by Lois Coile

Created on: June 24, 2009

Are you a lion, golden retriever, beaver or hummingbird? To see how your home reflects your personality, you must first get in touch with your inner animal.

The Lions of the world typically show dominant behavior, are fast-paced, sometimes impatient, and very self-reliant and direct. They tend to be more task-oriented, than people-oriented. The Lion often doesn't consider other people's feelings, and, in fact, is surprised when others seem hurt by his behavior. He will argue one minute then laugh the next, and wonder why you can't get over it. The Lion is usually juggling several tasks at once and likes to wrap projects up quickly. Translated into decorating terms the Lion's home looks something like this: it is often in monotone colors or earthy tones such as browns, olives, terra cotta and gold. Accessories usually consist of personal awards, motivational books and travel souvenirs. The room will be filled, but not frilly or fussy. Furniture will be selected for comfort more than style, with a tendency towards leather and rich wood tones. Lions need the room to function efficiently and be impressive to others.

The Golden Retriever is sincere and usually a good listener. She is modest, patient and dependable. The Golden Retriever cares deeply about family, relationships and friends. She doesn't like sudden change and will often take a long time to make a decision, for fear of making the wrong one. She seeks the approval of everyone and, when making a decision, tries hard to please everyone. The Golden Retriever's house is often outdated because it is just too difficult to make all the decisions necessary to update it. You'll find many family pictures and mementos. The home will be very eclectic including inherited family heirlooms, favorite old chairs and sometimes too much clutter. Helping the Golden Retriever decorate requires gentle encouragement and requires giving her permission to follow her instincts because they are usually very good when exercised.

The Beaver is analytical, neat and organized. He is goal oriented, a clear thinker, and likes exactness. The Beaver is very systematic and strives to reach goals and retain high performance. You'll find the Beaver to be a perfectionist and technically oriented, a fact finder. Though often quiet or aloof, he is creative in analyzing and problem solving. You'll find the Beaver's home to be built almost perfectly with fine attention to detail. It will be decorated with minimal accessories, highly organized and clean. Shiny chrome, plain fabrics and basic necessities are usually favored by the Beaver. He will find it difficult to make changes and will need to know the reasoning behind each decision.

Last but not least, you may be a Hummingbird, a happy-go-lucky, highly energetic type. The hummingbird never meets a stranger, is very expressive and loves to talk. She loves lots of colors and patterns, along with unusual knick knacks. Loving so many things makes it hard to focus on just one decorating style, which in turn, poses a problem when trying to pull her decorating style together. She entertains often so she needs the rooms to be open and flowing for people to mingle. Her home will be inviting, somewhat unkept, but warm and joyful.

Now for the fun part - find yourself among these four personality types and embrace your wonderful self. Stay true to what makes you most comfortable in your home and go for it. Clip pictures from decorating magazines. Find a great interior decorator who you communicate well with, and feel free to put together your best home. HAVE FUN!

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