Women who lean toward a more introverted outlook are not necessarily shy, and needing a little calm in each day does not make them less likely to go out and meet new people. Stephanie Wagner considers herself introverted meaning she values her quiet time and prefers to work alone. Even in college when her friends were out, she preferred a movie night in. Now Stephanie is a design consultant, decorator, and business owner, and she is finding ways to incorporate her preferred climate of calm into the spaces of her home.
"In my own home, you can imagine that finding quiet is a challenge. I am surrounded by extroverts looking to me to meet their needs. My son and husband are both live-out-loud people who thrive on social interaction–the louder, the better. Amid the spinning, dancing, twirling, and bouncing that is my kitchen, I need to find an oasis or I can’t function," Stephanie says.
Stephanie balances open and private spaces in her home. While the kitchen and living room are places for all things bright, loud, and moving, the bedrooms offer a sense of soothing and quiet. Stephanie's home office is another oasis for calm. It has a door that shuts, fostering plenty of time for peace and solitude in Stephanie's schedule.
"We can all learn from the introverts in our life," Stephanie says. She suggests allowing "for some quiet space to reflect on your day, teach your children how to be alone as well as in groups, and create spaces in both your business and home where independent thinking can happen in peace."
Written by: Stephanie Wagner is the owner of Hestia’s Hand in Ludington, Michigan, and a consultant for Allard Design LLC in Spring Lake, Michigan. After spending fifteen years in the field of early childhood development, Stephanie left her full time employment to pursue her passion for interior decorating and writing.
