table; and earthy, old-world furnishings sprinkled throughout, this space would be ideal for someone who was introverted, conscientious, and open to experience. 

Here’s my take: chic introverts would be really into this minimal color palette. Introverts also respond well to curated spaces enhanced with varied textures, secents, and sounds as they are particularly sensitive to sensory stimuli. 

As mentioned above, the creative functionality of the space would delight those high in conscientiousness. More than the marble coffee table turned dining table, the neo-traditional storage cabinet also houses a bar, and the wall-mounted desk folds up into a cabinet. These hidden functional items gives the conscientious their much desired efficiency and organization for a clutter-free look.

And appealing to the daring, the mix of earthy and old-world furnishing such as the tree stump stool and the weathered pot, along with classical styles like the bust stool, and modern, streamlined pieces creates a world traveled feel that suggests openness to different experiences. 

Maitri Mody’s Creative Cabinetry: Extrovert, Conscientious, Open to Experience

Maitri Mody’s charming and energizing Scandinavia-inspired space is sure to brighten up moody mornings. The cabinets are said to be “vehicles for self-expression” and when your home feels like you, it goes a long way towards fulfilling your psychological needs. I’d say this space best suits someone who is extroverted, conscientious, and open to experience. 

Here’s why: extroverts tend to be most responsive to highly stimulating spaces; and this is achieved with a number of details such as the bright colored square tiles, different color cabinets, and quirky knobs. 

The kitchen space also includes colorful options for storage; and I think it’s safe to say those high in conscientiousness would be very into it. While those less open to experience are not necessarily risk averse, they may not be as excited by painting their cabinets two different colors in the way those more open to experience might be. For the more daring, it’s an opportunity to go against the grain and try something unusual. 

So what do you think–does your personality style fit any of these rooms? Or, are you drawn to any of the rooms in spite of what we might think given your personality? Maybe you saw other rooms in the show house you’d prefer. If so, I’d love to hear about them and why…Share with us in the comments.