Moving In as One
By Todd Russell
It’s official! You developed a serious gay relationship and you have moved in with your significant other. Sometimes it’s hard enough to agree on what to have for dinner, much less try to design a home. One of the hardest parts about moving in together is combining two design styles and bringing together two households of furniture and belongings.
So how does one pull this together so both people are happy?
Find out what is important to your partner. Comfort? Color? Shape? Price? Give your partner the respect of listening to his point of view, because he has to live there too. You both should feel happy with the overall design of your home. With the vast range of options at just about every price range, couples can find accessories and furniture to combine both of your likes.
Here are a few ways to get beyond your differences and create a home that will reflect both of your personalities and style preferences.
Choose a limited color palette.
Too many colors can make things look confusing. It can detract and make each piece in your room feel unconnected and stand alone. You should try to repeat the same colors throughout your space to bring your space together.
Pack up your accessories.
Select a few of your most favorite pieces and pack the rest of them away. Two households are coming together; you do not want to fill your new space with twice the clutter. This space now belongs to both of you. If it’s from an ex, pack it away.
Select wood tones that blend.
This really works. You will be amazed how pieces from very different styles can look united. By keeping your wood tones similar you will be able to tie pieces together.
Make the oddball in.
If you have a piece of furniture that doesn’t go with the others make it the center of attention. Make it the focal point and build the rest of your space around it. This can make the oddball piece really fit in.
Purchase some new things together.
Shop together to pick something new that you both like. Make sure this piece is a reflection of both of your styles. It can be a sofa, piece of art, or an area rug. The important part is that it represents both of you. It can even become the new stand out piece that you build the rest of the space around.
Have a plan.
This is important. It will keep both of you on the same page. Try to focus one or two rooms at a time. Not the whole house. You will see progress in your home more quickly this way. This is very helpful when you are shopping. By sticking to the plan you will not purchase things you do not need or do not fit with the new space.
Remember that decorating and design rules are never written in stone. Your home is a place where you should be able to be yourself, relax, recharge and nurture each other. Creating a home that allows you to do those things together should be rewarding and fun. Feel free to break the rules when you are working on your home. After all, it is your home. Use it as an excuse to restyle the way you live.
Tips
- Be patient with your partner.
- Create a space for your individual style. ie: a sports theme room or a movie themed media space
- If all fails, hire an interior designer. They can help build creative solutions to incorporate all of your needs.
Lastly, try to make the process of setting up your new space fun for both of you. If you figure out that one of you is better at one particular part of the process, be sure to step back and let him take the lead in that area. Make certain your space is as original as the both of you.
__________________________________________________________
About the Author: Todd Russell is a professional Interior Designer with over 20 years experience in helping couples create unique living spaces.
He can be found on his Facebook page Blue Dot Interiors. https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotID
