artscenter

artscenter

Jun 24, 25

How the things we love reflect who we are

Psychologists have long noticed - what we choose and the spaces we live in say a lot about our identity, values, sense of wellbeing and life satisfaction.

American marketer and psychologist Russell Belk, in his influential paper “Possessions and the Extended Self,” argued: “Our self is not only what we own insideб our body and consciousness, but also the things we consider ‘ours’.” This idea was groundbreaking.

Mass-produced items meet basic needs. But when it comes to identity, people instinctively seek something that resonates. It's not just an aesthetic preference, it's a way of saying: this is me and this is what matters to me. The things we choose become markers of our personality.

Minimalism - a drive for order, control, and focus

How the things we love reflect who we are

Minimalist interiors, clean forms, no clutter, strict simplicity. This style is often chosen by people with an analytical mindset who seek clarity and emotional balance. Those drawn to minimalism usually value:

Focus and clarity - quality over quantity. They believe space should support productivity, calm, and inner harmony.

Mental order - minimalism strips away the unnecessary and leaves only what truly matters. It's a reflection of inner discipline and conscious living.

Environmental control - when a space is structured and intentional, chaos feels less overwhelming. These individuals seek order not just in their homes, but in life as a whole.

Vintage and Retro. A connection to values, traditions and individuality

How the things we love reflect who we are

This style speaks to those who value depth and have a strong sense of time. They consciously shape their environment with meaningful objects that carry stories and evoke stability, comfort, and alignment with personal values. Choosing such objects often means:

Honoring history – vintage carries generational memory, the value of time and lived experience. It’s about preserving uniqueness in a world of mass production

Expressing individuality – vintage items are often one-of-a-kind, revealing a desire to stand out in a world of standardized choices

Craving warmth and soulfulness – a longing to preserve human touch in a world of tech, fast fashion, and fleeting trends

Bold accents and Eclectic Style. A sign of creativity, openness and confidence

How the things we love reflect who we are

Eclectic style blends different eras, colors, and textures to create vibrant, deeply personal spaces. It’s chosen by people who see their environment as a creative playground and aren’t afraid to be seen. This style reflects:

Creative, unconventional thinking – bold combinations are a way to show openness to experimentation and life beyond the box

Curiosity and diversity – eclectic spaces mirror a fascination with different cultures, ideas, and histories, making the space feel alive and multidimensional

Randomly chosen things are never truly random

A 2022 study by Oksana Pylypchuk and Andriy Polubok titled “Defining Approaches to Shaping Interiors Based on the Emotional Impact of Art Object Perception” offers strong evidence: art objects in interiors aren’t just decorative—they actively shape our emotional state.

The researchers found that elements like color, shape, and placement of art objects directly influence how we feel: safe, calm, inspired, or uplifted.

One of the study’s key findings? People intuitively gravitate toward art that meets their emotional needs. It's not just “taste”—it's a complex interaction between sensory input, emotional state, and subconscious desires.

They discovered:

How the things we love reflect who we are

Form affects mental tension. Soft, organic shapes tend to soothe, while rigid or chaotic ones can energize—or unsettle.

Color has immediate emotional impact. Cool blues and greens bring peace; warm reds and oranges stimulate and uplift.

Spatial arrangement influences feelings of safety, control, and orientation.

In the study’s experimental phase, participants were presented with various interior setups. Almost without exception, people gravitated toward environments that matched their current emotional state—or the one they were seeking.

During exhaustion or anxiety, participants chose minimal, soft arrangements with natural hues. In moments of excitement or anticipation, they favored bold textures, saturated colors, and pieces rich in meaning. When craving protection, they leaned toward structured, symmetrical spaces.

This shows that our emotional choices are not random—they’re a form of self-regulation, often more accurate than verbal reflection. An interior filled with meaningful objects acts as a kind of "environmental therapy". When we choose and live with art, we nourish ourselves, tap into inner resources, and build a space of strength.

Like 3