The beauty of our homes lies in its ability to reflect our unique personalities. Architect Bill Hirsch, in his new book, “The Well-Centered Home,” unravels the concept of four types of homebodies and their unique needs for their living spaces. These types include the Entertainer, the Scientist, the Nurturer, and the Philosopher, each inheriting characteristics from their namesakes in different spheres of life.
The first type, the Entertainer, named after the famous American dancer Fred Astaire, brims with energy and extraversion. People of this type thrive on human contact and hosting events. Their preference leans towards homes that are bustling with high energy, mirroring their outgoing personality. They cherish decor that draws attention or makes a statement, such as those with a pop of color or a unique pattern. They also value arranging furniture in a way that promotes conversation and interaction with others.
The next category is the Scientist or the Galileo types, named after the groundbreaking Italian astronomer. These people approach life with an inquisitive mind, wanting to understand the world around them from a functional viewpoint. While they too appreciate interacting with others, they need a calm place for work and solitude. Such personalities prefer an environment that is functional, structured, and orderly. They lean towards a home decor that goes beyond decorative aesthetics. They value pieces that serve a purpose and express functionality. Geometric shapes, symmetry, restrained single-tone color schemes, and organized workspaces often find favor with them.
The third homebody, the Nurturer, gets their name from the pioneering British nurse, Florence Nightingale. This type is super sensitive to others’ needs and has a strong inbuilt drive to care. People of this type often connect with organic and natural foods and healthy living, preferring spaces that offer comfort and healing. Their color spectrum ranges across earthy tones with decor and textures that are soft and comforting. Curved forms and flowing lines often appeal to the nurture type. They prefer an overall cozy vibe filled with blankets and pillows and thrive in a well-ventilated space with plenty of natural light.
The last homebody type, the Philosopher, takes inspiration from the great Greek philosopher, Plato. These are the innate deep thinkers, perpetually dug deep into thoughts, engaging with others if the conversation is invigorating. They tend to spend a lot of time alone, absorbed in their thoughts. Such individuals appreciate items that express skilled workmanship. They prefer uncluttered spaces giving a view into nature with solid materials like wood, stone, and iron. Colors that connect the earth and sky, such as blues, greens, and browns find favor in their books. Further, they feel centered when they have a sense of the sun’s and moon’s positioning relative to their home.
This conceptual division of homebodies into the four types provides an insight into our own inclinations and preferences. It enables us not only to understand our own type but also to customize our living spaces accordingly. It instills in our residence a persona mirroring ours, making it an ideal sanctuary for our unique selves to flourish. For this reason, consider your architectural and decor choices through the prism of these homebody categories. Align your preferences with your persona and create a living space that emanates your unique energy.
