In one of the first issues of Family Room, an article discussing personal palettes as they relate to interior design was published. Given the influx of feedback, this year we wanted to take a deeper dive into the connection.

Your face is an external reflection of your soul. It is, very literally, an embodiment — a physical representation — of your essence. The concept behind a personal palette is to create a wardrobe and an environment that reflect and harmonize our faces, and thus, our natures, so that our surroundings are in alignment with who we are.

While the starting point is color, the philosophy also extends to style, using visual design elements to communicate non-physical characteristics. For instance, cascading ruffles express the soft, flowing energy of summer, while large-scale, smooth-surfaced jewelry matches the sleek drama of winter, and so forth.

Let’s take a look at how each season’s color and design connect to its personality, and how to integrate that connection into your home. It’s worth noting that although there are four broad categories, the system functions like a compass, so there are many people who will fall somewhere in between.

Spring

Springs are lively and outgoing people, with a casual, youthful energy. They tend to be straightforward and easygoing. Correspondingly, spring colors are warm, cheerful, and bright — like coral, peach, and lemon. The style of the season is airy, easy, and fun, and the design is simple, symmetrical, and lighthearted. Polka dots, stripes, nautical motifs, and realistic prints convey a sense of freshness.

Spring interior design is, likewise, modern, comfortable, and inviting. Color schemes that use multiple hues together, like coral with turquoise, and are accented with white, express the fun-loving nature of Springs. Wall art is often whimsical — decorative plates or macrame wall hangings convey a sense of lightheartedness. Details such as round coffee tables, circular lamps, breezy linen curtains, and mismatched table settings feel friendly, casual, and informal.

Winter

Winters are sophisticated, elegant, and sleek, with a commanding, stately energy. They are usually very poised, dignified, and decisive. Winter colors are strong, pure, and crisp — like lipstick red, emerald green, and royal purple — to match. The look of the season is minimal, chic, and formal, and the design is simple, symmetrical, and bold. Large-scale, uncluttered prints, like pinstripes, herringbone, and houndstooth, feel clean yet dramatic.

Winter interior design is stately and classy. Ideal winter color schemes use lots of black, lots of white, or a mix, with bold color accents. For wall art, one large-scale piece — abstract art in a sleek black frame — is better than a group of smaller frames. Marble coffee tables, velvet drapes, fine china, and crystal glasses create a sense of elegance.

Summer

Summers are soft-spoken, romantic, and gentle people, with a serene, graceful energy. They are often nostalgic, sentimental, and detail oriented. By extension, the colors of the season are soft and blended, like dusty rose, mauve, and taupe. Summer style is also flowing, detailed, and often vintage-looking, and the design is complex; floral prints with blurred edges or patterns with meandering, swirling shapes create the feel of another era.

Summer interior design is equally dreamy, fluid, and elaborate, and the best color schemes use multiple shades and tones of the same color, like lilac, lavender, and amethyst. Sentimental wall art — family photos, old prints of Paris — are consistent with the Summer aesthetic; many smaller images are better than one larger one. Details such as Victorian coffee tables, damask curtains, lace tablecloths, and ceramic dishes evoke old-world elegance.

Autumn

Autumns are dynamic, passionate, and fierce, with a strong, magnetic energy. They tend to be determined, energetic, and independent. Similarly, Autumn colors are intense and warm, like olive, terracotta, and chocolate. The style of the season is bold and eclectic, and the design is asymmetrical and complex; angular patterns, paisley, and animal prints feel fierce and vibrant.

Autumn interior design is earthy and interesting, with dark, rich color schemes, like forest green, brown, and rust. Gallery walls with many frames in different textures and mixed metals match the eclectic feeling of Autumn. Details such as rustic wooden coffee tables, brocade curtains, detailed tapestries, and pottery or wooden table settings convey a sense of rich, earthy substance.

Ruthy Procaccia is an image consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. Follow her at thepaletteperson for more on palettes and personal alignment.

(Originally featured in Family Room, Issue 30)