WHAT DOES YOUR furniture say about you?

Even without speaking a word, how you dress, walk and act speak volumes about you. It's non-verbal communication, which, (this may surprise you) is what contributes in people's first impression of you. Similarly, how you choose to decorate your home and with what reveals a lot about your personality. Everything from the choice of colours, to the types of furniture, and even the number of cushions on your couch says something about who you are. So, it is important to choose each element in your house carefully. Not only will it give a visitor an idea of who you are, but it will also draw appreciation if done properly! Take a look at a few furniture ideas and discover what they say about you. Alternately, this will also help you convey who you are…

MATERIAL

There are myriad choices of materials to choose from when going for the perfect furniture to suit your taste. Most common furniture in Indian drawing rooms is made of wood. It gives a timeless, historic, yet cosy quality to your home. It is a classic look and you can't go wrong with it (probably the reason why it's ubiquitous). This type of furniture says you are traditional, so you can dress it up or keep it neutral to suit your personality. Another good option is leather (although not so much if you are pro-animals, in which case faux leather is an option that kind of achieves the look). Leather furniture is an instant status symbol. If you have leather furniture, you probably love living in style and settle for nothing but the best. It's best to avoid leather if you have children or pets at home. Another popular option is cane furniture. While it looks best in porches, cane furniture can also be used in the drawing room to give the room a breezy, spacious look. If your house has cane furniture, it shows that you are relaxed and like simple things in life.

COLOUR

Using muted tones and patterns in your furniture signifies that you are a peacemaker. While avoiding statement pieces and bold designs can read boring or even unstylish, you can simply add some cushions or standout popping colours intelligently to create some interest. Having said that, the pros of going with neutral colours and avoiding bold statements is that it leaves a good impression on the widest array of people. Think of wooden furniture with plain white cushions. To add some interest and at the same time keeping things subtle, the cushions can be pure white, but you can play with the texture to create interest. While opting for colours does create interest, it can also be tricky if not done well. It's best to prepare a neutral base with the surroundings of the room (walls and floor) and then add colour through furniture, making them pop. And what do the colours you choose say about you? Warm, bright colours such as orange and yellow tones reflect cheery optimism. People who gravitate towards brighter blues and greens tend to be laidback, while bold and creative types are generally drawn to strong hues such as turquoise and purple. Vibrant coloured home accents and modern furniture designs in contrasting colours such as red leather sofas, or a unique dining table with bright coloured chairs is usually indicative of someone with modern sensibilities and casual confidence.

TYPE

Most people go for traditional furniture. It gives an elaborate, formal feel. It says you are practical, you enjoy structure and formality. Even with your fondness of simplicity, you are trendy. A more interesting style, eclectic furniture is mix of styles, finishes, fabrics, textures and colours — the old with the new, the solids and the patterns. If you are a person with a bohemian taste and a non conformist lifestyle, surround yourself with eclectic furniture designs that are a heady mix of various styles such as a vintage wardrobe with a contemporary styled bed. It says you like to make a statement and do not conform to rules.

To make the best of this guide, figure out who you are and how you would like to convey that through your home. Start slow and work upwards!