How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 1-2 minutes to complete — there are only 8 short statements to rate, and most people move through them quickly.

Are my responses private?

Yes, we don't store any identifying data when you take this quiz.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me how to decorate my home?

The quiz identifies your underlying design archetype and explains the psychological profile behind it — including the environments where that archetype thrives and the design principles that tend to resonate most strongly with it. Many people find this directly actionable when making decorating decisions.

Can my result change if I retake the quiz later?

Yes. Design preferences can shift with life stage, living situation, and even seasonal mood, so retaking the quiz during a different period may produce a different or neighboring result. The three core dimensions the quiz measures are relatively stable, but where you fall on each one can move over time.

Your design instincts are not random — they are a psychological signature.

Design DNA Quiz

The spaces you are drawn to reveal something deeper than taste, and a framework rooted in neuroaesthetics can identify exactly which of eight design archetypes your brain is wired for.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 26, 2026

Most people assume their design preferences are a matter of taste — shaped by Pinterest boards, magazine spreads, and whatever happened to be trending when they first furnished a home. But environmental psychology and neuroaesthetics research tells a more interesting story. The spaces we feel most comfortable in reflect stable psychological traits: how much visual complexity our brains find restorative versus draining, how strongly we are wired for eclecticism versus the authority of a single coherent tradition, and how much organic warmth versus architectural precision we need from our immediate surroundings. The Design DNA Quiz maps your responses across these three scientifically grounded dimensions to identify which of the distinct design archetypes — from the deliberate abundance of Maximalism to the pared-back precision of Minimalism, from the pastoral warmth of Cottagecore to the resolved elegance of Mid-Century Modern — most accurately reflects how your mind experiences and responds to space. If this kind of psychological self-knowledge interests you, you might also find our Aesthetic Needs Scale and the Inner Voice Archetype Test equally revealing — both explore the deeper personality dimensions that shape how you engage with beauty, environment, and meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 1-2 minutes to complete — there are only 8 short statements to rate, and most people move through them quickly.
Are my responses private?: Yes, we don't store any identifying data when you take this quiz.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Design DNA Quiz results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me how to decorate my home?: The quiz identifies your underlying design archetype and explains the psychological profile behind it — including the environments where that archetype thrives and the design principles that tend to resonate most strongly with it. Many people find this directly actionable when making decorating decisions.
Can my result change if I retake the quiz later?: Yes. Design preferences can shift with life stage, living situation, and even seasonal mood, so retaking the quiz during a different period may produce a different or neighboring result. The three core dimensions the quiz measures are relatively stable, but where you fall on each one can move over time.

Design DNA Quiz: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Yourself On The Following Items

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I am drawn to spaces that feel rich, layered, and visually complex rather than clean and pared back.

2. I prefer spaces that mix styles, eras, and influences freely rather than committing to one coherent design period or tradition.

3. I prioritize spaces that feel cozy, tactile, and emotionally warm over those that feel sleek, cool, or architectural.

4. I tend to notice the quality and temperature of lighting in a room before I notice its furniture or color palette.

5. When I visit someone else's home for the first time, I form a strong impression of them within the first few seconds of walking in.

6. I find it easier to think clearly and creatively when I am working at a tidy, organized desk rather than a cluttered one.

7. I am more likely to remember how a space made me feel than what it specifically looked like.

8. I pay more attention to the materials and textures in a room than to its overall color scheme.

Step 2: Submit Your Design DNA Quiz Answers

After completing all questions, click below to get your results.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.